Nowadays businesses have to be savvy when it comes to security – both online and offline. Many of us are looking for new and more innovative ways to protect their data, and while looking after our brick and mortar stores are just important, cybercrime can make use forget about good old alarm systems and the physical welfare of our employees.

The challenge is often knowing where to start, and just what your security priorities need to be. If you’ve been looking for the best ways to keep your business protected, then here are the best places to start.

Staff training

The first step of your security overhaul should be with your staff. You can have your online and offline premises as secure as possible, but if your employees are still clicking on phishing links or leaving doors unlocked, then all of your security is seriously undermined. Having regular security meetings not only gives you the opportunity to highlight the latest potential threats, but also reinforces the fact that your security culture is as important as your customer service. Use a regularly updated checklist to ensure that you are covering the most important online security requirements.

Secure your buildings

Your equipment needs to be secure, but so do your employees. You need to install state of the art alarm systems as well as CCTV cameras, in the case that someone comes into your office or tries to and you need to report them to the police. If you’re unsure on how to work such equipment or the best brands to make use, contacting registered professionals like Eurolink Security means you’ll get the best information possible, and will deter any criminals hoping to rob you of your equipment and safety. 

Restrict access

It may be easier to run your business if every employee has access to every online department, but you have to ask yourself if that access is required. Not every member of staff needs the passwords to your social media accounts or customer details, so ensure that you minimize risks and boost your security by limiting access to sensitive information to just those employees that need it to manage their tasks. The best way to achieve this is by using different passwords for every platform and piece of software. Making use of both random password generators and password management systems will boost your security.

Stay updated 

Both your software and hardware need to be kept as up to date as possible. Many of the software updates that most people ignore are designed specifically to counter new threat trends, so it’s important that you don’t’ ignore those pop-ups. Remember to set your systems to update automatically during times of least use if that’s an option, but if not, take the time to manually update as and when prompted.

As cybercrimes continue to dominate the business news, it’s never been more important that you pay serious attention to your online security. Taking the time to address these initial steps will go a long way to keeping your business as safe as possible.

As an entrepreneur, we have all experienced some form of anxiety at some time. Just trying to juggle life with work and being your own boss while trying to have good relationships is enough to cause a great deal of stress. But, it does not have to turn into an anxiety disorder if you deal with it right away and do not let it get to you. While some people handle stressful situations with ease, others seem to get anxious over every little thing and are unable to stop worrying. Is that you? Are you still worrying about whether you chose the best solution for the problem you had yesterday or if you said the right thing to the client you talked to last week? Some people just get stuck on things and fixate on whether or not they are doing the right thing or not. 

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in adults in the United States. In fact, anxiety disorders affect over 40 million Americans every year. That is almost 20% of the population! While these anxiety disorders are easy to treat, less than 37% get help for their stress. So, why would stress cause you so much grief while it barely bothers your partner? The answers are not totally clear but the experts believe it could be genetic, so you can blame it on your genes. However, before you start blaming your parents for making you stressed out, you need to know that there are other risk factors for anxiety disorders. Some of these include:

• History of any type of mental health conditions
• Being exposed to traumatic or severely stressful events as a child
• Divorced or widowed 
• Being a woman
• Economic issues
• Shyness as a child
• Chemical imbalance in the brain

Risky Behavior

Then again, anxiety disorders can happen to anyone. Especially those who put themselves in stressful situations such as running your own company or even just having a family. Juggling both of these can be a colossal feat for anyone but it is becoming more common every day as technology makes it easier to work from home. No wonder being a woman is on the risk factor list. We are always trying to do too much at once. Not that it is any easier for men but women tend to worry more about things like whether your child ate breakfast this morning or if your husband is able to find his tie. 

Therapy Can Really Help

So, what can you do? You do not have to rush off to find a psychiatrist. With your busy schedule, the last thing you need to do is worry about how you are going to find a good therapist and fit an appointment into your day. You can try online therapy from home, no appointment necessary. Not only is it convenient, it is also less expensive than traditional therapy. Because the therapist does not have to cover the expense of paying for an office, transportation, and employees, they can pass that savings on to you. In fact, you can get therapy for less than you probably spend on coffee every week. Use your computer, phone, or tablet, whichever you want. You can do it now and have your anxiety under control by dinner time. 

Insurance for Small Businesses

Whether you are just launching your business or are already established, Insurance is one of the most overlooked business requirements and one of the most important.

If you are now an experienced entrepreneur, you know that starting a business isn’t just sleeping in and not having time for brunch. Its hard work and sweat and maybe some tears, long days with little reward and maybe even a few years before profits are made. 

All this time and effort can be decimated if you do not have the correct insurance in place for your business. From being sued to being injured and unable to run your business, sudden unplanned issues can decimate a small business and you could lose everything.

Here we take a look at the six types of insurance each business owner should have, to cover the most basic insurance requirements:

Property Insurance – even if you are renting your workspace, you need property insurance as it covers everything from Buildings to office equipment and tools. For example, if your clients are all online, perhaps an online casino aimed at the sports betting NZ public, the loss of your server and computers would cripple your business. This insurance cover should include damages or loss caused by fire, vandals and theft. Also consider adding loss of earning insurance into this one, as you will be unable to operate and earn if you lose your business tools to fire/theft.

General Liability – This cover is so important, it is what will keep you open and in business if your employee, product or even yourself may have caused damage (bodily damage or property damage) to a third party. This policy should cover lawyer/defence costs as well as any damages awarded if you should lose the action against you.

Commercial Auto – This insurance will cover any vehicles you have in your company that carry good/staff/equipment. Even if your company does not have vehicles and employees use their own vehicles for company business, their cars should be covered.

Workers Compensation – This is often overlooked but should be added for all employees. This insurance covers wage replacement and medical benefits for those who were injured at work on the job. This insurance is necessary as your employees could end up taking action against the business if they are injured and do not enjoy this cover; it will therefore protect you against legal action.

Professional Liability – this insurance covers your business in case your business fails to provide or improperly renders the professional services they were hired to do. This will provide cover for defence as well as any damages if the case is lost (this is not covered under the General Liability insurance).

and Finally…

Life Insurance – This insurance will ensure your family is taken care of in case of your passing, and even if you take early retirement it is something to consider. This is particularly important for those entrepreneurs who cannot be replaced in their businesses – if you are removed from the business it will collapse leading to a loss of income to your family.

Brian Cairns, CEO ProStrategix Consulting, that helps small businesses and start-ups determine how best to build scale joins Enterprise Radio.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Brian Cairns discuss the following:

1. When is the right time to scale?
2. How do I know if my business is scaleable?
3. What do I need in order to secure funding?
4. When is debt or getting a loan a good idea?
5. When is equity a good idea?

Brian Cairns is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with strong analytical and technical background. Has a knack for uncovering and identifying hidden market opportunities. Proven track record of unlocking value and bringing new products to market. Achieved business and category growth with brands and businesses of varying size and budget. Has worked with numerous entrepreneurs in diverse categories from veterinary cannabis to LED medical devices. While at Pfizer, he launched several brands key to the long-term success of Listerine. Brian also has experience as a Group Product Director in Upper Respiratory and experience in Business Development.

Website: www.prostrategix.com

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“Success doesn’t look like what you thought it would look like.

It ends up being something completely different.”

Robert Castan

Successful addiction treatment programs and entrepreneurship? Together, in the same title?

Is that even possible? The answer, surprisingly, is “Yes.” In both the title, and in the world of drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The key to the success of any organization whose aim is to put addicts on the road to recovery lies in the motivation, and not many come more motivated than the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of The Evergreen at Northpoint, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Washington, Robert Castan.

Back in 2010, after finally seeking help for his own addiction (one that nearly led to his death), Robert chose to help others find freedom from addiction as his life’s purpose. From that moment in his life, he has gone on to create highly successful and innovative addiction treatment programs across the western U.S.

In 2014, Robert co-founded Northpoint Recovery in Boise, Idaho. From its inception to the facility layout, marketing campaigns and key team development, Robert oversaw it all. With Northpoint’s growth and success, Robert assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer. 

Today, Robert supervises the daily operations of the administrative, marketing and intake teams, as well as assisting in key growth initiatives. As he says in his bio on the website, “I am extremely proud of what we have created at Northpoint Recovery, we get to do something we love and help people change their lives.” 

Robert is someone I admire greatly, and, fortunately for me, our paths recently crossed, enabling me the opportunity to ask him about his motivation, his ideas, and how his entrepreneurial skills apply in the field of addiction treatment and recovery. Insightful, informative, honest, and a little heartwarming, here’s what Robert had to say:

Describe your personal motivation in bringing Northpoint Recovery from its inception to fruition?

The main motivation is that addiction treatment in the United States has been fairly institutionalized, with the approach that “one size fits all.” What has happened is that it’s created low insurance reimbursement based on bad outcomes.

So firstly, one of the main reasons for doing what we do every day is we want to see people get better, and we think we are the most equipped to do that. Secondly, we’ve got to change the tone. A lot of insurance companies has come to the conclusion that inpatient treatment is more like a waste of money than a benefit. We wanted to do something different so that it can actually help people.

Also, there were a lot of shady business practices that were happening. We wanted to create a company that people were really excited about, and one that could change the face of addiction treatment in the U.S.

Evergreen at Northpoint is an intensive outpatient (IOP) drug and alcohol rehab facility. What are the benefits of IOP?

First of all, it’s always got to be based on each individual’s need. There are a decent amount of people that wouldn’t always require an inpatient stay before they could actually find lasting recovery. Inpatient is good for people when they’re using drugs and alcohol – they really are in some problematic areas. Typically, they may be ruining people’s lives around them, they may be in very dramatic situations.

So, inpatient gets them out of all of those exterior problems that are holding them back, and it puts them in a controlled environment where we can stabilize them medically, because a lot of people are coming off heroin or alcohol, and wouldn’t be medically stable if they try to do that on their own.

We also combine the socio-physical aspects of it, so we do all of the therapeutic components to meet them where they’re at. Once they get 28 days away from that external environment, it gives them a controlled space where they can really build a base for lasting recovery. 

Outpatient is going to be more tailored to meet them in their current environment. You are able to deal with issues like family, and employment – living in the situation. We also do GCP engagement (working with their personal practitioners), and working with their physical health in their living situation. So, instead of being in a controlled environment, we can actually help them walk through everyday life. Inpatient and outpatient both serve a really strong purpose for somebody to achieve a lasting recovery. 

You’re a recovering addict yourself. May we ask what was your drug of choice, and how you went about seeking help? 

When I first came to treatment, I really thought I was just addicted to cocaine. Through treatment, I found I had been drinking over a fifth of alcohol or more per day for the past 7 years before I found recovery. I realized that the drug of choice didn’t matter. I was addicted to most of anything. I was addicted to more, and I always was willing to go after it. 

What motivated me? I look back, and January 22nd, 2008, I was laying on the floor at 2 o’clock in the morning. I was about to commit suicide, and it was either I looked to find help and change my life, or that was going to be my path, and to just cut myself in the bathtub so that it would be cleaner. I had even already started rearranging my personal items so that if my family had to go through them, it didn’t look so bad.

The motivation, I think, came from divine intervention, my higher power just pointed me in their direction to find recovery. And, to this day, I’m pretty grateful that I was able to choose that path. I was going to kill myself or I was going to change my life. And I chose to change my life. 

How long were you using before you searched for help with your addiction?

I got clean at 26 years old. My first time using drugs and alcohol was 8 years old, and  I started using regularly at 12. So for 14 years.

What form did your treatment take?

I went into a 28-day inpatient residential facility. After that, I went to 12 Step meetings every single day. 

What did you learn from the process of achieving a state of being clean and sober?

The biggest hurdle was just learning how to be okay, even when things around me seemed to be falling apart. Drugs and alcohol were my solutions when I had a bad day, and when I had a good day, I’d use them to celebrate. Take that away, and it was hard to celebrate the wins or contemplate the losses. I had to learn to deal with life.

Once an addict is successfully detoxed, how does Northpoint Recovery convince them that there is a new and better life waiting for them? What waits for them afterward?

We really start that process right away, when they come into the inpatient facility and they go through admissions, Our alumni coordinator will be with them within the first 48 hours, but we really start that engagement process – what happens after you leave this inpatient facility –  within the first few hours. At our outpatient facility, we try to integrate them with as quickly as possible. We also engage with the family, so they have a clear line of communication with the treatment team.

In regards to your entrepreneurial journey, when did that begin?

So, I started my first company after I got clean and sober – it really started with this desire to want to do something differently. I can look back, and I remember working a full-time job in Starbucks, and I was a dishwasher at Texas Roadhouse on the weekend. I sold everything I had to raise a little money to start the first opportunity. I didn’t know anything about this, but I knew I wasn’t afraid to work, and that’s what pushed everything. 

What words of inspiration could you give to a new entrepreneur?

We have these things called “core values” at Northpoint Recovery – how we hire against, and how to operate. For example, don’t be scared to challenge the norm. Always be willing to chop wood, and carry water. Don’t ever get too good to do something in the company – people often see me participate in lower level tasks. You’ve always got to be humble and be grateful for your situation. Don’t try to control everything.

Hire smart people, and allow them to have an autonomous avenue to do their job, so they can either rise to the occasion or learn from their failures. My biggest opportunities for growth have come from the most uncomfortable failure situations, so never look at a failure as this big, awful thing. It’s just one more step along the road to success. 

Lastly, success doesn’t look like what you thought it would look like – it ends up being something completely different. 

Core Values…

An honest and very moving interview, wouldn’t you agree? As an entrepreneur myself, listening to Robert answer my questions was so insightful and empowering that I will certainly use elements of what he said in my own business, as I’m sure you will do so too.

From your own experience as an entrepreneur (however far down that road you are), what sources of inspiration have you found? What business areas, such as Robert’s “core values,” for example, do you focus your efforts on? Please feel free to share with others with a comment below. Thank you, Robert.

Los Angeles is a city with a purpose; it is built to entertain. With an estimated one in six residents of LA working in creative industries, the overwhelming feeling is of an industrious city of art. LA is clearly made by and for people with a strong work ethic and high cultural capital. LA contains more museums per capita than anywhere else in the world. LA is made to entertain, and in this respect is at the pinnacle of human evolution; society is at a point where one of the most populous cities in the world is based on simply creating entertainment for itself.

This is an oversimplification, of course. There are a great number of industries in LA and the surrounding area, from cutting edge IT and robotics to traditional agriculture, and it has a long history of hardship and an ethos built on proud working class roots. All this helps to create a feeling that the city has risen through hope and labour to become the hub of culture and of human creativity that it is now. Los Angeles is, more than anywhere else, the culmination of the American dream.

LA is the subject of innumerable songs, and the home of some of the most important music of the last hundred years, segueing through an eclectic mix-tape from the smooth sounds of early and golden age Hollywood through a legendary jazz scene, classic 60s Cali-pop, West Coast rock and hardcore punk to politically charged gansta rap, rave culture, and indie sounds.

LA is happily situated along a dramatic curved stretch of coastline, where silver sands, turquoise seas and palm trees make it feel like a tropical paradise. It’s not hard to remember where you are, though, with the city bustling behind you and surfers catching the waves wherever you look. Leave the city to the East, and you’ll soon find yourself in countryside you’ll recognise from every Western you watched as a kid. Southern California is a land of microclimates, and here you can be among lush and verdant orchards, trees heavy with citrus fruit and almonds, while only a few minutes down the road you’ll feel the dry heat of the arid California desert. This natural biodiversity means that there’s a huge variety of local seasonal produce available and it’s easier than ever to enjoy the sunshine flavours of SoCal when you’re in LA. And then there’s the wine, of course. Only a short drive out of the city and you’ll have your choice of vineyards for tours and tastings. There are several companies offering wine tours out of the city to take in the scenery and vineyards – these are clearly the choice to take if you’d like to take in a glass, or a bottle, of fine Californian wine in the countryside where the grape is grown, and not have to worry about driving home.

Los Angeles is a fantastically multicultural city, with a diverse and fluid population. There are several historic immigrant enclaves enriching the cultural environment; these historically defined areas are now eclectic, vibrant places to visit and soak in the ambience. Visit the ingeniously named Tehrangeles, as well as Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Tokyo and more. These are the places to go to if you want great street food, amazing variety and value, and to sample authentic ethnic cuisine surrounded by bustling and tight-knit communities.

Farmers’ Markets like The Grove are also great places for grabbing a bite from a huge selection of great, reasonably priced food. It’s a great place to feel part of the city, to watch people, and to enjoy the locally farmed food and cottage industries output.

Though a sprawling metropolis, parts of Los Angeles have the feel of a college town, thanks to the three world-class universities in the city limits. There are also numerous specialist colleges and vocational education centers, and myriad public and private libraries. With such a high population comes a highly competitive jobs market, so LA is a city where education is of high value and so are thriving los angeles based businesses. Visit the Griffith Observatory, high up Mount Hollywood. Envisioned and funded by Welsh philanthropist (and all-round interesting guy) Griffith J. Griffith specifically to try and make astronomy accessible to everyone; it’s free to get in, it’s in an incredibly impressive building with a huge dome, and it contains an enormous wealth of educational scientific exhibits pitched to appeal to all levels of understanding. Located high up Mount Hollywood, whether you’re looking at the stars above, or the stars below, it’s a place to get some perspective.

Los Angeles has some astounding pieces of architecture; take a walk into the Bradbury Building and marvel at the detail, design and workmanship. The Getty Museum(s) house an impressive collection of thousands of years of largely European classical art across two very different and very beautiful buildings. The sculpturally modern Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Los Angeles Music Center is a must-see, even if you don’t get tickets to one of the many spectacular shows held there every day, you should go and marvel at the scale and style of the place. Don’t miss the remarkable Ennis House, a Mayan-inspired design classic by Frank Lloyd Wright. And, hey, there’s always the Hollywood Bowl!

One of the main criticisms you’ll hear about visiting Los Angeles is that you can’t walk anywhere. This depends where you are, of course, and local government and developers are aware of the issues so great campaigns are afoot to improve walking and promote cycling in the city. It can’t be avoided even when eulogizing about the place; LA comes with all the inherent problems of a densely-populated, motor-reliant major city. There’s an upside to the volume of traffic, though… LA has great roads!

Los Angeles is a city for people who like to be among people, even if only for the anonymity that can give. It’s a city for the people-watchers, the artists, writers, the students of human behaviour. There’s never a dull moment. If you want to be in a place where there’s always something happening, that’s LA.

It’s always the ultimate desire of anyone with an online presence to rank high in search engines (Google Search, Yahoo Search, Bing, etc.). Today, you have more than a couple of options for how to do well in these searches. At the same time, there’s no denying that some conventional tactics are still the most relevant when it comes to search engine optimization.

Here’s a lowdown on what techniques have held their worth over the years:

1. Organic Link Building

While reading articles about the success of sites like Unilad and BuzzFeed may highlight the impact of social media influence on SEO, organic link building remains one of the best ways to enhance search engine rank of a website. Even sites that thrive on social following know that it’d be hard to gain and maintain a strong internet presence if no one linked to their site. They benefit from the fact that their content gets shared, discovered, and linked to in large numbers. Essentially, organic link building is an art in itself. A new website can find it hard to gain social media traction, get permission from authority sites to contribute a guest post, and create SEO-optimized content.

Even existing sites can fall flat on their faces because of lack of resources/lack of concentration on quality of incoming links (Google isn’t shy about penalizing big names). Fortunately SEO service providers like HigherVisibility.com are helping companies engage in quality white hat link building by seeking out links from several authoritative resources. Such companies use their experience and research tools to give their clients a leg up on competition as well as offer valuable content that helps build clients’ companies into an authority. Only the most reputable links make it to their list.

2. On-Page Optimization

The structure of web pages and the content it contains is only a piece of the SEO pie, but a very critical piece. If the structure is distorted, it’d be challenging to gain favors from search engine companies. Hence, it’s vital for site owners to get on-page optimization right. Some critical factors of on-page optimization include permalink structure (URL link), title tag, meta description, header tags, internal (inbound) and external (outbound) links, and keyword usage.

Title Tags should include the main keyword you’re targeting plus search intent. For instance, if you’re targeting soldering irons, the title tag could be best soldering irons or top 10 soldering irons. The meta description should be an excerpt of what a webpage is about and include the focus keyword. URL link should be clean rather than a link that includes a whole date. Header tags (h1,h2,h3 tags) should break up your content. The webpage should include a decent number of links to your content as well as other authority websites. Lastly, keywords should be used throughout the webpage.

3. Content Marketing

Content marketing is still a great way to build an online presence. It involves publishing link-worthy pieces of content on a regular basis. Site owners should try and get the most value from every article they produce by distributing their content in different formats: infographics, webinar recordings, blog posts, ebooks, whitepapers, videos, etc. There’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to content.

Multiple content formats not only allow you to generate more links, but it also ensures your presence goes beyond search engines. For instance, videos will first be indexed by YouTube before the YouTube link for them is indexed by Google, so you’ll have a higher chance of being seen than if you are just indexed in a Google Search listing.

Because these techniques still matter, you can incorporate them into your existing SEO strategy to improve site traffic and gain a strong foothold in search engine listings.

Ari Vared, Senior Director of Product Development at San Francisco-based CyberPolicy and CoverHound joins Enterprise Radio to discuss the biggest cyber threat and security trend to SMBs.

This episode of Enterprise Radio is working in association with the Cyber Security Channel.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Ari Vared discuss the following:

1. What it is you do at CyberPolicy.
2. There seems to be an endless stream of news around cyber security with attacks on major businesses like Target, Home Depot, Google, Sony, VISA/Mastercard, JP Morgan Chase, and Equifax, just to name a few, so my question is: How can SMBs better prevent and prepare for such cyber attacks?
3. What do you think is the biggest cyber threat and security trend to SMBs?
4. How are you guiding SMB leaders on their security approach in today’s cyber  landscape?
5. Can you tell us some of CyberPolicy customers and how you manage their security needs?
6. For those SMB leaders and executives listening right now, what is the one advice that you can share for them to take and use as a best practice to implement in their respective companies?
7. How can they reach you and learn more about CyberPolicy?

Ari Vared is the Senior Director of Product at San Francisco based CyberPolicy, providing small businesses with the cybersecurity advice, tools, and insights they need to protect their data, operations and reputation. A wholly-owned subsidiary of CoverHound Inc., CyberPolicy is the world’s first and only comparison site for cyber insurance, helping companies Plan, Prevent, and Insure against today’s modern threats.

Ari has spent over a decade helping small businesses sharpen their product, strategy and operations to increase growth and partnership opportunities. His passion for SMBs and expertise in cybersecurity and cyber insurance enable him to provide comprehensive insights for SMBs who are often underserved and most vulnerable to data breaches and cyber attacks.

Website: www.CyberPolicy.com

Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CyberPolicyOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cyberpolicy_com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyberpolicy

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Customer relationship management is a strategy organizations use to build long-lasting relationships between the business and its existing and potential customers. CRM is meant to build and maintain healthy business relationships, harmonize business processes and increase profitability.

CRM technology can help your business focus on building relationships with individuals such as customers, service providers, suppliers and colleagues. CRM assists in building new relationships with potential clients, winning prospective business, providing services and offering support throughout the entire business cycle.

Good customer relationship is important for the growth of your business. Not only does your business grow faster, but also benefits from enhanced quality of services. Here are three ways CRM can help your business:

Top 3 Ways Your Business Can Benefit from CRM

1. Reduces the Cost of Sales

The probability of selling to a new customer is lower than selling to an existing client. The probability of selling to a new client ranges from 5% to 20% while the probability of selling to an existing customer is about 70%. Getting new customers in your business is an aspect of growth. However, you can offset sales by selling more to your existing customers.

Renew opportunities you have with your existing customer base to improve your sales. Identify untapped opportunities among your existing pool of customers instead of making dead end deals. It can save you a lot in terms of the cost of sales.

Customer relationship management helps boost sales effectiveness. Know your clients well enough to schedule the best timing to approach them, reducing the cost of sales. CRM also enhances sales efficiency, further reducing the cost of sales.

With CRM, you have access to all the important information about your clients. You always know the ranks in positions to address and contact details in case they change, including physical addresses. Access to such information allows you to provide efficient services.

2. Fosters the Development of Sustainable Relationships

Sustainable business success is achievable through an in depth relationship between customers and an organization. Make an effort to understand your customers. Review the history the few clients you have and build a relationship based on mutual trust.

CRM assists in exploring customers’ challenges, interests, preferences and goals. Take note of these challenges and record them in your CRM system to enable you deliver efficient services to your existing and future clients.

With CRM, you get to know the products or services your customers consume and their pattern or habit of purchase. As a result, you can provide relevant content and information to the same customers.

3. Attracts the Right Customers

One of the most important aspects of a business is time. Have you been prospecting for new leads through marketing, but your sales team spent financial resources and so much time without producing attractive outcomes? If your answer is yes, a CRM strategy is what you might need.

Make the most of email and social marketing automation by linking it to a CRM system. It projects sales and marketing to a higher levels. Your business can attract new customers and enhance decision making.

CRM can help your business improve customer retention and improve customer services in general. Ultimately, you get to improve your business productivity, thanks to customer relationship management.

Check out UK CRM system to find out how it can help improve your business for increased growth and sales.

Knowing your roots is important for everyone. Until now genes has been one of the biggest mysteries for scientists all over the world. We don’t know exactly how they work, therefore understanding the history of our forebears can help you to understand yourself better. Discovering personal traits of character is an exciting knowledge. Many people change their lives after exploring roots with a support of a probate researcher. You never know what surprises are waiting for you in your destiny and which mysteries are hidden inside your genetic code.

Treasure hunt

Genealogy should be compared with a treasure hunt. It fulfills lives of people, makes them feel connected to a community, makes them realize why are they who they are today or essay writing help. Sometimes there is no need to hire heir hunters; you will find treasures in your garage as well. The old boxes filled with trash сan contain letters, photographs, paintings, and other staff that is priceless in your genealogy research. Nevertheless, you are not the first one with this idea. The family tree made by previous grandparents would answer all the questions you have asked yourself.

Get more than knowledge

There is nothing more important than a family. By researching the destinies of your grand grandparents, you may unexpectedly acquire new relatives in the present. Isn’t it interesting to know who they are, what are they doing for a living, what do you have in common and what destiny do they have? They can become not only your new friends and life support but also a reason for the further probate research jobs. You never know which heritage until you check it officially. 

How did your relatives entertain themselves?

It is not only relations and genes that connect us with our relatives from the past? But also hobbies, a way of thinking, free time, preferences, music, lifestyle and other. Maybe they visited theaters and watched the same stories interpretation of which you can watch on your Haier tv today. This connection can appear gentle. For example, you prefer country and blues music and find out that one of your grand relatives was a world traveler, played harmonica and was singing blues songs. You can be interested in a history, and it may appear that one of your relatives was an influential politician or professor of history. Knowing their destiny may help you in your life way.  

Gifted children

Knowing your personal history and occupation of your family may help your kids to make the right decision in choosing life profession. What we used to call ‘gift’ is a previous experience gathered and transferred to previous generations encrypted in a complex biological code known as genes. There are many gifted children. For responsible parents, it is crucial to explore the roots and on this basis develop the child’s skills. A boy who likes football which was grown up in a family of biologists will never become a professional sportsman. With the information that his distant relatives are successful Olympic champions will help his parents to prove that they are wrong. You should use this tip with your parents.

Your appearance

Do you have wavy or curly hair? Is your nose in bigger than usual? Heir search will explain to you which nationalities you combine in yourself. We all are diverse and similar. The GNA test made by a specialist can help finders probate genealogists to explore your roots. It can explain not only a dark beard or big ears but also love for mountains or sea. There are facts about ourselves that we can not explain, but genealogy can. Family genealogy can explain more than you can imagine, will help you to understand yourself better.

Be a probate genealogist for yourself

Finding records about your family and relatives you have never met may appear more exciting than you think it is. Once you have found out and collected valuable information, it is also important to save it in an appropriate way for your grand grandsons and daughters. Create your heritage. There is a chance that one day they will want to meet you on paper or maybe the electronic version of you. With the age of innovations family, genealogy records may look completely different.

Sandra Hayward is a freelancer who is constantly exploring historical and genealogical information. She has created a family tree of her family and today is trying to share the information about her successful experience. She believes that many people under-appreciate their roots and therefore feel lost. Sandra claims that by exploring family records, a person grows morally. 

The advent of the internet and digitalization has made handling business data a very easy task. But it has its own share of risks and threats too. There are some unethical hackers who use their knowledge in wrong ways to penetrate into your network or device. These hackers can pose some risky threats to your business. So, it is important for you to understand different types of security threats that can affect your business. While these threats come in different forms, here we are discussing some of the most common data security threats. Ignoring any of these can put you in great loss.

• Ransomware

Among the myriads of security threats, ransomware is one of the most dangerous one. It is not only a threat to the security of your data but it can also cost you lots of money. The hackers who send ransomware first encrypt the data either on a device or a network. And later, they would threaten the owner of the data to keep the data encrypted, delete it or publish it if they are not paid the demanded ransom. You need to stay vigilant so that you do not get in the situation where you are asked for a ransom to keep your own data safe. The risk of getting ransomware is increasing day by day. Earlier, only a person with good knowledge of coding was able to send ransomware but things have changed due to the availability of ransomware kits on the dark web. You must have proper knowledge about recovery back up to keep yourself safe from this situation.

• Phishing

This is one of the fastest growing security threats these days. To keep your business safe from phishing, you need to educate your staff about what it is and how to prevent it effectively. The cybercriminals often contact their target through e-mails, text messages or telephone posing themselves as legitimate institutions to steal important security information. If your employees are not trained well, you can suffer major financial losses due to their ignorance. Thousands of cases all around the globe are registered every month where a cybercriminal stole important security and financial information by pretending as the financial director or boss of the company or as a colleague. The e-mail is received from a trustworthy source but it eventually leads a person to a compromised website full of malware. Every employee holding confidential information about the company should be trained to avoid getting trapped into phishing.

• Botnet

Generally, business websites rather than their confidential information are targeted by the botnet. These are actually a group of computers connected to the internet that has been compromised by unethical hackers using malware. The hackers controlling these computers are often called the bot-herder or bot-master and they use these computers to indulge in various types of cyber crimes such as spreading spam e-mails as well as targeting business websites. The hackers targeting the websites generally overload the website with access request with an intention to bring down the web server. When websites are targeted with loads of access request, they crash down and the users are not able to use these websites. Even a single day of Denial of Service can affect your business badly. If your website is an e-commerce website, the botnet can cause huge financial and reputational loss, to say the least. 

• Rootkit

This again is a grave security threat. A rootkit is a collection of tools that are used by cybercriminals to get an administrator-level access to your computer, network or server. An expert hacker can use a security hole in a legitimate application to enter into your system and install varieties of malware and spyware. By installing spyware, the criminal can get access to the records of your monitor and even keystrokes. It is not tough to understand that these records can be used to steal all important information which can be used against you and your business in any way. 

The scariest thing about rootkits is that the hacker may be maintaining access to your system without even being noticed by you. Rootkits are the most popular method among the cyber attackers who are into spreading malware at a mass level rather than targeting a single person or business. They are developed to automatically and silently exploit the vulnerabilities of targeted victims.

You might be putting all your efforts in growing your business and maintaining its online presence. However, all this can go in vain if you are attacked by any of the above-discussed data security threats. So, it is always advisable to protect your business from such threats rather than searching for a solution later when the problem actually hits you in the face. 

Different real estate spaces are becoming versatile places with multiple functionalities. For instance, workplaces are starting to adapt services and amenities found in hotels and residences. The reason behind it is the necessity to find every possible convenience in one place, and therefore ease commute times and enhance work-life balance. Let’s look at some major adjustments office buildings are embracing.

State-of-the-art gyms

Fitness is becoming a fundamental aspect of workers’ lives. Even some companies give extra benefits to employees who exercise because it’s been proved that people who do sports are more productive and focus for longer times. Consequently, office buildings are introducing state-of-the-art gyms, spinning studios, and customized wellness programs. This permits tenants not only the possibility to access a unique space but to head the treadmill right after work.

As Jeremy Moss, executive vice president of Silverstein Properties says, “The war for talent requires corporations to compete and secure that talent and to do that they need to be in a good location and have a workplace environment that is attractive. That is here to stay.”

Multipurpose lobbies

Office building lobbies are now designed and built in such a way they are no longer simple waiting rooms. Nowadays, lobbies look like coffee shops and elegant hotel lounges, where people can network, mingle, and actually work. They are becoming such an important element, that ”developers are spending more money and architects are spending more time on the design of these spaces than they used to”, explains David Childs, a partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Indeed, lobbies are helping increase the amount of revenue-generating spaces in a building.

A la carte food options

Although it sounds funny, we all know that having a great lunch or the possibility to eat a fresh bread, may be the solution for a stressful day at the office. Considering tenants want choices beyond a simple grilled cheese sandwich, workplaces are now looking for a variety of vendors that go all the way from white-tablecloth restaurants to gourmet food boutiques. If you find this hard to believe, there are actually some buildings with the highest quality, tenant-first accommodations that offer gourmet cuisine prepared by on-site chefs.

Concierge expertise

An experience being adopted is to have dedicated, on-demand staff with backgrounds in hospitality, technology, and concierge services. This means tenants have the possibility to ask concierges to do everything from book a restaurant to buy a ticket for a concert. In other words, this service takes the pressure off planning and researching, so people can freely use their time.

“Now you are ready to go home and spend time with your family and kids. What we are doing is giving back time”, points Developer Rick Caruso.

Although many locations will have on-site concierges there are others that will opt for digital ones, acknowledging that from a computer they have unlimited resources to fulfill even the most challenging requests.

Other characteristics you will encounter

1.  Well-appointed multimedia game and entertainment rooms.

2. Park-like outdoor plazas.

3. Elevators that go directly to the desired floor with no stops.

 Author’s Bio: OfficeList is an office space rental agency that helps people around the U.S.A and Canada find the ideal office space for rent. With broad, online listings, companies can find all types of office configurations for their team.

The legal marijuana industry in the United States is said to be worth an estimated $7.1 billion, which is 25 percent higher than the figure from the year 2015. The significant spike is attributed to a variety of factors, with legalization chief among them.

With the world getting swept up in a heady swirl of talks regarding legalization and decriminalization of the drug, it is essential to look at the implications all these have on the economy. Here are four important things you need to know about weed legalization and the economy (https://www.britannica.com/place/California-state/Economy).

Positive Shifts in Public Views

Legalization efforts as well as widespread publicity on the positive benefits of marijuana have influenced the public’s view of the drug. According to a Gallup survey, the support for the legalization of marijuana has significantly shifted toward a more positive direction with national favorability reaching a record-breaking high of 64 percent in 2017.

In 2005, favorability was only at 36%  percent. Twenty-nine states, as well as Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, have legalized marijuana. Efforts are already in order for a ballot initiative in Michigan for the year 2018. This positive shift is an important factor that continues to drive legislation efforts as well as business opportunities.

More Business Opportunities in the Weed Industry

The legalization of weed has opened many possible business opportunities and growth for existing markets. In fact, a study by New Frontier Data revealed that the United States is expected to see a compounded annual growth rate of 16 percent in the legalized marijuana market.

The same study also estimates that the licensed marijuana market in the country will be worth more than $24 billion by the year 2025. Furthermore, states that have legalized weed for both medical and recreational purposes are also seeing significant spikes in sales.

The state of Colorado saw sales of $1.3 billion in both recreational and medical marijuana in 2016, while in Washington, the sales of recreational weed in 2016 was $696 million, nearly double the figure from the year before.

Growth in Other Industries

Weed legalization does not just benefit immediate producers and sellers of cannabis. Many other industries are expected to see growth as a result of a dramatic increase in demand. A study by the Marijuana Policy Group, an economic and public policy consulting firm based in Denver, in 2016 found that each dollar spent on legal marijuana in Colorado generated $2.40 in economic activity.

Simply put, possibilities abound for all kinds of businesses. For instance, service providers for heating and ventilation systems will be contracted to set up viable conditions for marijuana greenhouses. The food industry can see a growth in marijuana edibles as chefs integrate the plant into their gastronomic fares. Sales of paraphernalia like vapes, pipes, bongs, and detoxification kits are also expected to rise. 

The Green Rush in California 

California is the world’s sixth largest economy, with a GDP of $2.6 trillion. That is a similar economic output as an entire country like the United Kingdom. With weed officially legalized in January 1, 2018, California has become the biggest and most influential state in the cannabis industry.

In fact, California is in the midst of what economists and journalists are calling “the Green Rush.” In 2016, the estimated market size of marijuana in California was $8.5 billion. As a power player in the world economy, California will certainly have an important role to play in influencing existing attitudes and business opportunities for marijuana in the United States and beyond. 

Photo URL: https://www.pexels.com/photo/u-s-dollar-bills-pin-down-on-the-ground-164474

There are a wide range of factors to consider when starting your own business. You need to turn a bright idea into a saleable commodity, or a viable service. You need to raise the capital and financing that you’re going to need in order to get your start-up off the ground. You need to think hard about how and in what fashion you’re going to structure your business, and how you’re going to sell it to the rest of the world.

All of these matters need to be given careful consideration, but another aspect that you might easily overlook is location. This doesn’t just mean the choice between renting an office or working out of your bedroom, or getting a prime shopfront in the downtown district. It means considering whether it might be better for your business to be based in a different country altogether.

Cost-effective

There are many reasons why entrepreneurs might want to consider starting a business in an international location. First and foremost is cost. Many of your basic business overheads are going to be a lot cheaper if you’re based outside of the US. Hiring premises and staff, buying equipment, advertising and logistics may all be considerably cheaper in other territories.

If your business is primarily going to be run online, as so many start-ups are, then you don’t have to worry so much about overheads. However, the great thing about running an online business is that you can be based anywhere in the world and still compete. Why not move somewhere that has cheap rent or property prices, low living costs or low taxes? You can then put more of the money that you earn back into growing and developing your business, and there will be less pressure to be making big money from day one.

Living the dream

It’s genuinely possible to live the dream of being a location-independent nomad capitalist with an office that consists of a laptop and a smartphone, working short hours on tropical beaches or while killing time waiting for a flight to your next destination. International money transfers have never been easier, so whether you need to make a payment or get money sent abroad from home, it can all be done with a few clicks of the mouse or taps on the screen.

Get out of your comfort zone

There’s also something to be said for how living abroad can help to develop your entrepreneurial skills. After all, moving to a different country requires you to be adaptable and to be able to come up with creative solutions to problems while thinking on your feet. You need to be prepared to take risks and follow through on your decisions. Just as writers and artists have often lived and worked abroad in order to gain inspiration, so entrepreneurs can develop new ways of thinking and looking as a result of exposure to different cultures and mind-sets, which can lead to new and productive business ideas. 

Research thoroughly

Anyone thinking of taking this route needs to plan ahead carefully, however. Visit the country that you’re intending to live in several times before committing, and if you’re actually going to be selling to customers there, thoroughly research your potential customer base – and the local competition. 

If you’re undecided about where you want to go, look for a country with a skills shortage or a gap in the market that matches what you have to offer. If you’re going to be working with clients or taking on employees abroad, find out about the working culture, usual hours and public holidays. Cultural sensitivity is paramount here, as is an understanding of government and business regulations. Network and make contacts that can help you to fit in and bridge any communication gap that exists between you and your new country-folk.  

It’s also important to look closely at what your tax situation will be as a US citizen working abroad, both in terms of the laws in the country that you’re thinking of working from and your tax status at home. Before you do anything, you’ll need to acquire an appropriate visa and/or work permit. There may be several different ways to approach this in terms of considering whether to solely be based in your new location or whether to export back to the US or elsewhere. Again, do your research.

With perseverance and courage, however, you may soon find that setting up your business in an international location was the best thing that you ever did. Widen your horizons and take a step into the world: you could join the hundreds of international entrepreneurs currently enjoying business success all around the world. 

Maybe you work in the finance world, maybe you don’t, but you have gained a great deal of. knowledge and experience when it comes to finances. People have told you before that you have a voice for radio and that you should start a podcast on the side. 

The idea is not a bad one. A podcast is a form of teaching that can help you learn as well but it can also turn into a little cash on the side if you start to get a wide audience and get some sponsors for your podcast. Of course, the key is that you have to broadcast regularly and provide quality content, including guest appearances and more. 

How do you get started podcasting about finance in your spare time? Here are five steps.

Choose your Software

There are all kinds of podcasting software and sound editing software out there, from professional programs to those that are free and open source. Of course, there are a few that are commonly used and stand out from the rest. 

• Audacity: This is a free and open source sound editor that is probably one of the best on the market in that category. Editing tools are powerful, and with a little coding knowledge you can customize the program to fit your exact needs. There are also plugins available that make this software work better, and it is hard to go wrong with this simple program.
• Hindenburg Journalist Pro: Rather than being designed to record music and adapted to do voice, this program is designed for radio and Does exactly what podcasters need it to do best. One of the most prominent features is the auto-leveler, which keeps vocal levels consistent, and the Voice Profiler, which auto sets the equalizer for each voice in the podcast.
• Adobe Audition: A part of the Adobe creative suite, this is a full featured audio mixing program that is used by many podcasters and radio journalists alike. There is a learning curve, but with a little effort you can develop a quick system for podcast editing, and you have all the features you could hope for at your disposal if you need them. 
• Pro Tools: Another full-service audio program, Pro Tools comes in three versions, free, a pro, and an HD version that is supposed to be one of the best audio programs out there. Like Adobe, there is a small learning curve, but many features make this one of the most desirable software packages out there. 

From free to full on pro, there is software out there that will help you get your podcast going. 

Set Up Your Studio

You will need a place to record, and while you can use a second bedroom or your office, you will probably need to make some modifications to it in order to make it work best for you. This means everything from a good microphone to sound proofing panels. 

You don’t have to do everything at once, but high-quality sound matters, and while you can cut out annoying background noises using software, keeping them to a minimum will benefit you the most when it comes to the time and effort you spend editing. 

There are different quality microphones too, from simple USB plug in mics to full on audio interface microphones. The better mic you have, the better your initial sounds will be. If you have guests, they each need their own mic, or you need one that is omni-directional and high quality. 

Of course, this and setting up sound reflecting and soundproofing will cost money, but in the long run it will be worth it when your podcast takes off. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice your podcast a few times before you start. Especially at the beginning. It is good to be able to “wing it” but a general script and questions along with time limits for answers will really help each broadcast be the best it can be. 

The other thing you can practice is audio editing. The more you edit, the better quality sound you will have, and practice sessions help you hear common background noises, audio habits you can edit out, if a chair is squeaking and needs oiled, or if there are other sounds that can’t be prevented. 

The practice is what will set your podcast apart from the rest, letting you start with a much more professional and polished broadcast. 

Do Your Research

Your podcast is only as good as your information and the education you provide. While you may be well versed in some financial areas, others may be vaguer for you. For example, you might know a lot about the credit card industry but have a limited understanding of the value of personal loans and what they might do to an individual’s credit score. It is easy, however, to do research and find out. 

If you do not know a topic as well, consult an expert. Consider even having them as a guest on your show. Finances are a delicate and vital area in most people’s lives, so take it as seriously as you can, and understand the impact your advice can have on their lives. 

Market

Lastly, if you want your podcast to take off and really reach others, you will have to market it even in your spare time. This means time spend on social media, setting up paid ads, boosting posts, and more. You will need to develop a marketing strategy that works for you. 

Remember, you have to invest money to make money, and the same is true with podcast marketing. Some of the financial advice you give you will have to take to heart yourself in order to save the money you need to invest in this venture. 

This is also a good topic for your podcast. Many people struggle with business financing, and it is a popular topic among entrepreneurs. 

You can start a financial podcast in your spare time. You will just need to take some key steps to get started. Use this guide as a place to jump off from, and happy broadcasting to the world!

If you are looking forward to start off a small business, then you might be requiring an option to finance your business. For the achievement of the financial goal for your business, it is quite necessary that you choose a reliable bank and a supportive bank. Irrespective of the fact whether your needs are simple or complex, the choosing of the appropriate bank that best suits your business needs is of immense importance. Now, at this point of time, you might be confused about the selection of the banks due to the availability of a large number of options. Thus, for making the task easier, you need to follow some of these essential tips.

Assessing your needs

First of all, it is of immense importance that you rightly assess your needs. The proper identification of your needs is quite crucial in terms of selection of the most appropriate bank for the purpose of financing your business. You need to plan a budget according to the specialization of your business which in turn would be helping you to know the exact amount that should be allocated for each category, say, promotion, operations, etc. If this is note done, you will land in utter confusion. 

Comparing the features

You will obviously find a number of banks from where you can easily get the loans for the fulfilling of the financial goals of your business. However, it is always recommended that you should not limit your search to only one or two banks. You should go for speculating a number of banks and at the same time a comparison of the features and facilities provided by each of the banks need to be done. This would be extremely helpful in the selection of the right bank for your small business. To make your business transaction easier, you may even check out the online banking facilities provided by different banks, from websites like Money Plate.

Checking the size of the bank

There are a number of banks that lends you money for starting up of small business but before you approach a bank for a loan, you need to make sure that the bank is not clamped down on credit. You need to make sure that the bank that you select for the achievement of your financial goals has the ability to provide you with the required financial support. It has been noticed that the small banks and the medium sized banks are more likely to lend money for small businesses. Thus, it would be a good option to approach them. 

Going for re-evaluation

After you have found out the right bank for your business needs, you should make it a point to re-evaluate all your financial needs every time your bank changes something or the other in terms of its features or service like increasing the rate of interest, the addition of a periodic charge, and so on. 

Therefore, at the time of looking forward to finance your small business, before you approach a bank, you need to do your homework to get the most suitable bank for your business requirements. 

Improving your business relationship with your supplier is something you should continuously strive to work on and not let it slip by the wayside. Like a marriage, taking your supplier for granted or not treating them properly can lead to a breakdown in relations that can negatively impact your business. Having a good supplier relationship can lead to favorable prices, generous terms, and enhanced availability. 

Although there are many forms of eCommerce, one of the most common types of online retailing has merchants purchasing products from wholesalers and selling those products at a reasonable premium to consumers. In a business model like this, the retailer becomes dependent on the supplier for setting prices, payment terms, shipping dates, and even the product availability. With that in mind, here are some steps to improve your relationship with your supplier and help your business thrive:

1. Pay on time: Wholesale distributors and many product manufacturers work on thin margins so that cash flow is important to their business. A retailer, even a small one, which pays on time, as promised, becomes a trusted and respected customer. It will undoubtedly have a very positive impact on your relationship with your supplier. 
2. Create channels for consistent communication: You can improve supplier collaboration by using software that significantly increases your efficiencies with your supplies. Products such as Omnia Ecommerce can make all the difference in improving your business relationship with your supplier. By providing greater user experience, it can significantly improve your supply chain management, thus making relations between business and supplier easy and efficient. 
3. Remember that you aren’t the only client: Suppliers aren’t just working with your business; often they will have a number of clients who demand their time and efforts as much as you do. Give them the benefit of the doubt if your needs aren’t instantaneously met at all times, as there will be a reason and it is unlikely to be personal. This type of mutual understanding will create natural rapport and motivate suppliers to spend more time working with your company.
4. Share information about your business: Your supplier relies on you as much as you rely on them. A great way to improve your supplier relationship is by keeping them aware of what’s going on in your company. If anything changes in key personnel, new products, and special promotions and so on, it is good practice to inform them in case it could affect them. More often than not, you’ll find that good suppliers can even help you find new customers! 
5. Build a friendship: Visiting your supplier’s offices illustrates how much you value their role in your business and that you don’t take them for granted. You can take this mutual respect further by including them in some of your strategy meetings, inviting them to an office party. 

We hope these five steps will help you in building on and improving your relationship with your business supplier, and therefore the overall success of your business. 

Michael J. Swanson, the President and CEO at Advocate Capital, Inc., a company that provides case expense funding for plaintiff law firms joins Enterprise Radio. He is also the author of the book How David Beats Goliath, Access to Capital for Contingent-Fee Law Firms.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Michael J. Swanson discuss the following:

1. Your company has grown consistently for nearly 20 years, how have you maintained and controlled that growth?
2. Do you have any goal setting tips for businesses that want to grow?
3. What advice do you have for businesses that are planning to hire and train new employees?
4. What advice would you give to someone who would like to be a better manager?
5. What part does a business owner’s personal finances play in the growth of their business?

Michael Swanson has been a shareholder, Member of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Credit Committee of Advocate Capital, Inc., since 2000. His daily role at Advocate covers a wide range of activities including client relations, strategic planning, credit underwriting, marketing and public relations.

Since 1999, Mr. Swanson has also been President and a Member of Wellgen Standard LLC, a private equity firm.

Prior to Wellgen and Advocate, Mr. Swanson was Vice President and General Manager of Champion America, Inc. He held a variety of positions at Champion from 1989 until its sale in 1999 to Brady Corporation, Milwaukee, WI (BRC:NYSE).

Mr. Swanson is the author of How David Beats Goliath: Access to Capital for Contingent—Fee Law Firms. The book is a definitive, common-sense read that explains how contingent-fee law firm funding works, who provides it, what it costs, and how law firms can acquire and use it efficiently.

Mr. Swanson is also a member in good standing of the American Society of Trial Consultants (ASTC). Mr. Swanson attended The Ohio State University and Cleveland State University.

In addition to his responsibilities at Advocate Capital, Inc., Mr. Swanson has been a lecturer at seminars and CLE programs nationwide, focusing on financial management and operational excellence at trial law firms.

At Advocate Capital, Inc., their main focus is helping plaintiff law firms get even better results for their clients by giving them access to the capital that they have tied up in case expenses. Their clients are the best and brightest trial lawyers from all over the United States.

Please visit AdvocateCapital.com or call (877) 894-9724 to learn more about how they can help you and your law firm become even more successful.

Website: www.advocatecapital.com

Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advocatecapital
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdvocateCapital

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Deciding to start a business can be one of the best decisions you make in your life. Although it can be tasking a lot of the time, it can also be a chance to grow and conquer new challenges. There are many things that you need at the incipient stages of starting a business, and you’ll also need more items as you grow. Depending on the nature of your business, one of the things that you may need is a company car. Although this isn’t a necessity for everyone, it is certainly something that can help grow your organization. This article is going to explore three ways that you can get a company car for your business. 

Lease 

The first thought that may come to mind when you’re in need of a vehicle for your business is to buy or finance. However, although these may be good options for some, it can be crippling for other businesses. This can especially be true when a business is just starting out. For this reason, you should be open to the idea of leasing a car in the event that you can’t afford to buy one. By doing this, you’ll only spend money leasing a car when you need it as opposed to paying the ongoing maintenance costs associated with owning a car. You also usually have the option to buy the car after a few years of leasing if you feel that’s what is best for your business. Make sure you evaluate the business lease options as well as review and compare fees before going ahead with it. 

Finance 

Another way to get a company car for your business is by going down the financing route. This is a way to pay for a car over time instead of buying it upfront. Depending on the cash flow of your business, you may not be able to fork out cash to buy your car upfront. You should remember that to finance a car, you usually need good credit. If, however, you don’t have the best credit presently, then you could consider looking for bad credit car loans to start with. This should give you a chance to build up your credit as well as ensure you have a car to use. Eventually, you should be able to finance official company cars and brand them if you wish to as well. 

Buy 

If you’ve got the cash to buy a company car outright, then you should think about doing so. However, you should be sure that it won’t cripple you as a business and you’ll still have enough money to sustain you afterward. Some things to consider before buying a company car include the tax credits available for electric cars and that write-off for buying a new vehicle is typically limited. You should also try and look for cars in sales to ensure you get the best deal possible. 

A company car can serve many purposes to a business. Branding and transporting people and goods are often at the top of the list. However, you should make the best decisions possible for your business especially when it comes to expenditures. If you do opt to get a car, ensure it’s within your budget and adds more value than it takes away.

There’s no longer any disputing the importance of content when it comes to your marketing strategy. Again and again, content has proven to be the most effective means of building your business in a variety of ways and with a variety of benefits. Not only can it drive traffic and improve your SEO, but the right content can also help establish your branding and establish you as a market leader, no matter the size of your business or the sector you trade in. Your content marketing can even go further than that, and is a proven way to encourage sales and boost your conversion rates when it comes to pushing for those sales, and that’s why you should be focusing on effective content marketing in 2018.

The content marketing basics

Content marketing is driven by the quality of the content that you produce on your website, selling platforms, and social media. It needs to be relevant to your business, entertaining and informative, and above all, engaging. Without those key factors, your content becomes pointless. The most important factor to consider is that your content is not about selling your product. It’s instead more about ensuring that customers stay on your site for as long as possible, with calls-to-action interspersed that encourage a sale. 

The main goals of content marketing

There are a number of targets that content marketing can help you to achieve, but here are the three most common:

• Lead generation: Having informative and entertaining content can lead to an improved lead generation of up to 59%, and can double your current lead generation.
• Establishing credentials: One of the most important factors when it comes to buying online is trusting the business. With inspiring content that proves your knowledge of the product, you can more easily inspire trust and make a sale.
• Improving brand awareness: The longer a visitor spends on your website, the more likely they are to remember your branding. That’s why your content itself needs to be reflective of your established branding strategy and remains consistent across platforms.

Choosing the right content

When it comes to content, you want to use a variety. A lot of that variety will depend on your target audience, with older generations more likely to read lengthy content pieces, and younger generations more keen on video and images. It’s always wise to use a variety when you begin, and assess each piece of content in terms of its impact. If you struggle with creating quality content, then it’s worth investing in businesses such as Blackbelt Commerce, who can create your content across a variety of formats and ensure that you are offering the consumer a number of pathways to that all-important shopping cart.

There’s a reason why even the largest companies in the world are making the transition to content marketing, and that’s because it’s been proven to work consistently. Those leading the way have shown that not only does good content generate up to eight times more site traffic, it can also attract up to six times higher conversion rates. If you want the edge when it comes to your marketing strategy in 2018, then content marketing is simply the best option.