Your job is hard! As a small-business owner, you have a lot of different balls to juggle and things to manage, and you don’t have time for complex and confusing benefit plans — which we all know isn’t going to get easier any time soon, especially since there’s currently more than 70 years’ worth of laws on the books! And every time there’s new legislation, it feels like you … [More]
Re-cap, Re-Vamp, and Rev-Up for 2019
While the heat is finally behind us, it’s time we reflect back on our accomplishments of 2018 and look forward to the planning of a new, exciting year. As small-business owners ourselves, the Arizona Small Business Association understands the challenges of staying fresh and relevant in the marketplace. Sales, marketing, personnel, profitability — all key components you need … [More]
The Voice of Small Business
Public Policy — it sounds boring until you realize how crucial it is to your success as a small-business owner. While it is not uncommon for many legislation and legal processes to install new rules and regulations that hinder your operations as a business owner, we are lucky to operate in Arizona, where our lawmakers are partial to small business and understand it is the … [More]
‘LESS EXPENSIVE’ Shouldn’t be the Goal for Your Employee Health Plan
“Less expensive” is like “less moldy.” What we really want from our food is freshness. These are two fundamentally different things. With healthcare, what should the goal be, then? Well, how about: More people want to work for you because of it and your competitors can’t poach them away. While some companies still cling to the dream of less expensive health insurance, there … [More]
Keep Moving Forward
I love my job. I get to spend a lot of time talking to folks with big ideas. As the principal of a brand and marketing agency, I’m approached by entrepreneurs every day — passionate people who don’t know where to start. Many of them are already overwhelmed, because they’re too focused on the finish line. So, we grab a cup of jo and I ask them to start at the beginning. It’s a … [More]
You Have Your Sales Quota. Now Blow through It!
First, let’s define it. “Quota” and “goal” — two words often used interchangeably in the sales world defining different levels of results. Please consider the following definitions when setting sales revenue numbers for 2019. “Quota” (budget or objective) defines the minimum sales expectation for the year. Reaching a quota could result in maintaining employment status and … [More]
Identity Theft Affects Everyone: How to Help Protect Your Employees
In 2017, there were nearly 1,600 data breaches in the U.S. alone. The number of identity theft cases also hit record highs. In total, 16.7 million Americans had their identities stolen. That same year, identity thieves made off with nearly $17 billion. Identity Theft Often Begins at a Victim’s Workplace The tactics identity thieves use have changed significantly in recent … [More]
Why Is LinkedIn Such a Valuable Sales Tool for Prospecting Leads?
I have been sales prospecting for leads since I was knee-high to a duck. From an early age, I was always networking, pitching, etc. I like to think it was my father’s influence in car sales that had something to do with that! It wasn’t a surprise when I began my own career in sales, but I wanted to be different. I wanted to do something that no one else in my industry was … [More]
Will Skipping Sleep Cost You?
Most of us first try skipping sleep in order to meet a deadline. “Pulling an all-nighter” is a time-honored test of a teenager’s steely resolve to procrastinate on studying for a test, finishing a research paper or writing a lab report. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. One thing is for certain: A long nap ends up on the docket for the next day. For adults in the … [More]
Liability Insurance: What Is It and Who Needs It?
We have all heard the words “Insurance” and “Liability,” maybe even “Property and Casualty,” but what does it all mean to business owners? Investopedia says it well: “Liability Insurance is any insurance policy that protects an individual or business from the risk that they may be sued and held legally liable for something such as malpractice, injury, or … [More]
Legislative Efforts Promote FinTech in Arizona
Arizona’s leadership in financial technology (FinTech) is becoming increasingly apparent. In March, Arizona became the first state to enact a regulatory “sandbox” under HB2434 that allows emerging companies in FinTech, blockchain and cryptocurrency to grow their respective innovations without stringent regulations. This sandbox grants these types of businesses the opportunity … [More]
Time for an HR Check-Up! Invest Time in Evaluating Your Technology
According to a 2016 Global Human Resources Information Services study by Mercer, HR departments’ human resource information systems (HRIS) are antiquated, disparate and redundant — something the human resources professionals in your business have probably been trying to tell you. So how do HR professionals choose and implement newer and better systems to do the work of the … [More]
Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office – and Other Lies You’ve Been Told About Leadership
As a young professional who worked diligently to quickly move up the ranks, I learned much about leadership with the fast-forward button firmly pressed. I often say that while experience is life’s hardest teacher, it is definitely the most effective. When I reflect upon some of the advice and life lessons I collected along the way, I realize that there are a quite a few lies we … [More]
Improved Hiring, Better Retention, Happier Healthier Employees … and You Just Saved Money
“The doctor can see you now.” These words have taken on a significant change in meaning with the advent of telemedicine. While telemedicine has been present for more than 20 years in some capacity, it has only been in the last five years that telemedicine has gained attention on the healthcare delivery stage. For those of you who have experienced telemedicine as a patient, … [More]
The Power of Successful Business Collaboration
Collaboration and working in partnership with other businesses can be one way to help your business grow. Communication and knowledge transfer represent the power behind today’s small and midsize businesses (SMBs). Whether it’s responding to customer inquiries or planning the next big product, small businesses can transform beyond corporate borders and capture immediate value … [More]
How ASBA Has Mastered the Art of Alliances to Help Small Businesses Win
Small businesses are increasingly realizing the benefits of working together. Collaboration can help businesses grow in a number of ways: by combining and leveraging expertise, by tapping into an extended contact base and, in some cases, by sharing resources. The key to all collaborations aims to support the success of all parties involved. A lighting shop may … [More]
Benefits of ASBA Relationship Development for Supply Chain
Market expansion: The ability to expand business to new verticals, Mexico, etc. is a huge asset. Many times, these opportunities have not been readily available to small companies. Information sharing and collaboration: Access to thought leadership of the association members (big and small) for information exchange, learning, best practices and opportunity brainstorming. … [More]
The 2nd Shoe Has Dropped!
On November 8, 2016, Arizona voters approved Proposition 206, The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act. So, on January 1, 2016, the minimum wage for non-tipped workers increased to $10/hour, and nearly all employers know that. However, effective July 1st, the 2nd shoe from Prop. 206 dropped. Every business with one or more employees must now provide all employees with … [More]
