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Year: <span>2022</span>
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3 Great Tech Investments to Boost Your Small Business

Author: admin
Categories: Uncategorized

Author: Poppy Williams <poppy@techbizguide.com>

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Want to take your small business to the next level? Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a small team on your side, running a small business can be challenging. There’s so much to do and so little time! Fortunately, you have access to a wide variety of tech tools that can help you streamline your business, save time, and keep more money in your pocket.

Here are three of the best tech investment ideas from Keystone Business Brokers to keep your small business running smoothly. 

1. Cybersecurity Upgrades

Cybersecurity is always a smart investment, regardless of the size of your business. Upgrading your small business cybersecurity will enable you to avoid threats and combat data breaches with ease.

  • Take steps to protect your business from a cyber attack, including establishing a data recovery plan in the event of a breach.
  • Invest in current antivirus and antimalware protection for all your business devices.
  • Use a secure password manager to keep track of your complex passwords.
  • Make sure you keep your software updated to prevent any potential exploits.

2. Financial Management Software

Small business financial management software will help you keep track of your taxes, organize your expenses, get paid by clients, and more!

3. Apps for Easy Content Creation

Content creation is an important part of any digital marketing plan, but creating content can be time-consuming. Invest in tech tools to streamline content creation and better connect with your audience.

Just because your business is on the smaller side doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. Take advantage of smart tech tools to automate time-consuming tasks, avoid human error, and make your business even better. Investing in tech upgrades will save you a lot of money in the long run!

Keystone Business Brokers has its roots in the 1940s and has served this area steadily over the years. Call (866) 744-0720.

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Evergreen Marketing Methods That Still Work Today

Author: admin
Categories: Marketing,news
Image courtesy of Unsplash

Evergreen Marketing Methods That Still Work Today

Author: Poppy Williams,  poppy@techbizguide.com  

The increased amount of time people spend on their phones has changed how businesses spend their marketing budget. In the U.S., 72% of people spend upwards of 3 hours each day on their phones for work and social activities according to Statista. Marketing budgets for traditional channels, such as flyers, billboards, and paid mass media, have been slashed and redirected to social media ads and email marketing. However, as Keystone Business Brokers explains, marketing methods from decades ago still deliver a sizable return on investment (ROI) and pair well with more recent channels.

Coupons

Physical coupons sent directly to customers via mail were a major thing years ago. They were a great way to keep customers coming to your physical store. Coupons have since evolved with digital coupons booming with e-commerce. They remain reliable in retaining and acquiring new customers. You can pair them with email marketing to reduce customer churn. For instance, you may entice customers who have not renewed subscriptions or not visited your website for a while to come back using coupons.

Postcards

It may surprise you, but postcards are still an excellent way to market your products. On the downside, you need to pay for postage upfront and curate a mailing list. On the upside, Central Mailing Services notes that people are more likely to read physical mail than emails. This method works because 98% of people bring their physical mail into the house the day it comes. Meanwhile, 77% of those people sort and read their mail within 30 minutes of receiving it.

Business Cards

Today, it’s possible to create and share your e-business card with a phone app. However, you should still carry physical business cards with you to share with new leads. Physical business cards leave people with something tangible to remember you by. You can easily design your own business cards using free templates available online. The templates are usually customizable, allowing you to add your own text, images, font, and color schemes.

Working with Professionals

You may prefer working with professionals to help create high-quality postcards, coupons, customized emails, and social media posts. Often, entrepreneurs know what results they want but need professional web designers, graphic designers, and marketers to help with proper execution. For instance, the entrepreneur knows the brand’s story, but marketers will help tell it correctly through brand campaigns.

During discussions with these professionals, share images you have been working on with them. If these images are in JPG format, you can compress them to send them via email, but this will lead to a loss in quality. The correct alternative is to convert the JPG files into PDF format. In fact, you can convert multiple JPG files into a single PDF file for easier sharing.

Choosing the Correct Channels

Today’s marketers face a tough dilemma when deciding which resources to allocate to different marketing methods, including social media platforms. An affordable and efficient way to experiment is to get started with a Facebook ad template to fast-track publishing an ad that directs customers to your website or generates an email or phone call. 

One solution for choosing the best channels is to monitor the source of your current customers. This is why companies conduct surveys on new customers to ask where they first heard about the company. When running an e-commerce website, tools such as Google Analytics will break down your traffic sources by website and country.

Be Objective with Marketing Channel Choices

As a business leader, you have to be bold and objective in the marketing channels you use. Futuristic channels are not always better. Some marketing methods may have been around for a while, but they may still be great for your niche. Try these marketing methods to see which ones work best for your business.

Keystone Business Brokers is backed with more than 60 years of experience in commercial and business brokerage. Reach out today for more info! (866) 744-0720

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6 Realistic Self-Care Tips for Entrepreneurs

Author: admin
Categories: news

Author: Poppy Williams, poppy@techbizguide.com

Image via Unsplash

Many entrepreneurs take pride in working weekends and never leaving the office. But most who have experienced long-term success have realized the importance of self-care at some point in their careers. Some have learned it the hard way.

The truth is many business owners are simply trying to get all their tasks done and don’t feel like they have time to take care of their health and well-being. However, not doing so will ultimately hold you back from accomplishing your goals, not to mention leave you unhealthy and unhappy. 

If you want success, health, and happiness, consider these realistic self-care tips from Keystone Business Brokers:

1. Declutter Your Home       

The first step to a healthy career and life is to create a peaceful atmosphere in your home. Dealing with tension, criticism, arguing, and complaining every day can be draining on everyone in your household. Look for ways to brighten up the space, such as decluttering, adding house plants, and opening the windows on warm days.

2. Hire Services

The most common reason for entrepreneurs neglecting self-care is limited time. You probably have a full plate and find it hard to imagine adding time for yourself in your routine. One way to open up more time is to hire professionals to take care of the business tasks you are not equipped to do efficiently.

For example, if you are spending too much time responding to emails and invoicing customers, hire a virtual assistant to handle those tasks so that you can focus on running your company. The same goes for web design, content writing, bookkeeping, and any other responsibilities holding you back.

3. Set Up a Workout Space 

You may not have time to go to the gym every workday, but you can make a spot at home for your exercise routine. Consider the types of movements you like to do and carve out a simple space for staying active. There are many online workout plans, programs, and tutorials to give you ideas on how to work out from home with minimal equipment and space.

4. Get Some Sun

We need vitamin D to function and live happily. Not getting enough sunlight can make it difficult to stay productive and harm your mental health. Be mindful to get outdoors each day, even if it means sitting outside with a book or going for a quick walk in the neighborhood.

5. Sleep Seven Hours        

When you run a business, you simply cannot stay productive and maintain your quality of work without adequate sleep. Adults need at least seven hours of restful sleep each night, though some require eight or nine hours. Figure out how much sleep is necessary to work and live well, and create a bedtime routine that helps you sustain it.

6. Eat for Energy and Health

Another challenge to entrepreneurship is that it can be hard to maintain a consistent, nutritious diet. If there are many days that you go without eating a decent meal, or if you are well-acquainted with the drive-thru window, now is the time to make some healthy changes.

Try to eat more leafy greens, other vegetables, fruits, fatty fish, and lean protein. Not only do whole foods benefit long-term health, but they also boost energy, concentration, and mental health.

It’s safe to say that every entrepreneur longs for success, health, and happiness. But the only way to get there is to maintain a solid self-care routine. Following the tips above will help you get off to a strong start. but keep learning and trying new things until you find a healthy rhythm that works for you.

Would you like to read more helpful content or see our selective business inventory in the South Jersey area? Visit KBizBrokers.com today!

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What to Know as a Veteran Starting a Business

Author: admin
Categories: Start-Up Businesses

Author: Poppy Williams, poppy@techbizguide.com

As a veteran, you possess unique traits, such as being self-disciplined and courageous, that make you an ideal person to open a small business. You’re also used to working as part of a team and being a leader, which means you can easily manage your employees and work with them. However, before you begin the process, it’s important to know what it takes to open a business. That’s why Keystone Business Brokers is proud to share the following tips and resources. 

Choose Your Business Type 

You must first choose the type of business you want to operate. Think about your passions and interests. Do you love pets? You can open a lifestyle store for dog owners or an e-commerce dog supply store. Perhaps you’re passionate about the army and want to help those who are continuing to serve. Consider opening a fitness center. You can help individuals who are in training to get in shape as well as assist the community as a whole to stay active. 

If you can’t think of ideas based on your interests, create a list of your strengths. Add skills you developed while training in the army. Some business ideas that work well for first-time entrepreneurs include a cleaning service or home care service for the aging. Typically, these businesses require little money to start and are always in demand. Alternatively, remember that you don’t necessarily have to start from scratch. For instance, if you’re interested in purchasing a business that’s already been established, Keystone Business Brokers can help!

Create a Detailed Business Plan 

Once you decide on a business type, create a comprehensive business plan. Not only does drafting this document help you plan, but you need to present it when you apply for loans or grants. Moreover, you may be interested in attracting investors, and they’re likely to want to look at your business plan first. 

In your business plan, write about your products or services. Dedicate one section to specifying your target audience and their demographics. Also include information about the marketing tactics you plan to use.

Examine Your Target Market

You need an accurate view of who your target market is, so you can focus your marketing efforts in the correct direction. For instance, are you focused on local individuals, or is this an online business that ships products around the country? Are your products or services mainly for women, men, or both? If you had to make an educated guess, what age bracket is likely to be more interested in what you offer? 

Find Funding  

Both state and local grants are available, which is money you don’t have to pay back. You can also take out small business loans at low-interest rates through the government. 

In addition, you can look for private investors by asking your current social circle, family, and acquaintances if they want to invest or know anyone who may be interested. 

Improve Your Business Skills

Consider returning to school and earning your MBA degree. You can develop a comprehensive understanding of business and give yourself a distinct edge over the competition, as well as gain leadership skills and understand the importance of self-assessment when monitoring your progress. 

Reap the Reward of Entrepreneurship With the Right Steps

When you know how to proceed as a veteran opening a business, you can build a solid foundation for your business and reap the fruits of your hard work. 

Keystone Business Brokers is the most selective inventory of Businesses in the South Jersey area. Call (866) 744-0720.

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Website Developers: Accularis Marketing Solutions     

 https://www.accularis.com               856-793-9440

Host Platform: BlueHost.com

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5 Things You Should Understand When Designing a PTO Program

Author: admin
Categories: Small Business News

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Author: Poppy Williams, techbizguide.com

As your business grows and you begin hiring, you must research employee benefits and develop a package to offer. A paid time off program can help your business provide support and flexibility to employees. Understanding the complexities of PTO policies enables you to design a fair-minded and sensible program for your company. Keystone Business Brokers offers some tips that can help you get this program off the ground.

1. Differences From Paid Leave

A survey showed that most workers employed by private businesses receive some form of paid leave as part of their compensation, with some industries offering paid vacation for over 90% of employees. In the past, companies often had separate categories for vacation days and sick days. Today, many businesses have moved to a PTO model in which both planned and unplanned time off come from the same pool.

2. Advantages of a PTO Model

Studies have found that overworking can be harmful to employees and businesses alike, and offering PTO is one way you can prevent stress and burnout. Taking time off allows employees to stay refreshed, productive and engaged. The benefits you provide demonstrate to your employees that you value their contributions and well-being. Furthermore, a solid benefits program can help you recruit and retain a great team.

3. Pitfalls To Avoid

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks associated with PTO policies. Your policy should account for those who abuse their PTO. For example, if you have an employee who takes excessive unplanned absences, your PTO program should clearly outline how to deal with them.

Additionally, if workers perceive the policy as unfair or insufficient, it could contribute to employee dissatisfaction. Avoid creating scenarios in which employees have PTO but cannot easily use it, thus losing their compensation.

4. Benefits To Consider

As you design your company’s PTO policy, there are many details you must consider. For example, depending on your hiring model, you should determine if PTO benefits are only for full-time employees or if you’ll extend some support for part-time or contract workers.

Furthermore, you can give unlimited PTO or allow employees to accrue it throughout the year. With the latter model, you must determine if employees can borrow PTO from the future or roll over unused PTO to the next year. Some businesses pay employees for unused PTO to reward regular attendance.

Setting clear guidelines regarding how and when to request time off prevents unfairness and scheduling mishaps. You should also have regulations regarding paid and public holidays and how those differ from PTO.

5. Tasks To Outsource

Business consultants can help companies design and present a new PTO program. Depending on their level of skill and experience, keep in mind that the marketing consultant hourly rate is generally between $23 and $98 per hour. Online job platforms feature reviews, pricing, and timing information that allow you to find the right consultant.

You can present your employees with a written account of the PTO policy and ask them to sign the document to ensure they understand and agree. PDFs are excellent for creating professional contracts that are accessible and properly formatted. When you need to reduce the file size to make it easier to send online, use a PDF compressor tool. It maintains the document’s structure and elements and the quality of fonts and images.

A program that allows employees to take time off while still being paid can benefit your team and business. Although there are disadvantages to using a PTO model, creating a policy with clear guidelines for handling various situations can help you avoid the drawbacks.

Website Developers: Accularis Marketing Solutions     

 https://www.accularis.com               856-793-9440

Host Platform: BlueHost.com

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