Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2022-09-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Fall is approaching quickly, bringing a flurry of activities and preparations for the changing of the seasons. However, this season can also bring some unexpected dangers for your four-legged family member.

To help you prepare and keep your pet safe this winter, here are three safety tips for pet parents from MetLife Pet Insurance.

1. Pet allergies need a quick response

Just like their pet parents, dogs and cats are prone to seasonal allergies. MetLife’s data from last fall (Sept. – Nov. 2021) found atopy, commonly known as pet environmental allergies, was the most common pet insurance claim during this season — implying heightened veterinary visits and prescriptions needed.

Prevention is key. Look out for common, fast-emerging allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery nose or eyes, skin irritation and inflammation. On the surface, these symptoms may not seem like a big deal. But when left untreated, they can easily lead to larger issues such as inflamed and irritated skin, hot spots (for dogs) or even hair loss and bleeding in more severe cases. If your dog or cat has allergies, try to identify allergy triggers and visit a veterinarian for proper treatment.

2. Dress for success

As the weather shifts to cooler temperatures and you start bringing out your sweaters, it’s a good time to take stock of what clothing your pet may also need. This is especially important if you live in a cold climate or your furry friend shivers outdoors. Check your local pet stores for jackets, rain jackets or sweaters for your dog or cat to wear to keep them warm during the colder months.

Halloween is also quickly approaching. When picking out your pet’s cute costume this year, make sure it’s also cozy and safe! Look for costumes and outfits that fit properly and don’t restrict their movement, hearing or breathing. Make sure to steer clear of dangling pieces or extra parts, which can pose a choking hazard or cause a throat blockage if ingested.

3. Prevent accidental escapes

Fall is a busy season, between children heading back to school and the holiday season just around the corner. People are constantly coming in and out of the house as a result, so it’s particularly important to keep a close eye on your pet’s whereabouts to prevent an accidental escape and injury. Some key spots to consider are your front door, garage door and backyard — especially if it isn’t gated.

To ensure your pet isn’t lingering by an exit point as you and your guests come and go, designate a safe, comfortable play space for them to go to, along with some of their favorite toys for distraction. A pet or baby gate may also be helpful to prevent these accidental escapes. Additionally, don’t forget to inform your guests about your pet so they can be more cautious when arriving and leaving.

While some of the preventative measures of protecting your pet this fall can be costly, you can consider taking measures to help offset some of the costs of health issues such as allergies or accidental injuries. Pet parents: if you want to invest in your pet’s safety and health this fall and beyond, consider getting a pet insurance policy — to help keep you and your pet prepared. To learn more, visit MetLifePetInsurance.com.

2022-09-20T20:01:00

(BPT) – By Lee Hyang-eun, managing director of the Customer Experience Innovation Division at LG Electronics

We are living in the era of the ‘experience economy’ where the ability to offer customers memorable experiences has become key to brand reputation and indispensable for business growth.

Within this context, companies need to shed the description of ‘manufacturer’ or ‘provider of goods and services’ and, instead, transform their identity into that of ‘partner for a better life.’ This, however, can only be achieved by building solid, sustainable relationships with customers through the realization of differentiated experiences that offer unexpected value and gratification. In today’s environment, producing quality goods is, by itself, no longer enough to guarantee customer loyalty.

Customer loyalty is now viewed by many as an outdated term, especially where the MZ Generation (a widely used term in South Korea that encompasses millennials and Gen Z) is concerned. One of the most powerful consumer groups, MZ Generation take a more case-by-case approach to purchasing, rather than sticking with a particular brand out of any sense of loyalty. They typically seek out solutions that fit with their lifestyle, while also looking at financial cost, environmental impact and whether or not the item in question delivers an element of ‘emotional satisfaction.’ On this last point, companies are now using the power of data to help them quantify and categorize the constituent parts of ‘satisfaction’ and develop seamless, hassle-free experiences that offer practical and ‘emotional’ benefits to customers.

Attached and Connected: A New Standard for Brand Power

To gain a competitive edge in the era of the experience economy, establishing an emotional connection with customers has never been more vital. More and more companies are recognizing this fact, and, to this end, are making every effort to improve the customer experience (CX). Fostering a connection in this way can result in a deep relationship between customer and company that grows stronger over time and runs deeper than those based on the former model of customer loyalty.

Unlike physical goods, experiences don’t depreciate in value. Rather, companies can increase the value of the experiences they offer by constantly refining and evolving them which, in turn, may lead to better company-customer relationships and business outcomes. Ultimately, how expertly a company can develop and innovate in all areas of the CX will be a determining factor in their market performance and brand value — not just in the short-term, but in the medium- and long-term as well.

Transformed Retail Spaces to Attractions

With the ubiquity of online shopping, consumers are less likely to spend time going to offline stores — unless, that is, they offer something genuinely exciting or intriguing. Creating unique, in-store experiences or customer zones that offer a relaxing, inviting atmosphere that one wouldn’t typically associate with a traditional retail space is a necessity for retailers looking to lure the MZ Generation away from their favorite online stores. Such activities also come under the umbrella of CX and represent an important touch point for establishing a greater rapport with and understanding of target customer groups.

Marketing is another arena where brands can connect directly with consumers to actively communicate their values and philosophy, but catching the attention of people who encounter more than 3,000 advertising messages a day is no simple feat. In this climate, spatial marketing — which is conducted through sites such as flagship stores and pop-ups — is an excellent solution for standing out, and a great way of delivering one’s unique identity and messaging. A physical space can ‘embody’ what a brand stands for on multiple levels — from décor and design decisions, to location choice and the way on-site interactions are directed or guided. Add in a curated selection of products and personalized demonstrations tailored to the audience, and a brand can provide a versatile experience that customers will likely remember and resonate with.

‘Retail technology’ — the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in retail settings — further enhances the ability of spatial marketing to stimulate an emotional response, one that can draw potential customers to a brand, or solidify the affinity that existing customers have for a brand.

Spaces are where our lives unfold. They are where we make memories and form opinions and relationships that can last a lifetime, and this is where the true power of spatial marketing resides. Through cutting-edge technologies, the empathetic consideration of space and a thorough understanding of what consumers value, LG continues to deliver original, unique experiences to millions of customers worldwide. Around 800 of the company’s expert designers are currently hard at work developing customized products based on comprehensive and ongoing analyses of today’s diverse consumer lifestyles.

At Milan Design Week 2022, executives from LG’s Home Entertainment and Home Appliance & Air Solution companies introduced LG’s ‘CX innovation’ management strategy and vision for the future. The company is continuously launching special spaces in Korea and various overseas markets, enabling consumers to see, feel and experience LG’s unique CX for themselves.

To read the full Executive Corner piece and learn more about CX, visit lgnewsroom.com.

2022-09-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Successful small businesses are the ones that remain adaptable, forward-thinking, and leverage the right resources. As we enter the fall, there’s never been a better time to explore new opportunities to take your business to the next level. Read on for a few expert tips on how to help your business venture grow.

Optimize tools to track and maximize your spending

No matter how big or small, every business owner knows they will have to spend money to make a profit. It’s important to budget for and diligently track every expense to prevent overspending. Whether it’s for travel, paying a vendor, or purchasing supplies or inventory, these expenses should be recorded and tracked. One of the best ways to do this is by acquiring a business credit card.

A business rewards card allows you to organize your expenses and earn rewards by accumulating redeemable points that can be used in the future toward travel costs. In addition, every business credit card comes with its own perks and opportunities for Cardmembers to earn more rewards. For example, new Southwest^® Rapid Rewards^® Performance Business Credit Cardmembers can earn 80,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and 9,000 anniversary bonus points each Cardmember anniversary year.

Be resourceful

Successful small business owners know which tools are worth incorporating into their businesses to save time (and money!). Various tools are available to help provide accounting, invoicing, and payroll services for a fraction of the cost of outsourcing the work. Others can help you build and schedule your social calendar to get the word out about your business with ease. Many of these services even offer a 30-day free trial for users to familiarize themselves with the platform and decide if they want to continue using it.

Some business credit cards even offer opportunities to earn on purchases for your business. For example, Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Cardmembers earn 2 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services.

Grow your network

Every person that you meet in a professional setting has the potential to be a customer, partner or advisor. In a world that revolves around social media, joining Facebook and LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your industry is one of the easiest ways to start building your network.

When possible, also try to identify conferences or in-person meet-ups that can connect you with other like-minded professionals or potential clients. Purchasing travel with the right credit card, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card, can help you maximize every trip for points toward future travel.

For example, Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Cardmembers can earn 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines^® purchases; 3 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases; 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare services, tolls, parking lots, and parking garages. Cardmembers can also enjoy the benefit of up to $100 statement credit every 4 years for Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check and can travel more comfortably and efficiently thanks to perks like 4 Upgraded Boardings every year, when available.

As a small business owner, it can sometimes feel intimidating to incorporate new tools or strategies — but many are quick to implement and can save time and money in the long run. Now is a great time to take stock of your business and assess where some of these tips can make an impact.

Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change. Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2022-09-20T11:47:00

(BPT) – By Kevin Bearley, Next Gen business strategist at Pinion, formerly KCoe Isom

You’ve worked hard to build your business, pouring your heart and soul into its success. You’ve had to tackle complex problems and sometimes make tough decisions. It’s not always clear which choices are best when running a business, but there is one thing you know for sure: thoughtful planning always pays off.

The same is true when it comes to the legacy of your business.

Whether you are a few years or a few decades away from stepping down, it’s essential to plan ahead. You want to leave your business on your terms and achieve the outcomes you desire, which is why succession planning shouldn’t be delayed. A formal exit strategy ensures your wishes are followed, whether that be family transfer, sale, employee buyout or another path.

You may have thought about succession planning, but because you’re busy, you’ve put it off or simply don’t know where to begin. You are not alone. More than 70% of business owners fail to put a strategic, written plan into place.

The truth is no one knows when the day will come that they can no longer run their business. Delaying the critical task of succession planning typically leaves the burden to the family, who may be unprepared and therefore make uninformed decisions that impact the business and your legacy. Essentially, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

At Pinion, we have seen firsthand the costly damage caused by lack of planning, including undervaluing assets, misappropriating funds and excessive tax implications. These are all examples of costly financial implications, but what can be even more devastating can’t be boiled down to a number, such as when brand reputations are damaged, employee relations are diminished and family trust is destroyed.

Succession planning is primarily for when you plan to exit the business, but it can be an important legal tool at any time. One of the most memorable moments of my career was advocating for a $30 million family business serving as an expert witness in a case stopping the former son-in-law from taking a large share of family assets. The judge ruled in favor of the family because of the particularly clear terms in the succession-plan strategy the family created.

Planning now matters

2022-09-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Jay West, Executive Director of the Performance Fluoropolymer Partnership

News stories about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in drinking water and consumer products have raised a lot of questions about this diverse group of chemistries. One thing that’s often overlooked in the discussion of PFAS is the fact that all PFAS are not the same.

Take fluoropolymers, for example: highly specialized polymers that play a critical role in American industries, including semiconductors, medical devices, automobiles and renewable energy production. Despite their contribution to vital technologies and American competitiveness, some interests are pushing to ban the use of all PFAS, including fluoropolymers, regardless of whether equally safe and equally performing options are actually available.

A new study by the American Chemistry Council’s Performance Fluoropolymer Partnership (PFP), a trade organization of fluoropolymer manufacturers and users, shows that 14 fluoropolymers meet internationally accepted criteria used to identify polymers of low concern (PLC) to human health and the environment. The study, published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, examined factors like chemical composition, reactivity, purity and stability. It also considered factors like the size of fluoropolymer molecules and whether they dissolve in water, which can be predictive of potential uptake by the body and movement through the environment.

The study builds on previous work that examined four other fluoropolymers against the PLC criteria. When taken together, the two studies cover the types of fluoropolymers that represent 96% of the global fluoropolymers market. But even more importantly, the study further demonstrates that all PFAS are not the same.

Why is that important? As media coverage of PFAS increases, some voices in Washington and state capitols are proposing overly broad laws and regulations that would ban the use of every PFAS chemistry. But the science simply doesn’t support that kind of approach. Unduly generic policies could threaten fluoropolymer manufacturing and availability, having an enormous impact on numerous industries that are the backbone of our nation’s economy and create the products Americans use and depend on every day.

Regulating all PFAS as a single group is neither scientifically accurate nor appropriate. Fluoropolymers that meet the criteria for polymers of low concern should not be swept up in laws and regulations intended to address other PFAS chemistries with completely different properties and uses.

Efforts to identify and mitigate concern about PFAS must be based on a sound scientific foundation. The PFP’s new study demonstrates clearly that all PFAS are not the same and that fluoropolymers meet criteria for identifying polymers of low concern to human health and the environment. Lumping fluoropolymers into the same laws and regulations as other PFAS with completely different properties could threaten the future availability of vital fluoropolymer technologies and the industries that rely on them.

To learn more about the study, visit FluoropolymerPartnership.com.

2022-09-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every year during Hispanic Heritage Month, the country honors and celebrates the contributions Latinos have made to this nation. From advancements in science, healthcare, civil and labor rights to leadership in government, military, entrepreneurship and business, the Hispanic community continues to have a profound and positive impact on our schools, our communities, our economy and our country. Nevertheless, they are still vastly underrepresented in many areas, particularly in Science, Tech, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sectors.

There are three current realities to consider when it comes to Hispanics, Latinos and Latinx in the fields of STEM:

1. The U.S. Hispanic population is significant but doesn’t have comparable representation in the tech market.

Technology continues to change how we work, live and learn, and it’s an important driver of the world’s economy. However, diversity gaps still exist across the industry, especially among the Latino population. They remain highly underrepresented in the STEM workforce — making up only 8% of STEM workers[1] despite being the country’s second-largest ethnic group. This divide is direr for women, with Latinas only holding 2% of STEM jobs[2] in the U.S. even though women comprise 28.8% of the U.S. tech workforce.[3] Higher education institutions and companies have a tremendous responsibility to support and encourage Hispanics and increase representation in the tech field.

2. Higher education has an opportunity to do more to encourage and support Hispanics.

Hispanic students are often the first in their families to pursue an education and attend college. Often, they face numerous barriers that make a traditional college experience even more difficult, such as trying to balance family and work responsibilities. When educational institutions support and prepare Hispanic learners and others from underrepresented communities to succeed in a world shaped by technological change, they have a better chance to prosper. Increasing diversity in the overall student population, hiring diverse faculty, providing scholarships, implementing tech-influenced offerings and flexible programming are ways that higher education is meeting students where they are.

DeVry University is a prime example of how higher education can nurture student success. With Hispanics accounting for 17% of its total student population, DeVry’s education solutions include flexible programming, career services, and its NextGen Hispanics Scholars Program helps Latino students pursue a college education and advance in the workforce.

“I have experienced firsthand how education changes lives,” said DeVry University’s Chief Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity Officer, Veronica Calderón. “Our goal is to reduce educational disparities, close the gap and build a more diverse workforce. Our NextGen Hispanics Scholars Program provides access to numerous resources aimed to help Latinos thrive in tech careers.”

3. The tech industry has a role to play in fostering success, growth and opportunity for Latinos.

Diversity catalyzes new ways of problem solving and creative thinking — two keys to innovation. However, there’s a misconception that you must have specific college degrees to gain the technical know-how to work in the industry. Oftentimes, all one needs is digital training, a certificate or micro-credentials to gain the skills required to advance in a tech-driven ecosystem.

Organizations in and outside of STEM have an immense opportunity to support Latino employees and drive a more equitable workplace by helping them acquire the education and skills needed for career progression. By investing in upskilling and reskilling programs for underrepresented talent, organizations can help lift a common barrier to their growth, gain access to a large pool of untapped talent and keep up with the pace of innovation.

Santa Clarita’s former mayor and councilmember, Bill Miranda, has been on the leading edge of the high-tech industry for years. He recently spoke to a group of NextGen Hispanic Scholars and underscored the importance to making education accessible, affordable and equitable.

“Despite a projected growth in tech jobs, Latinos remain underrepresented in the tech field, and it’s time to change that,” added Councilmember Bill Miranda. “As a public servant, Air Force veteran and Latino in the tech industry, I know how important access to education, community resources and mentorship opportunities are for our community. We need diversity across the technology industry, and more Hispanics in tech careers that help to solve today’s challenges.”

The more we support the education and careers of the Latino community, particularly in tech, the more innovation and growth we’ll experience as a society. During Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, think about how you can support the next generation of Hispanics — whether professionally or personally.

2022-09-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – Building your business has been your life’s passion. You have dedicated much time, energy and finances to ensure its success, and you want that success to continue even after you are no longer involved in the daily operations. This is why succession planning is essential.

Consider these two scenarios: First, you’re 75 and your son and daughter have been involved in running the business for 20 years, making some management decisions for the last five years. You have all discussed and have agreed on plans for the future of the business. Now imagine you’re 75 and you oversee all operations and make all the decisions without the input of your family. You have had no discussion with your son or daughter on whether they desire or intend to take over the business.

Should something unexpected happen, which scenario gives your business the best chance for survival?

“Most family business owners pride themselves in not just building a business, but rather, creating a family legacy to pass along,” said Jeanne Bernick, ag consultant at Pinion. “It’s important to put a plan on paper as soon as possible for the future of your business.”

Bernick has worked with hundreds of business owners helping them determine the best exit strategies to achieve their goals. She shares the top reasons why prioritizing succession planning now matters.

1. Decisions require time

When it comes to succession, finding the ‘window’ is one of the hardest parts, because unfortunately, most businesses often only find the window when there is a sudden illness or death in the family. As a result of the COVID disruption, now is actually the perfect opportunity to recognize those who have stepped up, and think through the implications of this long term to address what adjustments could be made.

2. Openness matters

Of the 81% of family operations that have no succession or transition plan, 50% think it’s too early to think about it and 29% feel they can’t afford the time. Management decisions, ownership decisions and family decisions require early communication and openness for long-term success.

3. The unexpected happens

No matter when you intend to transition, remember that the business is more valuable — for your personal wealth and the longevity of the business for the family — if it’s running smoothly and you have the right management and successors in place should anything unexpected happen.

4. It’s never too soon

There is no magic number when it comes to age and succession planning. The sooner you start the sooner you can take advantage of the advanced planning techniques that can help build and transfer value to your business for its future and its stability to support your family. If situations change, you can easily adapt your plan.

5. Get relief

By getting started now, you get your ducks in a row and put a plan in place. If you hesitate because the process forces real family conversations that could be uncomfortable or tense, imagine the relief that comes from the identification of back-up leaders and management to be prepared for when the time comes — not just who you think might want to, but actually identify those who have the heart, desire and talent to step up.

6. Coaches provide guidance

There are specially trained family business coaches and advisors that can help you get started. A simple consultation to talk about your business and operations is all it takes. Yes, it can be complex at times because, let’s face it, families can be complex. But it’s never going to be easier to address these important topics than right now.

7. A professional facilitator helps

Uncomfortable at the idea of having difficult conversations with loved ones? A professional facilitator can schedule a time to visit with you and your family, and help you to easily navigate the process and any tough conversations that need to happen.

Strategic succession planning is essential to the future of your business. Learn more at PinionGlobal.com.

2022-09-13T09:19:00

(BPT) – Today, women in business face multiple challenges, from finding mentors to receiving funding. Woman-founded brand Stacy’s Pita Chips is committed to helping women entrepreneurs overcome these challenges through the Stacy’s Rise Project, a grant and mentorship program. Read on to learn about the experiences and challenges of three previous winners.

2022-09-08T12:01:00

(BPT) – In school, students are learning new skills that will help them achieve their dreams. For a growing number of them, these dreams include owning their own business. Small businesses are an important part of the American economy and have accounted for two out of every three jobs added in the past 25 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Investing in budding entrepreneurs today will help create strong small businesses in the future.

One way students learn about what it’s like to be a small-business owner is through Junior Achievement, an organization that works to provide school-aged children with lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Because Junior Achievement educators directly work with students in communities across the country, they have unique insight into ways to support the next generation of small-business owners.

In fact, according to a Junior Achievement survey, nearly 9 out of 10 (86%) teens indicated they had some level of interest in starting their own business. These students may decide to start their own business after graduation or bring their entrepreneurial ambitions into their college endeavors.

Schools provide important lessons about the skills and drive needed to own a business, but learning doesn’t stop when the last school bell rings. Role models in the community can also significantly make a positive impact in forging a path for future small-business owners.

Engage kids

If you have children of your own or friends with children, ask them about their entrepreneurial interests. Tell them about your reasons for supporting small businesses and take them to these stores in your community. Oftentimes the owners are present, and if they aren’t too busy, are happy to discuss their experiences.

Mentor and hire interns

If you own a small business yourself, consider hiring students and interns. This can help you during busy seasons while also exposing young adults to what it’s like to run a small business. If developing a hiring program like this doesn’t work for you, consider being a mentor instead. Your local business association or college would likely love volunteers and you’ll feel good about making a difference.

Support businesses making an impact

Put your money where it matters by shopping at businesses that are helping entrepreneurs. For example, the Start Small, Grow Big program by The UPS Store is designed to support future small-business owners and entrepreneurs by enabling customers across their network of 5,100+ locations to donate to Junior Achievement USA upon checkout. All donations benefit Junior Achievement programs in the communities in which they are received. Learn more at TheUPSStore.com/StartSmall.

Start an entrepreneurial project

Whether part of a school assignment or just for fun, consider ways children can get a taste of what it’s like to own a small business by choosing an age-appropriate project you can assist them with. You might help young kids run a yard sale or lemonade stand. Adolescents might start an online storefront for their arts and crafts, or perhaps for their tutoring or childcare services. Whatever the project, talk about goals, budgeting, customer service and other important components of a good business plan.

The future is bright as the next generation of small-business owners are learning important life skills and dreaming big. With these steps, you can help ensure their early visions empower them in the future.

2022-09-08T06:01:00

(BPT) – The effects of the global pandemic have led to economic uncertainty, and small businesses are the most vulnerable due to their lack of resources. According to a survey by Goldman Sachs, 89% of small business owners say broader economic trends, such as inflation, supply chain issues and labor shortages are having a negative impact on their business. Due to a variety of issues related to these trends, consumers are also spending less.

With consumer spending trending downward and operational costs going up, small businesses will need to reduce costs and attract new customers to stay competitive. Digital advertising is a cost-effective way to achieve these goals and you don’t need to be an expert to get impactful results. Here are three tips to make the most of your marketing budget:

1. Understand your customer

Modern consumer behaviors have changed drastically over the last few years, including how people shop and make purchasing decisions. Whether your customers have switched to working from home or embraced new tools and technologies, it is important to understand these trends.

Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Where are they spending their time — and are they making purchase decisions at different times of the day? What do they care about most in today’s environment? For example, 85% of consumers say they’ll only consider a brand if they trust the brand. As you think about your ad strategy, look beyond just product features and pricing. Using advertising tactics that reflect your values helps create meaningful connections with potential customers. This could include everything from audience targeting to keyword selection to ad copy. And staying connected to your customer also means incorporating social media into your strategy. Having a social media presence and creating a schedule to post regularly will allow you to reach your customers where they are spending time.

To learn more about your customers, ask for feedback through surveys, in-person, email or even social communities. Also, leverage insights from sources like your own website traffic reports and industry reports on consumer trends. Keeping these learnings in mind will help you make more informed decisions on what messaging will resonate and where your marketing dollars should be spent.

2. Take a multi-channel approach

Small businesses need to be strategic about how and where they advertise to reach those most likely to purchase their product or service by showing up at key points in the decision-making process. These can often span more than a dozen points across devices (PC and mobile) and websites or apps and take place over days, weeks or months. This requires businesses to take a multi-channel approach to their digital advertising, placing advertisements across search engines, websites, video and social to reach people at different points in their shopping journeys. Building and managing campaigns across these different types of ad products and sites, not to mention learning the ad tools that power these, may sound complex. However, it can be a lot easier than you expect thanks to modern tools that help you build and manage campaigns across different websites and apps.

You can save time and run multi-channel campaigns with a one-stop solution like Smart Campaigns from Microsoft Advertising, which helps small businesses get started with digital advertising and connect with the right customers online. Its new redesign provides a simple and efficient way for advertisers of all sizes and budgets to run ads across devices on Microsoft properties such as MSN, Bing and Outlook.com, and partner properties, including sites like Yahoo, AOL, DuckDuckGo and more. Plus, the new Multi-platform feature makes it easy to run ads across leading advertising and social media platforms, including Google Ads, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, all managed from one convenient place.

3. Use automated tools to save time

Time is a limited and diminishing resource, especially for small businesses. To save time and help reduce the stress of promoting your business, consider automated marketing and advertising tools that require minimal maintenance and help streamline the process. These tools often work within a certain set of parameters that you define, along with your desired outcomes. They use various signals and machine learning capabilities to make adjustments in real time to give your ad the best chances of showing to the right person at the right time in the right place. Tools that use automation take the complexity out of daily advertising campaign management to allow you to focus on other business priorities like quality, customer satisfaction and retention.

Maximize your time and resources while growing your business by leveraging these three tips in your digital marketing.