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How To Find A Good Small Business Consultant Near Me?

Make the wrong choice of consultant for your business, and you’ll be cursed with a fate worse than death! Don’t let this happen to you – carefully research potential consultants before making any decisions.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a business consultant. You want someone knowledgeable and experienced, but you also need to be comfortable with them and feel like they understand your business.

If you’re looking to break into the world of consulting in 2023, our last blog post has your back! We discussed several fantastic firms that will best help launch your career and even shared some invaluable information on types of consultants and services.

On the other hand, finding a small business consultant isn’t always easy, but with the right guidance, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Here are some questions that you may have been asking yourself.

How do I find a good small business consultant near me?

When looking for a business consultant, it is important to find one who has the experience and qualifications necessary to provide you with the best possible advice. Before deciding on any particular consultant, take some time to research their background and read reviews from other clients. Ask around in your network of business contacts if they have any recommendations.

Check the credentials of the consultant you are considering. Make sure they have qualifications in business consulting and related fields, such as accounting or finance. Ask them to provide references so you can speak to others who have hired their services in the past.

1. Do your research

Researching is the first step in finding a good business consultant near you. There are a variety of ways to do this.

You can ask your friends and family: Reach out to those you know and trust for referrals. They may have used the services of a business consultant before or can point you in the right direction.

2. Check Online Reviews

Read reviews on social media, Google reviews, Yelp, and other websites to get an understanding of the quality of service for consultants in your area.

3. Look at Consultant Credentials

Look for professionals with the proper credentials and experience in various industries. This will give you an indication of how well they understand business fundamentals, strategies, and practices.

4. Set up Interviews

Reach out to consultants that interest you and schedule an interview. During this time, you can ask questions about the consultant’s experience and approach to consulting. You can also get an understanding of their fees and payment terms.

5. Compare Options

Do not be afraid to compare different consultants before making your decision. Compare services provided, rates, experiences, and credentials to find the one that is the best fit for your business.

6. Consider your needs when looking for small business consultant services

Always consider what you need their help with most. Do you need help with marketing, financing, operations management, or something else? Knowing the type of consulting services you require will ensure you find the right person for your business needs. It can be tempting to look for someone with a wide variety of skills, but you may be better off hiring separate people with expertise in different areas. This will ensure that the people you hire have the right skills and experience to help your business succeed.

Pro-Tip: Grab 30 minutes on my calendar to ask any questions you have about business coaching. I’ve been a business coach (and business broker) for over 20 years. I also have a business coach of my own, so I know what successful coaching looks like on both sides of the table.~ Alan Melton, Small Business Coach Associates

How much does it cost to hire a business consultant?

The cost of seeing a business consultant depends on the type of services you require and the experience level of the consultant. Generally, consulting fees range from $50 to $500 per hour. Some consultants charge fixed rates for project-specific work or offer monthly retainer packages. Make sure you discuss all payment options with the consultant before agreeing to any services, and always get a written agreement outlining all terms. Additionally, compare the pricing options of the small business consulting services that you are considering. This will give you an understanding of which one is the most affordable for your business needs.

What questions should I ask a consultant?

When interviewing a potential consultant, it is important to ask the right questions. Here are some examples of what you should ask:

What experience do you have in my industry?
How have you helped clients like me in the past?
Are there any other services that you offer?
What are your rates and payment terms?
Do you have references I can contact?
What is your process for working with clients?
How often do you communicate progress to clients?

Questions like these will help you better understand the consultant’s skills, experience, and approach. Ultimately, this will help you make the best decision for your business.

Is it worth hiring a business consultant?

Yes, it is definitely worth hiring a business consultant. A good consultant can provide invaluable guidance and advice on how to grow your business and help you identify any areas of improvement that need to be addressed. They can also help you develop strategies for achieving goals more efficiently and navigate the complexities of running a business. With their knowledge and expertise, they can help you maximize your success and achieve the best possible results. Overall, having a business consultant on board can be a big asset to your business.

How do I know if consulting is right for me?

Consulting can be a great career path for many people, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. The best way to know if consulting is right for you is to take some time and think about what kind of work excites you and what skills you have that could translate well into a consulting role. Consider the types of problems you like to solve and the challenges you enjoy tackling.

Ask yourself how well your strengths, interests, and experiences match up with consulting work. If you think consulting is a good fit for you, then look into it further and do some research on the industry. It’s also helpful to talk with people who are already in consulting roles or with those who have experience in the field. Taking some time to explore consulting can help you decide if it’s the right path for you.

You can also take time to read our blog mentoring vs. business coaching, which is going to give you some hindsight of the difference between the two.

Locating A Business Consultant Near Me

Has never been easier, thanks to the rise of online business consultant directories. These directories allow you to quickly and easily locate a business consultant in your local area who can provide advice and guidance on matters such as marketing, finance, operations, and growth strategies. Many of the best business consultants have decades of experience helping businesses grow and succeed in their respective industries.

Consultant Locator

is a powerful web-based software tool that helps companies and businesses find the most qualified consultants for their projects. With an extensive database of skilled professionals, Consultant Locator simplifies finding the ideal individual for a given task. This platform offers advanced search capabilities, allowing users to locate consultants who meet quickly and easily to their specific criteria.

Another useful tool is the Business Adviser Finder, which connects businesses with an extensive network of experienced business consultants worldwide. This platform provides access to a wide range of expertise in marketing, finance, operations, growth strategy, and more. Once you’ve identified the ideal consultant for your business’s needs, you can use the platform to connect with them and schedule a consultation.

is another great resource for finding a business consultant near you. LinkedIn allows users to search profiles by location and industry expertise, making it easy to find consultants who are familiar with your particular market or field of interest. Additionally, many consultants post their contact information on their LinkedIn profiles, allowing you to quickly and easily connect with them.

Upwork is also a great resource for finding a business consultant near you. This platform is a great way to quickly find and hire independent consultants who can provide business advice and guidance. All of the Upwork consultants have been vetted for quality assurance, making it easy to find someone with the expertise you need. Additionally, many of these consultants list their hourly rates, so you can easily determine if it’s within your budget.

Finally, Google My Business is an easy tool that you can use. All you have to do is to make sure that your location is set and just type in the search box “business consultant near me,” and you’ll be able to see a list of local business consultants. This will allow you to easily compare the services and prices that each consultant offers, as well as view their reviews and ratings.

How to Tell if A Consultant Is Compatible?

If you hire a business consultant that does not align with your vision, beliefs, and corporate values – it can result in major issues. Thankfully, there are measures to confirm whether the mentor is compatible with your organization’s goals:

Are you feeling energized and inspired following our consultation?
Does the mentor provide you with comfort and clarity, or do they leave you feeling confused?
Are you confident that working with them would be a smooth process?
Have you taken into account the quality of your connection with them and whether you can confidently rely on them to manage your company?

Asking yourself the following questions will help you find a business consultant that is well-suited for your needs.

What Type of Mentoring Do You Prefer?

Mentoring comes in various forms – traditional one-on-one, distance mentoring and group mentoring.

Traditional mentor relationships usually consist of two people meeting face-to-face on a regular basis to exchange ideas about life, career paths and ambitions.

Distance Mentorships bridge the gap between physical boundaries by utilizing communication technologies such as telephone or video chat via zoom or skype. Today, this type of mentorship is more popular than ever, thanks to its convenience and accessibility. coaching vs mentoring

At Small Business Coach Associates, we understand that distance should not be a hindrance to the mentoring process. That is why we specialize in giving mentoring and coaching services via zoom or telephone. We provide one-on-one guidance to ensure that you are successful and well on your way toward achieving the goals of your small business.

Group Mentorship enables three or more individuals to come together frequently for collective discussions regarding their lives and professional aspirations.

Depending on your needs and objectives, each form of mentoring has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. For the most intimate experience, traditional one-on-one mentoring is the way to go but it can be costly in terms of time as well as money. On the other hand, distance mentoring may not have that same level of a personal touch but makes up for it by being easier to use and less expensive. Last but definitely not least, group mentoring might be less personalized yet you gain more than just one mentor’s insights which are often invaluable!

Is A Business Coach The Same As A Business Consultant?

No, a business coach and a business consultant are not the same. A business coach is focused on helping individuals or businesses develop strategies for success, while a business consultant provides advice and expertise on specific matters.

Business coaches help their clients identify needs, set goals, develop plans to reach those goals, and push them to stay motivated in the process. They provide advice, support, and feedback to the client to enable them to achieve their goals.

On the other hand, business consultants provide expertise and specialized services that help organizations improve performance and solve problems. They assess current operations and recommend changes or solutions for improvement. Their expertise can range from marketing strategy to financial management.

The advantages of hiring a business coach and a consultant are similar:

They provide expertise and advice on specific matters, help organizations improve performance, develop strategies for success, and keep the organization motivated. However, the main difference is that while a consultant provides specialized services to an organization, a business coach focuses more on helping an individual or business development strategies for success. Whether you hire a business coach or a consultant should be based on an organization’s needs and goals.

It’s important to note that it is common for organizations to benefit from a business coach and a consultant, as each service brings unique advantages to help reach the desired goals. Working with a coach and consultant can ensure that the organization is getting the specialized support they need to reach its full potential.

Here are some lists of business coaches that you should check out: For more in-depth information on this topic, click here to our The Best Way To Find Business Coaches Near Me or 45 Best Business Coaches To Follow. Click now and find out who could be the key player for your business today!

Book Complimentary Strategy Session With Us

Let’s talk about your business and the issues you are facing! We will investigate your company’s aims, recognize areas for growth, recommend solutions to bring success to fruition, and offer advice on how best to reach your goals. Furthermore, if you need direction in deciding whether consulting or coaching would benefit you most, we can help out there too.

Hire a Coach If

You want to achieve specific results, or if you are looking for an experienced professional who can help you get organized and focused on achieving your goals. A coach is a great resource that can provide guidance, assistance, and motivation when it comes to both personal and business matters.

Hire a Consultant If

You need help with a specific problem or task. Consulting experts bring their experience, knowledge, and resources to the table and can offer you recommendations that are tailored to your needs. They can provide a valuable outside perspective on any project or issue you may be facing, as well as strategies for finding solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding a business consultant near you has never been easier with all of these tools at your disposal. With just a few clicks or keystrokes, you can easily find the ideal consultant for your business needs. Whether you’re looking for advice on marketing, operations, finance, or growth strategies – there’s sure to be a consultant out there who can help you reach your goals.

Top 3 Sales Tools Your Team Needs in 2023

Running a business requires education and information to make data-driven decisions. After all, the more data you have available, the better you can enhance your consumer experience. To optimize this experience, businesses should consider using sales tools. Proper sales tools can help owners predict customer behavior and elusive buying patterns.

What are Sales Tools?

Sales tools are applications and software that help sales teams within their industry. These additional tools will extend beyond CRM and help with various sales-related aspects. Categories of sales tools include lead handling, automation, training, and intelligence. This reality means businesses hold plenty of options to choose from, which can ultimately benefit the company.

Maptive

For companies wanting to transform the sales department into an integrated and automated machine. As territory mapping software, Maptive integrates sales territory boundaries to help your sales team accelerate its funnel. Maptive also details specific targets within the sales process, including demographics and categories. These numbers help managers reflect accurate data throughout different territories, allowing companies to capitalize on underserved areas.

Maptive also offers comprehensive mapping options. Users can develop optimized routes, allowing sales members to build the most efficient way between multiple locations. Members can add up to 70 stops on the route, complete with drag-and-drop functionality. Finally, sales team members can calculate the physical distance between two or more locations, uploading the data points in real-time.

Whatfix

Whatfix helps simplify the user experience by offering on-screen step-by-step instructions so they can independently complete any task. This tool allows businesses, companies, and enterprises to train, onboard, and support employees throughout the hiring process. All businesses can create and deliver customized content through videos, links, text, and flows. The end user won’t have to leave the application, helping to increase user productivity and overall engagement.

Dialpad Sell

Dialpad Sell is a phone system for boosting sales using real-time coaching and CRM integrations. This communications platform offers real-time support, coaching, and analytics. Users can use voice intelligence to handle common objections, allowing sentiment analysis for overall support. This tool is a powerful leveraging device for any sales team wanting to overcome objections.

Benefits of Sales Tools

Several reasons a sales team should invest in new software applications. These benefits include:

Closing More Deals

According to the LinkedIn State of Sales report, technology can help representatives close more deals overall. Recent studies suggest that 74% of salespeople plan to invest more in their sales intelligence tools to improve their financial outcomes.

Acquiring Data

Data is the critical development of performance, accounts, and industries. The more a business knows about its customers, the better it can cater to them. Metrics continue to shift away from standard quotas and develop stronger connections with customer satisfaction.

Developing Trust

Buyers want to ensure the salesperson they’re working with is reliable and trustworthy. Nearly 89% of all buyers recently surveyed suggested that a salesperson needs to be a trusted advisor. Using sales technology, sellers can establish more trust with potential clients, helping develop better relationships. Sales tools help build and establish stronger relationships with buyers overall.

Conclusion on Sales Tools

Sales tools are critical for any business wanting to excel in its industry. These tools are available in many aspects but should always benefit the company or its consumers directly. Building automation, training, relationships, and marketing should be the focus of any sales department, including the tools used within the business. Ultimately, if the sales programs, applications, and tools aren’t helping your company excel in your industry, they’re simply the wrong tools for the job. By identifying how you’d like to leverage the tools to benefit the company, you’ll better understand how these programs can help overall.

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How To Build The Perfect Marketing Strategy For Your Business In 2023

When you look at it, your business is pretty unique and one of a kind. You are not like the other businesses out there. You have your own unique characteristics, your own unique customers, and your own unique market. This includes having an effective marketing strategy.

The only thing that is the same about everyone else’s business is that they all have the same needs and limitations.

So, how do you take that uniqueness and turn it into a highly effective and profitable marketing strategy that you can use for years to come?

Although your business is unique and one of a kind, that does not mean that you can’t use strategies that work for other businesses.

In fact, you already use some of these strategies in your business. For example, you probably have a website and a blog. You are probably on Facebook and Instagram as well.

What these all have in common is that they are all online platforms where you can reach people and engage with them. These platforms are the web of your business.

So, if you can combine all of these strategies into one cohesive marketing strategy, you will have a strong marketing strategy that can help you grow your business.

In this article, we will show you how to do just that.

What is a marketing strategy?

A marketing strategy is a plan that aims to increase sales by leveraging various marketing techniques.

It is a way to approach your marketing, and it helps you to stay focused and certain with what you want to accomplish.

It is a strategy that allows you to have a goal, plan, and track your progress. It can also help you to stay organized and consistent with your marketing efforts.

Marketing strategy is an essential component for the success of any business, as it enables the organization to effectively promote its products or services and reach its target audience. A well-defined marketing strategy helps businesses identify their unique selling points, understand customer needs, and establish a competitive advantage. One example of healthcare marketing is the implementation of digital marketing techniques to enhance patient engagement and attract new clients. For instance, a healthcare provider may develop a comprehensive online presence through social media platforms, a user-friendly website, and informative blog articles to educate potential patients about their services and establish trust. This strategic approach allows the healthcare organization to connect with a wider audience, build brand recognition, and increase patient acquisition and retention.

Determine your Unique Selling Point (USP)

The first step to building a successful marketing strategy is to define your unique value proposition.

Before you can build a marketing strategy around it, you need to know what made you different from the rest of the crowd.

It is important to get this right the first time. You cannot retrofit a value proposition after you have built a business.

In order to do that, you need to figure out what you are good at and what makes you different. So, take some time to think about these things and write them down. You do not need to include every single detail, but you do need to include the main points.

For example, if you are in the business of doing home renovations, you can use these questions to help you define your unique value proposition:

Is your business unique because of your expertise?

This expertise is what sets you apart from other home renovators.

Is your business unique because of your experience?

You have been successful in this market because you have the necessary experience to get the job done right.

Is your business unique because of your cost?

Most home renovations cost a lot of money. You are able to offer your services for a limited price because of your experience.

After you have answered these questions, you need to consider how you can stand out from the crowd.

You can do this by creating content that speaks to your customers on an emotional level. You can also use paid advertising and paid marketing methods to reach your audience.

As you begin to create content and run paid campaigns, be sure to track your results. You can use your data to figure out what content is working for you, as well as what you need to work on to make your results even better.

Define your target audience

Your next component is to determine who you want to reach. At its core, a marketing plan is all about knowing who your customers are and reaching out to them.

Your target audience can be broken down into many parts, such as their demographics, their interests, their challenges, their needs, etc.

Once you know who the people are that you want to reach, you will be able to create content that speaks directly to them and offers solutions that they are looking for.

As you work on your marketing strategy, you will also want to think about where your target audience spends their time.

If they are online a lot, you will want to incorporate online marketing strategies into your plan.

If they are not online that much, you will want to think about how you can reach them offline.

Create a brand for yourself

A strong and consistent brand is the foundation of any successful marketing strategy.

A well-defined brand will help you to create an effective marketing strategy that can be used for a long time to come.

Your brand should reflect your values, your personality, and your environment. It should also convey that you are a reliable and trustworthy business.

Your brand will also help to create a strong web presence that will help to promote your business and reach new customers.

Create content marketing strategy

Content marketing is a new marketing strategy that emphasizes the creation of valuable and helpful content that people want to read and share.

You can create blog posts, white papers, e-books, case studies, and more to help people learn more about your business.

Content marketing generates 3 times more leads as compared to traditional marketing techniques and costs 62% less than them.

Having a content marketing strategy is essentially important for SaaS businesses whose business is mainly online. You need not worry since you can hire a SaaS content marketing agency to help you do this.

You can also create videos that feature your products, your people, and your company culture.

As you work on your content marketing strategy, you will want to think about the audience that you want to reach.

If they are more tech-savvy and information-hungry, you will want to think about creating content that speaks to that audience.

If they are more interested in how-to content and want to learn more about your business, you will want to think about creating content that offers value to them.

Create a marketing structure

Your marketing strategy should include a marketing structure. A marketing structure is the how, when, and where of your marketing efforts. This will help to promote your business and reach your target audience consistently.

It can also help you to stay organized and make sure that you are following through with your marketing efforts.

For example, a good marketing structure would include a marketing calendar, promotional materials, and a marketing budget.

A marketing budget can help you to stay organized and track your marketing spending. It can also help you to make sure that you are staying within your budget so that you do not overspend.

A marketing calendar can help you to stay organized and keep track of all of your marketing efforts. It can also help you to stay consistent with your marketing efforts.

Promotional materials can help you to promote your business and reach your target audience. These materials can be in the form of brochures, business cards, flyers, and more.

The purpose of these materials is to help to promote your business, cultivate brand awareness, and create a lasting impression with your audience.

Develop a marketing strategy that is SMART

You may have heard of the acronym SMART before. In marketing, SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based goals. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different requirements for a successful marketing strategy for your business:

Specific: you need to have a clear understanding of the goals for your marketing strategy. It should be clear what your product or service is, and how it benefits your customers.
Measurable: you need to track the results of your marketing strategy. How much traffic did you get from Facebook? How many leads did you get from your email marketing? How many sales did you get from your social media posts?
Achievable: even if you meet all the requirements, you won’t make any progress if you can’t accomplish the goals of your marketing strategy. How do you know if you’re doing a good job at marketing your business? How will you know if your marketing strategy is working?
Relevant: your marketing strategy should be relevant to your business and your customers. Can you tell what your business does? Can you tell what your customers want?
Time-based: you need to be sure that you’re setting a timeline for your marketing strategy. If your marketing goal is to capture a certain market share in one month, make sure that you’re working towards that goal.

To sum up, by developing a marketing plan that is SMART, you’re aiming for a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based marketing plan.

Final words on your marketing strategy

A marketing strategy is a blueprint that you can use to build your business.

It is a plan that aims to increase sales by leveraging various marketing techniques.

In this article, we have provided you with major components of a marketing strategy so that you can draft one for your business.

In the end, a successful marketing strategy is all about staying on track, being organized, and following through with your plan consistently.

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4 Tools to Use in 2023 to Grow Your Business Faster

Finding ways to grow your business requires a lot of resources, both in terms of time, knowledge, and capital. If you’re a business owner, you might feel stressed and overwhelmed by the daily administration tasks, and keeping up with incoming emails.

But, thanks to technological advances, businesses today can streamline their operations and make their work easier. Such tech tools can allow businesses to respond to market trends more efficiently, make strategic decisions, and create products to meet their growth objectives.

Below, we share some recommendations for tools to help you propel your business to the next level.

Social Media Automation Tools

We live in the age of social media and if you still don’t know how to use these channels to your advantage, the road to achieving greater business success might be more difficult for you. Most of the potential customers and clients you want to reach are probably using social media platforms and as a business owner, all you need to do is reach them and inspire engagement.

Social media is a powerful tool to influence customers’ opinions and businesses can use it to promote their products, get close to their target audience, and ultimately increase sales. Try to find your way into people’s lives and focus your efforts on attracting more followers.

Many companies turn to Instagram automation tools to increase the number of followers. However, you need to be very careful when choosing the right growth tool. You will want to focus on one that prioritizes organic Instagram growth achieved by real and relevant Instagram followers.

Project Management Tools

Project management in a company can be challenging, especially when you are trying to do several things at once. Thankfully, modern project management tools are available to help teams and work operations run smoothly.

Clock in the app with GPS is a great project management tool that will help your business, especially in the construction sphere. If you are working on a construction project, this feature will allow you to track employee clock-in times and their GPS location. This will help you to see if employees are working their required hours and also ensure that they are on-site when they clock in. In addition, this feature can also be used to track contractor clock in times and locations.

A project management tool can come in handy in every phase of the project. There are a variety of project tools available both online and offline that can meet different types of needs. The main purpose of a project tool, regardless of the size of the project, is to facilitate the work – from planning and management to budgeting and analysis.

The basis for using a project tool is to be able to plan and structure the work. A clear plan is often central for the project result to meet the anticipated expectations. Things like deadlines and budget are good to have in place before the project starts so that expectations can be set at a reasonable level. With a tool that enables planning and follow-up of these two basic limitations, it can be easier to deliver successful projects with satisfied customers.

Email Marketing Helps Grow Your Business

Email is one of the most popular communication tools today, despite the increased use of many other forms of communication.

If you want to grow your business faster, you should consider using email marketing. Top-quality newsletters can increase traffic to your website, improve communication with your target audience and bring you more customers. A very large percentage of marketers say that email is their most important channel to attract customers. Another advantage is that you hold the customer contact rather than it being in the hands of other companies like Google or Facebook.

Using email marketing pays off as it can lead to increased sales, traffic to your website, strengthened customer loyalty, stronger brand, or increased conversions. The best thing about email marketing is that it easily measures how many people have opened the newsletter, which articles they’ve read, which links they click on, etc. This makes email marketing a fast and cost-effective channel to work with.

Customer Relationship Management

A CRM system is an excellent tool when your company wants to improve its customer relationships. A CRM system can save, structure, analyze, present, and share important customer data, allowing your business to gather all customer data in one place. This makes it easier for employees to work efficiently and have the right information at the right time.

When choosing a CRM system, there are many benefits to take advantage of, especially when it comes to sales, marketing, customer service, analytics, and reporting. All companies dealing with customers should therefore use a CRM system as their employees can focus on their main task – regardless of whether it’s customer care or marketing of products.

Final Thoughts On Ways To Grow Your Business

Whatever you do, make sure to choose a tool that matches your business needs. Whether you need to manage projects more efficiently or keep track of customer data, get familiarized with all the features and functionality so you can grow your business faster.

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5 Ways You Can Energize Your Service Staff

It’s the busiest shopping time of year, so your service staff is working hard. Even if you regularly tell your team members how much you appreciate them, they won’t hear it unless you show them.

There are more than a few ways that you can help energize and support your service staff during this bustling time. But we’ve gathered up five of the best approaches that have worked for managers and business leaders time and time again.

1. Custom Patches

It sounds like something small, but we assure you that great things come in small packages. Empowering your service staff to customize their appearance with custom patches can boost morale by giving them more control.

It works even if your staff wears a uniform. Uniforms have proven benefits, and 50% of businesses employ them. But for workers who want to express their individuality, giving them the power with something subtle but creative is a great idea.

2. Weekly or Bi-Monthly Meetings

Communication is key to every thriving workplace. So much so that research has shown that faulty communication is a primary inhibitor of productivity and success in business.

If your staff is fighting or being insubordinate toward management, and if customers are complaining that they seem sad and combative, chances are they don’t feel heard. You can change that easily by instituting regular staff meetings.

Staff meetings are crucial for many reasons: clarifying shared goals, hashing out conflict, and ensuring everyone feels heard and supported. That last one is extra important. Giving your service staff the space to speak and showing them you listen will work wonders for morale and energy.

3. Post-Work Bonding

If the problem seems to be that your service staff haven’t bonded enough among themselves, encourage them to bond outside of work. That will promote lasting relationships that will strengthen the way they work together.

But here’s one important tip: don’t go with them. No one likes a boss that tries to be friends with their employees. Trust us. They’ll adore you if you back away and simply treat them well. But if you try to be their friend, a whole host of things could go wrong!

4. Flexibility for Time Off Requests

You should encourage your staff to take meaningful time off, not just reluctantly grant their requests. Of course, there are limits to generosity, and work should come as a priority. But no one on staff should feel like asking for time off to go to the doctor or pick up their kids is asking for the world.

5. Gamify Important Tasks

For more complex tasks that no one will willingly take on themselves, inject some fun and competition to get people excited. “Gamify” essential tasks by making them a competition over who can sell the most product or get the most customers to leave positive reviews.

Treat Employees Like Human Beings

You don’t have to treat them like your family or friends. Because guess what? They aren’t! Don’t force any false warmth or closeness onto your employees – just remember they are human beings and treat them with the respect and decency they deserve.

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Is OOH advertising only for big brands? Let’s discuss

The marketing expert Neil Patel explains that out-of-home (OOH) advertising “refers to the process of reaching consumers while they are, you guessed it, out of their homes.”

Patel insists that, though “this may conjure images of NYC Times Square billboards, there are many mediums that qualify as out-of-home advertising.” He cites not only billboards but also bus stops, point-of-sale displays and even blimps as places where OOH advertising can be displayed.

Nonetheless, given how often billboards are associated with well-known brands and major companies, you could have assumed that your own business is too small to even have the option of OOH media. Would this perception be borne out by the facts?

If you run a small business, should you consider using OOH advertising media?

The simple answer is yes — and one simple reason why is that many small businesses are already engaging in OOH advertising. Home Business states: “Believe it or not, roughly seven out of ten outdoor ads promote local businesses.”

Of course, as we have already seen, billboards are far from the only option when it comes to OOH advertising. However, you could be stunned to learn that, even as the owner of a small business, you don’t necessarily need to rule out going specifically for billboard advertising.

That’s because, though the cost of billboards can admittedly vary depending on what market your business occupies, billboards remain — on the whole — surprisingly affordable to use for advertising purposes.

Generally, utilizing billboards in this way is far cheaper than TV, magazine, and newspaper advertising. In fact, Home Business enthuses: “Outdoor ads deliver the best value — in terms of cost-per-thousand impressions — of any type of advertising, including digital.”

Even if your business is a start-up, you could gently ease it into OOH advertising by taking advantage of a start-up accelerator scheme. One good example of one is the Clear Start programme run by Clear Channel, the UK-based provider of OOH advertising space.

OOH isn’t just inexpensive — it’s also great value

There can naturally be quite a marked difference between the upfront price of something and the long-term value it delivers. Fortunately, there is good reason for you to believe that, if you do invest in using OOH advertising, it will more than pay for itself.

Numerous Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) figures relayed by Home Business are testament to OOH advertising’s effectiveness.

The revelations in these figures include that, of people who have seen an outdoor ad, 41% are more likely to find out about the advertised brand, while 58% have searched the web as a direct result.

Of course, it helps that, when someone sees an OOH ad, they can’t simply choose to turn off the ad like they probably would if it was an online ad where this was an option.

Similarly, while it is possible to install plugins known as ‘ad blockers’ on web browsers and consequently avoid having to see a wide array of online ads in the first place, OOH ads can’t be blocked in this manner.

business coaching business owners effective communications keys to business success

Mentoring vs. Business Coaching: Which one is best for you?

As you develop in your business, you may find yourself wondering whether it would be helpful to have a coach or mentor. Both can provide valuable guidance and support, but their focus and approach differ. Here’s a brief overview of coaching vs. mentoring to help you decide which one is right for you.

Mentors are typically more experienced than their mentees and can provide advice and guidance based on their own career journeys. Mentors can help you navigate difficult situations, make essential connections, and expand your skill set.

Coaches, on the other hand, focus on helping you reach your specific goals. They work with you to develop actionable plans and hold you accountable for reaching your targets. Coaching may be the best option for you if you’re looking for help achieving a specific goal.

Both coaches and mentors can play an important role in your career development. When choosing between the two, consider your goals and what type of support you need to reach them.

Business Coaching vs. Mentoring

Business Coaching is typically more focused on the present and future, while mentoring often looks to the past for guidance.
Business Coaching is about helping people reach their goals, while mentoring is about sharing knowledge and experience.
Business Coaching is often seen as more of a professional relationship, while mentoring is often more personal.

Coaching is often seen as more of a professional relationship, while mentoring is often more personal. This is because coaching typically focuses on the present and future while mentoring looks to the past for guidance. Coaches believe their clients have the answers within themselves – they need help uncovering them. Mentors, on the other hand, often share their own experiences and knowledge in order to help mentees reach their goals.

This difference can also be seen in the way coaching and mentoring relationships are viewed. Coaching is often seen as more of a professional relationship, while mentoring is often more personal.

What are the benefits of having a mentor?

There are many benefits to having a mentor. A few of these benefits are

1. You have someone to guide and advise you

A mentor can be defined as an experienced and trusted advisor. In the business world, a mentor is often more senior in their career and can offer guidance and advice to those starting out. The benefits of having a mentor are numerous, but perhaps the most important is that they can help you to avoid making costly mistakes. A mentor will have a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw upon, and they can help you to navigate the challenges of your career. They can also provide essential networking opportunities and introduce you to influential people. In short, a mentor can be an invaluable asset, and everyone should aspire to find one.

2. You have someone to help you get ahead in your career

A mentor is someone who can help guide you in your career, offering advice and support when it comes to making important decisions. Having a mentor can be incredibly beneficial, giving you access to someone who has already been successful in your field and knows the ins and outs of the industry. A mentor can help you avoid making mistakes and provide valuable networking opportunities. In addition, a mentor can help to keep you motivated and on track, ensuring that you stay focused on your goals. Ultimately, a mentor can play a pivotal role in helping you to achieve success in your career.

3. You have someone to help you learn new things

A mentor is someone who can help guide you through new and unfamiliar territory. Whether you’re just starting out in your business or you are looking to make a change, a mentor can offer advice and support. They can help introduce you to new concepts, teach you new skills, and provide support when you’re feeling challenged. A mentor can also be a sounding board for your ideas and a source of motivation when you need it. While mentors come in all shapes and sizes, finding someone with experience and wisdom you respect is the most important thing. With their help, you can learn more about your chosen field, gain valuable insights, and achieve your goals.

4. You have someone to depend on for support and encouragement

A mentor can provide support and encouragement when you need it most and can help you navigate through difficult challenges and obstacles. They can also offer helpful advice and guidance based on their experiences and knowledge. In addition, mentors can act as role models, showing you what is possible if you are willing to work hard and stay focused on your goals. If you are lucky enough to have a mentor, make sure to take advantage of all that they have to offer. It could make a big difference in your career journey.

5. You have a friend and confidante

One of the benefits of having a mentor is that you have a friend and confidante. Someone you can trust to give you honest feedback and guidance. Someone who has been there before and can help you navigate your way through challenges. If you’re feeling lost or stuck, a mentor can be the compass that points you in the right direction.

What are the benefits of having a coach?

A coach can help you achieve your goals faster and more effectively than if you were working on them alone. Coaches provide guidance, support, accountability, and expertise that can help you get the most out of your training.

Some of the benefits of having a coach include the following:

1. Improved performance and results

Most business owners would love to improve their business performance and results, but they don’t always know how to go about it. That’s where a business coach comes in. A business coach is someone who helps you take a closer look at your business and identify areas that need improvement. They will then work with you to develop strategies for making those improvements. As a result, you can expect to see better business performance and results.

2. A better understanding of your own potential and strengths

Business coaches are not only beneficial because they help you to understand your potential and strengths better but also because they can provide an objective perspective on business decisions. A business coach can help you to understand your goals and what is holding you back from achieving them. They can also help you to develop a plan of action to reach your goals. In addition, business coaches can provide accountability and support as you work to reach your goals. Having a business coach can be a powerful tool in helping you to reach your full potential as a business owner.

3. Greater motivation to train and stay focused

There are many benefits of having a business coach, but one of the most important is that they provide motivation and accountability. When you have someone to hold you accountable, it’s easier to stay focused and on track. A business coach will also push you to reach your full potential and help you overcome any obstacles that are holding you back. In addition, a business coach can offer valuable insights and advice based on their own experiences. If you’re serious about taking your business to the next level, then working with a business coach is a wise decision.

~ Alan Melton, Small Business Coach Associates

4. Optimal use of time and resources

A business coach can help business owners and entrepreneurs use their time and resources more efficiently. In today’s fast-paced business world, staying ahead of the competition and making the most of every opportunity can be challenging. A business coach can provide impartial advice and guidance on how to best use your time and resources. It can be through delegation, where business owners need to delegate certain tasks so that they can focus on CEO tasks to further improve running their business.

5. Reduced chance of making mistakes

Having a business coach provides several benefits that can help to reduce the chance of committing business mistakes. First, a business coach can offer an objective perspective on business decisions. This can be especially helpful when business owners are facing difficult choices. Second, a business coach can provide guidance and support during times of change. This can help business owners to navigate through challenging transitions without making costly mistakes. Finally, a business coach can help business owners to develop and implement effective strategies for growth. By having a business coach, business owners can benefit from expert advice and support, which can ultimately help to reduce the chance of making costly mistakes.

6. Access to expert knowledge and advice

Business coaches have extensive experience in the business world and can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that business owners face. As a result, business coaches can be an invaluable resource for business owners who are looking to take their businesses to the next level. They can guide you to develop a business plan, set goals and objectives, and improve your business skills.

Similarities of Business Coaching and Mentoring

Business coaching and mentoring can be approached in many ways, but the similarities between the two outweigh the differences. Business coaching and mentoring emphasize helping the client or mentee reach their potential by providing them with support, advice, and guidance. In business coaching, the coach takes on more of a directive role, often providing specific advice and actionable steps for the client to take. In contrast, mentoring takes a more hands-off approach, with the mentor serving as more of a sounding board for the mentee. However, business coaching and mentoring focus on helping businesses grow and succeed. As such, business coaches and mentors play an important role in ensuring that businesses are able to reach their full potential.

When does a mentor become a coach?

A mentor is someone who can offer guidance and support to someone else who is looking to improve themselves. A coach, on the other hand, is someone who offers direction and guidance in order to help an individual or group achieve a specific goal. So when does a mentor become a coach?

The answer to this question depends on the situation. In some cases, a mentor may transition into a coaching role if the person they are helping expresses an interest in becoming more actively involved in their own development. The mentor can then help them set specific goals and provide support as they work towards achieving these goals. In other cases, a mentor may act as a coach if they are asked to do so by their employer or supervisor.

Becoming a coach is a big responsibility regardless of how or when it happens. A good coach needs to be patient, articulate, and knowledgeable about the topic they are coaching on. They should also be able to foster a positive learning environment where individuals feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes.

Three Types of Mentoring

There are three types of mentoring: traditional one-on-one, distance mentoring, and group mentoring. Traditional one-on-one mentoring is the most common type of mentoring. It involves two people meeting in person on a regular basis to discuss their lives, careers, and goals. Distance mentoring is a newer type of mentoring that involves two people communicating via phone, email, or video chat. Group mentoring is a type of mentoring that involves three or more people meeting on a regular basis to discuss their lives, careers, and goals.

Each type of mentoring has its own advantages and disadvantages. Traditional one-on-one mentoring is the most personal type of mentoring, but it can be time-consuming and expensive. Distance mentoring is less personal than traditional one-on-one mentoring but is more convenient and often cheaper. Group mentoring is the least personal type of mentoring, but having multiple mentors can be very helpful.

Four Types of Business Coaching

There are four types of business coaching: executive, integrated, team, and virtual coaching. Each type of coaching has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right type of coach for your needs.

Executive coaching is perfect for business leaders who want to improve their performance and take their careers to the next level. An executive coach will help you clarify your goals, overcome obstacles and develop a plan of action. However, executive coaching can be expensive and may not be suitable for all business leaders.

Integrated coaching is a great option for businesses that want to improve their overall performance. An integrated coach will work with you to improve your communication, leadership, and team-building skills. However, integrated coaching can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for all businesses.

Team coaching is designed to help teams work together more effectively. The coach works with the team to identify its strengths and weaknesses and helps them develop strategies for improved performance.

Virtual coaching is a type of business coaching that uses technology to deliver coaching services. Virtual coaches can deliver their services via video conferencing, phone calls, or email. This type of coach can be beneficial for business owners who want the flexibility to receive coaching services from anywhere in the world. However, However, virtual coaching can have a lack of personal interaction.

~ Alan Melton, Small Business Coach Associates

How does mentoring/coaching help your business grow?

Mentoring and coaching are two essential tools for any business owner who wants to see their company grow. By mentoring, you can offer your employees guidance and support, helping them develop their skills and knowledge. This, in turn, can lead to improved performance and greater productivity. Coaching, on the other hand, is more focused on helping individuals to achieve specific goals. This could involve providing advice and mentorship on a one-to-one basis, or it could involve leading group workshops. Either way, coaching can help employees identify their strengths and weaknesses and set realistic goals to help them progress in their careers. In short, mentoring and coaching are two key ways in which you can help your business to grow.

Example of Mentoring

Steve had always been a great business owner. He was a leader, and his employees looked up to him. However, he wanted to train them to become leaders themselves, and he didn’t know how to do it. So he turned to a mentor for advice.

The mentor said. “I can give you some general tips.” He went on to share some of the best leadership practices he had learned over the years. Steve was grateful for the advice and promised to put it into practice. And so he did.

The results were impressive. His employees started taking on more responsibility and becoming more engaged in their work. They even began developing their own leadership skills! Steve was happy with the progress they were making and thanked his mentor for all of his help.

Through mentoring, Steve was able to:

Save time and energy
Get expert advice and learn leadership skills.
Receive support and encouragement to navigate difficult challenges.
Achieve goals and expand knowledge in a shorter time frame.

Example of Business Coaching

As Jane contemplated her situation, she knew she needed to make a change. She was working 111 hours a week and wasn’t able to spend any time with her family. It was taking its toll on her mentally and emotionally. So she decided to get a business coach to help her manage her time more effectively and systematize her business.

At first, the changes were difficult. But after following her coach’s advice diligently, Jane began to see results. She was able to cut down on the number of hours she worked each week from 111 hours down to 47.5 hours while maintaining and even growing her business. Best of all, she was now able to spend more time with her family and enjoy life again.

Through coaching, Jane was able to:

Reduce the number of hours worked each week
Maintain and grow business while spending more time with family
Systemize business for long-term success
Decrease stress and increase productivity

Business Coaching vs. Mentoring: Which one is best for you?

When it comes to personal and professional development, coaching vs mentoring is two popular approaches. But what’s the difference between the two? And more importantly, which one is right for you?

Mentoring typically involves a more experienced individual passing down wisdom and advice to someone who is less experienced. The mentee looks up to the mentor as a role model and seeks guidance on how to navigate their chosen field. Coaching, on the other hand, is more focused on helping the client reach specific goals. The coach acts as a sounding board and provides support and accountability, but ultimately it’s up to the client to figure out the best way to reach their objectives.

So. coaching vs mentoring, which one should you choose? Mentoring may be a good option if you’re feeling lost and uncertain of your next steps. But coaching could be a better fit if you’re clear on what you want to achieve and just need some help getting there. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment with both approaches and see what works best for you.

Conclusion

When it comes to coaching and mentoring, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach depends on your specific needs and goals. This article explores the differences between coaching and mentoring and helps you decide which is best for you.

Coaching and mentoring are both forms of developmental support. They can both be helpful in achieving your goals, but there are some key differences. coaching is typically more task-oriented, while mentoring is more relationship-oriented. Coaching focuses on the present and future while mentoring often looks to the past for guidance. Mentors may also provide coaching, but their primary focus is developing long-term relationships.

So, which one is right for you? Coaching may be the best option if you’re looking for help with a specific goal or task. Mentoring may be the way to go if you’re seeking guidance and wisdom from someone with more experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you’re hoping to achieve.

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9 Ways to Simplify And Improve Your Organization’s Workflow

Simplifying and standardizing procedures in order to provide better quality output quickly enhances workflow efficiency. When you have adequate and simplified processes in place, it will protect workplace culture and customer relationships. If you get rid of tasks that aren’t required, you’ll save money and other resources, which will benefit your bottom line. As a result, your team will have more time to devote to productive growth elements.

One of the greatest risks businesses face today is inefficient processes, potentially costing 30% of the business’s annual revenue and 26% of an employee’s time. Inefficiency is fatal to the survival and expansion of any business, but how will the processes be optimized?

Before we walk you through some of the ways you must adapt to simplify and improve your organization’s workflow, it is vital to understand what process improvement is.

Understanding process improvement

The purpose of process improvement is to assist you in gathering and analyzing feedback on your processes to facilitate constant development. It entails eliminating mistakes, decreasing waste, enhancing productivity, and streamlining efficiency in order to eliminate redundancies in procedures that contribute to delays in projects, staff demotivation, and productivity reduction.

Process improvement begins with a focus on defining the business requirements of a process, meeting best practice standards, or simply improving quality and the user experience for customers and end-users. This is done rather than contemplating the technology that must be used to circumvent the challenges. Businesses that successfully implement process improvement see a return on their investment via process optimization, which results in greater product sales, enhanced customer experience, and time saved will be invested in strategic moves that can give the firm a competitive edge.

9 Ways to simplify and improve your organization’s workflow

Workflow in the business world is one of the most dynamic fields. It analyzes the organizational structure of work and the methods through which different departments coordinate to fulfill tasks. A well-designed workflow will free you from the tedious task of micromanaging each phase as you go about your day.

Here are some ways to help streamline your workflow:

1. Simplify processes using PDF merger

PDF merger is a robust tool to optimize workflow. When you combine PDF files online, you will create a dynamic system that supports improving your organization’s workflow goals. The online PDF merger allows you to do this in a few clicks. Combining files using an online PDF merger is easy and secure— drag and drop your pages into the combiner, rearrange or delete them, and add the pages you need.

The PDF merger also allows you to choose from a variety of templates and these templates are customizable. You will get the required single document when you merge the desired pages. The document provides valuable insights into your team’s workflow efficiency.

2. Analyze your current processes

Knowing the status of the current workflow of every department of your organization is an integral part of business improvement before you move to start implementing changes. Check thoroughly every component of your business process to understand what is already in place and wherefrom you need to start.

Take the feedback from each employee to understand what already exists and the results you drive from the current processes. Ask for feedback from each member in every department to determine what changes you need to incorporate in consideration of the improvement areas and inefficiencies.

The current status of processes will provide you with a roadmap to decide on your future course to optimize and enhance your processes.

3. Document the process

Documenting important things is essential since it is not possible for you to remember everything. If you do this, you’ll be able to get more done in less time. Listing every task, whether big or small, is a way forward to take your project from idea to execution, as doing this you will serve as a process audit. You’ll observe that there are too many unnecessary stages in one area while you need to include some crucial ones in another, and it is at the point in the process when mistakes most often occur.

Your procedures are available in some form, whether in your ideas, unspoken habits, or as a collection of emails and papers that have never been formally specified. To state the obvious, you will only review, modify, or automate your process if you’ve clarified and streamlined it.

4. Set priorities for tasks and objectives

After gaining an awareness of the processes that are already in place and documenting them, you need to set them in order of preference and rate the tasks that need immediate attention. Create a timetable in order to keep track of and organize the essential tasks.

It is vital to understand that whatever tasks are assigned by you, there must be regular tracking for the ongoing progress on each component of the project.

5. Create efficient workflows

Creating a visual map of all the tasks and procedures involved in a project will help you learn what needs to be done and how to get there faster.

The first step in designing efficient workflows is to create a diagram of your jobs, detailing the many steps involved and their respective beginnings and endings using a simple flowchart.

You also need to think about the outputs of your process and include all the necessary data and instructions. Finally, while building an efficient workflow, it is essential to determine which, if any, sub-workflows are critical for the completion of the project.

It’s essential to try out different strategies to evaluate what works best for your team before making any major changes to the infrastructure.

The following objectives must be met for the procedure to be considered successful:

Sharing data must be more accessible

The number of distractions must be the least

Inclusion of process for regular evaluation and improvement

Accelerating processes to increase productivity

6. Explore emerging technologies

Pick the right technology for your company’s web apps, ideally one that allows for some degree of adaptability with your website. Server-side programs (PHP) make web apps more manageable than their client-side counterparts (HTML).

Use video conferencing instead of a regular conference call to save time and avoid the trouble of commuting to and from the workplace for meetings. Using video conferencing programs like Skype or Google Hangouts to have in-person meetings instead of driving across town or flying across the globe will drastically cut corporate travel costs.

7. Give your workers a sense of independence

It’s essential to divide the tasks so that everyone will contribute to the development of the process rather than relying just on one team. Until the perfect version of the process is adopted, the inputs from many workers and their viewpoints on the specific job will help eliminate the faults.

A good workflow is achieved when you assign particular tasks to specific workers. Although this seems like it would add extra work for you, it will let your staff relax. After finishing their task, individuals are no longer bound by the procedures of a business.

They are more productive, resulting in higher-quality output, and they have more spare time to enjoy their lives. They won’t be bothered or contacted for no apparent reason concerning matters outside their purview. Taking responsibility for one’s actions will give one the internal drive to tackle the task and see it through to its conclusion.

8. Adopt automation

Most business executives are skeptical about automation—they fear it will lower quality which is not valid. Relying on automation and automating some of the tasks in routine will reduce duplication and free up your staff to do what is essential.

Leveraging automation will allow them to make greater contributions to the team and the company as a whole. Try to find places in your process where human effort needs to be eliminated by adding in some automation. Investing in automation solutions is worthwhile—they minimize the time your staff spends on menial tasks.

9. Put together a competent team

Without the right team, companies find it challenging to function correctly—having the appropriate people is critical to its success and development—it will even reduce the need to recruit more workers.

With the right team in place, you will be confident that your firm will run smoothly and that employees will step up and take charge when required. When a company has a healthy corporate culture, everyone works together toward a common objective and knows their role in its success.

Most successful organizations believe that human resource is one of their most valuable assets for them. Hiring the right team contributes in many ways, including:

Building integrity and reputation

Creating customer satisfaction

Saving time and resources

Inducing motivation and synergy

Wrapping up ways to improve your organization’s workflow

Every procedure your company implements must be well-planned and easy enough to function without constant oversight to maintain a steady work stream. The key to efficient workflow is running with little hassle while achieving the desired results. To find and fix inefficiencies in your organization’s processes, you must evaluate processes regularly. Using technology to your advantage will streamline the process, so keep trying in different environments and honing your technique until you succeed.

Author Bio:

Surya Ranjan Pandita is a content marketer. He is always on the lookout for new optimization strategies and loves to create actionable content.

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Protect Your Small Business – A Guide to Stopping Payroll Fraud

The last thing you want as a small business owner is your money going down the drain. According to statistics, half of all businesses collapse by their fifth year. While the reason for the collapse is usually a combination of many factors, payroll fraud can bring your business down fast. Luckily, you can protect your business from this kind of fraud if you implement the right measures. This guide highlights several ways to identify payroll fraud and how to stop it before it brings your business to its knees.

What is Payroll Fraud?

Payroll fraud is any fraudulent activity that results in the unauthorized use of company funds. Payroll fraud is not limited to small businesses.

According to statistics, payroll fraud occurs in 27% of all businesses, but small businesses are impacted the most because of their limited revenue and lack of proper safeguards.

Different Forms of Payroll Fraud

Check Tampering

Check tampering is arguably the most common type of payroll fraud in America. It occurs when an employee steals, forges, or alters a check payable from the employer’s account.

Ghost Employees

This type of fraud is perpetrated by employees responsible for managing the payroll. It involves entering a non-existent person into the payroll to pocket the ghost employer’s salary.

Timesheet Fraud

Most small businesses pay their employees by the hour. This means the more hours they clock in a week, the more they earn. Some employees are tempted to falsify the hours worked, especially if your company does not have foolproof measures to prevent timesheet fraud.

Pay Scale Alterations

Employees are paid different hourly rates based on their classification. Unscrupulous human resource employees can work in cahoots with some employees to make pay scale alterations so that an employee gets more than they deserve.

Customer Payroll Fraud

Not all forms of fraud are perpetrated by employees. Your customers can also engage in payroll fraud to give the wrong impression of their financial situation.

For example, in the real estate industry, you may require prospective clients to produce proof of income before getting accommodation. Unfortunately, sometimes customers can use fake pay stubs as proof of income and get rental accommodation, which could mean allowing tenancy to someone that may not afford to pay rent.

Worker Misclassification Fraud

Worker misclassification fraud is another type of fraud not perpetuated by the employee. Instead, it is perpetrated by employers to avoid remunerating their employees as required under the law or denying them their benefits.

Often it involves classifying employees as independent contractors, denying them employees the benefits they deserve, and avoiding paying payroll taxes. Employee misclassification is a serious offense that can result in penalties that include hefty fines, higher tax rates, interests on taxes not paid, and prison time.

Safeguarding Against Payroll Fraud

Different types of fraud call for different preventive measures. So what works for one business person may not work for you. But some standard practices can help minimize the chances of payroll fraud irrespective of the type. Some of these measures include:

Taking Formal Business Management Classes

Most employees take advantage of employers that do not have business management knowledge. If you depend solely on the word of your employees to manage your business, you will be at a greater risk of fraud.

So, your first step to preventing payroll fraud will be taking formal business and financial accounting classes. Doing so helps ensure that you are on top of your business accounts which can help minimize the loss of revenue through fraudulent activity.

Incorporate Technology in Payroll Management

Preventing fraud in your small business is possible, but it can take too much time and effort that could be used in handling other important matters of handling a business.

Luckily you do not have to handle all the work yourself. You can leverage technology to make payroll management easier and error-free. For example, rather than use traditional timesheets to track employees’ hours, you can use apps connected to your employee’s android or IOS devices that make it impossible to clock in unless they are on location.

Outsource Payroll Management

Even with the best payroll management software, unscrupulous employees may still find a way to cheat the system. So, it is best to outsource payroll management to ensure that your payroll management is watertight.

There are many payroll management service providers in the market. You only need a service provider who checks all your boxes to handle payroll on your behalf. Besides eliminating the chances of fraud, outsourcing payroll can save you time, so you focus on areas that need your attention, like improving customer experiences.

Have an External Auditor Audit Your Firm

If you only depend on internal auditors to audit your business accounts, they may falsify figures to steal from you. So it’s always best to have an outsider conduct an audit from time to time.

Because an external auditor has no vested interest in the outcome of their audit, you can expect to get reliable audit results from them which can help you identify where you could be losing money.

Role Segregation prevents Payroll Fraud

While it’s possible to have some bad players in your business, chances are not all your employees are corruptible, which you could use to your advantage. For example, you can have several people handle different stages rather than having one person handle all payroll matters.

One can track the employees’ timesheets, the other writes the checks, and has another counter check to see everything is okay before you can sign. This way, one unscrupulous employee may not succeed in defrauding your business.

business coaching business owners grow your business keys to business success

How To Protect Your Business From Security Threats

With billions of internet/social media users worldwide, putting up your business online can effectively widen your market reach and potentially increase your sales and profits. And when you run an online business, you have the flexibility to present your products or services online, without the constraints of physical stores. Protecting yourself from security threats is very important.

Although taking your business online does indeed offer some advantages, it also increases your risk of scams and security threats. Some companies tend to think that they’ll never be a victim of a cyberattack, considering that there are over hundreds and thousands of other businesses online. But as more businesses are pursuing their endeavors online, hackers and cybercriminals are keeping up their pace, continuously upgrading their tools to access and steal data.

Remember that a single cyberattack is more than enough to ruin your company and its reputation. Thus, as a business owner, you should do your part to protect your company from security threats. Read on to learn how.

Set Up All The Protective Software

Before officially launching your business online, you and your staff must have anti-spyware ad anti-virus software on all company devices. Better yet, set up firewalls and data encryption as well. These tools will provide extra protection to your devices so that no hackers will be able to get their hands on private data.

If you don’t have in-house IT personnel in your company, you can outsource reputable IT services and find a cyber security company in Chicago or in your local area where your business is based. Partnering with a cyber security company will ensure your business stays updated with the latest security features.

For instance, a cyber security company will implement an endpoint protection system to block unauthorized access and malware. Endpoints are entry points of end-user devices, such as mobile phones, desktops, and laptops. Endpoint security systems aim to keep these endpoints in the cloud or on a network safe from malicious activities.

Educate Your Employees

Security threats don’t always happen online. Sometimes, your very own staff can be your biggest security risk. If some of your employees are careless in handling your business data, you’ll still be at risk of security threats, including data breaches, phishing attacks, and password attacks—even with the most reliable cybersecurity software.

So, to enhance your business security, ensure that all your employees are well-educated about the security protocols. For example, use various strong passwords for your business accounts and social media platforms. Then limit access to authorized employees only.

Another security practice is to use only company devices when accessing your business-related social media/online accounts. No employee should use their personal devices when doing or performing work-related tasks to prevent the risk of hackers finding their way to sensitive data through unprotected devices.

But if your employees use their personal devices for work, emphasize which data they’re only allowed to access. The less data they can access, the safer and more secure your business data shall be.

Backup Your Data

Backing up all your data is an effective way to protect your business from security issues too. This step is crucial, especially if you haven’t set up any security protection on your devices yet. In case you encounter a cyber incident or some computer problems, you can still access your backup data from your cloud storage, external device, or portable device like a USB stick.

If you’re backing up your data with cloud security storage, make it a habit to check and update it regularly. A cloud storage solution will use encryption to store or transfer data and provide multi-factor authentication for access.

Meanwhile, if you back up your data using portable devices, such as the USB, make sure you don’t leave it connected to any laptop or computer when you’re not around. Most importantly, avoid connecting your USB to random computers, as viruses could infect it.

Prepare A Response Plan

Although no one would want to assume the worst, which is having a cyberattack harming their business, it’s still recommended that you prepare a response plan in advance. A response plan will ensure you and your employees know exactly what to do in case of security incidents, like data leak, loss of sensitive information, or ransomware attack. The more prepared your staff is, the easier it’ll be to contain the damage since everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

Consider Cybersecurity Insurance

Typically, your general liability insurance won’t cover the damages and losses you’ve incurred from a cyberattack. However, the damages from a cyberattack can be just as devastating as robbery or fire accidents. Hence, consider getting cybersecurity insurance for your business’s protection.

Dealing with a cyberattack could lead to significant financial loss or even bankruptcy. But when you have cyber liability insurance, all the costs your business may incur to recover from the cyberattack will be covered.

Perform Regular Audits

One of the common cybersecurity mistakes some business owners make is that they automatically assume that drafting comprehensive cyber policies, training employees, and setting up security precautions will be enough to deter hackers. Unfortunately, cybercriminals continue to find ways to invade online systems and hack business data.

Therefore, it’s recommended that you perform regular audits of your cybersecurity methods to check if they’re still capable of protecting your business in the event of any new type of attack. Moreover, you should continue to monitor, revise, or improve your current perimeter protection, such as your multi-factor authentication solutions, virtual private network, and intrusion detection systems.

It’s also helpful to keep yourself in the loop with the latest types of cybersecurity threats, so you’ll know what to change or upgrade with your current cybersecurity methods.

Protect Your Customers

One of the most critical data you should protect is your customers’ information. Otherwise, if your customers’ data get lost, hacked, or compromised in any way, you could face legal consequences, and your business reputation will be permanently damaged. So, find ways to protect your customers and their data at all times, especially when they do transactions with your company.

For example, you may invest in a secured online platform where they can do transactions with you. If you accept online payments, determine which payment gateway provider is the most secure or reliable to prevent online payment fraud.

Perform Background Checks On Your Employees

Some may think this step is unnecessary, but remember that security attacks can also happen from the inside. So, even if you think you know all your employees very well, it’s still advisable to perform background checks to determine whether they have any past criminal records or are associated with any cybercriminals.

Conclusion on Security Threats

As security threats increase, businesses must stay proactive in continuously improving and tightening their security measures to protect themselves and their customers from malicious attacks. With these tips, along with the help of a reputable cyber security company, you’ll be able to prepare a strong cyber security plan and devise effective protocols.

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