“Corporate culture” is a buzz phrase that’s been going around for over a decade now, though the actual meaning behind this hot topic is often lost. A company’s culture goes far beyond celebrations, perks, and the office layout. In fact, it reaches the very core of a business. Here are six factors that comprise a company’s culture. Heritage and Vision Every business has an … [More]
Their Take: Three Secrets to Surviving (and Thriving) in a Hard-Hit Pandemic Economy
In a normally functioning economy, subtle market challenges can make or break a business. In the dire economic climate of 2020, IZO Spirits Founder Gaston Martinez proved the mettle of his brand by leaning on a team mindset and his community-focused roots. A Mexican native and Mezcal connoisseur, Martinez established IZO to share with the world the historically smooth flavor of … [More]
59% of Small Businesses Without Office Space Won’t Look for Any in 2021, Citing both the Financial Benefits and Improved Employee Satisfaction of Remote Work
More than half of small businesses (59%) currently without office space do not plan to acquire or lease real estate in 2021, saying that the benefits of remote work outweigh the costs of having an office, according to a new report from Clutch, the leading B2B research firm. Kevin Harrington is the CEO of Joblist, a job searching platform whose workforce has been entirely … [More]
In Employee Compensation, You Get What You Pay For, Says Study
A study of more than 400 managers in a national hotel chain finds that the more those managers are compensated relative to their peers, the better their performance. Researchers argue that the results would hold true across industry sectors. "In many companies, employee performance is rewarded with bonuses – so companies pay for what they get out of each employee," says Jim … [More]
About Nine in 10 Employers Are Open to Negotiating Salary for Either Some or All Positions
The overwhelming majority (89%) of organizations are open to negotiating salary for either some or all positions once a job offer has been made, according to 324 US employers responding to XpertHR's Recruiting and Hiring Survey 2021. However, when it comes to bonuses and benefits, employers are more rigid in their terms of employment. About four in 10 (42%) organizations are … [More]
Phoenix CRE Investment Volume Slows in 2020 Despite Strong End to Year

The spread of COVID-19 and the resulting government restrictions precipitated a pronounced decline in commercial real estate investment activity in the region. Investment volumes for the Phoenix metropolitan area in 2020 totaled $9.0 billion, a 20% decline from 2019 levels. The decline in investment activity was most pronounced in late spring as investors pressed pause in … [More]
Show Employees the Love, Especially during Uncertain Times; 5 Tips Leaders Can Use to Demonstrate Their Care
We often associate the month of February with acts of love. Cards, dinners, flowers and chocolates are given to those we value. As leaders, it’s important to show the love by demonstrating you value your team, not just around heartfelt holidays and not necessarily through gestures like buying flowers and chocolates, but instead through your words, actions, responses and … [More]
Tips for Growing Your Business Network (and why it matters)
A business network is often one of the most underutilized tools that leaders can use to grow their business. Many people are aware of networks but may not be sure why they matter or how to go about cultivating a strong one. The good news is that by learning how to harness the power of networks, you can take your business to the next level. “Nobody can grow their business all … [More]
The Three Big Reasons New Products Fail (and How to Avoid Them)
As your organization takes its place in the digital transformation that’s underway everywhere, you’ll inevitably need to create or update a large number of different products. But just because you think your shiny new app, website, service, or other digital offering is great doesn’t automatically mean the customer will. According to Nielsen, 85 percent of new consumer products … [More]
Competition is Fierce for Home Buyers, But Acting Quickly Could Save Them Hundreds on Their Monthly Payments
With mortgage rates at historic lows and homes flying off the market in record time, many prospective home buyers may be contemplating whether to buy now or wait until the frenzy slows down a bit. But the market is poised to stay red hot for some time, and a new Zillow analysis shows how waiting might add hundreds of dollars to a monthly mortgage payment. Zillow experts … [More]
Survey: 56% of Americans Likely to Travel for Vacation in 2021; 21% Report Traveling since Pandemic
A new survey conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) shows consumers are optimistic about traveling again in 2021, with 56% reporting they are likely to travel for vacation this year. That represents a significant decline from pre-pandemic levels, when approximately 70% of Americans took a vacation in any given … [More]
Three Ways Small Businesses Can Reduce Their Taxes This Season
The coronavirus pandemic created challenges for businesses in every industry, with small businesses being hit the hardest. In fact, according to Track the Recovery, the number of small businesses in the U.S. has dropped by 29% since January 2020. One way for small businesses to put money back into their pockets when they need it most is to legally pay less in taxes. Here’s how … [More]
10 Tips for Navigating Business Growth
When running a business, you are constantly striving to promote growth. Once things start to take off, there’s often a whole new set of challenges that must be addressed. Here are a few tips I’ve found useful when navigating a period of business growth and expansion. Don’t Lose Sight of Your “Why.” Seeing your business grow and thrive is exciting, but it’s important to … [More]
Want an Organization Filled with Great Leaders? Then Build Them from the Ground Up
“We have a bunch of high-potential employees we want to keep. We’ve got to offer them something in the way of development.” “These people are going to have direct reports soon and we need to prepare them. Otherwise, I know some will fail. It’s not fair to ask people to lead with no preparation.” “Our leaders are leaders in title only, and we need to do something quickly. … [More]
2021 Will Be the Year of Meaningful Travel, Says Report
Airbnb released a new report and highlighted how 2021 will see a shift toward more meaningful travel as the pandemic continues to limit mass tourism and afflict the industry overall. When travel returns in 2021, it will be about connecting with loved ones through more personal trips, with mass tourism unlikely to return at any scale this year. In the report, US consumers say … [More]
51% of U.S. Small Businesses are Hiring in 2021 Despite Ongoing Effects of Pandemic
Small businesses have faced adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but may be poised for a year of growth. Half of small businesses in the U.S. (51%) are likely to hire new employees in 2021, according to a new survey from The Manifest, the leading resource for B2B buying decisions. Whether a small business is hiring, however, depends on their revenue projections for … [More]
How to Protect Your Small Business from COVID Stimulus Scams
The new stimulus package is providing additional relief to small businesses across the U.S. and the Better Business Bureau is warning that scammers are trying to take advantage of business owners by claiming they’re missing out on pandemic relief. How can business owners ensure they’re not being scammed in their time of need? Stay calm. Many scam artists want you to act … [More]
Order Advances Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government
On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” This new Executive Order affirmed that “[e]qual opportunity is the bedrock of American democracy and our diversity in one of our country’s greatest strengths.” As part of the order, President Biden revoked … [More]












