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April, 2013

3 Major Motivational Rewards that Benefit the Whole Team

Submitted by Anton Pomakov on Tue, 04/16/2013 - 11:36

Humans are hard-wired to appreciate, nay, crave recognition. Even though some of us shy away from the limelight more than others, the simple truth is that we all want to feel important and valuable to those within our lives, both personally and professionally.

In the working world, companies and organizations are starting to realize just how important recognition is as an employee motivator. Of course, there are monetary rewards that have proven effective – cash prizes, bonus checks, gift cards and expensive gifts – but sometimes, the best incentives are those that do not cost the company any (additional) money.

Top Five Ideas for a New Business

Submitted by Tina Samuels on Wed, 04/17/2013 - 09:42

Want to start a business in 2013 but still don't have an idea on what to do?

Here are five hot new business ideas that could be perfect for you.

Remember to always research the business thoroughly, especially if you have no background in the field.

Calculating the True Cost of Downtime

Submitted by Elena on Thu, 04/18/2013 - 10:36

Too many small business owners fail to protect their computer systems and realize the mistake when it’s too late. It’s becoming more and more apparent that owners don’t fully appreciate the costs associated with technical issues. These are painful lessons that can and should be avoided. In an exclusive interview, Patrick Rardin, CEO of Eagle Feather Enterprises –  a leading technology consultant to growth companies discusses these technical issues in more detail and gives some useful tips.

10 Local Coffee Chains Worth Checking Out

Submitted by Olivia Lewis on Fri, 04/19/2013 - 15:19

In a sea of mega-chain coffee shops with an identical footprint taking over the landscape, it’s easy to miss some of the impressive local, independent chains around the country. These are 10 of the most celebrated local chains in the United States, each of which is worth trying out if you find yourself in the area.

Small Business Index Finds SMBs are Motivated to Go Green to Save Money (infographic)

Submitted by Elena on Mon, 04/22/2013 - 09:59

According to a recent survey conducted by Office Depot, Inc., a leading global provider of office supplies and services, small businesses (SMBs) are motivated to go green by concern for the environment (76 percent), saving money (49 percent) and employee encouragement and participation (20 percent).

5 Reasons I Need Title Insurance

Submitted by Tina Samuels on Tue, 04/23/2013 - 10:29

Title insurance is something that you as a business owner may not even think of when you go to buy a property, building, or land parcel, but you should.

Title insurance can be the difference between a nightmare sale and a great start to your small business ownership.

When is the Right Time to Lay off Employees?

Submitted by Dana Aley Smith on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 11:31

For small business owners, the excitement and stress of survival often leads to tough decision making on a personal level.

Treading water in the present economy, until things “improve” is difficult for larger companies, but may not be an option for small employers, as they watch company profitability slide.

How to set up a Limited Company [Infographic]

Submitted by Elena on Fri, 04/26/2013 - 08:23

A limited company is a business structure that offers its members, shareholders and directors several benefits. Compared to sole traders or partnerships, it’s more tax efficient, personal liability is limited for all members, and it portrays a professional image. There are many reasons to choose to set up a limited company, but it all depends on your particular circumstances. 1st Contact Accounting offers individuals this checklist to drive setting up a limited company forward with ease.

Workplace Wellness: Should Employees Be Healthier?

Submitted by Adam Groff on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 13:10

Unless there’s an elusive money tree in the backyard, work is just a way of life for most people.

There’s no getting around a busy schedule, so it’s inevitable that activities like personal fitness must be sacrificed. Luckily there are some great ways to integrate employee health and wellness into the workday.

Shopping Online – How Is the Internet Affecting Shopping Habits? [Infographic]

Submitted by Jared Jacobs on Tue, 04/30/2013 - 13:13

The internet has been the premier shopping destination for a long time now (more than 85% of internet users worldwide consider themselves online shoppers), but that doesn’t mean the experience has stopped evolving or growing. In fact, global e-commerce revenues are expected to grow to nearly $1 trillion in 2013.