August 2022 - Small Business Coach

The Pros And Cons Of Real Estate Investments

Among the various investment options available, real estate stands as one of the most profitable. After all, utilizing your properties and holding on to them can return a lot of funds in the long run. However, like most investment alternatives, you cannot tell when things might take a wrong turn. You might lose a lot from your investment once that happens. The neat thing is there are steps you can take to get into the investment. You can check out websites and online articles to find out more. The following will discuss the pros and cons of real estate investments.

Some Fundamentals To Kick Things Off on Real Estate Investments

A real estate investment is when you purchase any type of property and use it to generate income in the long run. You utilize the structure for-profit and seldom as a place to stay.

In addition, real estate investments do not have to limit to houses and apartment complexes. You can have other tangible settings, such as land, buildings, infrastructure, commercial plots, etc.

The Pros

You can enjoy a lot of advantages once you invest in the real estate scene. Check some of them below.

Better over time

You can enjoy the perks of real estate investments over time. Buyers would want to utilize infrastructures and properties that can increase their value as time goes by each day. It does not matter once the structure becomes vacant or unused for years to come. The critical thing is it remains, which is a neat plus in any investment. It is not like stocks and cryptocurrencies which can lose value and have erratic price changes.

Steady cash with real estate investments

You can have your property generate income through several means. One method is by renting it out. The amount leasers and renters pay each month becomes your profit. This aspect is what we call steady cash flow. That means you generate cash passively, allowing you to do other things, such as bonding with family and friends.

Hedge against inflation

Real estate investors do not have to worry about inflation. That is because the investment keeps up with the increasing prices. Not because the prices of basic commodities rise, the same goes for the investment property’s rental value. They can still stay the same even after prices take a climb.

Tax shield

There is what we call depreciation expense you can claim on an investment. Once that happens, you can enjoy a reduced tax on the income you generate from your property.

Not only that, but you also do not have to pay any income tax should the property increase in value. You only have to pay this tax when you decide to sell the property.

Decision making

You have complete control over many things relevant to the investment, unlike other alternatives. You can mitigate risks, check other income options, discuss tax matters, etc. You can also utilize marketing strategies to attract potential clients.

The Cons

Money requirement

Like any investment available, you need a lot of money to start with the real estate investment. Obtaining a property involves a lot of processes that also include financial transactions. In addition, you will need more funds to handle things once you purchase the property. You will need to pay for renovations, repairs, materials, and labor to cover everything. What’s more is you have to deal with mortgage payments, tax, and insurance.

Long-term investment

It can be exciting to get into real estate investments. However, you must know it is a long-term investment. That means you will not gain any financial returns immediately. It takes a long time to notice the returns. What’s more, is that selling and renting the property also demands time. Not because you post it on a site means it will sell overnight.

Time-consuming

Real estate investments also need you to focus on them. That means you have to spend a significant amount of time to learn all there is to the process. You will survey land, neighborhoods, tenants, etc. Dealing with other issues, such as maintenance and insurance also requires time. That means you have to put less time into other things, such as running a business, bonding with family, etc.

An ideal option is to hire a property specialist who deals with all the real-estate issues on your behalf. They will clear everything from the ground up. The only downside to hiring one is you have to once again spend resources for their services.

Tenant problems

Once you finish dealing with the property-related issues, you have to face the rest. This aspect includes tenant problems. Individuals who will utilize the property might cause problems for the setting and you. Leasers and renters tend to delay payments and sometimes do not pay at all. They also tend to leave the property in an undesirable condition once they leave.

A lot of these issues can be problematic unless you have a dedicated team who will handle them. It also depends on the tenants you will have.

Maintenance

You also have to deal with maintenance issues the property might face in the long term. You will fix leaky pipes, worn-out roofs, cracks in the walls, and other issues. Dealing with these issues requires cash and labor. It might take a considerable amount of your finances and time.

You can get a contractor to deal with any property issues on your behalf. But that aspect also requires money.

Liquidation of real estate investments

There are instances when you might experience a medical emergency and plan to sell your property to cover costs. Unfortunately, you cannot liquidate the property immediately to pay for an emergency. The best option to counter this aspect is by keeping reserve finances in your account.

The Takeaway on Real Estate Investments

Real estate investments can be a decent means to obtain cash and income in the long run. Plus, you can enjoy other perks as your property does most of the job. You can spend more time with your loved ones and do other things as well. It might take some time to accomplish all of the investment-related issues. However, the return is worth the time and resources you spend.

Start a Trucking Business in 7 Steps

The trucking industry will remain essential with the constant demand for goods and services. This leaves plenty of opportunity for the ones willing to enter the business. Starting a company in this industry can be quite challenging, given the high demand for new drivers. About 80% of the goods in the US get transported by truck, and the industry is estimated to be $726 billion with growth expectations.

Determine your category with your trucking business

The trucking industry has different categories, which will determine how you will shape your business. You would want to select the size of your business and the market it covers. You can start small, covering the regional market. In the future, your business will grow.

Company owners need to define the service they will offer. The basic service is transporting freight, but some might decide to provide niche services or add-ons. Some might choose to dedicate themselves to a specific type of cargo and become the leading expert in it. Also, it would be best to define which clients to cater to. Many companies need trucking services, but you need to know which ones you will serve. Knowing your target customers will help you shape your business strategy.

Determining why your business differs from the rest on the market is essential. Creating a unique selling point will set you apart from competitors. With more than 1.3 million businesses in this industry, offering something different is crucial in shaping your business strategy.

Plan

When you have a clear idea of your business, it is time to shape a plan that contains the details. A business plan will determine the direction you are heading. The plan explains the target customers, location, competitors, equipment, employees, service prices, and other essential aspects. The business plan should contain your short-term and long-term business goals as well.

Legal side

Establishing a trucking business in any niche requires a few steps. You will need to legally register a company and choose the form. There are different structures to consider, so you should analyze them and find the perfect solution for your business. Also, your business will need a bank account for transactions. Trucking companies should always have insurance to protect the cargo, the vehicle, and the people involved.

Licenses

The trucking industry is highly regulated, so you must be familiar with all the legal requirements. Truck drivers need to have a commercial driving license or CDL. The other permits depend on your location, so be sure to check them with your local authorities.

Equipment

Finding the equipment that matches your trucking business needs is crucial. Business owners will buy or lease trucks for their specific business operations. However, the trucks aren’t the only equipment. It would help if you also considered the office equipment and software needed.

Employees

Creating a successful team is challenging. Your employees will represent your brand in front of the clients, so picking the pens that reason with your values is crucial. You will need reliable truck drivers that handle the routes. However, your business also needs someone to tackle the finances and administration. With the current shortage of truck drivers in the US, you will need to find the right ones.

Clients

When your company is ready to start, you need to find your clients. Reaching out directly to potential clients is one of the standard marketing practices. Also, don’t underestimate the power of social media. Create a website and social media pages for your business so customers can easily find you. On the other hand, good old word of mouth never fails. Share that you have a new company with others and let the opportunities come to you.

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8 Smart Ways to Collect Customer Feedback

Customers are a business’s top priority. If you do not meet your customer’s needs or make them happy, they will likely buy from the competition, jeopardizing the success of your brand. For this reason, it is critical to determine whether or not your business is delivering what your target customers want, and the best way to do this is by collecting feedback. Customer feedback can help you improve your products and services, gauge satisfaction, make existing clients feel special, retain clients, and improve your brand image.

According to a recent report, 77% of consumers develop a positive view of a brand that asks for and accepts client feedback. If you are wondering how customers feel about your products and services or what they want, here are eight strategies to collect customer feedback to help you find out.

1. Social media listening

Customers no longer view social media platforms as a place for entertainment only. They will likely share their experiences and thoughts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, whether bad or good. Potential customers even ask their peers on social media about specific brands or products before deciding to buy. This makes social media an excellent place to determine what people say about your brand and even gain helpful insights about misunderstandings, concerns, and questions your target audience could have about your services and products.

Read comments on your social media pages and respond to customer concerns, join relevant discussions or even start one, pay more attention to threads on conversations your target customers often engage in or post polls and surveys to get feedback. Be sure to invest in tools like Social Mention, HootSuite, and Klout to determine what people are saying about your brand or products and services in real-time.

2. Provide email support

Although email is an old form of digital communication, most customers prefer emailing when doing business. According to a recent report, 29% of online users love emailing because they can write detailed messages and even incorporate pictures. To prompt your customers to provide feedback, you should:

Develop clear expectations: A customer may be hesitant to give feedback because they may assume that you do not care or they will not hear from you. For this reason, you should consider providing an exact timeline on when you intend to get back to them. For instance, you could add a “we will get back to you in X days” in your email.
Organize email feedback: Teach employees how to manage Gmail multiple inboxes if your team often monitors more than one Gmail inbox to reduce the chances of helpful input from clients going unnoticed.
Send personalized emails

3. Offer incentives to encourage survey participation

Customer surveys are an excellent strategy to gain critical insights into your products and services, customer service, and marketing. However, it can be challenging to get individuals to take the surveys. Consider offering incentives when distributing surveys in exchange for the effort and time required to complete a survey. This broadens the pool of participants and encourages them to provide honest feedback and opinion. Be sure to compare the survey results to previous feedback and current and future goals and make the necessary adjustments to improve your product, customer support services, and marketing.

4. Utilize the Net Promoter Score

While surveys can give detailed feedback about your products and services, most clients find them too overwhelming and time-consuming and will likely bail out of them. A fast and effective way to determine how customers feel about your brand is using the Net Promoter Score (NPS).

NPS is a client satisfaction benchmark that gauges how likely an existing client is to recommend your products and services to family, friends, and acquaintances. The response scale ranges from zero to 10, with zero being not likely and 10 most likely. You could then average the responses across the clientele to develop a clear picture of how customers feel about your products.

5. Provide live chat support for customer feedback

Offering live chat support does not only help you keep customers coming back and improve conversion rates. It also encourages buying customers to leave feedback. Customers often use the live chat feature to share complaints and grievances, find solutions to their queries, and seek assistance.

The questions or grievances shared are feedback, and you can exploit the information to improve your company’s products and services. Live chat support also enables you to provide solutions to client problems quickly. However, ensure you use live chat software that allows you to save transcripts for feedback review.

6. Text clients immediately after a purchase or service

Be sure to invest in feedback software to allow you to send text surveys immediately after a client purchases from you. This enables you to obtain feedback in real-time. It also allows you to respond to an unsatisfied client promptly and develop a strategy to remedy the problem, increasing the chances of the client purchasing from you again. According to a recent report, 70% of consumers will likely buy from you when their problems are resolved.

7. Call your customers

An effective way to obtain feedback, especially when your job mainly involves speaking to clients over the phone, is calling them. This enables you to get real-time personalized responses. Speaking to a client directly over the phone is also an excellent opportunity to invite them to participate in a satisfaction survey.

However, you need to be careful when contacting clients over the phone. Avoid calling clients during lunch breaks. Recent reports show that the best times to get clients are 8 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 5 pm. You should also have a perfect script when calling them. Be sure to show genuine concern and avoid marketing or trying to close a deal. Ensure your call is centered around gathering feedback while showing the customer that you care and value their opinion.

8. Use customer feedback buttons

Make capturing customer feedback simple and quick by placing clickable feedback buttons strategically on your website or at the end of service chats. For instance, you could use a smiley face emoji button to survey existing customers, prospects, and site visitors as they navigate through your website to get feedback on an experience you are creating.

Endnote on Customer Feedback

Producing quality products and amping your marketing strategy to attract more customers is not enough. You should further determine whether your products meet your audience’s needs and where to make adjustments to achieve your bottom line through customer feedback. Use NPS and feedback buttons, provide email and live chat support, offer incentives for survey participation, and contact clients via phone to capture customer feedback.

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When is it Time for SMBs to Expand Their C-Suite?

Growing small businesses face no shortage of hurdles as they seek to expand their footprint and capture market share. The bigger they become, the more challenges they face. Eventually, there comes a time when entrepreneurs and small teams need to look outside for help and consider bringing on executive leadership capable of putting them back on the path to prosperity. But how do you know when that time arrives? How can SMBs truly be certain that expanding their C-suite is the right move? Here’s a look at some of the clear-cut situations where hiring executive leadership will pay dividends for a growing business.

1. When growth demands informed stewardship

Companies operate within the world around them. Changes in the world often necessitate changes in a company’s C-suite, especially if it wants to remain competitive in the market. For instance, technological advances continue to revolutionize how businesses operate and interact with their customers. Growing businesses must stay at the forefront of digital technology, increasing the need for C-suite executives who specialize in data analysis and IT support.

Unforeseen circumstances make it necessary to create new roles in a company’s C-suite. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, executive leaders are prioritizing public health and safety now more than ever before. Keeping employees and customers safe requires specialized knowledge that lies beyond the skill sets of traditional C-suite roles. Since the pandemic began, companies have started recruiting Risk Management Officers and Chief Health, Wellness and Safety Officers. Expanding their C-suites helps SMBs respond appropriately to what’s happening in the world.

2. When challenges prevent you from growing

Your team might have decided it’s time to grow, but expanding a small business is easier said than done. Taking your business to the next level often comes with challenges you’ve never encountered before. You and the team probably won’t know how to tackle them, especially if you’re new to business ownership or are trying to expand into an unfamiliar market. Addressing obstacles on your own uses up time and energy that’s better suited elsewhere, and you’ll end up focusing on problems rather than the company’s growth.

When you’re ready to expand, consider adding a business expert to your C-suite. These long-tenured executives bring many years of experience to the table. No matter which obstacle you face, a business expert has most likely encountered and overcome that obstacle in the past. They draw upon previous experiences to help you plow through common SMB challenges and make your vision for the business a reality.

3. When you need to refocus company culture

Growth brings new opportunities for your business, but it can also bring an unexpected shift in company culture. As your business gets bigger, it becomes harder to keep the culture consistent among employees, managers and team leaders. This is especially true if company growth involves hiring new personnel to run separate locations. There has to be someone at the top regulating behavior, expectations and core values up and down the hierarchy.

Replicate company culture on a larger scale by adding leadership to your executive team. The people in charge define how others should act, from fellow executives all the way down to workers in manufacturing facilities. Company culture will change with growth, and it’s up to executive leaders to decide what the new culture will look like. When company culture takes on a life of its own, strong leadership can bring it back into focus.

4. When the company expands its breadth

A small business owner can’t be everywhere at once. The more offices you open and more business lines you prop up, the more difficult it gets to oversee the company’s entire operations. Owners who try to run everything themselves are spread too thin, and each branch can’t get the adequate leadership they need to run smoothly. Upon expanding your business, you’ll quickly realize operating multiple locations is a job for more than one person.

Expand into new markets with confidence by hiring additional members for your executive team. These team members serve as an extension of the core C-suite by overseeing offices and business units across your various areas of exposure. Adding executives to the C-suite allows you to scale your business indefinitely. It can be hard to relinquish control over part of your business, but expanding the team is crucial for supporting company growth.

5. When workforce growth demands leadership

Business owners have to balance the worker-to-leader ratio. As your company gets bigger, you’ll need to hire more employees to meet growing demand for your products or services. Leaders can only manage a certain number of people, which means if you’re hiring more employees, you need to hire more leaders. Workers rely on their superiors for guidance, and managers can’t provide that support when they’re pulled in every direction.

Expanding your C-suite makes it possible to manage a growing number of employees. By adding more executives to the team, each leader can better manage their respective sectors of the workforce, delegating to mid-level management and core business unit leaders. Bringing in more leaders will also reinforce the hierarchy of your business, which becomes even more important as you expand your operations.

6. When new talent will help unlock opportunities

Adding executives to your C-suite can only spell good news for your growing business. You need more people to operate more locations, but executives provide more than just extra manpower. High-level executives bring decades’ worth of experience to a small business owner who’s looking to play with the big competitors in their industry. They offer a range of expertise that will set you apart from other startups and spur growth well into the future.

If you’re looking to grow your business, expanding your C-suite is a step in the right direction. Executives offer guidance, overcome challenges and bring a wealth of knowledge to your team. They serve a multitude of different purposes, and you’re sure to find one that can help you tap into your company’s full potential.

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5 Challenges You Might Face When Starting a Law Firm

If you want to start a law firm, then you will certainly face some challenges. There’s no way around that, but knowing that you will face challenges and being able to prepare for them will be able to help you out as you build your firm.

We’ve got a list of some of the challenges you will face as you build up your law firm, as well as some of the best ways to mitigate those challenges.

1. Differentiating Yourself And Your Law Firm

One of the biggest issues that some lawyers have when starting their law firm is the ability to show that they are different from all the other firms in the area. Even if they pick an area where only a few other competitive law firms exist, it is tough to break into a new area and start getting customers.

So make sure you determine what your firm really does well. Whether you are great at talking to your clients, great at using keywords and writing your blog to bring in customers, or great at working on one specific type of case or field of law, figure out what makes your firm special and then start to lean into it when learning how to market your personal injury practice.

Make what you are great at the centerpiece of your marketing and how you talk to your clients, and then you will find that people will come to your firm because of your strengths! Don’t get sucked into trying to be the best at everything, because that is how firms fail to be remembered and then fail entirely.

2. Getting Customers And Knowing How To Treat Them

Another problem that law firms have when just starting out is how to get customers, and also learning how to treat them. By leaning into the strengths of your firm as well as consistent marketing, you will be able to find your first clients.

However, that’s only half the battle, and it can be very hard for new law firms to not seem disorganized as they deal with a client who needs serious legal help.

In order to give your clients everything they need to succeed, as well as the trust they need to ensure you can take their case, you need to project confidence.

Show your clients that your business might be new, but your lawyers know what they are doing and want to help them. The better you can treat your first few clients, the more they will spread the word about your business.

3. Staffing Problems

Even if you get a law firm up and running, you might find that you are running into staffing problems. It can be hard to find good and competent people to staff your office, and often harder to pay them if you don’t have any clients coming in.

For the first few months, you might find your law firm is surviving on a skeleton crew or even just with you at the helm. You don’t want this to go on, because that will lead to mistakes and burnout in the long term.

One of the best ways to handle this problem is to use outsourcing. You might not have the money to hire an employee to complete a job, but you might be able to hire a professional to do the job that you need to get a better result for a bit of a cheaper cost.

4. Lack Of Technology for Your Law Firm

Depending on your field of law and also other factors around your firm, you might find that you need technology in order to keep up. Whether you need to get a new piece of software to help you organize your firm, or a system to navigate a challenge you are facing, you need to make sure your law firm is in the 21st century.

The biggest problem with this is that technology is often very expensive, and can be hard for smaller law firms to get.

The best thing you can do to mitigate the cost is to find affordable alternatives that are specifically meant for smaller law firms. With several free and affordable options out there for most law firms, don’t be afraid to do your research and figure out what will work for your law firm.

5. Stress and Long Hours

Finally, if you thought that starting a law firm was going to be easy, then you might need to think again. Long hours are going to happen all throughout your journey as a lawyer, but when you get started they will certainly increase, and that will also cause a lot of stress as well.

Since you don’t want to make mistakes due to exhaustion or pressure, then you need to learn how to balance your life as a lawyer and take some time for yourself.

While it can seem tempting to pour every single hour into your business and work long nights and weekends to make your law firm a real success, you don’t want to burn yourself out or damage your relationships by doing so. So make sure to take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to take your foot off the gas.

Take On These Challenges And See What Happens to Your Law Firm

Starting your law firm can be a little tough, but if you have a plan for each of these challenges and know how to rise above them, you’ll find yourself at the head of a growing firm in no time at all!

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7 Types of Financial Services You Can Provide

Are you planning to start a financial services company? If so, you will need to determine which type of financial service to provide. Financial services are broadly defined as any service related to money management. This can include everything from giving loans and credit to investing and managing financial portfolios.

Financial companies are present in almost all countries and tend to be concentrated in cities and other major commercial centers. As a financial services provider, you can provide services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations.

This guide will discuss some of the best services you can offer as a financial advisor. So, let’s get started.

7 Types of Financial Services You Can Provide

Below is the list of financial services you can offer as a financial advisor:

1- Investment Planning

The first service on our list is investment planning. Investment planning is making decisions about financial investments, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.

There are two main types of investment plans: conservative and aggressive. Conservative plans involve investing in safe, low-risk assets such as government bonds and cash equivalents. On the other hand, aggressive plans involve taking on more risk by investing in stocks and other high-yield securities.

As a financial advisor, you can help your clients choose the right mix of investments based on their goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. In the case of stocks and trades, a bunch of ECN forex brokers, like IC Markets, RoboForex, OctaFX, LeoPrime, etc., are quite popular.

2- Tax Planning

Tax planning is the process of organizing one’s financial affairs in a way that minimizes taxes. It involves making decisions about how to invest, save, and spend money to minimize the amount of taxes owed.

You can provide tax planning and consulting services to individuals and businesses. This can involve helping them choose the right tax-advantaged investment accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs. You can also help them take advantage of tax breaks and deductions to minimize their tax liability.

Moreover, you can also help businesses with tax compliance. This can involve preparing and filing their tax returns and helping them resolve any tax-related issues.

Click here to learn about 5 common small business problems and how to avoid them.

3- Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is the process of creating a strategy for how to generate enough income to cover expenses during retirement. It involves estimating how much money will be needed in retirement and then making investment and saving decisions accordingly.

There are many different factors to consider when planning retirement, such as age, life expectancy, current income and expenses, desired lifestyle in retirement, and health status. As a retirement planning expert, you can help individuals and businesses create plans tailored to their specific needs and goals.

You can help your clients navigate these factors to make the best decisions for their retirement. In addition, you can also help them choose the right retirement account, such as a 401(k), IRA, or annuity.

4- Insurance Services

Insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company in which the insurer agrees to pay the insured for certain losses in exchange for a premium. Insurance can protect individuals and businesses from financial losses in accidents, injuries, deaths, or property damage.

There are many different types of insurance, such as life, health, auto, and home insurance. As a financial advisor, you can help your clients choose the right type and amount of insurance for their needs. In addition, you can also help them file insurance claims and resolve any issues that may arise.

5- Estate Planning & Administration

The trend of increased life expectancy means that more and more people need to plan for their estate. Estate planning is deciding what will happen to your money and property after you die.

Estate planning involves creating a will, trusts, and powers of attorney. It can also include deciding who will manage your affairs after you die. Choosing the right estate planning strategy can help to avoid probate, minimize taxes, and maximize the value of your estate.

As an estate planning expert, you can help individuals and businesses create plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. In addition, you can also help them with the administration of their estate after they die.

6- Business Consulting

Business consulting provides advice and assistance to businesses to help them improve their operations. Consulting services can range from strategic advice to helping with specific marketing or financial planning tasks.

Many startups and small businesses need help with various aspects of running their business. As a business consultant, you can provide the guidance and expertise they need to grow and succeed.

Moreover, you can help businesses with various issues, such as marketing, sales, customer service, human resources, and operations. Not only that, some companies are seeking financial planning and management. So, you can advise them in creating budgets, forecasting sales and expenses, and making investment decisions.

7- Financial Modeling

Financial modeling is the process of creating a detailed model of a financial situation. For example, economic models are often used to forecast future earnings, estimate the value of a company, or make investment decisions. Financial models are created using various financial statements, such as the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.

As a financial modeling expert, you can help businesses and individuals create accurate and realistic models of their financial situation. In addition, you can also help them use economic models to make informed decisions about their business or investment.

Summing Up Financial Services

As a financial advisor, you have a wide range of responsibilities. You can help individuals and businesses with various financial tasks, such as investing, retirement, insurance, estate planning, and business consulting. Financial advising is a complex and challenging field but can also be very rewarding. You can make a difference in your field with the right skills and knowledge.

Moreover, to get coaching for your small business, you can get in touch with Small Business Coach. Our team of experts can help you with various financial and business issues. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

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Getting a Business Car? How to Ensure Reliability

If you’re running a business, you know that reliable transportation is vital. You can’t afford to have your vehicles breaking down or needing constant repairs, so choosing a quality business car is essential. But how can you be sure that the vehicle you’re getting will be reliable?

One way to ensure reliability is by choosing a car with an extended warranty, such as Carshield. Carshield is a program that protects your vehicles and covers the cost of repairs and replacements, so you can be sure that your car will be in good condition for years to come.

Carshield costs vary by the plan you invest in, but they’re worth the peace of mind knowing you’re protecting your business vehicles against the expense of unforeseen repairs. You can also take some steps with your maintenance routine to help you prevent breakdowns and keep your car on the road for longer and with fewer issues.

Routine Maintenance

Every car model comes with a manufacturer’s maintenance schedule; you can typically find that schedule in the owner’s manual.

Regular Oil Changes on Your Business Car

You’ve probably heard that you need to change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. It’s more than just adding more oil; as your car runs daily, it uses the oil to lubricate the metal moving parts in the engine. Heat comes with that movement and lubrication, and the oil thickens into sludge with enough time. With an oil change, you’re cycling out the old oil, refilling it with new oil, and replacing the oil filter.

Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Another critical factor in maintaining your vehicle is regularly checking the tire pressure and tread depth. Tire pressure can affect your fuel mileage and cause accidents if the tire becomes damaged from being over or under-inflated. If your tire tread is too bare, you risk a blowout while driving.

Keep Your Business Car Clean

A clean car isn’t just more pleasant to drive; it’s also easier on the engine. When your car’s engine is free of dirt and debris, it can run more efficiently.

Brakes and Rotors

You should also have your brakes and rotors checked regularly. Rotors can warp, and brake pads wear down naturally through regular use. If you start to hear a squealing noise or feel a harsh metal on metal grinding when you slow or stop, you’re due for a brake change.

Maintain Fluid Levels

Your car’s fluids play an important role in keeping the engine cool and lubricated. Without proper fluids, the engine can overheat, seize, and parts can become warped or damaged, creating significant additional damage.

Changing Air and Oil Filters

Changing your air and oil filters is another vital part of routine maintenance. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car remains reliable for years.

Replacing Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are another critical component of your car’s engine. Over time, they can become corroded or fouled, which can cause the engine to misfire. This may be one of the maintenance tasks you outsource to a trusted mechanic during your scheduled tune-ups.

Checking and Replacing Belts on Your Business Car

The belts in your car’s engine help to keep everything running smoothly, and over time, they can become worn or frayed, which can cause the engine to overheat or break down. If you’re unsure how to check or replace your car’s belts, consult a professional mechanic.

It’s essential to follow the schedule and keep up with regular maintenance. This will help your car last longer and have fewer problems. Of course, even with the best care, things can still go wrong. That’s where CarShield or a similar extended warranty comes into play.

Buying Vehicles Backed by Reputation

Another way to ensure reliability is to buy vehicles from manufacturers with a good reputation. Do your research and read reviews before making a purchase. Some specific models and brands have been used for generations as work vehicles. They have remained the preference for so long because their design fits the needs of the industry they’re used in. They have proven equal to the work and have become industry favorites.

When you see an entire fleet of a specific model of Ford van used for utility technicians, or a particular model of car preferred for a fleet of taxi cabs, it’s because they have withstood the test of time under pressure in that job.

Another example is the Ford Crown Victoria as a police cruiser; these remained the standard option for so long because they could withstand the hundreds of hours of idle time and the high-speed maneuverability that most police officers required.

Checking for Recalls

Make sure to check for recalls before you buy a used car. You can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. While at the dealership, ask for an incident or Carfax-type report and a maintenance record to ensure the previous owner did the routine maintenance before it came to you.

Don’t be afraid to ask the dealer about the car’s history. That could be a red flag if they’re not forthcoming with information. You have a right to know about any significant vehicle problems before making a purchase.

Test Driving the Business Car

When you’re ready to purchase a business car, take it for a test drive. This will give you a chance to see how it handles and how well it runs. During your test drive, take the time to drive it on rough roads, highway speeds, slow idling through neighborhoods, curving roads, and other circumstances you are likely to find yourself in.

Ask for Expert Opinions

Anyone who can give you a genuinely candid answer about which cars work best for businesses its someone already in the business. Asking others in your industry what vehicles they prefer for the work is sometimes awkward, but it can be a great resource if the approach is correct. Building a good working relationship with others in your industry is a solid start for a referral network in your area. Everyone can use allies in business.

Another expert to consider asking is your insurance agent. Many agents track the most common vehicles and the common issues that come up for specific models and industries.

Covering Your Bases with Your Business Car

Purchasing a reliable business car doesn’t have to be complicated. By researching and investing in quality, you can be sure that your business vehicles will serve you well for years. Carshield can help you keep your business vehicles on the road and running smoothly by providing extended coverage for repairs. In addition to an extended warranty on your business vehicle, it is wise to add full coverage insurance and roadside assistance.

Covering your bases with an extended warranty, quality brands, routine maintenance, and full insurance allows you to focus on what’s important to your business without breaking the bank.

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7 Effective Tips for Onboarding Remote Employees

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote working and created some new challenges. To onboard remote employees successfully requires companies to embrace digital technology and to use different strategies and tools than they use for traditional onboarding.

Virtual communication can make it harder to pick up on non-verbal cues, and the lack of in-person interaction can result in remote hires feeling a little intimidated or overwhelmed at first. Here are some tips for facilitating the process.

1. Help remote hires with office setup

Companies may need to help remote workers set up the type of home office that increases their productivity. When providing laptops for them, they need to make sure they arrive before the first day. Remote employees may need a stipend to use towards the internet, electricity, supplies etc. Whether it’s furniture like an ergonomic chair, internet speed or available hardware, remote employees may need assistance in the form of stipends or loans.

Tools companies need to consider providing for remote employees include video conferencing software, e-signing tools, and helpdesk software. When companies leverage good HR software, it can facilitate the onboarding process. A lack of the right technology shouldn’t get in the way of an effective and meaningful relationship between remote employees and the company.

2. Create a buddy system for new remote employees

When new employees come into an office situation, they have numerous opportunities to get to know fellow workers. Remote workers, on the other hand, have limited ways of getting to know them. Creating a buddy system for new hires means there is someone responsible for checking in on how they are doing and making sure they connect with their team.

Preferably, a buddy should be a long-time team member who can help them with any questions or concerns. New hires should feel free to ask a buddy as many questions as they wish, no matter how simple they may seem. This can help them to get through their onboarding list quicker. Buddies can help new hires to learn things like how employees use Asana or Slack to communicate.

3. Share important documents and information

New remote hires will need access to important documents and information about the company. Companies should create a database that includes the company’s organizational structure and policies as well as resources, training materials etc.

Providing employees with an onboarding checklist helps to guide them through each step of the process. A digital employee handbook can also help them understand the company culture better. Using a cloud-based system means all the information remote employees need is available to them.

Providing new remote employees with technical documentation can help them to fix minor technical issues they may encounter. If they follow the tips, they won’t have to constantly contact the IT support team with every small request. They will gain confidence and have less downtime when they can fix simple issues themselves. For instance, if companies use Mac corporate hardware, guides on how to install corporate software on macOS, how to fix a slow-working laptop or how to deal with storage issues can be very helpful.

Visual content is a fundamental part of onboarding a remote team. Any company SOP (Standard Operating Procedures), tools, and files work much better if you use images. You can use an online background remover to ensure that any images used match your company branding and don’t include any distracting backgrounds or elements that might be out of place.

4. Take a proactive, personalized approach

Companies shouldn’t wait for new hires to make the first move. They should send them a welcoming email before they even start. Kicking off the first day with a virtual coffee meeting can be a good introduction to the company. A new hire’s manager could meet a new remote employee via Zoom for a coffee date. This would make them feel comfortable immediately and less afraid to ask for help when they need it.

New hires shouldn’t feel awkward at their first meeting. Companies need to let team members know via Slack or email that they have a new remote colleague and include a few sentences about the new hire. Some teams ask new remote employees to create a short introductory video. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, but it can help other team members to learn more about their background and their character.

5. Share important aspects of the company’s remote work policy

Reviewing the most important aspects of the company’s remote work policy during an onboarding interview can bring clarity for new remote hires. It helps to set clear expectations. This may include what hours they are expected to be available, their legal rights and certain best practices to follow. For example, there are more cybersecurity risks when working remotely, and remote workers need to know what precautions to take.

Most organizations require remote employees to be available during core working hours, but they usually allow some flexibility. Remote workers may be able to take certain hours off during the day if they make up for this after normal working hours.

6. Provide opportunities for team bonding with remote employees

A buddy shouldn’t have to do all the work of connecting new hires with a team. Various employee engagement activities can help. This may include everything from short ice-breakers to virtual team-building exercises and online company events. These activities can have many benefits, such as encouraging communication. Employees need to communicate to solve a problem or win a game. Team bonding activities help to build trust and foster relationships.

Starting a meeting off with a quick ice-breaker can immediately help a new remote employee to feel included. For example, each team member could share two true facts and a lie about themselves. The whole team has to guess what is false.

Playing trivia using information about the company and employees as the questions is another activity that encourages communication and helps new hires. Virtual company events such as a virtual live concert or virtual cocktail hour are other good ideas.

7. Ask new remote employees for feedback

It is important to collect feedback from remote employees about their onboarding experience while it is still fresh in their minds. Companies can conduct surveys to find out what they think.

The surveys can ask questions like “What improvements do you think we could make?” or “What part of the process did you enjoy most or least?”. Check whether there are any steps they would add to the process if they felt comfortable right from the start.

Finding out the strengths and weaknesses of the current system can help companies make tweaks and improve the process.

Conclusion

Remote employees have different needs than office workers, and this includes how the onboarding process works. Perfecting the onboarding process for remote workers is likely to take time as it is new territory for many companies. By learning from mistakes and incorporating new insights, companies will improve the process over time. This will result in a process that helps them to engage and retain remote talent.

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11 Top Investments You Should Consider

Investing your money is one of the smartest things you can do for your future. It allows you to grow your wealth while taking less risk than gambling or playing the stock market. There are many different types of investments, from stocks and bonds to real estate and collectables. But which ones should you consider right now? Here are 11 of the most important investments you should consider right now:

Rental real estate Investments

If you’re looking for a solid investment that will provide you with passive income, rental real estate is a great option. By investing in rental properties, you can generate regular income while also building equity. Before investing in real estate, especially right now, it’s important to understand the market and do your research. But if you’re ready to take the plunge, rental real estate can be a great way to build your wealth over time. You will want to consider both pre-sale condos and post-sales when you are thinking about your strategy.

You will also want to look for properties that are in areas with high demand. This could be near a university, downtown, or in a desirable neighborhood. The key is to find an area where there is consistent demand for rental units.

Another way to invest in real estate is via real estate investment trusts (REITs). These are publicly-traded companies that own and operate income-producing real estate. REITs can be a great way to invest in real estate without the hassle of directly owning and managing property.

Precious metals

Precious metals, such as gold and silver, have been used as a form of currency and store of value for centuries. In recent years, the price of gold has reached all-time highs, making it an attractive investment for many people. While the price of gold can be volatile, it has historically been a good long-term investment. If you’re considering investing in gold, it’s important to do your research and understand the market before making any decisions.

Gold is still widely viewed as a safe haven asset and a good investment for turbulent times, and we are definitely in turbulent times. You can invest in gold either by buying the physical metal itself or by investing in gold-mining companies or gold ETFs.

Stock Investments

Stocks are a popular investment and for a good reason. They offer the potential for high returns and can be easily traded. At the same time, the stock market can be volatile, over the long term it has tended to go up. This makes stocks a good investment for people who are looking to build their wealth over time.

There are two main types of stocks: growth stocks and value stocks. Growth stocks are companies that are expected to grow at a faster rate than the overall market. Value stocks are companies that are undervalued by the market and have the potential to generate high returns.

When investing in stocks, it’s important to diversify your portfolio. This means investing in a variety of different companies in different industries. This will help to protect you from risk and ensure that you’re able to weather any market volatility. It’s also important to recognize that the investing landscape has changed dramatically in the last couple of years. The era of buy-and-hold is over and passive investing doesn’t really cutting it anymore.

You need to be willing to stay on top of you equity investments and read to pivot whenever our highly complex and volatile market tells you to.

Exchange-traded funds

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a type of investment that offers exposure to a wide range of asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and commodities. ETFs are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold like stocks. They offer the benefits of diversification and professional management, making them a good option for many investors.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have gained popularity in recent years. Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual tokens that use cryptography to secure their transactions. Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, was created in 2009. Cryptocurrencies are often traded on decentralized exchanges and can also be used to purchase goods and services.

Cryptocurrencies are speculative investments, and their prices can be volatile. You should only invest money that you’re prepared to lose. If you’re considering investing in cryptocurrencies, it’s important to do your research and understand the risks involved.

Agricultural land Investments

They aren’t making any more land, which is why agricultural land is a good long-term investment. The world population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and the demand for food will continue to increase. This makes agricultural land a good investment for people who are looking to invest in the long term.

You can also invest in agricultural land through real estate investment trusts (REITs). These are companies that own and manage agricultural properties. REITs offer the benefits of diversification and professional management, making them a good option for many investors.

Bonds

Bonds are another popular investment, and like stocks, they offer the potential for high returns. Bonds are essentially loans that you make to a company or government. In exchange for loaning your money, you will receive interest payments over time. When the bond matures, you will get your original investment back.

Bonds tend to be less volatile than stocks, which makes them a good investment for people who are risk-averse. However, bonds are still subject to market conditions and interest rates, so it’s important to do your research before investing.

Mutual funds

Mutual funds are a type of investment that pools money from many different investors and invests it in a variety of securities. Mutual funds offer the benefits of diversification and professional management, making them a good option for many investors.

Be careful when putting your money into mutual funds, though. Fees and lackluster return can quickly eat up your capital and leave you with less than you started with. Make sure to do your research and choose a fund with low fees and a good track record.

Fine wine Investments

If you are looking for an investment that is a little more fun, then you might want to consider investing in fine wine. Fine wine is a luxury good that tends to appreciate in value over time. Not only that, but you can also enjoy drinking your investment!

Before investing in fine wine, it’s important to do your research. There are many factors that can affect the value of wine, such as production levels, weather, and global events. You’ll also need to factor in the costs of storage and insurance.

Fine wine is a high-risk investment, but it can be a lot of fun. If you’re willing to take on the risk, then it’s worth considering investing in fine wine.

Luxury watches

If you are willing to put in time to understand the market dynamics, there are a lot of opportunities out there to make money off of what is called arbitrage. Arbitrage is a concept that refers to taking advantage of price differences in different markets.

For example, you might buy a luxury watch in Japan for $5,000 and then sell it in the United States for $6,500. If you can do this repeatedly, then you will be able to make a profit. When it comes to Rolexes, for instance, the supply of these watches are tightly controlled, as is buying and selling, so you often find that there is a big demand for a certain watch in a particular market, but no watches around to buy, or that the prices are much higher than in other markets.

Luxury watches can be a good investment because they often appreciate in value over time. However, it’s important to do your research before investing. There are many factors that can affect the value of a watch, such as production levels, global events, and fashion trends.

Yourself

Before you think this one is too cliché to deserve your attention, consider this: the best investment you can make is in yourself. By investing in your own education, health, and happiness, you are setting yourself up for a bright future.

There is no better investment than in yourself. Investing in your own education will pay off in the form of higher earnings potential and greater job satisfaction. Investing in your health will pay off in the form of a longer, healthier life. And investing in your happiness will pay off in the form of a more fulfilling life.

No matter what else you do with your money, make sure to invest in yourself. It is the best investment you can make.

Conclusion on Investments

There are many different types of investments out there, and it can be tough to choose the right one for you. However, if you take the time to do your research and understand your options, then you will be better equipped to make a decision that is right for you.

Remember, the best investment you can make is in yourself. By investing in your own education, health, and happiness, you are setting yourself up for a bright future.

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5 All-Too-Common Small Business Problems – How to Avoid Them

Compelling research has shown that in the US alone, approximately ≥ 18% of businesses in the private sector fail within the first year. Of course, the number gets even higher towards the second to the fifth year of operation. More often than not, these failures are caused by certain problems that the owner didn’t anticipate on time, solve, or avoid. With this having been said, here are five all too common small business problems and how to avoid them.

1. Not Budgeting Enough for Quarterly Tax Payments

Depending on the type and structure, small businesses will have various tax obligations. And when the time comes to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, many small business owners tend to suffer shivers, stress, and headaches.

You want to be on the right side of the law by avoiding tax fraud, underreporting income, and overreporting expenses. You also want to understand your deductions so you can save money, avoid lagging behind on the tax-filing deadline, and distance yourself from possible tax evasion penalties.

To make things easier, many businesses prefer making quarterly tax payments, which are basically estimates reflecting the total tax liability owed to the IRS. You can do this with the help of a quarterly tax calculator, which helps you calculate estimated taxes as self-employed and whether you earn employment income from elsewhere.

It helps make things easier since, by the time the April deadline approaches, you will have done literally 75 percent of the work if not more.

Budgeting enough for quarterly tax payments is also a good way to avoid legal implications associated with taxation laws, which are among the many reasons that businesses go down the path of failure.

2. Cash Flow Hurdles

This is perhaps the most common reason why businesses fail. They simply run out of cash or don’t have enough to keep operations going when it’s most needed.

Cash flow challenges can stem from a wide range of factors, including financial misappropriation, risky investments, bad loans, uncollected invoices, or poor financial decisions.

To avoid what can possibly stagnate your business or force it into closure, it’s best to keep a keen eye on your bottom line as well as expenses.

It’s best to stay ahead by ensuring you have enough money in your bank account to cover operating expenses for at least the next 6 months if not more. As part managing your business working capital, other things you can do to avoid cash flow problems include:

Regularly forecast cash flow
Always assess a client’s creditworthiness before doing business with them
Do away with bad debts
Keep your operational risks minimal
Look into ways to reduce operational expenses
Get financial assistance if need be

3. Payroll Issues

The last thing you want when you start a new business is a payroll crisis. Whether you start as a one-person entity or a small team of five or more, it’s best to have a payroll in place as early as possible.

Payroll issues such as miscalculated payments, late payments, missing benefits, or unreported taxes can be downright frustrating to any business. They can easily bring a business to a standstill and even skyrocket your stress levels as an entrepreneur.

The good thing is, however, that payroll issues can be minimized if you do the following:

Check your payroll regulations for the country you’re in
Understand and know all the forms you’ll have to complete
When filing a payroll, be sure to utilize your deductions
Ensure accuracy in calculating employees’ wages
Classify employees properly
Have clear payroll policies in place
Try as much as possible not to miss important payroll deadlines
Stay organized, tracking employee hours worked, overtime, benefits, and other important information

4. Administrative Issues

By far, there are two types of administrative headaches small businesses commonly face. These are paperwork and people. It’s never too early to prepare for administrative challenges that will arise when you start a business. If you have the time and budget, you want to start documenting and planning what you can do to ensure a smooth start.

From bookkeeping to HR, and payroll, different small businesses may have different needs when it comes to admiration. One of the best ways to avoid administrative problems is to outsource some if not all administrative functions to a trusted service provider.

This is especially when it comes to strenuous tasks like bookkeeping, processing paperwork, and payroll processing. Many companies are available to also help keep track of sales, invoices, purchases, payments, expenses, and financial statements at a considerable fee.

5. Marketing Small Business Problems

It goes without saying that marketing is one of the most important elements in a business. It’s literally what puts your brand out there, attracts sales, and eventually bumps up your profit margin.

However, problems may arise if you don’t have a solid marketing strategy for your small business enough to reach clients from different sources online and offline. A few ways to avoid these problems include:

Budgeting properly for marketing resources
Keep a close eye on marketing trends and technology
Invest more in internet marketing, including SEO, social media ads, PPC campaigns, and more
Seek counsel from a reputable digital marketing expert

The best way to avert small business problems is to anticipate it and to have a plan to keep it at bay. As far as your small business is concerned, the above are just some of the commonly expected issues and how you can ward them off.

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