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Figures deal blow to chancellor as The President tariffs hit economyView the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss says my salary research is wrong because our benefits are so great I recently received a promotion with a significant increase in job responsibilities and found myself negotiating salary for the first time in my career. My state requires salary ranges to be posted with job descriptions, so I have a good idea what other companies in our industry are offering for my role and my years of experience, and I asked for a similar amount, about 10% higher than what I was offered. My manager wanted to know how I came up with the new number, so I pointed out these job postings. She responded that the total compensation I was being offered, including benefits, was already equivalent to the amount I was asking for, so there was no need to increase the offered salary amount. I understand where she’s coming from; we have very generous benefits, including regular bonuses and multiple reimbursement programs for a variety of qualified expenses, and total compensation is a way to quantify those extra dollars. But in my mind, these benefits are not the same as guaranteed pay. Bonuses are dependent on the company’s profits, and I won’t receive the reimbursement funds unless I incur the relevant expenses. Not to mention that the market rates I’m researching are base salary and I don’t have any way of knowing what the dollar value of another company’s benefits would be for a more equivalent comparison. Is this normal to consider total compensation when negotiating a salary? Am I too focused on the base salary number? I generally consider benefits as more of a happiness boost than a monetary boost (and this is the first time I’ve had benefits that result in me receiving cash payouts), so maybe I need to adjust my mindset. But I feel like my manager is using the company’s benefits package to justify giving me a salary that is below market rate. I’m wondering how I can approach this better at my next salary review. Ha, no, the value of your benefits package isn’t supposed to be used like that. Your boss is comparing salary plus benefits at your current company to salary alone at another; it’s apples and oranges (or cash and scones?). For all we know, the other companies’ benefits packages could be the same or better than your company’s is! It sure is convenient for her to use that to swat away the comparisons, but it’s not at all accurate to do that. Bonuses could be an exception to that if your bonuses are extremely reliable (although still not ideal for the reasons you point out), but “we reimburse a lot of expenses that you may or may not incur”? No. The next time this comes up, you could say, “I appreciate our benefits, but ultimately salary is the most important piece of compensation for me, and that’s what I’m focused on.” You could add, “I can’t include the value of our benefits package without comparing it to the value of theirs.” (And really, she’s practically begging you to go out and learn more about what the competition is offering.) Related: can I include the value of my benefits when I talk about my current salary? 2. Can you call out sick for flight anxiety? This is a hypothetical, but it almost happened. I just had a weekend social obligation in another city that required two flights each way. (These were domestic flights within the U.S.; my local airport doesn’t have direct connections to the destination city.) At the gate for the first flight back home, I was feeling very anxious about the flight and almost bailed to rent a car and drive back. If I had done this, I would’ve had to miss one day of work. Ironically, that flight ended up being super smooth. But if I had gone with my idea, would I have legitimately been able to call out with a sick day, on the grounds that flight anxiety is anxiety and therefore a mental illness? In theory, in a perfect world where everyone understands anxiety and there’s no stigma around mental health? Sure. It should qualify. In this world, though, the wiser move in a lot of organizations would have been to just say your travel arrangements got messed up, you were having to rent a car to get back, and you’d need to use an additional day of vacation to do it. 3. My boss won’t let me send client reports until he reads them, but he never reads them My boss is generally fantastic and supports my professional growth and allows me flexibility in working hours and leeway to manage my clients as best I see fit. However, he has one frustrating area of micromanagement that is causing me workflow issues and I don’t know how to move forward. Our organization’s clients receive quarterly reports on the performance of their products, which I spend about a day each quarter compiling. My boss insists on seeing the reports before I send them to clients. This is despite me never having an error that needs correcting in the five years I’ve worked here. The issue is that he is swamped and it takes him forever to get round to checking and approving the reports. Currently, he hasn’t yet looked at my 2024 Q4 reports, and the Q1 reports for 2025 are now also waiting for him to check. When I finish a report, I email him with a link to where it’s saved. I remind him about checking the reports at least twice a week in our standing meetings, and he says he’ll do it that day but gets distracted by more urgent priorities and the client reports get pushed to the bottom of the pile. My clients have been asking for the 2024 Q4 reports for a couple months now and I have been giving them vague promises of “soon.” Telling clients that the reports are ready but I’m not allowed to send them until I get my manager’s approval makes me sound incompetent. However, being months late sending the reports also seems unprofessional. Every time I finish the quarterly reports, I ask if I can send them to clients, and every time he says “I want to do a quick read-through” and then sits on the reports for months. Do you have any advice on how I could do things differently to get a quicker response? Going to his boss feels like a nuclear option as they’re very senior. I don’t want to stop doing the reports as the clients like them and I find it a useful exercise to see how the products are performing. I just want to send them out reasonably soon after the quarter ends! Have you laid out for your boss that clients keep asking for the reports and you’re concerned it looks bad to keep delaying and then never send them? If not, do that! And then say, “Since I’ve never had an error in the reports in the five years you’ve been looking them over, could our system be that you’ll have a week to look them over, but then I’ll send them at that point if I haven’t heard back from you? I could give you a heads-up the day before. Otherwise they’re not getting to clients in enough time for them to be useful, and I worry we’re making ourselves look bad by delaying them when people keep asking for them.” If he doesn’t like that, could you pull the latest report out in your standing meeting and ask him to go over it with you right then and there so you can put it to bed? 4. I flamed out at my last job, but there were mitigating circumstances — can I apply again? I worked for two years at one of the largest and best employers in my field. During my first year, I did well: received good feedback from managers, got good reviews, had my contract renewed for a second year. During my second year, things took a turn: I struggled, got assigned a new manager in case that would help, was put on a PIP, and ultimately let go. The thing is, there were mitigating circumstances. Starting right at the year mark, I had a series of crises: three pregnancy losses, a surgery, and then a flare-up of a chronic condition so severe that I had to take leave to get treatment. Needless to say, this drastically impacted my work performance, and though my bosses knew what was going on and gave me some grace, I wasn’t able to do enough to mitigate the damage, and they let me go. The good news is, I did get treatment — and what’s more, got an actual diagnosis (which I’d never had before) and got medicated, also for the first time. The difference is night and day. I didn’t realize how much my chronic condition had been impacting my work performance until suddenly it wasn’t any more. In my new job, I’m excelling again, and it feels easy in a way it never has before. I’d like to apply for a role with this org again. I know from reading your site that the phrasing “had some health challenges that have since been dealt with” can go a long way towards explaining resume gaps. But as I understand it, that’s usually done in interviews. Is there a similar way to professionally bring up this situation in my cover letter as a way of basically saying, “Yes, I know my records show I was let go, but the situation was very circumstantial and truly won’t happen again”? Having been a hiring manager, I understand not wanting to take a risk on a candidate with a poor internal record, but as an applicant, I’d love to be considered for the role given that I’m now in a very different life situation and the difficult circumstances are unlikely to happen again. It’s pretty hard to apply at an organization that fired you for poor performance (despite the mitigating circumstances!) so I wouldn’t rely on a cold application and an explanation in your cover letter. Instead, can you get in touch with your last manager there and share the situation? You don’t need to get into private health details but a general description of what happened, that it’s now resolved, and how well you’ve been doing since might go a long way. You can then say you’d love to come back but understand the previous situation might be an obstacle to that, and do they have any advice on whether, given the circumstances, there might be a way to be considered again? They might or might not be able to help, but that’s going to give you a better shot than just applying cold will do (and that manager will definitely be asked about you at some point if you did get considered, so you might as well talk with them and get them briefed ahead of time anyway). Good luck! 5. Employer wants to photocopy my Social Security card As part of a starting a recent job, I went through the usual onboarding processes. I’m aware the purpose of the I-9 form is to verify eligibility to work in the United States. My understanding is, and always has been, that presenting these ID’s is sufficient to meet the requirements of the I-9. Recently, I was asked to provide a photocopy of my Social Security card. The HR person was vague when questioned, only saying, “For company security reasons.” They apparently keep a filing cabinet with these. This is questionable to me and possibly a security risk. Is it legal for a company to request and keep photocopies of sensitive documents such as these? Yes, it’s legal and not uncommon. Many employers keep copies so that if they’re ever audited, they can show that they did in fact check your documents and record the information correctly. The government’s guidance to employers on this says, “You may make copies (or electronic images) of the documentation you reviewed, but must return original documentation to the employee. If you make copies, they should be made consistently for all new hires and reverified employees, regardless of national origin, citizenship, or immigration status, or you may violate anti-discrimination laws.” They’re also required to keep the copies as secure as the I-9 itself. For what it’s worth, a photocopy of your Social Security card doesn’t really make you more vulnerable to identity theft than the I-9 itself does, since an identity thief only needs your card number, not an image of the actual card (and that number gets recorded on the I-9). View the full article

Christopher Willcox tasked with rebuilding wholesale business in wake of $2.9bn Archegos debacleView the full article

The accountancy plans to buy more than half a dozen sister firms in a PE-fuelled spree across Europe and the Middle East View the full article

More than £450mn used for obtaining permission for road tunnel scheme View the full article

A component levy on foreign-made semiconductors would function as a major tax increase on electronics sold in AmericaView the full article

Sweeping funding cuts threaten to undermine the innovation that has been a central part of US economic strength for decadesView the full article

The U.S. small business market maintained steady momentum in the first quarter of 2025, according to BizBuySell’s latest Insight Report, with 2,368 businesses sold and a total enterprise value exceeding $2 billion—a 9% increase over Q1 2024. Despite looming uncertainty surrounding new tariffs, deal volume grew 2% quarter-over-quarter, as buyers pursued high-performing businesses and prices climbed 4% to a median sale price of $349,000. Following a dip at the end of 2024, transactions rebounded in January, climbing 4% amid optimism over anticipated tax cuts, lower interest rates, and deregulation. However, policy uncertainty under the new administration soon tempered that momentum. Transactions slowed by 5% in February and 2% in March, while median time on market increased 15% year-over-year to 198 days. “Q1 of 2025 definitely picked up speed compared to Q4 of last year… Overall, Q1 felt more energized and productive, and it’s looking like a great start to a big year,” said Charles Patawaran of Gatsby Advisors Brokerage. Tariff announcements from President The President triggered concern among buyers and sellers, particularly in import-reliant industries. “Tariff announcements have added a layer of uncertainty for both buyers and sellers,” said Kinzie Jones of Sunbelt Business Advisors. Despite delays, buyer demand remained strong. Median cash flow rose 6% to $160,000 and revenue increased 3% to $700,000. Buyers gravitated toward recession-resistant and high-margin businesses. “If a seller has a stable or growing business… that business will be a rocket ship on the market,” said Max Friar of Calder Capital. Tariffs were viewed as both risk and opportunity. “Buyers may find good opportunities when a business has pricing power and can easily pass on the impact of tariffs,” said Vipin Singh of Murphy Business Sales. Among surveyed business owners, 37% reported increased costs due to tariffs. Of those, 57% passed costs on to customers, and 46% saw reduced sales. Twenty-six percent reported lower profitability, while 34% said it was too early to assess full impact. “The uncertainty about tariffs and policy is far worse than the actual impact of them,” said Ryan Hemmert of Washington Business Brokers. Manufacturing saw notable growth amid reshoring trends. Median sale prices in the sector surged 54% to over $1 million, with cash flow and revenue up over 50% year-over-year. New tariffs on steel and aluminum contributed to the shift. “High demand for domestic manufacturing capacity… led to significantly more deals,” said Raymond P. Dowd of PNW Business Brokers. The service sector also saw a modest 2% gain in closed deals but reported 5% declines in both sale price and revenue. Essential services like healthcare and auto repair remained in demand. “[Tariffs] have created nervousness and uncertainty. Buyers are looking for service businesses not as likely to be impacted,” said Art Warsoff of Transworld Business Advisors. Retail and restaurant sectors continued to struggle under consumer cutbacks. Restaurant transactions dropped 4% while retail fell 7%, with both sectors reporting lower financials. However, some buyers saw this as opportunity. “I think in this year there will be great opportunities… that’s managerially broken that I can fix,” said James Williams, a buyer in South Carolina. Seller financing emerged as a critical tool for dealmaking. While 62% of brokers see it as very important, only 19% of sellers intend to offer it. “Seller financing is uncertainty’s friend, and we live in uncertain times,” said Max Friar. Looking ahead, BizBuySell reports that economic uncertainty and recession concerns are shaping buyer and seller strategies in 2025. However, a surge of retiring business owners and adaptable buyers are expected to keep the market active. “Now is an excellent time to sell,” said Friar. “Values are at their peak, take advantage of that,” added Katrina Loftin of M&A Business Advisors. As the year unfolds, the Insight Report suggests preparation, adaptability, and awareness of industry dynamics will be essential for both buyers and sellers navigating a complex market environment. Image: BizBuySell This article, "Small Business Sales Hold Steady in Q1 Amid Rising Prices and Tariff Concerns, BizBuySell Reports" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. small business market maintained steady momentum in the first quarter of 2025, according to BizBuySell’s latest Insight Report, with 2,368 businesses sold and a total enterprise value exceeding $2 billion—a 9% increase over Q1 2024. Despite looming uncertainty surrounding new tariffs, deal volume grew 2% quarter-over-quarter, as buyers pursued high-performing businesses and prices climbed 4% to a median sale price of $349,000. Following a dip at the end of 2024, transactions rebounded in January, climbing 4% amid optimism over anticipated tax cuts, lower interest rates, and deregulation. However, policy uncertainty under the new administration soon tempered that momentum. Transactions slowed by 5% in February and 2% in March, while median time on market increased 15% year-over-year to 198 days. “Q1 of 2025 definitely picked up speed compared to Q4 of last year… Overall, Q1 felt more energized and productive, and it’s looking like a great start to a big year,” said Charles Patawaran of Gatsby Advisors Brokerage. Tariff announcements from President The President triggered concern among buyers and sellers, particularly in import-reliant industries. “Tariff announcements have added a layer of uncertainty for both buyers and sellers,” said Kinzie Jones of Sunbelt Business Advisors. Despite delays, buyer demand remained strong. Median cash flow rose 6% to $160,000 and revenue increased 3% to $700,000. Buyers gravitated toward recession-resistant and high-margin businesses. “If a seller has a stable or growing business… that business will be a rocket ship on the market,” said Max Friar of Calder Capital. Tariffs were viewed as both risk and opportunity. “Buyers may find good opportunities when a business has pricing power and can easily pass on the impact of tariffs,” said Vipin Singh of Murphy Business Sales. Among surveyed business owners, 37% reported increased costs due to tariffs. Of those, 57% passed costs on to customers, and 46% saw reduced sales. Twenty-six percent reported lower profitability, while 34% said it was too early to assess full impact. “The uncertainty about tariffs and policy is far worse than the actual impact of them,” said Ryan Hemmert of Washington Business Brokers. Manufacturing saw notable growth amid reshoring trends. Median sale prices in the sector surged 54% to over $1 million, with cash flow and revenue up over 50% year-over-year. New tariffs on steel and aluminum contributed to the shift. “High demand for domestic manufacturing capacity… led to significantly more deals,” said Raymond P. Dowd of PNW Business Brokers. The service sector also saw a modest 2% gain in closed deals but reported 5% declines in both sale price and revenue. Essential services like healthcare and auto repair remained in demand. “[Tariffs] have created nervousness and uncertainty. Buyers are looking for service businesses not as likely to be impacted,” said Art Warsoff of Transworld Business Advisors. Retail and restaurant sectors continued to struggle under consumer cutbacks. Restaurant transactions dropped 4% while retail fell 7%, with both sectors reporting lower financials. However, some buyers saw this as opportunity. “I think in this year there will be great opportunities… that’s managerially broken that I can fix,” said James Williams, a buyer in South Carolina. Seller financing emerged as a critical tool for dealmaking. While 62% of brokers see it as very important, only 19% of sellers intend to offer it. “Seller financing is uncertainty’s friend, and we live in uncertain times,” said Max Friar. Looking ahead, BizBuySell reports that economic uncertainty and recession concerns are shaping buyer and seller strategies in 2025. However, a surge of retiring business owners and adaptable buyers are expected to keep the market active. “Now is an excellent time to sell,” said Friar. “Values are at their peak, take advantage of that,” added Katrina Loftin of M&A Business Advisors. As the year unfolds, the Insight Report suggests preparation, adaptability, and awareness of industry dynamics will be essential for both buyers and sellers navigating a complex market environment. Image: BizBuySell This article, "Small Business Sales Hold Steady in Q1 Amid Rising Prices and Tariff Concerns, BizBuySell Reports" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Just a few months into Donald The President’s second term, are the manosphere influencers who championed him already starting to backpedal? In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, host Joe Rogan raised concerns about the president’s decision to send undocumented immigrants directly to El Salvador’s mega-prisons—without trial, lawyers, or, as critics argue, any semblance of due process. “What if you are an enemy of, let’s not say any current president. Let’s pretend we got a new president, totally new guy in 2028, and this is a common practice now of just rounding up gang members with no due process and shipping them to El Salvador, ‘you’re a gang member.’ ‘No, I’m not.’ ‘Prove it.’ ‘What? I got to go to court.’ ‘No. No due process,’” said Rogan. “We gotta be careful we don’t become monsters, while fighting monsters.” For those who had been sounding the alarm during The President’s campaign, it was a painful watch. “Watching Joe Rogan figure this shit out in real time is painful,” one commenter wrote. “That ol’ ‘Even a broken clock is right twice a day’ idiom comes to mind,” another added. As one Reddit comment pointed out, “Why does he need to use a hypothetical president to make this point? This entire commentary describes the current administration.” This election cycle, The President owes at least part of his victory to Rogan and other manosphere influencers who endorsed him. After hosting the now-president on The Joe Rogan Experience—in what became one of the most-watched podcast episodes of all time, with 58 million views at the time of writing—Rogan followed up with a full-throated endorsement just one day before the 2024 election. Are we now seeing the first cracks appear? Rogan isn’t the only vocal The President supporter expressing unease in recent weeks. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who publicly backed The President during the campaign, voiced frustration after the president’s rollout of sweeping tariffs sent markets into a nosedive. Portnoy claimed he lost $7 million in the aftermath. “So, The President rolls out the tariffs, right?” Portnoy said in a livestream posted April 7. “This is a decision that one guy made that crashed the whole stock market. That’s why we’re calling it ‘Orange Monday’ and not ‘Black Monday.’” Just days earlier, Portnoy had reaffirmed his support for The President. “I voted for The President, I think he’s a smart guy,” he said in a clip. “I also think he’s playing a high-stakes game here. I’m gonna roll with him for a couple days, a couple weeks, see how this pans out.” By Monday, he said his estimated losses had climbed to $20 million. View the full article

Key Takeaways Enhanced Safety: Hiring security guards significantly improves safety by deterring crime, managing emergencies, and maintaining a secure environment for both employees and customers. Types of Guards: Understand the differences between unarmed and armed security guards to choose the right personnel based on your specific security needs. Employee Motivation: A secure workplace fosters higher employee motivation and engagement, leading to improved performance and reduced turnover. Qualifications Matter: Prioritize candidates with appropriate training and certifications, ensuring they are qualified to handle various security scenarios effectively. Thorough Screening: Conduct comprehensive background checks to ensure you hire experienced and reliable security personnel who can contribute to a safe environment. Compliance and Reputation: Investing in security guards supports compliance with labor laws and enhances your business’s reputation, ultimately helping mitigate liability risks. When it comes to safeguarding your property and ensuring peace of mind, hiring security guards is a crucial step. Whether you’re a business owner, event planner, or homeowner, having trained professionals on-site can make all the difference in deterring crime and handling emergencies. Security guards not only protect your assets but also enhance the overall safety of your environment. Their presence alone can discourage potential threats while providing a sense of security for employees and customers alike. In a world where safety concerns are ever-increasing, understanding how to choose the right security personnel is essential for your peace of mind. Importance Of Hiring Security Guards Hiring security guards plays a critical role in safeguarding your small business. Trained security personnel manage emergencies, deter crime, and enhance overall safety for your workplace. Their professional presence instills confidence in your employees and provides reassurance to your customers. Security guards protect your assets while fostering a secure environment, a vital aspect of employee retention and satisfaction. When employees feel safe, their motivation and engagement increase, leading to better performance and productivity. A secure workplace culture reduces staff turnover and promotes employee loyalty, positively impacting your business growth. Incorporating security guards into your staffing solutions demonstrates a commitment to safety. This proactive approach aligns with effective workforce planning, ensuring that your employees can focus on their roles without concern for their safety. Utilizing trained professionals from a reputable staffing agency streamlines the recruitment process, allowing you to access a diverse talent pool. Hiring security guards also serves as a key component of your HR policies. Establishing clear job descriptions and expectations for security personnel contributes to effective onboarding and training, enabling them to integrate seamlessly into your team. Regular performance reviews ensure accountability and encourage continuous improvement in workplace security. Investing in security personnel supports compliance with labor laws, enhancing your reputation and mitigating liability risks. Ultimately, prioritizing the hiring of security guards not only protects your business but also contributes to a thriving, secure work environment. Types Of Security Guards Understanding the different types of security guards is essential when hiring for your small business. Each type has distinct roles that address specific security needs, ensuring the protection of your assets and employees. Unarmed Security Guards Unarmed security guards are ideal for low-to-moderate risk environments such as malls, schools, and hospitals. Their primary responsibilities include: Patrolling locations to maintain a visible presence. Monitoring surveillance systems for suspicious activities. Controlling access to restricted areas. Enforcing company policies and procedures. Responding to incidents promptly. Unarmed guards facilitate crowd control and conduct searches as needed. Although they lack weapons, their presence alone offers significant deterrence against crime. Additionally, they maintain thorough records of occurrences and anomalies, which strengthens overall safety. Armed Security Guards Armed security guards are necessary for high-risk environments where threats are elevated. Their duties often encompass: Carrying firearms or other weapons to deter criminal activity. Responding to emergencies with a higher level of preparedness. Conducting thorough security assessments of facilities. Collaborating with law enforcement as needed. Hiring armed security guards requires careful consideration of your staffing requirements, as they undergo extensive training and background checks. Maintaining compliance with labor laws and ensuring proper onboarding is vital due to the nature of their roles. While this option presents flexibility for full-time or part-time employees, addressing employee management and potential staff turnover effectively aligns with your overall workforce planning. Incorporating guards into your security strategy enhances workplace culture and levels of employee engagement, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for everyone involved. Benefits Of Hiring Security Guards Hiring security guards brings various advantages that can enhance your small business environment. They contribute to a safer space for employees and customers, fostering a productive workplace culture. Crime Deterrence The presence of security guards significantly deters potential criminals. Criminals often hesitate to target your business if they know trained personnel monitor the area. Local security firms bring invaluable knowledge of the community, further enhancing this deterrent effect. For businesses with heightened security concerns, armed security guards provide an additional layer of protection. Their presence creates a substantial risk for would-be offenders, making your business a less attractive target. Enhanced Safety Security guards play a vital role in protecting your assets and employees. They take proactive measures to prevent vandalism and theft while swiftly addressing suspicious activities. By monitoring premises, they spot potential threats before they escalate, ensuring safety for everyone in your establishment. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also boosts employee motivation and engagement. When employees feel secure, they’re more likely to focus on their roles without safety concerns, positively impacting job satisfaction and overall workplace culture. Factors To Consider When Hiring Security Guards Hiring security guards involves several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of your security strategy. Focus on these elements to ensure you select the right personnel for your small business needs. Qualifications And Training Prioritize candidates with relevant qualifications and specialized training in security practices. Look for certifications that demonstrate their expertise in areas like crowd control, emergency response, and conflict resolution. A well-trained guard contributes significantly to workplace safety, ultimately increasing employee satisfaction and enhancing your overall workplace culture. Experience And Background Checks Evaluate candidates’ experience levels and conduct thorough background checks. Experienced security guards understand various scenarios and can effectively manage threats. Implement a recruitment strategy that emphasizes candidate screening, including verification of past employment and references. This process ensures you hire reliable personnel who meet your staffing requirements and comply with labor laws, which aligns with your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for employees and customers. Conclusion Hiring security guards is a vital step in creating a safe and secure environment for your business or event. With the right personnel in place you not only protect your assets but also foster a culture of safety that enhances employee morale and customer trust. Understanding the specific needs of your environment allows you to choose the appropriate type of security guard whether armed or unarmed. This strategic decision contributes significantly to deterring crime and managing emergencies effectively. By prioritizing the hiring process and ensuring that your security team is well-trained and qualified you’re investing in the long-term safety and success of your organization. A commitment to security not only safeguards your premises but also supports a thriving workplace culture. Frequently Asked Questions Why should I hire security guards for my business? Hiring security guards can significantly improve the safety of your business by deterring crime, managing emergencies, and providing a sense of security for employees and customers. Their professional presence fosters a safe workplace culture, enhancing employee motivation and customer trust. What types of security guards are available? There are primarily two types of security guards: unarmed and armed. Unarmed guards are ideal for low-to-moderate risk environments, while armed guards are suitable for high-risk situations. Understanding your specific security needs will help you choose the right personnel. How do security guards contribute to workplace safety? Security guards enhance workplace safety by monitoring the environment, controlling access, and responding swiftly to incidents. Their proactive approach helps prevent vandalism, theft, and other security threats, creating a safer atmosphere for employees and customers. What qualifications should I look for in security guards? When hiring security guards, prioritize candidates with relevant certifications in crowd control, emergency response, and conflict resolution. Thorough background checks and experience evaluations are also essential to ensure you hire reliable and compliant personnel. How can security guards help improve employee satisfaction? The presence of security guards creates a safe work environment, which contributes to higher employee satisfaction and motivation. By minimizing safety concerns, employees can focus on their roles, leading to improved productivity and reduced turnover. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Guide to Hiring Security Guards for a Safe and Secure Environment" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Enhanced Safety: Hiring security guards significantly improves safety by deterring crime, managing emergencies, and maintaining a secure environment for both employees and customers. Types of Guards: Understand the differences between unarmed and armed security guards to choose the right personnel based on your specific security needs. Employee Motivation: A secure workplace fosters higher employee motivation and engagement, leading to improved performance and reduced turnover. Qualifications Matter: Prioritize candidates with appropriate training and certifications, ensuring they are qualified to handle various security scenarios effectively. Thorough Screening: Conduct comprehensive background checks to ensure you hire experienced and reliable security personnel who can contribute to a safe environment. Compliance and Reputation: Investing in security guards supports compliance with labor laws and enhances your business’s reputation, ultimately helping mitigate liability risks. When it comes to safeguarding your property and ensuring peace of mind, hiring security guards is a crucial step. Whether you’re a business owner, event planner, or homeowner, having trained professionals on-site can make all the difference in deterring crime and handling emergencies. Security guards not only protect your assets but also enhance the overall safety of your environment. Their presence alone can discourage potential threats while providing a sense of security for employees and customers alike. In a world where safety concerns are ever-increasing, understanding how to choose the right security personnel is essential for your peace of mind. Importance Of Hiring Security Guards Hiring security guards plays a critical role in safeguarding your small business. Trained security personnel manage emergencies, deter crime, and enhance overall safety for your workplace. Their professional presence instills confidence in your employees and provides reassurance to your customers. Security guards protect your assets while fostering a secure environment, a vital aspect of employee retention and satisfaction. When employees feel safe, their motivation and engagement increase, leading to better performance and productivity. A secure workplace culture reduces staff turnover and promotes employee loyalty, positively impacting your business growth. Incorporating security guards into your staffing solutions demonstrates a commitment to safety. This proactive approach aligns with effective workforce planning, ensuring that your employees can focus on their roles without concern for their safety. Utilizing trained professionals from a reputable staffing agency streamlines the recruitment process, allowing you to access a diverse talent pool. Hiring security guards also serves as a key component of your HR policies. Establishing clear job descriptions and expectations for security personnel contributes to effective onboarding and training, enabling them to integrate seamlessly into your team. Regular performance reviews ensure accountability and encourage continuous improvement in workplace security. Investing in security personnel supports compliance with labor laws, enhancing your reputation and mitigating liability risks. Ultimately, prioritizing the hiring of security guards not only protects your business but also contributes to a thriving, secure work environment. Types Of Security Guards Understanding the different types of security guards is essential when hiring for your small business. Each type has distinct roles that address specific security needs, ensuring the protection of your assets and employees. Unarmed Security Guards Unarmed security guards are ideal for low-to-moderate risk environments such as malls, schools, and hospitals. Their primary responsibilities include: Patrolling locations to maintain a visible presence. Monitoring surveillance systems for suspicious activities. Controlling access to restricted areas. Enforcing company policies and procedures. Responding to incidents promptly. Unarmed guards facilitate crowd control and conduct searches as needed. Although they lack weapons, their presence alone offers significant deterrence against crime. Additionally, they maintain thorough records of occurrences and anomalies, which strengthens overall safety. Armed Security Guards Armed security guards are necessary for high-risk environments where threats are elevated. Their duties often encompass: Carrying firearms or other weapons to deter criminal activity. Responding to emergencies with a higher level of preparedness. Conducting thorough security assessments of facilities. Collaborating with law enforcement as needed. Hiring armed security guards requires careful consideration of your staffing requirements, as they undergo extensive training and background checks. Maintaining compliance with labor laws and ensuring proper onboarding is vital due to the nature of their roles. While this option presents flexibility for full-time or part-time employees, addressing employee management and potential staff turnover effectively aligns with your overall workforce planning. Incorporating guards into your security strategy enhances workplace culture and levels of employee engagement, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for everyone involved. Benefits Of Hiring Security Guards Hiring security guards brings various advantages that can enhance your small business environment. They contribute to a safer space for employees and customers, fostering a productive workplace culture. Crime Deterrence The presence of security guards significantly deters potential criminals. Criminals often hesitate to target your business if they know trained personnel monitor the area. Local security firms bring invaluable knowledge of the community, further enhancing this deterrent effect. For businesses with heightened security concerns, armed security guards provide an additional layer of protection. Their presence creates a substantial risk for would-be offenders, making your business a less attractive target. Enhanced Safety Security guards play a vital role in protecting your assets and employees. They take proactive measures to prevent vandalism and theft while swiftly addressing suspicious activities. By monitoring premises, they spot potential threats before they escalate, ensuring safety for everyone in your establishment. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also boosts employee motivation and engagement. When employees feel secure, they’re more likely to focus on their roles without safety concerns, positively impacting job satisfaction and overall workplace culture. Factors To Consider When Hiring Security Guards Hiring security guards involves several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of your security strategy. Focus on these elements to ensure you select the right personnel for your small business needs. Qualifications And Training Prioritize candidates with relevant qualifications and specialized training in security practices. Look for certifications that demonstrate their expertise in areas like crowd control, emergency response, and conflict resolution. A well-trained guard contributes significantly to workplace safety, ultimately increasing employee satisfaction and enhancing your overall workplace culture. Experience And Background Checks Evaluate candidates’ experience levels and conduct thorough background checks. Experienced security guards understand various scenarios and can effectively manage threats. Implement a recruitment strategy that emphasizes candidate screening, including verification of past employment and references. This process ensures you hire reliable personnel who meet your staffing requirements and comply with labor laws, which aligns with your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for employees and customers. Conclusion Hiring security guards is a vital step in creating a safe and secure environment for your business or event. With the right personnel in place you not only protect your assets but also foster a culture of safety that enhances employee morale and customer trust. Understanding the specific needs of your environment allows you to choose the appropriate type of security guard whether armed or unarmed. This strategic decision contributes significantly to deterring crime and managing emergencies effectively. By prioritizing the hiring process and ensuring that your security team is well-trained and qualified you’re investing in the long-term safety and success of your organization. A commitment to security not only safeguards your premises but also supports a thriving workplace culture. Frequently Asked Questions Why should I hire security guards for my business? Hiring security guards can significantly improve the safety of your business by deterring crime, managing emergencies, and providing a sense of security for employees and customers. Their professional presence fosters a safe workplace culture, enhancing employee motivation and customer trust. What types of security guards are available? There are primarily two types of security guards: unarmed and armed. Unarmed guards are ideal for low-to-moderate risk environments, while armed guards are suitable for high-risk situations. Understanding your specific security needs will help you choose the right personnel. How do security guards contribute to workplace safety? Security guards enhance workplace safety by monitoring the environment, controlling access, and responding swiftly to incidents. Their proactive approach helps prevent vandalism, theft, and other security threats, creating a safer atmosphere for employees and customers. What qualifications should I look for in security guards? When hiring security guards, prioritize candidates with relevant certifications in crowd control, emergency response, and conflict resolution. Thorough background checks and experience evaluations are also essential to ensure you hire reliable and compliant personnel. How can security guards help improve employee satisfaction? The presence of security guards creates a safe work environment, which contributes to higher employee satisfaction and motivation. By minimizing safety concerns, employees can focus on their roles, leading to improved productivity and reduced turnover. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Guide to Hiring Security Guards for a Safe and Secure Environment" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Incorporation Basics: Incorporating your business establishes it as a separate legal entity, affecting liability, taxes, and growth potential; choose the structure that best fits your needs (LLC, corporation, etc.). Financial Organization: Open a corporate bank account to separate personal and business finances, simplify tax preparation, and enhance business credibility. Tax Compliance: Understand and meet your tax obligations by obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and keeping accurate records to avoid penalties. Ongoing Compliance: Maintain proper records, conduct annual meetings, and file necessary reports to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, essential for continuing your corporate status. Liability Protection: Enjoy the benefits of limited liability protection, which safeguards your personal assets from business-related risks and liabilities. Funding and Credibility: Incorporation enhances your business’s credibility, making it more attractive to investors and providing access to various funding opportunities. Incorporating a business is just the first step on your entrepreneurial journey. Once you’ve taken this leap, a new world of responsibilities and opportunities opens up. Understanding what comes next is crucial for your success and growth. From managing your finances to navigating legal requirements, you’ll need to adapt to a new way of operating. Whether it’s setting up a corporate bank account or ensuring compliance with state regulations, each decision you make shapes the future of your business. Embrace this exciting phase, and let’s explore the essential steps you should take after incorporating your business to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Understanding The Incorporation Process Incorporating a business introduces significant changes, including new responsibilities and opportunities. Understanding the incorporation process will help you navigate these changes effectively. What It Means To Incorporate Incorporation means creating a legal entity separate from its owners. Options include LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), corporations, and partnerships. Each structure affects your taxes, liability, and growth potential. For example, a corporation offers liability protection but comes with more regulations. Recognizing these differences will help you choose the right legal structure for your startup. Key Steps In The Incorporation Process Choose Your Business Structure: Decide between an LLC, corporation, or other options based on your business model and goals. Select a Business Name: Ensure the name aligns with your branding and is unique in your state. Check for trademark conflicts to protect your intellectual property. File Articles of Incorporation: Submit the required documents to your state, including details about your business, its purpose, and structure. Create By-Laws: Draft by-laws that govern your business operations, including meeting protocols, voting processes, and roles of officers. Obtain an EIN: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes. This number is essential for opening a corporate bank account and hiring employees. Open a Corporate Bank Account: Separate personal and business finances to ensure clear cash flow management and accounting. Comply With State Regulations: Stay informed about ongoing compliance requirements, including permits or licenses specific to your business type. Establish a Record-Keeping System: Implement an accounting method to track income, expenses, and perform tax reporting efficiently. By understanding the incorporation process and its key steps, you’ll position your small business for success in the competitive market. Immediate Considerations After Incorporating A Business After incorporating a business, you face important tasks that ensure compliance with legal and operational requirements. Addressing these immediately sets a solid foundation for your small business. Setting Up A Business Bank Account Opening a separate business bank account is essential for maintaining clear distinctions between personal and business finances. This practice not only simplifies tax preparation but also keeps accurate financial records. Make sure that the bank account is registered in the corporation’s name, and list all authorized officers as signatories. Many banks offer options specifically tailored for small businesses, which can provide additional services like bookkeeping or access to loans that facilitate your growth strategy. Understanding Tax Obligations Understanding your tax obligations is critical for long-term success. First, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you haven’t yet. This number identifies your business for tax purposes and is required before hiring employees or opening a business bank account. Accurate record-keeping aids in managing accounting needs and staying compliant with tax laws. Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with local, state, and federal tax obligations can help avoid penalties and streamline financial planning for your small business. Consider consulting with a tax advisor or accountant to navigate these complexities effectively. Ongoing Compliance Requirements After incorporating a business, you face ongoing compliance requirements to maintain your company’s legal status and avoid penalties. Understanding these requirements ensures smooth operations and compliance with regulations. Keeping Records And Filing Reports You must keep accurate records and file reports regularly. Maintaining statutory registers such as the Register of Directors and Register of Members is essential for compliance. In India, these records undergo regulatory audits and inspections as stipulated under the Companies Act, 2013. Additionally, you must have proper books of accounts, which accurately reflect your financial situation. This requirement applies to all types of companies, including corporations and LLCs. Regular filing of financial statements and other reports ensures adherence to tax obligations and regulatory standards. Annual Meetings And Documentation Conducting annual meetings is a vital part of compliance for incorporated businesses. These meetings allow you to discuss strategic decisions, review performance, and address any functional issues. Proper documentation of these meetings, including minutes, is crucial for maintaining legal integrity. Ensure you follow state guidelines regarding the timing and structure of these meetings. Documentation also serves as a record for stakeholders and investors, reinforcing transparency. By adhering to these practices, you can position your business for continued growth and success. Benefits Of Incorporating Incorporating your business offers various significant benefits that can enhance your startup’s sustainability and growth potential. This legal structure is vital for protecting your interests and improving your credibility in the marketplace. Limited Liability Protection Limited liability protection acts as a safety net for your personal assets. Incorporation creates a distinct legal entity separate from you as the owner. This separation means that in case of business liabilities—like debts or lawsuits—creditors can only target corporate assets. Your home, car, and personal savings remain shielded from business-related risks. Shareholders enjoy this protection, ensuring that personal financial stability isn’t jeopardized by corporate obligations. Increased Credibility And Funding Opportunities Incorporation increases your small business’s credibility with customers, suppliers, and financial institutions. Operating as a corporation or LLC signals professionalism and commitment. This setup also opens doors to various funding options. Many investors, including angel investors and venture capitalists, prefer to invest in incorporated entities due to the legal protections involved. Incorporation enhances your chances of securing business grants, loans, and other financial resources, fueling your growth strategy and helping you develop a robust business model. Additionally, this credibility can attract potential partnerships and collaborations, essential for market penetration and expanding your target audience. Common Challenges Faced After Incorporation After incorporating, several challenges arise that require your attention as a small business owner. Addressing these challenges effectively helps you establish a solid foundation for your venture. Navigating Legal Requirements Navigating legal requirements involves ensuring compliance with local and state regulations. You must obtain the necessary licenses and permits specific to your business type. Ignoring these legalities can lead to costly fines or penalties. Maintaining your LLC or corporate status is equally vital. You must file annual reports, pay franchise taxes, and submit beneficial ownership information according to state and federal mandates. Managing Business Operations Effectively Managing business operations effectively entails coordinating various aspects, including finance, marketing, and employee management. Maintaining accurate accounting practices is crucial for tracking expenses and cash flow. Developing a strong business model helps you identify your target audience and align your operations accordingly. Implementing a growth strategy can drive customer acquisition efforts, enhance sales, and improve profit margins. Prioritizing customer service reinforces your brand image and builds loyalty, essential for long-term success in a competitive market. Conclusion Embracing the journey after incorporating your business sets the stage for future success. By managing your finances and adhering to legal requirements, you create a solid foundation for growth. Remember to keep your business operations organized and compliant, as this not only protects your assets but also enhances your credibility in the market. As you navigate this new phase, focus on implementing effective strategies that prioritize customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. This proactive approach will help you build a thriving enterprise that stands out in today’s competitive landscape. Frequently Asked Questions What should I do first after incorporating my business? After incorporating your business, the first step is to open a corporate bank account. This ensures a clear separation between your personal and business finances, which simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation. Why is it important to set up an Employer Identification Number (EIN)? Obtaining an EIN is crucial for tax purposes. It allows you to hire employees, apply for business licenses, and file corporate taxes, helping you comply with local, state, and federal regulations. What are the benefits of incorporating a business? Incorporating offers limited liability protection, separating your personal assets from business debts. It also enhances credibility and opens up funding opportunities, as investors often prefer incorporated businesses for their legal protections. How do I choose the right business structure for incorporation? When choosing a business structure, consider factors such as liability, taxation, and growth potential. Common options include LLCs, corporations, and partnerships, each with unique advantages and obligations. What ongoing compliance requirements should I be aware of? Ongoing compliance involves maintaining accurate records, filing regular reports, conducting annual meetings, and ensuring you meet state regulations. These practices are essential for retaining your business’s legal status and avoiding penalties. How can I effectively manage my business finances post-incorporation? To manage your finances, establish a clear accounting system, track expenses diligently, and create a budget. Regularly review your financial performance and adapt your strategies to align with business goals. What licenses and permits do I need after incorporating? The specific licenses and permits required depend on your business type and location. Research local, state, and federal regulations to ensure compliance with all necessary legal requirements for your industry. How can I build credibility for my newly incorporated business? You can enhance credibility by showcasing your incorporation status, maintaining transparency in operations, delivering quality products or services, and engaging in professional marketing strategies to attract customers and partners. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Steps to Take After Incorporating a Business for Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Incorporation Basics: Incorporating your business establishes it as a separate legal entity, affecting liability, taxes, and growth potential; choose the structure that best fits your needs (LLC, corporation, etc.). Financial Organization: Open a corporate bank account to separate personal and business finances, simplify tax preparation, and enhance business credibility. Tax Compliance: Understand and meet your tax obligations by obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and keeping accurate records to avoid penalties. Ongoing Compliance: Maintain proper records, conduct annual meetings, and file necessary reports to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, essential for continuing your corporate status. Liability Protection: Enjoy the benefits of limited liability protection, which safeguards your personal assets from business-related risks and liabilities. Funding and Credibility: Incorporation enhances your business’s credibility, making it more attractive to investors and providing access to various funding opportunities. Incorporating a business is just the first step on your entrepreneurial journey. Once you’ve taken this leap, a new world of responsibilities and opportunities opens up. Understanding what comes next is crucial for your success and growth. From managing your finances to navigating legal requirements, you’ll need to adapt to a new way of operating. Whether it’s setting up a corporate bank account or ensuring compliance with state regulations, each decision you make shapes the future of your business. Embrace this exciting phase, and let’s explore the essential steps you should take after incorporating your business to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Understanding The Incorporation Process Incorporating a business introduces significant changes, including new responsibilities and opportunities. Understanding the incorporation process will help you navigate these changes effectively. What It Means To Incorporate Incorporation means creating a legal entity separate from its owners. Options include LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), corporations, and partnerships. Each structure affects your taxes, liability, and growth potential. For example, a corporation offers liability protection but comes with more regulations. Recognizing these differences will help you choose the right legal structure for your startup. Key Steps In The Incorporation Process Choose Your Business Structure: Decide between an LLC, corporation, or other options based on your business model and goals. Select a Business Name: Ensure the name aligns with your branding and is unique in your state. Check for trademark conflicts to protect your intellectual property. File Articles of Incorporation: Submit the required documents to your state, including details about your business, its purpose, and structure. Create By-Laws: Draft by-laws that govern your business operations, including meeting protocols, voting processes, and roles of officers. Obtain an EIN: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes. This number is essential for opening a corporate bank account and hiring employees. Open a Corporate Bank Account: Separate personal and business finances to ensure clear cash flow management and accounting. Comply With State Regulations: Stay informed about ongoing compliance requirements, including permits or licenses specific to your business type. Establish a Record-Keeping System: Implement an accounting method to track income, expenses, and perform tax reporting efficiently. By understanding the incorporation process and its key steps, you’ll position your small business for success in the competitive market. Immediate Considerations After Incorporating A Business After incorporating a business, you face important tasks that ensure compliance with legal and operational requirements. Addressing these immediately sets a solid foundation for your small business. Setting Up A Business Bank Account Opening a separate business bank account is essential for maintaining clear distinctions between personal and business finances. This practice not only simplifies tax preparation but also keeps accurate financial records. Make sure that the bank account is registered in the corporation’s name, and list all authorized officers as signatories. Many banks offer options specifically tailored for small businesses, which can provide additional services like bookkeeping or access to loans that facilitate your growth strategy. Understanding Tax Obligations Understanding your tax obligations is critical for long-term success. First, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you haven’t yet. This number identifies your business for tax purposes and is required before hiring employees or opening a business bank account. Accurate record-keeping aids in managing accounting needs and staying compliant with tax laws. Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with local, state, and federal tax obligations can help avoid penalties and streamline financial planning for your small business. Consider consulting with a tax advisor or accountant to navigate these complexities effectively. Ongoing Compliance Requirements After incorporating a business, you face ongoing compliance requirements to maintain your company’s legal status and avoid penalties. Understanding these requirements ensures smooth operations and compliance with regulations. Keeping Records And Filing Reports You must keep accurate records and file reports regularly. Maintaining statutory registers such as the Register of Directors and Register of Members is essential for compliance. In India, these records undergo regulatory audits and inspections as stipulated under the Companies Act, 2013. Additionally, you must have proper books of accounts, which accurately reflect your financial situation. This requirement applies to all types of companies, including corporations and LLCs. Regular filing of financial statements and other reports ensures adherence to tax obligations and regulatory standards. Annual Meetings And Documentation Conducting annual meetings is a vital part of compliance for incorporated businesses. These meetings allow you to discuss strategic decisions, review performance, and address any functional issues. Proper documentation of these meetings, including minutes, is crucial for maintaining legal integrity. Ensure you follow state guidelines regarding the timing and structure of these meetings. Documentation also serves as a record for stakeholders and investors, reinforcing transparency. By adhering to these practices, you can position your business for continued growth and success. Benefits Of Incorporating Incorporating your business offers various significant benefits that can enhance your startup’s sustainability and growth potential. This legal structure is vital for protecting your interests and improving your credibility in the marketplace. Limited Liability Protection Limited liability protection acts as a safety net for your personal assets. Incorporation creates a distinct legal entity separate from you as the owner. This separation means that in case of business liabilities—like debts or lawsuits—creditors can only target corporate assets. Your home, car, and personal savings remain shielded from business-related risks. Shareholders enjoy this protection, ensuring that personal financial stability isn’t jeopardized by corporate obligations. Increased Credibility And Funding Opportunities Incorporation increases your small business’s credibility with customers, suppliers, and financial institutions. Operating as a corporation or LLC signals professionalism and commitment. This setup also opens doors to various funding options. Many investors, including angel investors and venture capitalists, prefer to invest in incorporated entities due to the legal protections involved. Incorporation enhances your chances of securing business grants, loans, and other financial resources, fueling your growth strategy and helping you develop a robust business model. Additionally, this credibility can attract potential partnerships and collaborations, essential for market penetration and expanding your target audience. Common Challenges Faced After Incorporation After incorporating, several challenges arise that require your attention as a small business owner. Addressing these challenges effectively helps you establish a solid foundation for your venture. Navigating Legal Requirements Navigating legal requirements involves ensuring compliance with local and state regulations. You must obtain the necessary licenses and permits specific to your business type. Ignoring these legalities can lead to costly fines or penalties. Maintaining your LLC or corporate status is equally vital. You must file annual reports, pay franchise taxes, and submit beneficial ownership information according to state and federal mandates. Managing Business Operations Effectively Managing business operations effectively entails coordinating various aspects, including finance, marketing, and employee management. Maintaining accurate accounting practices is crucial for tracking expenses and cash flow. Developing a strong business model helps you identify your target audience and align your operations accordingly. Implementing a growth strategy can drive customer acquisition efforts, enhance sales, and improve profit margins. Prioritizing customer service reinforces your brand image and builds loyalty, essential for long-term success in a competitive market. Conclusion Embracing the journey after incorporating your business sets the stage for future success. By managing your finances and adhering to legal requirements, you create a solid foundation for growth. Remember to keep your business operations organized and compliant, as this not only protects your assets but also enhances your credibility in the market. As you navigate this new phase, focus on implementing effective strategies that prioritize customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. This proactive approach will help you build a thriving enterprise that stands out in today’s competitive landscape. Frequently Asked Questions What should I do first after incorporating my business? After incorporating your business, the first step is to open a corporate bank account. This ensures a clear separation between your personal and business finances, which simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation. Why is it important to set up an Employer Identification Number (EIN)? Obtaining an EIN is crucial for tax purposes. It allows you to hire employees, apply for business licenses, and file corporate taxes, helping you comply with local, state, and federal regulations. What are the benefits of incorporating a business? Incorporating offers limited liability protection, separating your personal assets from business debts. It also enhances credibility and opens up funding opportunities, as investors often prefer incorporated businesses for their legal protections. How do I choose the right business structure for incorporation? When choosing a business structure, consider factors such as liability, taxation, and growth potential. Common options include LLCs, corporations, and partnerships, each with unique advantages and obligations. What ongoing compliance requirements should I be aware of? Ongoing compliance involves maintaining accurate records, filing regular reports, conducting annual meetings, and ensuring you meet state regulations. These practices are essential for retaining your business’s legal status and avoiding penalties. How can I effectively manage my business finances post-incorporation? To manage your finances, establish a clear accounting system, track expenses diligently, and create a budget. Regularly review your financial performance and adapt your strategies to align with business goals. What licenses and permits do I need after incorporating? The specific licenses and permits required depend on your business type and location. Research local, state, and federal regulations to ensure compliance with all necessary legal requirements for your industry. How can I build credibility for my newly incorporated business? You can enhance credibility by showcasing your incorporation status, maintaining transparency in operations, delivering quality products or services, and engaging in professional marketing strategies to attract customers and partners. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Steps to Take After Incorporating a Business for Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google's Gary Illyes explains how web standards benefit SEO, focusing on the differences between robots.txt and sitemaps. The post Why Do Web Standards Matter? Google Explains SEO Benefits appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a significant increase in 7(a) loan approvals for small manufacturers during the first 90 days of the The President Administration. According to data released April 17, the number of loans issued through the SBA’s flagship lending program has risen by 74% compared to the same period during the start of the Biden Administration. Since January 20, 2025, SBA has approved more than 1,120 7(a) loans for manufacturers, totaling $677 million. By comparison, during the first 90 days of 2021, fewer than 650 loans were approved, amounting to $497 million in total loan volume. The 7(a) program provides government-backed financing for small businesses to fund equipment purchases, real estate, working capital, and business expansion. “Loan applications and approvals for small manufacturers are surging – a clear sign that American manufacturing is roaring back, fueled by pro-growth policies that put American workers and businesses first,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Thanks to President The President’s agenda to restore economic and national security, SBA is helping to power an industrial comeback – meeting massive demand to help America’s small producers expand operations, create good-paying jobs, and restore our supply chains.” Nearly 99% of American manufacturers are classified as small businesses, and the SBA continues to prioritize this segment of the economy through targeted initiatives and lending support. The increase in lending activity coincides with the The President Administration’s focus on domestic production. SBA attributes the growth in loan volume to pro-business measures such as tax cuts, deregulation, energy independence policies, and tariffs. The agency noted that 10,000 manufacturing jobs were gained during President The President’s first full month in office, in contrast to the more than 111,000 jobs lost in the sector during 2024 under the previous administration. In March, SBA launched the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, a campaign aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, improving access to capital, and supporting workforce development in manufacturing. The agency stated that the initiative’s goal is to cut $100 billion in red tape and provide direct support to small producers. This article, "SBA Reports Major Increase in Manufacturing Loans Under The President Administration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a significant increase in 7(a) loan approvals for small manufacturers during the first 90 days of the The President Administration. According to data released April 17, the number of loans issued through the SBA’s flagship lending program has risen by 74% compared to the same period during the start of the Biden Administration. Since January 20, 2025, SBA has approved more than 1,120 7(a) loans for manufacturers, totaling $677 million. By comparison, during the first 90 days of 2021, fewer than 650 loans were approved, amounting to $497 million in total loan volume. The 7(a) program provides government-backed financing for small businesses to fund equipment purchases, real estate, working capital, and business expansion. “Loan applications and approvals for small manufacturers are surging – a clear sign that American manufacturing is roaring back, fueled by pro-growth policies that put American workers and businesses first,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Thanks to President The President’s agenda to restore economic and national security, SBA is helping to power an industrial comeback – meeting massive demand to help America’s small producers expand operations, create good-paying jobs, and restore our supply chains.” Nearly 99% of American manufacturers are classified as small businesses, and the SBA continues to prioritize this segment of the economy through targeted initiatives and lending support. The increase in lending activity coincides with the The President Administration’s focus on domestic production. SBA attributes the growth in loan volume to pro-business measures such as tax cuts, deregulation, energy independence policies, and tariffs. The agency noted that 10,000 manufacturing jobs were gained during President The President’s first full month in office, in contrast to the more than 111,000 jobs lost in the sector during 2024 under the previous administration. In March, SBA launched the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, a campaign aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, improving access to capital, and supporting workforce development in manufacturing. The agency stated that the initiative’s goal is to cut $100 billion in red tape and provide direct support to small producers. This article, "SBA Reports Major Increase in Manufacturing Loans Under The President Administration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

AI adoption among businesses has reached 78%, and costs have dropped 280 times. See more highlights from Stanford's 2025 AI Index report. The post AI Use Jumps to 78% Among Businesses As Costs Drop appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. There’s no question that artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm. However, as the initial excitement over the technology fades, we find ourselves in a new phase of thoughtful exploration. There are many innovative AI startups that have captured the world’s attention; however, many organizations still struggle to develop a clear roadmap to take full advantage of this transformative technology. So, what’s the hold up? And how can business leaders avoid fleeting trends, effectively align their teams, and successfully integrate AI to achieve measurable impact and ROI for their business? Embrace the journey AI is already transforming industries, boosting efficiency and automating tasks ranging from data entry and language translation to document processing. And the benefits are clear—recent Accenture research found that the vast majority of organizations are seeing stronger-than-expected returns from their generative AI investments. Still, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. While many AI solutions promise substantial benefits, the real challenge is identifying those that add tangible value. With new technologies emerging almost weekly, some leaders may also hesitate to invest because they are unsure if a better option is just around the corner. AI’s true power comes from practical, enterprise-ready applications. For business leaders wondering where to start, the key is identifying the right challenges to tackle and knowing when and how to implement solutions effectively. Here are seven actionable tips to help you navigate this exciting landscape and build an AI decision-making framework tailored to your organization’s needs. 1. Identify the use case First, pinpoint your specific needs and business objectives. Start within your organization, identifying pain points AI can address. Think about what AI does well, like spotting patterns, crunching numbers, and making predictions. Could it help with document translation, content creation, or customer insights? With so many potential applications, determining where to start might seem daunting. A focused, purposeful approach ensures you’re investing in AI solutions that deliver real results. 2. Consider specialized models Over the last two years, we’ve seen much of the excitement around general purpose AI models outpace their value. As you evaluate AI tools for your organization, consider specialized AI models offering tailored solutions for specific industry needs. General AI models can do many things pretty well, but for higher stakes and more specific demands, specialized models often address complex, industry-specific challenges more effectively. For example, healthcare AI models can help doctors identify diseases more accurately, while banks use credit-scoring AI to determine who’s likely to pay back loans. Language AI tools like DeepL are also specialized to businesses communicating across languages and markets. Specialized AI offerings are trained on domain-specific data optimized for particular tasks or industries, delivering enhanced quality and accuracy with lower risk of errors. They’re also often designed with built-in compliance features aligned with industry regulations. This makes them more cost-effective, with clearer ROI. 3. Are humans the answer? When you’re holding a hammer, everything looks like a nail, right? As the founder of an AI company, you might be surprised to hear me say this, but just because AI is the big thing right now doesn’t mean it’s the singular solution for every problem or opportunity. So before diving into the deep end, consider if a human solution might actually be more effective than AI. Weighing what people, supported by AI, do best versus what AI can offer on its own, will help ensure you take the right approach for your organization’s needs. 4. Start with pilot projects If you’re about to deploy an AI solution for the first time, begin with pilot projects to test your AI integrations in smaller, controlled environments. Starting small with a more limited investment reduces overall risk and can allow you to gather real-world data, monitor performance, and assess alignment with business goals before scaling. Pilot projects can also help build confidence within your teams and among leadership, making way for more successful full-scale AI deployments. 5. Invest in tech (and training) To truly harness AI’s potential, focus on bringing in new talent and continuously training existing employees. Depending on the implementation’s complexity, you might need new positions like data scientists, machine learning engineers or specialists. Upskilling your existing workforce can be equally essential to ensure employees can adapt and thrive alongside technological advancements. 6. Have a solid data strategy in place AI requires large volumes of data to perform its best, so it’s essential to have a solid data strategy infrastructure in place. Your plan should address how your organization will collect, securely store and access data; ensure compliance with evolving data privacy regulations, copyright standards and ethical guidelines; and assign responsibility for ongoing data governance and management. Answering these questions up front will save your company stress and problems later. 7. Refresh your ROI framework and adjust it regularly Most business leaders can recall digital initiatives that didn’t meet expectations, which can lead to concerns that their AI investments might follow a similar path. To enhance your ROI, outline your initiative’s measurable goals, such as efficiency, cost savings, or an enhanced customer experience. Establish baseline metrics to understand current performance; then track improvements directly linked to AI. It’s important to be adaptable, regularly revisiting goals and metrics to reflect evolving business priorities, market conditions, and technological changes. Unlike standard digital projects, AI initiatives can uncover new opportunities or shift mid-course. Also consider AI’s long-term strategic advantages, which may take time to come to fruition. From hyperbole to high performance To make AI work, organizations should shift their focus from what’s trending to enterprise-ready solutions that deliver lasting and specific value. Define your use cases up front, adopt an agile ROI framework, a robust data strategy, and commit to continuous improvement. This will unlock AI’s transformative potential and build a foundation for long-term competitive advantage. Jarek Kutylowski is CEO and founder of DeepL. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Across industries, a new era of climate innovation is accelerating. The momentum is visible in the data: Global clean energy investment surpassed $2 trillion for the first time in 2024, double the amount invested in fossil fuels. While solar panels, wind turbines, and grid-connected batteries often grab the headlines, the low carbon economy is growing in far more corners than many realize. Since founding Supercool last summer to cover proven and scaling climate solutions, I’ve seen needle-moving innovation accelerating across farms, factories, and finance departments. One sector in particular shows remarkable progress—the built environment, which accounts for 34% of global carbon emissions. From hard tech and material breakthroughs to AI-powered intelligence to novel business models, here are three approaches to decarbonizing buildings happening now. 1. Hardtech innovation: Build with carbon-negative materials The engineered materials we use to build our suburbs and cities—primarily timber, concrete, and steel—create a lot of carbon emissions in their manufacture. Concrete and steel account for nearly 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Wood-based materials like oriented strand board (OSB), which are commonly installed in new homes, generate most of their manufacturing carbon emissions from burning wood to generate heat during production. Plantd transforms the built environment using carbon-negative building materials derived from alternative biomass—a hardy, fast-growing grass. Four years ago, I cofounded the company with two former SpaceX engineers. To realize its ambitions, Plantd established a new agricultural supply chain innovating at every step, from building an in-house tissue culture lab to establishing full-scale greenhouse operations to supplying commercial farmers with the company’s proprietary grass. Why grass? Because it grows incredibly fast, like bamboo, rapidly removing atmospheric carbon in the process, and possesses the structural characteristics to be transformed into durable engineered building materials. Yet, the key to sequestering carbon in our materials is Plantd’s manufacturing technology. Our team pioneered a modular, electric-powered production line that turns grass into finished products that replace plywood and OSB in new home construction. It’s a first-of-its-kind technology that distinguishes a Plantd production facility from every other engineered wood facility in the world; ours is the only one without a smoke stack on top of the building. This past fall, D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder in America, which builds about one in every 10 U.S. homes, ordered 10 million Plantd panels, enough to form the walls and roofs of 90,000 new single-family homes. 2. Software innovation: Give buildings brains An even bigger source of building-related carbon emissions is the energy required to operate them. Globally, this accounts for 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The top culprit: HVAC systems. The heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment needed to keep us comfortable indoors are responsible for about 35% of all energy used in U.S. buildings. The challenge is that thermostats, even the smart ones, aren’t very bright. They can track what’s already happened and react to what’s happening right now, but they cannot anticipate changes in weather, occupancy, carbon intensity of the grid, and energy costs. BrainBox AI can. Using AI-powered intelligence, its cloud-based control system connects to the hundreds, sometimes thousands, of HVAC components in a building and sends them real-time instructions. The company’s platform provides over 15,000 buildings worldwide—from Nordstrom to Family Dollar—with the intelligence to see six hours into the future with 96% accuracy. By knowing the future, BrainBox AI cuts energy, costs, and carbon emissions and improves comfort. It’s an easy-to-install solution that works with existing systems and equipment. The results? HVAC-related emissions reductions of up to 40% and energy savings as high as 25%. 3. Finance innovation: Make efficiency upgrades free Many buildings are stuck with legacy equipment that gets the job done but consumes far more energy than their more efficient modern counterparts. Yet, new equipment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, often placing upgrades out of reach. Budderfly has built one of the fastest-growing businesses in America by removing the cost barrier. The company identifies energy-intensive businesses like fast food chains and offers them a deal that sounds almost too good to be true: free upgrades to energy-efficient systems, including HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, and security. Budderfly foots the bills and shares the monthly energy savings with its customers. Scale is key to making this business model work. Budderfly has raised nearly $1 billion to pay for the equipment it installs in customer locations. Its rapid expansion enables it to secure preferential pricing from global equipment suppliers that individual owners and franchisees could never obtain independently. Budderfly also takes over billing, which is one less thing for customers to worry about, and gives the company a trove of data to drive further energy reductions and cost savings. From Taco Bell to McDonald’s to Sonic, clients are guaranteed to see savings from day one. In 2024, Budderfly generated $200 million in revenue and now operates in more than 7,000 locations nationwide. Its customers’ collective energy use dropped 43% last year. The takeaway Whether it’s growing new materials, giving buildings the ability to think ahead, or reimagining who pays for energy systems, the low carbon economy isn’t just coming someday. It’s already being built. Josh Dorfman is the CEO and host of Supercool. View the full article

Tesla has reached a potentially lethal moment in its history, and it isn’t solely due to CEO Elon Musk’s political radicalization. Years of design and technology stagnation have led to a languishing model line and outdated technology. Back in 2023, I wrote that the beleaguered carmaker should aspire to survive and become yet another car manufacturer. Now that objective feels more pressing—and distant—than ever. The company just announced a new quarter of abysmal vehicle sales. Tesla’s first quarter of 2025 was a disaster—a 71% decline in net income compared to the same quarter last year—except for a better-than-expected gross margin thanks to its energy business. Its EV sales cratered, with a 13% sales drop in relation to the previous quarter. Worse yet: The company would have posted a loss if it weren’t for the government’s zero-emission credits. Predictably, Musk tried to distract from all of this with more of his usual empty promises about self-driving cabs and magical robots. During the Q1 financials conference call, he declared—with a faltering train of thought—that he remained optimistic about the future of the company. A future that is “based on a large number of autonomous cars and autonomous humanoid robots.” He said that he expects autonomy to start moving Tesla’s financial needle in mid-2026. Musk also claimed Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus will be working at Tesla’s factories by year’s end. “I feel confident we will make a million units per year in less than five years, maybe four years,” he said. Tesla will be the most valuable company in the world by far “if we execute well,” he declared after a pause. Then he said it will be “maybe as valuable as the next five companies combined.” Delay tactics Is anyone falling for all this bluster? I’m not. You shouldn’t either. Musk’s promises have a tendency to end in the graveyard of delusions, some of them literally buried, most delayed for many years. During the Cybercab reveal in October 2024, he promised the two-seater with scissor doors and no steering wheel by 2026, a claim that was met with derision. Remember that he promised robotaxis for 2020. The company declared in its Q1 report that the Cybercab “is scheduled for volume production starting in 2026.” That’s very unlikely to happen, as fully autonomous Tesla cars have not been approved anywhere, and they are far from going through the certification process needed for “volume” to happen. Waymo is still progressing slowly in its approval process and it’s years ahead of Tesla. “Full Self-Driving manages just 489 miles between disengagements, dwarfed by Waymo’s 17,311,” notes industry expert Ashok Elluswamy. To achieve human-level safety, analysts say, Tesla needs a 1,400x improvement. Which is why Musk’s claim of launching unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in June 2025 sounds so absurd. Tesla’s FSD currently remains a beta experiment linked to federal probes and crashes. Meanwhile, Volvo and Mercedes currently deploy safer autonomous tech made by Waymo, a company that already has self-driving cabs on the road. Even if Musk could actually deliver on his Cybercab promise, Tesla’s internal analysis admitted Robotaxis would hemorrhage cash. According to a report by The Information, the company’s own executives warned Musk that the payback around FSD and Robotaxi would “be slow . . . very, very hard outside the U.S.” He ignored them. Instead, he canceled the Model 2—the alleged name for an affordable Tesla model—to chase the “geofenced 5mph Disneyland ride” of Robotaxis, as critic Dan O’Dowd mocked. The company is now implicitly recognizing it made a mistake in its first quarter financial report, saying that “more affordable options are as critical as ever.” No wonder its top designers and engineers are leaving the company. Rotting design and cybertruck carnage During the call, Musk said he will focus more on Tesla and less on the government, blaming “people benefiting from fraudulent government money” for the protests against him. In his mind, these fraudsters are responsible for the company’s ongoing disaster, not him. But that shouldn’t distract from the real reasons for the “Teslapocalypse.” This didn’t happen because of Musk’s support for Donald The President, though it did accelerate it. Even without Musk’s recent behavior, Tesla would still suffer from its preexisting condition and the bare facts of its business model: stale design, no forward vision, no technological innovation. This is a trifecta for failure. Tesla lacks what it needs to save itself from the current realities of the automobile market. China—mainly BYD and brands like Xiaomi and Xpeng—has established itself as the clear design and technological car manufacturing leader in the world, resulting in its top spot in global sales, despite U.S. tariffs. And in Europe, Japan, and South Korea, the old brands have finally risen to the challenge, with BMW’s EV sales in Europe overtaking Tesla for the first time in February of this year. Tesla’s collapse began with its rotting design DNA. “The Model S is 10 years old now,” Adrian Clarke, a veteran car designer, told me in 2023. “Its other cars—Models 3, X, and Y—look like spitting-image cousins.” It’s 2025, and except for a lackluster refresh of Model Y so unappealing that the company has just announced a zero-interest five-year buying plan, nothing has changed. Tesla’s lineup remains a museum of stagnation in an industry where everyone refreshes models yearly. “Most manufacturers would replace a model after about seven or eight years,” Clarke told me. But Tesla clings to a decade-old template, a strategy former Jaguar designer Jeremy Newman calls “strategically irresponsible.” How can anyone expect the market to keep buying Teslas when every other manufacturer is releasing new models, like BYD’s Yangwang U7 and its magical suspension system that eliminates all bumps. Then there’s the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and its supercar features that come at regular sports car prices. Or the BMW iX—the best 2024 EV according to Consumer Reports. With this in mind, can anyone truly be surprised to see Tesla’s U.S. market share plummeting from 79.4% in 2020 to 65.4% in 2022 to 48.7% in 2024? Only the most deluded fanboys and Tesla bulls could ignore this. Everyone else is seeing the writing on the wall. The Cybertruck epitomizes Musk’s delusional leadership. When it launched, industry experts criticized and warned about its design. “Cold, sterile, and almost repulsive,” legendary designer Frank Stephenson spat. “Everyone I know thought there’s no way they’re gonna get that into production,” Clarke said at the time. They were partially right. The truck’s “dead straight panels” defied manufacturing logic, leading to countless recalls for razor-sharp frunks that slice fingers, accelerators that stick mid-drive, and “bulletproof” windows that can shatter from hail. By June 2024, more than 11,000 units faced recalls for failing wipers and loose trim. Sales cratered: After peaking at 16,692 units in Q3 2024, sales dropped to 12,991 in Q4—a 22% decrease—and fell further to 6,406 in Q1 2025, marking a 50% decline from the previous quarter. Can it be saved? Now you can add cratering financials to this technological and design mayhem. Tesla’s Q4 2024 deliveries hit a record 495,570 vehicles, but the cost was catastrophic. Price cuts and 0% financing slashed profit margins, with average sales prices plunging to $41,000—the lowest in four years. Annual deliveries fell 1.1% to 1.79 million, Tesla’s first decline since 2011. Meanwhile, BYD sold 595,413 battery electric vehicles in the same quarter. Analysts called Tesla’s performance an “unmitigated disaster” masked by temporary incentives. Today confirmed what we knew. Tesla’s first-quarter 2025 revenue came short of the estimated $21.1 billion at only $19.3 billion. Auto revenue fell 20%. It’s the worst quarter in almost three years, and the company’s first-ever year-to-year drop in sales. Sure, the protests at stores and vandalism of Tesla lots fueled by Musk’s polarizing politics didn’t help this situation. But at the end of the day, if you give consumers the choice of buying a new EV design with superior technology at a lower price or a tired Tesla model, they will choose the former. Having a better product at the best price possible is the most important part for the long-term survival of any company. Talking to CNBC, Patrick George, editor-in-chief of InsideEVs, said the biggest operational challenge in the latest quarter was “the nuts-and-bolts job of being a car company.” For a car company that runs on, you know, car sales, things like robocabs and humanoid robots are a distraction. It’s no wonder that Tesla’s stock plummeted since December. Meanwhile, the rest of the market keeps innovating at record speeds. BYD’s flash-charging tech—refueling EVs in five minutes—and its Blade battery, hailed as “the world’s safest,” have left Tesla in the dust. The Xiaomi SU7, a luxury sports sedan priced like a Toyota, sold 88,898 units in 24 hours, proving Chinese brands can out-innovate and undercut. In Europe, BMW and Mercedes leveraged 60% customer loyalty to reclaim the luxury segment. “People want cars that fit into their lives,” Clarke told me two years ago. It was an industry lesson that Musk ignored. Legendary investor and economist Bruce Greenwald warned about all this in 2021, way before Musk descended into the political mud: “Twenty years from now, you really think they’ll dominate? Not a chance.” He was wrong by almost two decades. After today’s results, there are only two questions in my mind. First: How much more value Musk will obliterate before shareholders eject him? And the other, more pressing question: Will the next CEO be able to save the company? The car company needs to do something radical right now. And that should start with Musk leaving the company. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. With the U.S. government reducing and, in some cases even freezing federal funding, many nonprofits will need to seek other sources of philanthropic support. According to the 2024 Giving USA Report, corporate charitable giving in the U.S. totaled $36.6 billion in 2023, making it the fastest-growing nonprofit revenue source over the past five years. But less quantifiable is the value many corporate funders provide in addition to financial support. Most corporate philanthropies are not interested in merely signing a check or attaching their logo to an event. Instead, they are looking for ways to strategically collaborate with organizations and the communities they serve through time, talent, and treasure. The 3T’s: Time, talent, and treasure Companies want to make a difference in the places where their employees and key stakeholders live, work, and play. One of the greatest corporate resources that the country’s 1.8 million nonprofits can tap into is time, especially through skills—and service-based volunteer opportunities for companies’ employees. A 2023 global study conducted for Ares Management by Edge Research found that employees who volunteer through their workplace are twice as likely to recommend their organization to job seekers than those who don’t volunteer. In addition, do not overlook the ways your nonprofit can benefit by leveraging those employees’ talents. Nonprofits can request pro bono support in the form of guidance and counsel from employees who are subject matter experts and will find that employees are generally more than willing to share their skills at no cost. Of course, it is critical for nonprofits to pair the benefits of time and talent with treasure, i.e., the funds needed to help them increase their reach and impact. But building connections by first seeking employees’ time and talent can actually strengthen grant applications and unlock corporate fiscal support because there’s already corporate buy-in. 5 ways to unlock corporate support Here are five ideas to increase the likelihood that corporate philanthropies will collaborate with and fund your nonprofit. 1. Align with the corporate mission Understand the funder’s giving priorities, funding cycles, and core values. Make sure you can answer these questions: Does your nonprofit share a similar mission, vision, and strategic objectives? What other nonprofits has the company previously supported? Was the company’s support in the form of time, talent, treasure, or some combination of these? 2. Make a connection Introduce yourself to the corporate giving or philanthropy officer by sending a quick email or LinkedIn message. Share information about your organization and how it aligns with the company’s philanthropic priorities and values. Include two potential ways you could collaborate, but do not send a proposal until you have had a chance to learn more about the company and are certain there is alignment. 3. Build partnership Before asking for funding, establish a relationship with the company. One method with proven success is connecting through a project that allows the company’s employees to identify with your nonprofit’s mission through volunteerism. The more you can communicate the importance of your organization’s work to a potential corporate funder’s employees and engage them, the greater the opportunity for you to make the case for grant support or sponsorship. 4. Be clear, concise, cogent, and compelling Be clear about the type of support you are seeking and be able to talk about the potential geographic and demographic reach of what you’re proposing for support. Share your past accomplishments and proven impact, and be very clear about the societal challenge you are seeking to solve with the requested funding. Keep in mind that proposals that introduce new approaches to solving long-term problems are often favored. 5. Engage in storytelling Describe what success will look like and explain how you will communicate that success to the world. Showcase the story you will tell about your nonprofit’s achievements and how your funder played a role in that success. As we head into a sustained period of change, keep in mind that corporate philanthropies are looking to partner with organizations that address societal challenges and bring meaningful benefits to their local communities where they do business. When nonprofits bring partnership opportunities that demonstrate a deep sense of purpose and compelling vision, they can unlock a treasure chest of benefits. Michelle Armstrong is president of the Ares Charitable Foundation. View the full article

OpenPhone has launched Sona, a new AI-powered agent designed to ensure businesses never miss a customer call again. The announcement, made April 17, introduces Sona as the first AI agent purpose-built for the essential front-office needs of small businesses and startups. OpenPhone describes Sona as a tool that helps businesses resolve customer issues instantly and convert every interaction into a growth opportunity. With 24/7 availability, Sona aims to eliminate missed calls and the potential revenue loss that can follow. “At OpenPhone, we bring all customer data and communication into one place. We organize customer communications from start to finish, enabling teams to focus on building reliable, personal relationships with their customers. We have already seen—with over 60,000 businesses—that it increases our customers’ top-line sales,” said Mahyar Raissi, CEO and co-founder of OpenPhone. “Sona adds a new layer of powerful automations that take things off of our customers’ mind while maintaining the level of service they want, so their businesses can be always-on as today’s consumers expect.” OpenPhone serves a broad base of small businesses, which make up 99.9% of all businesses in the United States and account for 45% of all jobs. Whether it’s a Main Street service provider or a scaling startup, the company says its users share a desire to connect with customers and provide high-quality service. However, many business owners struggle to manage calls amid competing priorities, leading to missed messages and lost opportunities. Sona is designed to meet this challenge by functioning as a smart, reliable answering service integrated into OpenPhone’s existing platform. The software combines calls, texts, and voicemails in one interface, integrates with CRM systems, and allows team collaboration. “Sona has completely changed how we handle calls. It used to take six months, five vendors, and a lot of frustration to find an answering service that worked. Now we have Sona, and it just works—we couldn’t be happier,” said Chris Sands, CEO of the New York law firm Hannon De Palma & Associates. “It’s like if Siri went to law school and got its act together. Sona sounded polished and professional right away. If consistency were a superpower, Sona would have a cape. We’ve been looking for a solution like this for years, and OpenPhone delivered.” The law firm credits Sona with enhancing its 24/7 client response system while maintaining the professionalism essential to its practice. OpenPhone believes this level of service reflects what many small businesses need to stay competitive. “There comes a critical moment in every growing business where you feel stretched thin — like you can’t possibly scale while maintaining the personal care that defines your relationships,” said Daryna Kulya, co-founder of OpenPhone. “That’s why we built OpenPhone: to help businesses scale the ‘unscalable.’ When you can deliver on your promises, communicate clearly, and keep that human touch alive — even as you grow — that’s how you stand out and win.” Sona expands OpenPhone’s automation capabilities by managing missed calls, answering questions with information drawn from customer knowledge bases, and collecting detailed messages. Future feature rollouts will continue to build on the product’s core principles: ease of use, team collaboration, and unified communications. The new AI agent is fully integrated into OpenPhone’s platform and is designed to be simple to deploy, even for non-technical users. Sona enhances service without reducing control and adds capacity for communication without requiring additional staff. More information and a free trial are available at openphone.com. The company says additional Sona features will roll out throughout the year. This article, "OpenPhone Unveils Sona, an AI Agent Built to Eliminate Missed Customer Calls" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

OpenPhone has launched Sona, a new AI-powered agent designed to ensure businesses never miss a customer call again. The announcement, made April 17, introduces Sona as the first AI agent purpose-built for the essential front-office needs of small businesses and startups. OpenPhone describes Sona as a tool that helps businesses resolve customer issues instantly and convert every interaction into a growth opportunity. With 24/7 availability, Sona aims to eliminate missed calls and the potential revenue loss that can follow. “At OpenPhone, we bring all customer data and communication into one place. We organize customer communications from start to finish, enabling teams to focus on building reliable, personal relationships with their customers. We have already seen—with over 60,000 businesses—that it increases our customers’ top-line sales,” said Mahyar Raissi, CEO and co-founder of OpenPhone. “Sona adds a new layer of powerful automations that take things off of our customers’ mind while maintaining the level of service they want, so their businesses can be always-on as today’s consumers expect.” OpenPhone serves a broad base of small businesses, which make up 99.9% of all businesses in the United States and account for 45% of all jobs. Whether it’s a Main Street service provider or a scaling startup, the company says its users share a desire to connect with customers and provide high-quality service. However, many business owners struggle to manage calls amid competing priorities, leading to missed messages and lost opportunities. Sona is designed to meet this challenge by functioning as a smart, reliable answering service integrated into OpenPhone’s existing platform. The software combines calls, texts, and voicemails in one interface, integrates with CRM systems, and allows team collaboration. “Sona has completely changed how we handle calls. It used to take six months, five vendors, and a lot of frustration to find an answering service that worked. Now we have Sona, and it just works—we couldn’t be happier,” said Chris Sands, CEO of the New York law firm Hannon De Palma & Associates. “It’s like if Siri went to law school and got its act together. Sona sounded polished and professional right away. If consistency were a superpower, Sona would have a cape. We’ve been looking for a solution like this for years, and OpenPhone delivered.” The law firm credits Sona with enhancing its 24/7 client response system while maintaining the professionalism essential to its practice. OpenPhone believes this level of service reflects what many small businesses need to stay competitive. “There comes a critical moment in every growing business where you feel stretched thin — like you can’t possibly scale while maintaining the personal care that defines your relationships,” said Daryna Kulya, co-founder of OpenPhone. “That’s why we built OpenPhone: to help businesses scale the ‘unscalable.’ When you can deliver on your promises, communicate clearly, and keep that human touch alive — even as you grow — that’s how you stand out and win.” Sona expands OpenPhone’s automation capabilities by managing missed calls, answering questions with information drawn from customer knowledge bases, and collecting detailed messages. Future feature rollouts will continue to build on the product’s core principles: ease of use, team collaboration, and unified communications. The new AI agent is fully integrated into OpenPhone’s platform and is designed to be simple to deploy, even for non-technical users. Sona enhances service without reducing control and adds capacity for communication without requiring additional staff. More information and a free trial are available at openphone.com. The company says additional Sona features will roll out throughout the year. This article, "OpenPhone Unveils Sona, an AI Agent Built to Eliminate Missed Customer Calls" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Late for a meeting across town, you check a map app for the fastest route, toggle to the city’s transit site for schedules, and work out options for traveling the “last mile” from the train station to your destination. You think through the logistics—metro card, e-tickets, scanning app, method of payment—for each leg of the trip. Then you open a ride-hailing app as backup. MaaS: Cities slicker It’s a fragmented, frustrating experience, which has prompted an innovative response. Mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) integrates various modes of transportation into a single, seamless platform—usually an app or website. In some cities it’s already a reality. Platforms like Jelbi in Berlin, or Floya in Brussels are prime examples of MaaS in action, and similar schemes have been established in cities as far apart as Sydney, Bangalore, Abu Dhabi, and Denver. By aggregating data across different transport services, MaaS apps offer users a unified platform to plan, book, and pay for travel while also providing cities and businesses with critical insights into mobility patterns. At their best, they give users greater flexibility, streamline costs, and mitigate traffic congestion and carbon emissions by reducing the need for car trips. They’re not without their challenges. One of the first MaaS apps, Helsinki’s Whim, folded last year because of problems with its subscription model. MaaS adoption is often impeded by technical, operational, regulatory, and human challenges, too. These include issues around data integration and standardization, API and platform compatibility, competition between service providers, and poor user experiences coupled with slow shifts in user behavior. The direction of travel is clear, though: Urban mobility is getting an upgrade through innovations which prioritize seamlessness and enhance interoperability. Journey to enlightenment The potential of MaaS extends beyond convenience. The real power lies in the insights generated by millions of journeys. These insights are turbocharged by the application of AI to the underlying data, helping cities to optimize transit routes, reduce inefficiencies, and guide infrastructure investments. They also enable businesses to analyze commuting trends, predict workforce needs, and enhance sustainability efforts by measuring and managing their carbon footprints. Over the past decade, integrated transit payment systems have encouraged the use of sustainable public transport worldwide by allowing commuters to seamlessly switch between buses, subways, and trains with a single payment method. That breakthrough in convenience helped drive multimodal transit adoption in cities from London to Tokyo. MaaS builds on that foundation, expanding the model through digital mobility wallets and app-based platforms that link public and private transportation in a fluid transit experience. Through advanced data analytics and AI, for example, MaaS providers can forecast demand surges, adapt dynamic pricing in real-time, and facilitate predictive maintenance for public transportation fleets. By standardizing and sharing mobility data across operators, cities could reduce bottlenecks, enhance safety, and create more user-centric urban transportation policies. Tokenization: A ticket to ride Tokenization is a proven way to secure and streamline payments. It replaces sensitive payment card details with a unique, randomly generated code—the token—to protect the actual cardholder information during transactions. This is what happens when you tap your phone to pay, for example. By assigning digital tokens to mobility services and transactions, MaaS platforms can create more secure, flexible, and interoperable experiences. Tokenization could enable: Seamless multi-modal payments: Users could store a universal mobility token in their digital wallet, allowing them to switch between transit options effortlessly. Personalized mobility subscriptions: Employers and cities could offer customized MaaS packages tailored to individual commuting habits, reducing reliance on private vehicles. Enhanced security and privacy: Tokenized transactions would minimize the need for sharing sensitive payment details across multiple platforms, addressing concerns around data protection. If integrated effectively, tokenization could accelerate MaaS adoption by improving user trust, simplifying transactions, and unlocking new business models for transportation providers. No more juggling four apps just to get to work—one token, one tap, every route. The road ahead The trajectory of MaaS adoption will be shaped by how well data is harnessed—both to enhance user experience and to drive public and private sector innovation. Advances in AI-driven analytics, new tokenization use cases, and real-time data sharing could unlock the full potential of MaaS—making mobility smarter, more efficient, and more adaptable to future urban challenges. By embracing the power of data and emerging technologies, MaaS could fulfill its potential as a transformative force in urban mobility. Ken Moore is the chief innovation officer at Mastercard.  View the full article