Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2024-11-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – For many contractors who work seasonally, winter may signal an end to their busiest time of year; for others, winter is the start of their busiest time. No matter when your busy season is, the annual lull in active projects presents an opportunity to assess business performance, set new goals, and streamline operations — and that includes managing your insurance.

As the in-house construction consultant at Acuity Insurance, John Lack leverages more than 35 years of contracting experience to help construction businesses improve important aspects like risk management, jobsite safety, project management and overall profitability. With a background in overseeing the construction of supermarket locations throughout the Midwest, Lack knows firsthand how critical it is for contractors to pair their service offerings with the right insurance coverage.

“Profit margins in construction are notoriously thin,” Lack says. “The seasonal nature of the business means cash flow can fluctuate dramatically. The last thing contractors need during the slow season is insurance-related stress. Instead, insurance should be a tool to help them manage these transitions more smoothly.”

Lack offers a few key suggestions for ensuring contractors get the most out of their insurance, especially during slower periods:

• Optimize Workers’ Compensation Premiums

For many contractors, the winter months can bring a dip in active projects, which impacts payroll and overall business activity. While you’re addressing slow-season challenges, insurance offers opportunities to improve cash flow management.

By proactively reporting any fluctuations in payroll to your insurance provider, contractors can avoid overpaying for workers’ compensation coverage during slower months and ensure they’re paying the right premiums as business ramps up. Insurance premiums tied to actual payroll or job activity can better align with your cash flow, offering savings and flexibility when you need it most.

Acuity Insurance offers AcuitySmartPay to provide a smarter way for contractors to manage their workers’ compensation insurance premiums. In addition to providing a web-based system that simplifies monthly payroll reporting, AcuitySmartPay provides multiple benefits to those who enroll, including:

• • Improved cash flow
  • Fewer surprises at audit
  • Flexible premium payments based on business activity
  • Enhanced business planning and budget insurance expenses

• Consider Insurance Coverage and Resources When Diversifying Operations

Winter can be an ideal time to diversify your business and look for new revenue streams. Expanding your services by offering winter-specific contracting jobs or specialized services can help keep cash flow steady during the slow season. However, these new offerings may bring additional risks that could impact your insurance premiums.

Before introducing new services, be sure to inform your insurance provider about any changes to your operations. Certain types of work — like roof repairs, hazardous material handling or using specialized equipment — carry higher risks, and failing to update your coverage could result in an underinsured business or unexpected costs down the road.

When expanding your scope, don’t forget to consider employee training implications. Your insurance company should have loss control and risk management resources you can leverage. Many insurance companies, including Acuity, provide valuable services to help contractors identify and mitigate risks before they result in costly claims. These resources can include safety audits, jobsite inspections, safety training and tailored risk management strategies. By engaging with these services, contractors can not only improve safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents, but also lower their long-term insurance costs by proactively addressing risks that might otherwise lead to higher premiums or claims.

Make the Most of This Winter Season

Winter is a great time of year for most contractors to analyze their business and identify opportunities or resources that can elevate their bottom line. Having the aid of industry experts who understand the construction industry can provide invaluable support to contractors who want to grow and protect their business. Whether they’re looking for expert advice, policy support or dependable claims service, contractors are encouraged to visit acuity.com or speak with an independent insurance agent to identify the best coverage, services and solutions for their aspirations or evolving business needs.

2024-11-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is right around the corner, and if recent retail sales forecasts are any indication, it’s going to be a massive year for small businesses. The Mintel Holiday Shopping Report 2024 predicts U.S. retail sales in November and December will reach upwards of $1.07 trillion and people are planning to start their shopping early. Are small businesses ready?

For many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the holidays can make or break their year. Small businesses don’t have the same luxury as big corporations and, in most cases, operate with a lean team, tight inventory and limited resources. With this in mind, every second and every dollar matters. So, how can businesses ensure that they’re optimizing internal processes and utilizing their employees effectively to drive growth?

Technology can be a powerful enabler, opening up new opportunities and giving small businesses a significant edge toward success. The right technology will allow businesses to reach the right audience, meet customer demand and drive maximum traffic.

Here are three ways SMBs can leverage technology to stand out and scale up this holiday season, from the pros at Lenovo.

Use AI to improve efficiency

AI isn’t going to replace people, especially in customer service and sales, and it can be a big help in improving the way owners operate their business. According to the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, 75% of small businesses are using AI for a variety of tasks, and nearly half of those report AI allows their (human) employees to focus on more meaningful, higher-level tasks. Whether it’s streamlining processes, generating new ideas, tracking inventory or creating custom marketing materials, AI can be molded and incorporated into your business to address your needs. AI can also provide support with analyzing customer data to create targeted advertising and personalized recommendations, automation of repetitive tasks like data entry, and creating chatbots for simple customer service questions or needs, allowing team members to prioritize more complex projects.

Create and optimize an online presence to attract consumers

Consumers expect businesses to have an online presence in addition to a physical presence. In fact, data from Expert Market shows 98% of small businesses have some kind of online presence, however, only 63% have ecommerce integrated into their website. That’s a missed opportunity. According to the Mintel report, 82% of people are multichannel shoppers who shop online. Adobe Analytics predicts online holiday sales will top $240.8 billion this year, with this being the most “mobile” shopping year to date. With all of those online and multi-channel shoppers, small businesses must include ecommerce on their sites to stay competitive.

Improve customer experience

SMBs should ensure they are reaching customers where they are by offering an omnichannel experience. For those with an established online presence, they must continue to incorporate new techniques that elevate their customers’ online experience so they continue to return. A robust, user-friendly website with ecommerce creates a great customer experience. You want shoppers to feel as welcome online as they do in your physical business. Chatbots can help out with customer service, personalized email campaigns can make your customers feel seen and heard, while social media marketing can build loyalty, create community and put you in touch with people all over the world. Other tools like customer relationship management systems can store customer data, track purchase history and provide targeted offers, further upping the relationship level.

By leveraging technology, small businesses can level up just before the holiday rush. Technological advancements will help small business owners create an engaging, personalized presence for customers and can help run your business more efficiently and smoothly, too. For more information about how technology can help your business, visit Lenovo.com.

2024-11-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – As you start checking off everyone on your holiday shopping list, it’s important to remember that more online shopping means more opportunities for cyber scams. But don’t let the Grinch steal your holiday cheer! It’s time to deck the halls with essential cybersecurity tips to ensure a safe and merry shopping experience.

Unwrap some festive tips to keep your holiday season jolly and scam-free!

1. Update your devices for a holly jolly holiday

In your tech-driven lives, your devices act as your personal elves, guarding your digital stockings. Regular updates help to patch vulnerabilities and protect you from the latest security threats. So, as you prepare for your holiday online shopping sprees, make sure all your devices — smartphones, tablets, laptops — are running the latest operating systems. This not only enhances security but also improves functionality, making your online experience smoother as you shop for that perfect holiday gift.

2. Protect your holiday cheer: Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions

As you dash through shopping malls or bustling airports, the convenience of public Wi-Fi can be tempting. However, these unsecured networks can quickly become a hacker’s winter wonderland, making it risky to conduct financial transactions or access sensitive information. Instead, opt for secure networks that require a password, or better yet, use your mobile data when making purchases. It’s always worth waiting for a safer connection to protect your personal data and avoid potential cyber pitfalls during your holiday shopping adventures.

3. Stay off the naughty list: Skip ads and go straight to the site

While it’s easy to get drawn in by eye-catching ads promising unbeatable holiday deals, clicking on them can expose you to scams. Advertisements often track your data and lead you to fraudulent websites. Instead, take a moment to type the URL directly into your browser. This small yet impactful action not only safeguards your personal information but ensures that you reach the legitimate sites for your holiday shopping, allowing you to shop with confidence.

4. Keep your digital wallet as safe as Santa’s sleigh

Digital wallets are convenient tools for both in-person and online shopping, especially as you navigate holiday markets or browse for gifts during your travels. They encrypt your account details, ensuring your card numbers are never shared. However, it’s vital you secure this personal vault. Protect it with a robust passcode and enable biometric locks, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. This added layer of security ensures that your financial information remains safe, allowing you to enjoy your holiday shopping without fear.

5. Jingle All the Way with Zero Liability

This festive season, let Zero Liability keep your holiday cheer intact and free from worries. Financial institutions that issue Mastercard cards won’t hold you responsible for “unauthorized transactions,” as long as they are promptly reported and you’ve taken reasonable care to protect your card from loss or theft. As a Mastercard cardholder, Zero Liability covers your purchases made in-store, over the phone, online, via a mobile device, and even at ATMs. With such protections, paying with your card brings more peace of mind than paying with cash or check.

So, keep your card close, and let your holiday spirit shine bright without any worries! As the holiday season jingles on, remember to be proactive about cybersecurity to make your shopping experience merry and bright. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa at a cozy café while hunting for last-minute gifts online or exploring local treasures in a new city, these tips will help you navigate the bustling holiday landscape safely. So, deck the halls with cyber smarts, enjoy your festive shopping, and travel safely.

2024-11-14T13:05:00

(BPT) – By Mary Kay Bowman, EVP, GM of Payments and Financial Services at BILL

Technology has become so ingrained in our daily routines that it feels like paper checks should already be a thing of the past. In fact, many young adults have never even written one, and many major retailers no longer accept them. And in today’s era of smartphones, online banking and digital payments, it may be surprising that paper check fraud has more than doubled in recent years.

Accepting paper checks isn’t only riskier than ever — they are also more costly, less efficient and take more time to process than before. Even so, 75% of businesses still use paper checks, including many small and midsize businesses (SMBs). If your business is reluctant to give up paper, now may be the time to take the plunge and go digital. The good news is, making the switch is a lot easier now — and today’s digital payment processes are faster, safer and more secure than ever before.

Top reasons to go digital

Need help weighing the pros and cons of ditching paper checks? Here’s a look at the risks that paper checks can bring, and the advantages of digital payments.

1. Paper checks bring more risks than rewards

Risks from paper checks are at an all-time high, and here’s why:

Time is money — Think about it: Checks need signatures and approvals, postage and mailing time — costing more, using more labor and plenty of unnecessary paper. Then there’s the postal system, which can delay transactions, and lead to less transparency. Checks also have to clear banks, which may hold funds for a period of time to ensure there are sufficient funds to guard against fraud. And checks with higher dollar amounts are more likely to take longer to clear.

Theft and loss — Checks contain the sender’s banking info, leading to security risks if they’re lost or stolen. You send banking details through unsecure channels (the postal service) when a check is mailed, putting that information at risk. For example, one new trend has thieves targeting the “arrow keys” that provide mail carriers with access to USPS mailboxes. And once the sender’s information is out there, it can be sold on the dark web and be used to forge additional checks, putting the account balance, the sender’s good name and credit score in serious jeopardy.

Your bottom line — Checks have been around for ages and for long-time users, it may seem like their cost is “free,” but do you really know the cost of issuing paper checks? It can range from $4 to $20 per check — as opposed to only approximately 30 cents for digital payments. Even worse, manual check processing opens more opportunities for errors and lack of visibility — and time and money lost when your business has to track down sent and received checks.

BILL customer and leading plastic and cosmetic surgery practice RenewalMD has experienced the risks of paper checks firsthand: RenewalMD didn’t have a good process for accounts payable management. Their administrative assistant sorted through snail mail and entered bills into their accounting system manually.

“It was a nightmare,” recalled RenewalMD COO Scott Regan. “We’d find out later we’d been cutting checks for things that didn’t need to be paid.”

Then serious financial fraud occurred when someone from another state used their routing and account numbers to write fraudulent checks. Worse yet, their bank wouldn’t help them recover the money, and all they could do was close the account.

“I didn’t want to write another check on that account,” Regan said. “The more checks you have in circulation, the easier it is for someone to lift your routing and account numbers to fake a check.”

His team upgraded to financial automation software from BILL, so they now make digital payments quickly, easily and — most importantly — securely.

2. Digital transformation is gaining momentum

Digital transformation is not going away and businesses everywhere are reaping the rewards by leveraging technology to better serve their customers and stay ahead of competitors. According to BILL’s 2024 State of Financial Automation Report, 90% of SMBs agree that automation is key to improving business efficiency. Although the thought of adopting new technologies may seem daunting, the benefits of going digital are clear:

• Increased efficiency: Online payments for businesses can cut the time associated with bill approval by over 50% — helping your business collect money up to two times faster.
• Enhanced security: With digital payments, your financial data and documents will be safer due to secure, encrypted, password-protected servers.
• Better accuracy: Digital business payments can automatically sync with your accounting software, so the information is never entered twice — making the process of paying and reconciling payments that much more precise.
• More visibility and control: Online payments let you track every step, including everyone who touches that payment within your company and outside of it.
• Convenience: Payments can be made from anywhere using any computer or mobile device.

3. Going digital is an easy way to up-level your business

Most importantly, your business needs a simple way to make payments and get paid quickly and securely. Today’s digital payment methods make it easier, faster and more secure to pay, receive and track bills — and it’s not hard to set up, with leading financial operations platform BILL, which is simple and easy to use. Switching to electronic eChecks/ACH payments or other types of payments saves time on manual tasks while cutting costs of materials like check stock and postage. With help from BILL, your company can:

• Streamline and track payments by choosing your payment method, paying bills and tracking payment information on one platform.
• Be more flexible with all the payment methods you need, when you need them.
• Save time by automating your AP process to eliminate the manual process of paying bills.
• Manage cash flow with payment flexibility and full documentation that puts you in control.
• Stay in sync thanks to digital payments that automatically sync with your favorite accounting software.
• Reduce risk of check theft and fraud with secure digital payments.

BILL customer and hospice innovator BetterRX has seen the benefits of eliminating manual financial processes and going digital: Before using BILL, BetterRX often paid invoices with paper checks, so staff members had to travel to the office to sign and mail them. With BILL, BetterRX optimized their financial operations within a single platform, eliminating these manual processes — and the need to be tethered to a physical office.

“We’ve been fully remote for years, thanks in part to BILL,” said Randi Letendre, CFO of BetterRX. “This lets our people work from all over the world, accessing the platform anywhere, even from phones and other devices.”

Being able to better optimize cash flow through digital automation is a key differentiator for SMBs seeking a competitive edge. Having a choice in payment options helps SMBs transact quickly, securely and efficiently. BILL offers all of this and more to SMBs. Not only can you use BILL’s eight different payment modalities, but you can also benefit from the flexibility of BILL’s payment innovations, such as:

ACH payments: ACH via BILL is fast, more secure than paying through your bank’s ACH and has low processing fees.

International wire transfers: BILL international payments can be sent from the U.S. to 137 countries and via 106 currencies. BILL offers a $0 wire transfer fee and competitive exchange rates when paying in local currency.

Credit cards: BILL credit card payments are quick, allowing you to optimize your cash flow through deferred payments, while you earn points, miles, cash rebates and more.

Virtual cards: BILL’s one-time-use credit card tokens are perfect for businesses that want a fast, secure, cost-effective payment solution.

Real-time payments: RTP is best for businesses that need to make urgent/time-sensitive payments within seconds or have receivers who need early access to funds. BILL RTPs can be processed 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays and weekends.

The good news is that BILL can automate and manage your business’ financial needs all in one place without the need for paper-based or manual processes. To learn more and to start your risk-free trial, visit Bill.com/Signup.

2024-11-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Professor David W. Miller, executive director of the Princeton Faith & Work Initiative and lecturer at Princeton University, has announced his latest white paper, “The Ethics of Organizational Change.” The paper offers an academic perspective on organizational change and transformation at the intersection of historic, cultural and social change.

In partnership with Dr. Michael J. Thate, Miller’s research looks at issues from financial market downturns, major social movements and political shifts to consider the ethics and methodology around organizational change and transformation from Alexander the Great and the 2008 recession to the cancel culture of today. At the core, their theories emphasize the need to find “an inclusive way forward” among organizations and stakeholders toward organizational transformation.

The paper is grounded in Miller and Thate’s novel Transformation Assessment Model (TAM), a three-part framework developed for business leaders to gauge the viability of transformational change in their organizations. TAM critically explores the vectors of believability, buy-in and barometers. Determinants of organizational shifts include whether business goals or objectives should alter course due to market pressures, or major social upheaval, and how to balance these shifts without submitting to political pressure and divisive stakeholder rhetoric. They present macro questions to consider when business leaders are formulating plans for change, which include:

• Was the pressure to change internal (e.g., leadership shifts, employee demands) or external (e.g., regulatory agencies, market shifts, public pressure, pandemic, war)?

• Was the change an intentional pivot or an unintended drift?

• Was the change grounded in a higher-order purpose, purely profit-driven or reactionary?

• Did the change occur on the margins or at the core?

• Were a variety of voices, constituencies and stakeholders involved or consulted to help define the process, design and end goal?

The TAM framework can also be an assessment tool for internal and external stakeholders with a material interest in transformation.

Philip Morris International’s U.S. affiliate (PMI) sponsored a luncheon, and the white paper launch in Austin, Texas, in mid-October. Marian Salzman, PMI’s SVP, U.S. Strategic Projects, trendspotter and communications strategist, joined Miller to discuss business transformation and organizational change with business leaders across the region. Salzman has built her career on helping companies and brands anticipate the future ahead of the competition. Miller serves as an independent external ethics adviser to PMI.

The conversation was moderated by Clay Hebert, founder of Take Back Perfect and a marketing and funding advisor to hundreds of startups counseling them on innovation and entrepreneurship. Topics explored included social upheaval, pandemics, political interference, technological innovation, economic volatility, and the myriad external forces today that can influence or derail change.

To download the white paper, visit TEOOC.com.

About David W. Miller

Miller is the director of the Princeton Faith & Work Initiative, a senior professional specialist in ethics and a lecturer. In addition to his oversubscribed classes, ground-breaking research and public outreach, he also advises corporate CEOs and senior executives on ethics, values-based leadership, culture and the role of faith at work.

As a thought leader, many C-suite executives seek his counsel, and scholars, NGOs and the media seek his views. He has presented on “A Restoration of Trust?” in Davos and is a regular participant at the Yale CEO Summit. An article in the Wall Street Journal featured his work with one global client referring to him as the “on-call ethicist.”

Prior to academia, Miller lived and worked in London, England, where he was a partner in a private equity firm specializing in international investment management, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Before that, he was a senior executive and director of the securities services and global custody division of HSBC Group, and previously held the same position at Midland Bank plc before its acquisition by HSBC.

After his corporate experience, he entered academia, receiving his M.Div. and a Ph.D. in ethics from Princeton Theological Seminary. Before joining the faculty at Princeton University in 2008 and launching the Faith & Work Initiative, he taught for five years at Yale Divinity School and Yale School of Management and was the executive director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture.

2024-11-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s workforce, more workers are reconsidering the role of work in their lives. Employees are increasingly looking for more than just a paycheck — they want their work to be meaningful, with 86% saying it’s important for their employers’ values to align with their own.

This ongoing shift demonstrates a desire for more purpose-driven work and with giving season right around the corner, employers are responding by rethinking the role of giving in workplace culture.

According to Fidelity Investments, employees of companies with a strong giving culture are 5 times more likely to say their company shares their values. They are also twice as likely to say they feel a sense of belonging and are satisfied with their jobs.

One way companies are creating a culture of giving is through workplace giving programs that involve employees giving back to their communities through activities like payroll deductions for charity, donation matching, or organized volunteer opportunities.

As part of an effort to strengthen community ties and enhance worker satisfaction, many employers have already stepped up and are giving their workers the unique opportunity to maximize their community impact through donation matches, community grants, local giving initiatives and coordinated volunteer efforts. Some even offer paid time off for volunteering.

These programs not only boost engagement at work, but they also help employees find a deeper sense of connection to their communities, their company, their jobs, and their colleagues, many of whom are returning to in-office work for the first time in years.

“When employers and employees work together, they make a bigger impact in their communities and that’s good for everyone,” says Angela Walker, Vice President, Workplace Giving at Fidelity Investments. “These programs not only support important causes, but they also help companies attract top talent and boost employee morale.”

For more information on workplace giving opportunities, visit Fidelity.com/Giving.

2024-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – A fresh wave of innovation and optimism is reshaping the American economy, as revealed by a new survey commissioned by Herbalife and conducted by Talker Research. The 2024 Entrepreneurial Index reveals that one-third of Americans view themselves as entrepreneurs. The survey shows that 36% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials identify as entrepreneurs, compared to 29% of Gen X respondents and just 25% of baby boomers. Simply put, younger generations are embracing the entrepreneurial spirit.

The study surveyed 10,000 people across 12 countries, including 2,000 in the U.S.

Defining entrepreneurship

What, exactly, is an entrepreneur? Survey respondents had a variety of definitions: Someone who has drive and determination to put their business ideas into action. Someone willing to lay it all on the line for their dream. But mostly, it’s someone who owns a business, has a side hustle or wants those things in the future.

Cautious optimism prevails

The survey also examined global attitudes toward entrepreneurship, revealing some surprising results.

Younger generations are more positive: 69% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials surveyed were optimistic about entrepreneurial endeavors, whether for themselves or in general.

That’s compared to 50% of Gen X respondents and only 35% of baby boomers who reported being confident.

But this optimism doesn’t mean people aren’t worried about the current state of the economy. In fact, 59% of respondents are currently worried, and that was consistent across generations. And for those not interested in starting a small business or side hustle this year, concerns about the state of the economy were cited as the top reason why.

Side hustles and small businesses are common

That said, despite these worries, younger generations are still working toward their goals. Not only were younger respondents more positive about entrepreneurial pursuits, but they were also more likely to have a small business or an active side hustle. Four in 10 Gen Z and 41% of millennials have one or the other, compared to 31% of Gen X and 19% of baby boomers surveyed.

“Younger generations are embracing side hustles and starting small businesses due to a number of motivating factors including economic uncertainty, a desire for flexibility and a greater interest in pursuing a passion or hobby,” said Frank Lamberti, chief commercial officer for Herbalife. “Network marketing, in particular, can help meet these needs and offer low start-up costs, reducing the stress and anxiety that can be associated with starting a business.”

The impact of the Great Resignation

So, where are all these young entrepreneurs coming from? The Great Resignation, which saw 80 million Americans leave their jobs between 2020 and 2023, provides some insight. According to the World Economic Forum these individuals weren’t quitting to relax on a beach or read a good book; they were seeking greater control over their lives amid widespread uncertainty. Many turned to starting their own businesses or launching side hustles, with a record 5.5 million new ventures emerging in 2022 alone.

All of it points to a sense of cautious optimism among the current and budding entrepreneurs out there. Continuing to make money, no matter what the economy does, is the name of the game.

If you’re considering becoming an entrepreneur or looking to boost your side hustle, visit Herbalife for more information.

2024-10-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

For many small business owners, the holidays mean crunch time, whether they sell consumer gifts or not. The pressure is on: as Small Business Saturday approaches, the fourth quarter is winding down. Businesses are scrambling to hit their numbers by year end and employees are taking PTO to celebrate with their families, leaving many small business owners with more work at just the wrong time.

But between the madness, the holiday season also provides small business owners with plenty of exciting opportunities to focus on their business goals and prepare for a fresh new year with everything they need. So, if you’re feeling the crunch, take a breath and check out these tips to help you have a rocking holiday season, starting with Small Business Saturday, and set your business and yourself up for success next year.

1. Stop leaving money on the table

Loyalty rewards and other programs geared toward businesses can add up to big savings not just during the holiday season, but beyond too. Start by looking at the businesses you already frequent and see if you can sign up for a rewards program. The free Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards program offers 2% back in rewards on almost everything, members-only savings, $2 back in recycling rewards when you switch out your ink and toner, and $2 back in rewards for product reviews. After spending $500 in a 12-month period, customers will earn VIP status and will earn 5% back in rewards on ink, toner, paper and print services in addition to receiving free delivery on qualifying orders and exclusive perks. It’s a rewards stocking stuffer!

2. Refresh and reset your brand look

“New year, new you” isn’t just an idea for personal development in the new year. Small Business Saturday brings exciting opportunities to show off fresh signage and marketing materials including flyers, business cards, brochures and more that are essential in driving traffic to your store or site and drawing in new customers. From standard flyers and colorful banners to outdoor signs and custom flags, take advantage of fourth quarter deals on custom printing. Office Depot OfficeMax is running a great holiday special for small business owners with a coupon for 40% off a qualifying $75 purchase of Print Services through Nov. 23.

Why just stop at signage? Small Business Saturday is a great time to give out branded gifts. Everyone loves receiving a freebie and it’s a good way to turn people into ambassadors for your brand.

3. Save time and let Power.Up handle your marketing

Take at least one thing off your plate this holiday season by tapping into help from the Power.Up team, presented by Dun & Bradstreet and Office Depot. Think of us as your marketing team — we’re here to run your campaigns and target the right audience, so you don’t waste money on the wrong people seeing your ads. Tell us who you want to reach, and we’ll get to work. The Power.Up team can launch your email campaigns, your social media and display advertising, send direct mail on behalf of your business, and even help with your website and design. Plus, Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards Members get up to 30% off Power.Up services.

4. Take advantage of convenient shopping options

Between prepping your business for the season and finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin. Shopping online is a fast and convenient option that lets you get what you need without taking you away from the action. Best of all, you can cross something off both of your lists when shopping at stores like Office Depot and OfficeMax. While you’re placing a restock order of paper or a refill order of ink and toner, fill up on stocking stuffers during your in-store pickup. You can even ship your packages with FedEx in any Office Depot OfficeMax store. Take advantage of 20% off FedEx shipping services through Dec. 21 to help small business owners save time and money.

Office Depot OfficeMax offers the choice of purchasing supplies online for pickup in store in 20 minutes, or you can opt for free delivery on qualifying $35 orders. Order before 5 p.m. and qualifying orders can be delivered the same day during the holidays, with the exception of Dec. 24, when that time window ends at 2 p.m.

5. Consider a business membership program

If you’re looking to treat yourself, consider a business membership program that can yield extra savings for your business in the future. Plenty of retailers offer these programs and signing up is a great way to further invest in yourself and your business.

The Office Depot OfficeMax Business Select program takes savings to the next level, offering exclusive discounts, free shipping options, and $50 off business services such as print services, pack and ship services, and computer setup and repair services. The annual membership fee is $49 per year. Visit officedepot.com/select for full details.

Small Business Saturday, leading into the holidays, can be a hectic time for small business owners, but these tips will help you quiet that chaos, tackle your goals and give you more time for holiday cheer. Get ready to roar into 2025.

2024-10-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – Modern cell phones are capable of far more than just calling, texting and simple games like Snake. When you carry your smartphone, you have a supercomputer in your pocket that can unlock your car, adjust your thermostat, suggest recipes based on what’s in your fridge and more.

T-Mobile is digging deeper into how AI-powered smartphone features make it easier to use your time efficiently and perform day-to-day tasks. In a recent interview, the company asked cybersecurity specialist Andre Najee to break down five ways AI — combined with the power of the nation’s leading 5G network — has made smartphones even smarter.

1. Hyper personalization: Your phone, your way

Get ready for a phone that knows what you need before you do. AI learns from your habits, adapts to how you use them and even optimizes battery life for the things that matter most.

According to Najee, your AI-powered phone learns your daily patterns, so it can recommend apps you commonly use in your morning routine or highlight content that interests you.

The benefits of these AI features that are useful for everyday habits also trickle down to convenience and increased productivity.

Najee points out most modern smartphones use some form of machine learning to recommend the next word in a text message or the next sentence in an email. With AI, your phone can take this concept a step further and recommend different responses for friends versus co-workers and supervisors.

2. Next-level accessibility and inclusivity

AI is making phones more accessible than ever, with tools like voice commands and speech-to-text empowering people to communicate and navigate the world more easily. For example, many AI-powered smartphones now feature real-time voice transcription, image recognition for the visually impaired and voice-command-based navigation.

These AI accessibility features can also break down communication barriers with real-time translation tools. For example, Google Translate now supports over 240 languages with near-instant speech-to-text translation powered by AI, making cross-language communication seamless.

If you’re multilingual and use multi-language keyboards, you can even rely on AI to enhance your experience with predictive text, smooth language switching and contextual suggestions.

3. AI-powered photo adjustments and editing

Kiss blurry photos goodbye! The AI-powered smartphone cameras on today’s smartphones use advanced software to help you capture images that were once only possible with professional equipment.

AI can detect the difference between the subject and the background so you can create beautiful portrait-mode shots that rival high-end cameras. Whether you’re taking a group photo at a dimly lit concert or trying to capture the perfect sunset selfie, AI adjusts the camera settings to the ideal exposure and clarity.

After taking a photo, AI steps in to sharpen details and boost colors so every photo pops. Real-time image enhancement and scene recognition help you capture those epic, Insta-worthy shots even with zero photography skills.

4. Always-on security

In a world full of hackers and scammers, you need your phone to have your back 24/7. AI is helping to make sure that’s the case.

“Through pattern recognition and computer vision, AI has enhanced the accuracy of facial recognition and fingerprint scanning systems, making them faster, more reliable and more secure,” said Najee. “This technology allows systems to more effectively differentiate between genuine biometrics and fraudulent attempts.”

For T-Mobile customers, the company’s AI-powered Scam Shield offers an additional layer of protection. This feature blocks millions of scam calls every day, shielding you from those annoying robocalls before they even reach you.

5. Virtual assistants that get you

Did you know that in 2022, 142 million people — nearly half the U.S. population — were using virtual assistants? That number is predicted to hit 157 million by 2026. These virtual assistants could learn your behaviors, send texts, control smart home devices and provide directions.

By integrating AI, these virtual assistants have only gotten smarter. Now, if you’re searching for a recipe shared via text, note or email, or need your passport number for booking a flight, it can quickly locate the information on your device — which is far more complex than simply answering, “What’s the weather today?”

Are you ready for an AI experience?

These are just five of the many ways AI has allowed smartphones to live up to their name. “They’ve become devices that actually feel intelligent,” said Najee. “This has an impact on how we use our devices to be more productive every day as they become true extensions of us and our capabilities.”

If you’re ready to upgrade to an AI-powered smartphone, make sure to get T-Mobile’s best experience only on America’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network.

To learn about T-Mobile’s latest devices, plans and offers, visit T-Mobile.com.

2024-10-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – Financial Planning Month is a great time to clear up common misconceptions and misunderstandings about your money. These myths about banking and personal finance can set up unnecessary roadblocks that get in the way of you building wealth and creating a solid financial foundation for your life. Let’s bust some common financial myths.

Myth: I can’t buy a house because I’ll never save enough for a down payment.

It’s true that a healthy down payment will save you money in the long run on interest and mortgage insurance. But that 20% standard down payment is indeed very tough for most people. In today’s real estate market, the median home price in the U.S. is $412,000. If you’re putting 20% down, that’s $82,400! For the average person, saving that kind of money can take years. But you have options. Talk with your bank about the best avenues to get into a home with a lower upfront investment. Several banks offer low down payment programs for first-time homebuyers, like Citi’s HomeRun Mortgage, with down payments starting as low as 3% with no costly mortgage insurance required. This program is offered in select markets only and may have income limitations. Also, FHA loans or VA loans might be great options if you qualify.

Myth: I need to be wealthy to start investing.

No, you don’t need a lot of money to start investing. In fact, if you have a work-sponsored 401(k), you’re already investing. And you don’t have to be wealthy to expand on that. Many platforms allow you to begin with small amounts, sometimes even as little as $5 or $10. Talk to your banker about the best options for you, start small and decide how much risk you’re willing to take. Over time, you can gradually increase your contributions as you become more confident and knowledgeable about investing. Hint: consistency is often more important than where you start!

Myth: Checking and savings accounts are all the same.

This is where it pays to shop around. Many banks offer benefits you might not be considering, and some even help to ensure you’re maximizing these benefits without lifting a finger. For instance, Citi’s simplified banking offers everyday benefits like no overdraft or returned item fees and is designed to make it easy and automatic to unlock enhanced benefits and features as your sustained balance grows. The bottom line here is, your money can be working harder for you, depending on where it is.

Myth: Switching banks is a pain.

Switching your primary bank can offer several advantages, and today, the process is easier than ever. Start by exploring your options — think about what you want from a new bank, like lower fees, better interest rates, or access to a personal banker in a branch. You can open a new account online easily. Closing your old account is equally straightforward. Typically, it involves a few simple steps, starting with a call to your bank’s customer service number. Just remember to update any automatic deposits, payments, and subscriptions to ensure they’re linked to your new account.

By busting common money myths, you can take advantage of all the ways to grow wealth, become more financially secure and reap the rewards of your good habits. Visit Citi’s simplified banking to learn more.

Mortgage lending products and depository products provided by Citibank, N.A. NMLS ID 412915. Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC.