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HubSpot vs Salesforce: The Best CRM for Your Business

What’s the best CRM? Is HubSpot better than Salesforce? What about Zoho or Zendesk? Whatever the answer, it’s important to understand what makes each CRM unique, and which solution will work best for your business. In this article, we’ll examine HubSpot and Salesforce side by side to determine which CRM deserves your business, and why. Let’s start with the basics…

What exactly is a CRM?

Customer relationship management, or CRM, the system is used to manage an organization’s interactions with customers. It may include marketing data and customer records. A CRM can be customized to meet a particular business’s needs.

How do I know if a CRM is right for me?

It’s hard to make a decision about the right CRM because there are so many options. How do you know which one is best? A good place to start is to ask yourself these three questions: 1) What’s your budget? 2) What’s your staff size and organizational structure like? 3) What are the use cases that you’re looking to solve?

Salesforce and Hubspot have been in the business of helping organizations better organize and manage their leads, contacts, and accounts for years.

Which HubSpot vs Salesforce comparison should I choose?

Both Hubspot and Salesforce are great tools for small businesses, but the best decision for your organization depends on what you need out of a CRM system. For instance, if you need more marketing integration and automation, then HubSpot might be a better option. If, however, you primarily need to manage your sales pipelines, then it would make sense to go with Salesforce.

What are the pros and cons of each solution?

There are two main types of customer relationship management (CRM) tools out there that can be used by marketing and sales teams, HubSpot and Salesforce. These two systems allow you to stay on top of leads, follow up with prospects and customers, set appointments, make notes, take actionable tasks, and more.

There are many similarities between the two systems as well as a few major differences. One similarity is that both systems allow you to track a contact’s journey through the conversion process from lead to customer by creating different stages in their profile. Another similarity is that both have powerful integrations with other platforms such as Slack and Google Drive; additionally, both can integrate data feeds from things like news sources or social media accounts.

How much does it cost to use either tool?

Hubspot’s basic package is the most expensive of the three, starting at $200 a month, but offers some features that may be vital to your business. For example, you have the ability to create custom workflows that help your sales process run more smoothly.

Salesforce and Service Now are both priced lower and offer an even playing field when it comes to CRM tools. You will pay different prices depending on how many seats you purchase as well as how much storage space your company needs.

What features/benefits am I going to get from using this tool in my business?

I’m going to start off by saying that both HubSpot and Salesforce are fantastic platforms with a lot of benefits. What you should use will largely depend on what your specific business needs are, how you work and how advanced your tech skill set is. For example, if the majority of your team works remotely then an online-based platform like HubSpot might be a better fit.

Do I need more than one tool to run my company’s marketing?

There are many tools you can use to manage your marketing, but when it comes down to the most basic functionality of being able to email prospects and customers, nothing beats HubSpot.

When is the best time to use which platform?

SalesForce is the best software to use when you are more established and have a higher turnover in your business. HubSpot, on the other hand, is better when you need more marketing tools to find new customers and keep your current ones happy.

What’s unique about each solution (and what makes them different)?

With a different focus on integrating marketing, sales, and customer service, HubSpot is best for B2C (business-to-consumer) companies.

October 25, 2022
Looking for the best mileage tracker apps for small businesses

It’s hard to know exactly how much money your business makes off of the miles you drive from job to job, or how you can optimize the efficiency of this part of your business. How many miles are you really driving every day, and how can you reduce that number? Is there an app that will help you manage all this information? Yes, there is! Today we’ll be covering five of the best mileage tracker apps for small businesses that will make tracking your daily mileage more convenient than ever before. Let’s get started!

#1 – Freshbooks

FreshBooks is one of the most popular accounting software in Canada and the United States, with more than five million users worldwide. FreshBooks is designed to keep track of your business’s finances by giving you a complete overview, including invoices, expenses, reports, and payments.

It also offers time tracking as an option so that you can stay on top of your team’s hours and get paid accurately every time they work on a project for your company. Another perk is that it has integrations with other software such as Google Drive and Slack which makes it easy to share documents with clients or colleagues. With FreshBooks, there are multiple options depending on your needs; from basic to premium – all at an affordable price starting at just $19 per month.

#2 – Xero

Xero is cloud-based accounting software that helps you track your business expenses, create invoices, and manage your finances. It’s an excellent app for those who need to track their miles because it syncs with Google Maps and other services to make tracking easy. You can also export data in numerous formats, such as CSV or Quickbooks, and use email reminders to stay on top of deadlines. It’s one of the best programs out there if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that simplifies bookkeeping and expense management – so it’s perfect if you have many different employees with different needs, or just need something simple to help keep your books up-to-date!

#3 – Uber

The Uber app has made transportation seamless for millions of people around the world by linking riders to drivers and enabling on-demand rides in more than 600 cities. When it comes to your business, Uber makes things easy by providing an all-inclusive dashboard that tracks all your trips, expenses, and payments from one place. The dashboard also provides reports on miles driven and other vital metrics so you can stay up-to-date with your finances at all times without wasting time logging into multiple accounts.

#4 – Automatic

Founded in 2013, Automatic is a connected device that plugs into your car’s OBD-II port and automatically tracks driving time, distance, and fuel data. It also provides important real-time information such as location, speed limit, engine diagnostics (check engine light), and more to help you stay safe on the road.

#5 – Strava

Strava is an app that’s perfect for cyclists, runners, and other athletes who want to track their workouts on their phones. It’s one of the most popular GPS-based tracking services available, and it even has social features that allow you to share your progress with your friends. For an additional fee, Strava Premium users can have access to more detailed analyses such as heat maps, segment data, and more in-depth performance insights that will help them get ready for races or bike tours. In addition to all this great content, Strava has an excellent mapping interface that allows users to plan out routes before heading out on them so they can get lost less often when exploring new areas by bike or foot.

October 25, 2022
6 Easy WordPress Website Builders for Building Amazing Sites & Pages

Not all WordPress websites are built the same way, and many of them don’t build their site correctly the first time around! To save you some time and heartache, we’ve put together this list of 6 easy website builders that make it simple to build out your pages and design your website exactly how you want it. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been building sites for years, these tools will help you create and design your WordPress site easily and quickly!

1) Weebly

Weebly offers a ton of beautiful designs, but what sets it apart is the accessibility and ease of use. The drag-and-drop website builder provides you with tons of pre-set elements that you can either customize or copy. If you don’t find a layout that meets your needs, simply search their public templates and themes to find what you want. You don’t need any coding knowledge or prior design experience to build an awesome site on Weebly Allsmo!

2) Wix

*Wix: Wix is a drag-and-drop builder with loads of great templates to get you started. Upload your logo, add a header picture and you’re ready to start customizing your new site! You can create any page you need, from About Us to Contact pages. And don’t forget about blogs–they’re easy with Wix!

*One of the best features of Wix is their website builder doesn’t require coding knowledge. All changes are made in visual editors that are intuitive and allow plenty of different layouts. Plus, they have full e-commerce integration so adding an online shop or marketplace store is as easy as it sounds Skyward FBISD.*

3) Squarespace

1) Squarespace is one of the easiest website builders to use. You just add images, text, and a few interactive buttons and you have a beautiful site. One really easy-to-use function is an in-built design lab that allows you to upload your own photos or choose from some cool ready-made templates. The interactive buttons make it easy to order your custom logo as well. With a simple press of a button, all your pages will change over with the new look of your home page automatically.

2) It’s important to note that while Squarespace has good prices, they aren’t free – so this might not be the best option if you’re looking for more customized design options.

4) Jimdo

Jimdo is a cloud-based website builder that has simplified the process of creating a new website or publishing your content to an existing site.

The Jimdo platform includes everything you need to create and publish a new site, such as drag-and-drop templates, photo uploaders, unlimited text editors,s and more. Simply log in to the service with your desired username and password and then design your site’s pages to suit your needs.

5) eWebBuilder

One of the most powerful, professional, and user-friendly free website builders on the market is eWebBuilder. With a whole range of website templates to choose from, it’s perfect if you’re looking for something sleek and modern, with one-click functionality. The best part? You can create a stunning website in less than five minutes!

web builder’s advanced features ensure your site runs at optimal speed, so potential customers will be able to view all your content without any problem.

6) Media Temple

Launched in 1998, Media Temple is a web hosting service that offers a range of innovative features and powerful tools to design, maintain, and host your website. In our pursuit to make advanced web development as accessible as possible, we built Divi by Elegant Themes which is one of the best all-in-one WordPress builders available.

We have designers and developers on staff who can assist with any project needs or questions thetechnotricks.

October 24, 2022
How to Do Payroll in Washington, D.C: The Definitive Guide

The federal district of Washington, D.C., has unique payroll tax laws that might confuse you if you’re doing payroll for the first time in Washington, D.C.. In this guide to doing payroll in Washington, D.C., we’ll cover everything from how to calculate payroll taxes, to where your business can get help with its payroll taxes, to what federal and local government agencies you need to report your taxes and pay your employees to. You’ll even find links to free forms your business might need!

What is payroll?

Payroll is one of the most crucial yet overlooked aspects of operating a business. When you’re ready to start your own company and work for yourself, you’ll need knowledge about how payroll works: what it does, how it benefits you and your employees, how much it costs to offer an employee wage or salary as well as what the federal and state rules are for paying employees or salaried workers in Washington D.C., Maryland or Virginia.

Does my business need an accountant or bookkeeper?

An accountant or bookkeeper is useful for managing finances and taxes when starting a business. However, this does not mean that you need one on the payroll.

Employee vs independent contractor

Many businesses have employees and independent contractors. Businesses with employees need to make sure that they are paying workers their required wage, withholding the appropriate tax withholdings (e.g., federal income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes), and making contributions for employment-based benefits like health insurance premiums, life insurance premiums, worker’s compensation premiums (for eligible states), and state unemployment insurance payments (in most states).

Independent contractors do not have any wage requirements or employee benefits.

Understanding your tax obligations

As an employer in the District of Columbia, you will be required to withhold both Federal and DC taxes from your employee’s wages. Generally, the amount withheld by employers is calculated using either the Social Security wage base for employees earning $118,500 or less (in 2017), or twice the Social Security wage base for employees earning over $118,500.

Hiring employees

For each employee, you will need their social security number, address, and phone number (before the first pay period). You will also need their bank information for direct deposit. They may also want you to fill out a W-4 for them with their allowance for withholdings on their wages per federal tax law regulations.

Tax forms for employers

Establishing a business with any number of employees and you will need to comply with federal and state payroll tax laws that regulate how much you can withhold from your employees for tax purposes, how often you can pay them (weekly, biweekly or monthly) and when their payment cycles will start based on their pay frequency (beginning on the first day of work or retroactively). This section covers both federal and state payroll tax obligations.

Tax withholdings from employee paychecks

Generally, you must withhold 7% of an employee’s gross wages (the amount before taxes) and pay this to the District on their behalf as follows: 3% withholding for income tax; 2% withholding for disability insurance premium; and 1% withholding for emergency medical insurance premium. If the wages are taxable, you must withhold 2% of the gross wages (again before taxes) as both income tax and Medicare withholding unless one of the exceptions applies.

Federal wage and tax statements (Form W-2)

Both employers and employees must prepare Form W-2, but the process for doing so is different. Employers should provide copies of the form to each employee and file a copy with their federal employer identification number (FEIN) at the time they are filed with IRS. This can be done electronically or by mailing a copy to an address provided on the form itself.

State wage and tax statements (Forms 941)

The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) imposes a tax on employers of 6% of the first $7000 wages paid to each employee during the calendar year with respect to their employment. The FUTA is an excise tax that is imposed on your company for employing people who may not be able to pay taxes themselves. Employers must remit payments quarterly by January 15th, April 15th, June 15th, and September 15th.

Calculating annual payroll taxes

Unlike other taxes such as sales and property taxes, payroll taxes are paid with every paycheck. For example, if a company pays its employees $10 per hour for 20 hours per week the annual gross salary is $40,000.

Expenses related to commuting by bicycle, public transportation, etc.

Bicycle commuting is a great way to save money and feel good about your contribution to the environment. It’s also a lot easier on your body than sitting in a car all day!

Documenting expenses related to business travel and entertainment

It is customary for employees traveling out-of-state to submit receipts related to expenses such as travel and lodging. These types of payments are considered out-of-state expenditures and may be deducted as long as they adhere to certain tax guidelines with the IRS.

October 24, 2022
How to Launch Your Bookkeeping Business in 8 painless steps

If you’re reading this, it means that you’ve decided to open your own bookkeeping business, and you want to know exactly how to do it in the least amount of time possible! Well, there are no shortcuts to success, but these eight simple steps will help you launch your new bookkeeping business in less than four months while making you as much money as possible along the way.

1) Write down your bookkeeping business plan

You may have started your bookkeeping business as a side hustle, but it is time to make it official. Whether you just want the peace of mind that comes with having a legitimate business or you want more visibility, there are many benefits that come with hiring a lawyer and filing the necessary paperwork. Here’s how:

1) Decide on an entity type.
2) The two most common choices are sole proprietorship and LLC. A sole proprietorship is the easiest option because no formal paperwork needs to be filed. However, this will limit your liability protection if something goes wrong because your personal assets are at risk. An LLC offers more liability protection while also providing tax advantages, but it requires a little more work upfront.

2) Choose a location

Consider the location of your business. A number of factors will be important, including cost, accessibility, and visibility. According to The Balance, an accountant’s office should have a professional appearance. It is typically located on the main street where passersby can see it clearly from the sidewalk. This will make potential clients more likely to stop by for bookkeeping services.

3) Get legal and accounting advice

The first thing you should do is find a lawyer and an accountant who can help you with the legal and accounting aspects of your business. You will need both of these professionals at different stages of starting your company, but it’s best to get them on board as soon as possible.

4) Create an invoice design that stands out

Invoice design doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler the better. Remember, you want your customer’s attention, not their confusion.

5) Advertise your services (online & offline)

We offer a range of services that can be tailored to meet your needs. These include:

-Bookkeeping and financial statement preparation

-Income tax preparation and filing

-Payroll processing -Payroll tax reporting and remitting

-Accounting, business consulting, and many other bookkeeping-related services.

6) Manage your time

The key to success is not just having a plan, it’s sticking with the plan. One of the best things you can do for your new business maps out an achievable daily schedule and stick with it. This might sound tedious, but it’ll help you feel more organized and productive. And, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by starting your own business, you can always start small by offering bookkeeping services on nights and weekends before expanding into full-time hours.

7) Maintain relationships with customers through regular communication and providing value

#1 – Send a Welcome email. The first time you communicate with your customers, make sure you’re warm and friendly. Introduce yourself and offer a way for them to contact you if they have questions.

#2 – Keep in touch. Once you’ve established contact with your customers, stay consistent with your communications so they know they can rely on you. If you are providing a service like bookkeeping or income tax, provide regular updates on their account status so they know where things stand at any given time.

#3 – Answer their questions promptly. It’s not always possible to do this, but try your best! It will give the impression that customer service is important and that not only are you competent but also reliable and trustworthy as well.

8) Track progress on social media and have fun!

1) Create your company’s social media presence.
2) Create a professional logo.
3) Come up with a catchy name for the company, and then register it with the state.
4) Design your website, and make sure it’s mobile-friendly.
5) Gather customer testimonials from satisfied customers.
6) Hire staff, including an accountant/bookkeeper and marketing team member, if possible.
7) Develop a business plan that outlines your goals for the next year and five years down the road (if you are ambitious).
8) Start marketing your services!

October 24, 2022
The Lowdown on Food Truck Insurance: Cost & Coverage

Food trucks are rising in popularity, and there are now over 6,000 of them operating throughout the United States. If you’re planning on launching your own food truck business, you’re going to need some sort of Food Truck Insurance in order to protect your investment! Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay for insurance coverage and other details about how that works.

What is Mobile Food Truck Insurance?

Food truck insurance covers both the trailer and any additional vehicles. The cost of mobile food truck insurance is determined by the size of the vehicle and any other risk factors. In general, food trucks that travel at high rates of speed or over steep inclines are more expensive to insure. This makes it difficult for some smaller, slower-moving trucks with lots of specialty items on board to stay competitive with the larger, faster ones while still being able to keep up in cost. But there are also a few things you can do to make sure your business has lower insurance premiums. To start, drive as little as possible; this will decrease your exposure to risks like accidents and weather delays. Keep your equipment in good condition too so you won’t have mechanical failures out on the road. Finally, if possible, try not to hire anyone else to help you man your food truck—more drivers under one policy means a higher rate from insurers.

What Does A Food Truck Insurance Policy Cover?

The type of food truck insurance you need is going to depend on the industry you’re in and what it is your truck does. For example, if you have a concession stand or roadside eatery that operates out of a food truck, then your coverage needs will likely be different than those who are catering an event. Depending on the state in which you operate, there are both federal and state laws that dictate when you need to get insurance for your vehicle- like when it’s being used for business purposes and when it’s not. When the latter situation applies, many things can go wrong- from somebody rear-ending your truck to someone spilling hot soup all over the interior of your vehicle- but either way, your truck could become unusable bec How Much Does The Average Commercial Auto Policy for a Small Business costs?

Does My Business Need Commercial Auto And General Liability Insurance?

Having commercial auto and general liability insurance is one of the most important things to keep in mind when operating a food-based business. These two coverages not only cover potential accidents but can also serve as an umbrella policy that provides extra protection should you have any claim costs. They also provide protection against various liabilities, such as someone getting sick from eating your food. So which coverage is right for you? It depends on what your needs are. General liability insurance covers lawsuits filed by customers alleging negligence or failure to meet certain standards like serving spoiled or tainted food. And while it may seem like it would be cheaper than having individual policies, this isn’t always the case because often there are several small claims per year instead of one large expense with a different company. Commercial auto insurance covers injury to pedestrians struck by vehicles while they’re delivering goods or picking up supplies–it’s important if you want to get paid if something happens during delivery. A lawyer can help you make sure all bases are covered; if not, it’s possible that you could be legally liable for damages even if there was no wrongdoing on your part!

A commercial auto policy is a package policy that combines coverage for your vehicle with other types of business-related expenses. What makes it ideal for small businesses is that this policy provides coverage for losses incurred as the result of fire, theft, vandalism, and other natural or man-made disasters. It also covers auto rentals if your vehicle is stolen or damaged. Pricing will vary depending on the value of the vehicle and can cost around $400-$600 per year.

What Is the Best Mobile Food Truck Insurance Company?

When it comes to food truck insurance, there are many factors that can affect your decision of what company is best for you. One important consideration is the type of cuisine that you plan to serve. While most mobile food truck insurance policies are quite similar, if you’re not serving up traditional Mexican or Korean BBQ fare, then you might have to compare your options carefully as certain insurers may decline your coverage. If the success of your business hinges largely on where you can do business–i.e., whether or not a nearby parking lot or public space will allow food trucks–then local regulations are also something to consider. For instance, in some parts of California and Florida, permission from the city council must be granted before setting up shop. Many cities also require food trucks to adhere to strict health codes and stay at least 500 feet away from any restaurants with established menus. Some companies offer mobile vending packages that include all these items and more; these packages usually include locations throughout the country so be sure to ask which areas they cover before signing on with one provider.

October 24, 2022
Is the Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card Right for You?

The Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card offers a $200 cash bonus after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, as well as no annual fee and some valuable perks to help you save money and increase your earnings. However, it’s also quite an expensive card, with a fairly high-interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) on balance transfers and cash advances. If you have excellent credit and can pay off your balance in full each month or on time most months, this card could be the right choice for you.

Frequent Flyer Points

You’ll get 2 points for every dollar you spend at eligible restaurants, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, and another 1.5x points for eligible US gas station purchases. All you have to do is open a Wells Foods Checking account and make monthly debit card transactions. You’ll also enjoy a $100 annual award just for having this card in your wallet; call it free travel money or use it as a rewards credit card so that you can pay off expensive charges. With the Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card, you get 5% more points when redeeming them with select partners such as airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies. The benefit of having a world-class American Express charge card should not be overlooked either.

Priority Pass

-Six free airport lounge visits are included per year with a Priority Pass

-25% discount on award flights booked through the program

-Complimentary roadside assistance

-Free Boingo Wifi when traveling abroad -Credit card protection that covers damage, theft, and loss

-Zero percent introductory APR for 12 months from the date of account opening, followed by a variable APR that ranges from 14.99%-24.99% (plus a 3% foreign transaction fee)

-No annual fee

Benefits at ATMs

*Fee-free access to all ATMs for authorized users on their payroll plan and qualifying purchases with the card.

*No minimum balance to open or maintain an account or have a daily transaction volume requirement.

*A $100 credit bonus is earned on new accounts.

*Access a personal banker at your convenience with 24/7 virtual banking. All you need is the internet, a smartphone, or a computer.

For those in business who have no time to handle any aspect of their finances, Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card can be helpful in making sure there are no problems when it comes to payment processing, billing, and invoicing for small business owners. The best feature of this credit card might just be that there are no hidden fees, which means you will not be charged every time you want to use the card.

No Annual Fee

The main downside to this card is that it has an annual fee, which may make other similar cards worth looking into. However, it does come with a slew of excellent rewards and benefits in addition to no foreign transaction fees. That makes up for its higher yearly fee if you use the card often or find value in these unique perks like purchase protection and auto rental collision damage waiver. The lack of a foreign transaction fee is another great feature as it allows you to use your credit card anywhere while abroad without any additional fees or conversion rates. Overall, this card offers a lot of good perks in return for its more expensive annual fee but still may not be worth paying if you’re only using your credit card here and there or just want something without an annual fee

0% Introductory APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers

The Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card has an introductory APR of 0% on both purchases and balance transfers through 11/11/2022. This can be a great way to save some money on new business purchases, or if you need to finance costs associated with starting your own company. The $500 Annual Fee is not waived, but it might be worth paying the annual fee if you’re able to get your purchase or financing paid off before 11/11/2022 and enjoy a full year of interest-free spending.

$50 Rebate When You Spend $500 in 3 Months

What makes this card interesting is that, as a business owner, you are eligible to get a rebate on any purchases of $500 or more. With a rebate of up to 50%, it could mean that if you spend $2,000 on the card in 3 months your credit score will actually go up by 5 points.

What I like about this card is that they have no foreign transaction fees and give me extra reward points on gas purchases at all of my local gas stations. They also have zero fraud liability. The yearly fee is waived for active-duty military members and their spouses. There’s a special offer right now where you can earn $200 when you spend $1000 in three months (and then another 200 when spending another $1000).

What I don’t like is that the APR on balance transfers starts out at 14%. If you’re considering getting this card, make sure to consider other offers before jumping into it.

Overall, it’s an excellent card with great benefits!

Access to Small Business Financial Solutions Advisor Team

Offering superior customer service and great rewards, the Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Cards are an excellent way to show your business how much you care. Our Small Business Financial Solutions Advisors are available every day to answer questions and make recommendations so you’re always in control of your account. Plus, as a cardholder, you’ll enjoy discounts at other companies like car rentals or hotels. If your company is looking for a credit card that offers balance transfers or a 12-month introductory APR on purchases, we can provide all these benefits in one easy-to-use account. And if you apply now, we’ll even waive the fee for any balance transfer (applicable to select balances only).

October 24, 2022
2022 Payroll Compliance Laws You Need to Know

The term Payroll Compliance refers to the laws that companies need to comply with when it comes to the employees they hire and pay. A few of these compliance laws are federal, meaning they apply in all fifty states, but many are not, meaning the rules and regulations vary from state to state. If you plan on hiring more than twenty employees in any given year, it’s important to understand the payroll compliance laws that apply in your area so you can follow them appropriately. Here are the most important payroll compliance laws that will be active in 2022 and after (in no particular order)

Improving ACA

The American Health Care Act (AHCA) was a piece of legislation passed by the 115th United States Congress in order to repeal major portions of the Affordable Care Act. This controversial bill would have repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate and its employer mandates, as well as eliminated Medicaid expansion under Obamacare. The Senate recently voted down this healthcare bill on Tuesday, July 17th with three Republicans breaking ranks and voting no.

In response, President Trump is considering halting cost-sharing subsidies that allow lower-income Americans to buy health insurance while Congress deliberates on its next steps. With no clear solution in sight, the ACA marketplace has grown uncertain. Taxpayers are now facing significant increases in premiums and fewer choices for coverage due to some insurers pulling out of areas or leaving markets altogether.

Upcoming Tax Cuts

In April of 2018, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This sweeping legislation will affect everything from how much you make in each paycheck, what kinds of deductions are allowable, and how much you will owe for state and local taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included a provision that lowers the individual income tax rate, although it increases an individual’s burden if they were subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Corporations are also receiving tax cuts with a lowered corporate income tax rate as well as higher limits on deductions they can take.

DOL Fiduciary Rule Affects Retirement Plans

On July 1, 2017, the Department of Labor (DOL) released a new rule designed to protect retirement investors. The new rule is called the fiduciary rule and it affects how financial advisors can work with clients on their retirement accounts. For decades, advisors could have offered advice on any investment without having to disclose possible conflicts of interest or risks as long as they had been approved by the SEC or another regulatory body. If they offered advice and also provided transaction-based products they only needed to register their firm with the SEC in order for clients not to know that there was an advisor that worked on their investments.

New Guidance for Meal Periods

Last year, California passed the Healthy Workplaces and Opportunity Act of 2014 which entitles employees to a meal period of at least 30 minutes every five hours they work. This year, legislation was introduced in New Jersey that would provide lunch breaks as well. With so much new legislation, it’s important for businesses to know what their responsibilities are when it comes to payroll compliance. Here are some key points you need to know about payroll law changes from 2020-2022:

In 2022, employers will be required to follow guidelines set by the Affordable Care Act. They’ll be required to provide mental health coverage and post any data collected through electronic activity tracking software on an online platform where individuals can easily find it. Employees who use credit reports may face fines if employers use this information as grounds for refusing employment. Fines against employers could be up to $5 million dollars if they’re found guilty of race or gender discrimination or retaliating against whistleblowers who report misconduct or violations within their company. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is also slated to change, with stricter rules prohibiting reporting negative information on a person’s credit report without permission or notice after seven years have elapsed from the date of delinquency reported.

Overtime Updates

In 2022, the new overtime law will be implemented in over 60% of U.S. states on January 1st. This new law can provide a substantial amount of back pay to hourly employees who are entitled. If you have hourly employees, the updated laws may affect their salary and leave them entitled to more compensation than they currently are receiving. Keep in mind, that even if the worker has already been underpaid, they are still entitled to make up for it after 2022 – so you may want to consider remediating any workers who have been paid improperly. The last major update was the end of the tip credit provision which is set to expire at the end of 2020. Check your state’s requirements for how much an employer must pay tipped employees when this provision expires!

Upcoming Minimum Wage Increases

Starting in January, the minimum wage will increase for many states. Minimum wage increases in Massachusetts will jump from $11 an hour to $12.50 an hour for companies with 11 or more employees and from $13 an hour to $14 per hour for smaller employers. Starting in July 2020, hourly wages are set to increase by 50 cents, reaching the new rates of $12.50 and $14 per hour respectively. And starting on November 1, 2020 all small businesses in Arizona (whether they have employees or not) will be required by law to provide up to 40 hours of paid time off a year if they pay less than the federal tipped-wage minimum (currently set at $7.25/hour).

October 24, 2022
What’s the Best Option for You? Buying vs Leasing Commercial Real Estate

When you’re looking to buy commercial real estate, there are many factors to consider. How much can you afford? Are there certain characteristics that are most important to you? Do you want to buy the property as an investment or use it for your own business? Leasing commercial real estate, on the other hand, comes with its own benefits and trade-offs. Read on to learn more about each of these options and how they could work for you.

3 Things to Consider Before Investing in Real Estate

1. What kind of real estate are you looking to invest in?

2. How long do you want your property to last?

3. How much can you spend on a monthly rent payment or home purchase?
Consider how long you plan on being invested and what kind of asset it is before deciding whether buying is best for you, as that will play a big role in determining which type of real estate investment is best for you. For example, residential properties typically have 30-year loans, so it would be ill-advised to buy one if you were only going to live there temporarily. The decision depends largely on your future plans, as well as how comfortable with risk each individual is when making an investment decision. These two factors will help determine which option is most beneficial for you. However, there are plenty of considerations involved in any decision like this. In order to make sure you’re choosing the right option for you, start by considering these questions: Do I need to diversify my investments? Am I looking for rental income from my investments? Will I stay at my current job for more than 5 years? Do I need cash flow immediately after purchasing my property?

4Questions to Ask Yourself Before Investing in Any Property

If you are considering investing in commercial real estate, there are a few questions you need to answer first:

1. What size space do I need?
2. How long will I need it for?
3. Do I have cash on hand? If not, can I borrow it from somewhere else like a family member or investment partner? 4. s the rent going to cover that loan payment and then some each month, including maintenance costs and taxes?

How To Know if This is the Right Time For You

Commercial real estate investment is often seen as a means to generate income. The decision on whether or not you should buy or lease commercial property will depend on factors such as your goals, debt level, and income. Before making this important decision, there are a few questions to answer:
1) How can your purchase/lease help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
2) Do you have enough money in savings to cover the down payment and move-in costs?
3) Is your personal credit score high enough to get favorable financing terms from a bank or lender?
4) What type of property are you considering – land, multi-family, single-family residential, or retail space?

4 Steps To Take If You’re Thinking About Investing In Commercial Real Estate

#1 Learn about commercial real estate. We know it sounds complicated, but there are books, videos and other educational materials out there to get you started! Be sure to research this topic before you take the leap.

#2 Have a clear plan. Sit down and think through what your ideal business would look like in this space. This can help you make an informed decision when it comes time to apply for space or negotiate with landlords.

#3 Find qualified advisors. Find out who has experience investing in commercial property and ask them for advice on where to start. It may also be helpful to find a lender that specializes in these types of investments so they can guide you through the lending process. Your broker should be able to provide guidance here as well.

#4 Check potential risks. Research potential risks associated with owning commercial property, such as tenant leases that may go into foreclosure, fire damage or natural disasters. Again, qualified advisors will have done their homework so don’t worry too much about doing all of this yourself – just ask for help!

Things To Remember When Investing In A Multi-Family Property

Regardless of whether you’re buying or leasing commercial real estate, make sure you thoroughly vet your potential purchase. For example, you may need to hire an architect to verify that there are no structural issues. Also, in leasing properties, be sure to research any tenant-protection clauses that could affect your ability to exercise control over day-to-day management. Additionally, consider if either property will help you build equity (as in owning) or save money (as in leasing). Remember that in some instances renting could be more cost-effective than investing in a property. And when comparing costs of both buying and leasing commercial real estate always account for closing fees, property taxes, and lease costs (think back rent).

09 Reasons Why The Commercial Industrial Market Is Currently Booming

1. Investors in commercial real estate are able to put their money into assets that traditionally provide low-risk returns and better liquidity than other traditional investments such as stocks or bonds.

2. Potential decreases in the amount of leverage utilized by financial institutions, which has allowed more debt to flow into commercial real estate

3. An improving economy

4. Shortage of available investment grade properties and declining cap rates, meaning higher returns on investment (ROI) can be achieved through investing in commercial real estate

5. Limited access to bank financing due to stricter lending guidelines set forth by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act

5. Increased demand from a younger generation who is living a healthier lifestyle and choosing not to purchase cars or houses

6. Low-interest rates with rising rents make it a favorable time for investors looking for yield opportunities

7. High rate of return on cash flows due to historically high rental rates coupled with lower price points for quality properties

8. A diversified portfolio including both residential and commercial property provides good risk management

9. Governmental incentives make now an attractive time to invest in industrial property

Tips on How To Get The Best Value When Selling Or Leasing A Property

The best option for you is always going to depend on your personal needs. Different situations will require different approaches. No two transactions are alike and no two transactions should be handled the same way. Remember that there are many qualified agents in Houston who are more than willing to help you navigate this process. Here are some guidelines to consider when trying to decide what type of property ownership is right for you

Reasons Why Income Properties Are Still Hot

Even though people think real estate has slowed down, income properties are still a solid option for some people. Income properties can be an excellent choice for buyers looking to live off passive income. Additionally, it is a way to supplement income from your day job. Once you buy your investment property, all that is left to do is collect monthly rent checks and watch your money grow.

As you can see, there are lots of benefits that come with owning income property in today’s market.

October 24, 2022
8 Job Fair Tips for Employers to Ensure a Successful Event + Free Checklist
Job fairs are an effective way to reach out to multiple candidates at once, but they aren’t the easiest event to run. Whether you’re hosting your first career fair or attending one as a job-seeker, it’s important to be prepared and take some time to consider these 8 job fair tips for employers so that your event goes smoothly. This free checklist will walk you through everything from deciding who should attend to setting up the booth to making sure you have all your paperwork in order, as well as provide some additional resources along the way.

1) Create an agenda

Schedule and Reserve the Space
1. Preparing Handouts, Flyers, and Other Marketing Materials
2. Decide How You Want to Staff Your Booth
3. Anticipate and Prepare Your Attire
4. Know What Questions You Want Answers To
5. List of Suitable Candidates – Contact Info or Personal Statement of Interest in attending your booth (i.e.: recent graduate looking for full-time employment) – Specific Company Information about Job Openings, Salary Range, Benefits, and Opportunities
2) Create a Staging Area

Below are eight steps that can help you organize your booth and ensure you’re ready for any queries from fair attendees.

It’s always a good idea to have water, coffee, tea, snacks, and other assorted beverages on hand in case someone has a hankering (pun intended).

At the entrance of your area, put up one or two large posters outlining some of the great benefits that come with being an employee at your company.

If you don’t have space for both laptop and desktop computers available at your booth, try making posters highlighting various products/services offered by your company as digital downloads and place them near the laptops.

3) Advertise the event

Planning an event or interview can be tricky, but we’ve compiled these 8 job fair tips for employers so you don’t have to worry about doing it all yourself! Not sure if these tips will work with your company’s event? Download our checklist and give it a try.

Congratulations on getting into the job market! We’re confident that this guide will help you through one of the most exciting yet nerve-racking moments in your life.

4) Manage your expectations

1) Recognize that there will be more applicants than you can hire. This is one of the toughest things about hiring from fairs – knowing that many, if not all of the candidates you meet won’t work out, no matter how well they do during the hiring process. You might have had a great conversation with someone, but in the end, it just doesn’t feel like their skills are a good fit. Try not to take it personally if this happens!

2) Bring everything you need with you. Chances are, you’ll spend most of your time setting up and then tearing down your booth. Make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks so you don’t get hungry or lightheaded while running around trying to get set up.

3) Be prepared for heavy foot traffic and high noise levels – and make sure your booth has an inviting vibe so people don’t feel awkward standing around waiting to talk with someone or sitting down on the hard floor.

4) Bring something fun: whether it’s freebies or an activity such as tossing bean bags at balloons- your event will go much smoother when participants have something enjoyable to do while they’re waiting in line.

5) Communicate with attendees before, during, and after the fair

The event went smoothly and we had ample opportunity to interact with attendees. We even got the chance to attend some of the other booths, learn about new companies, and network with potential employers! We also left feeling hopeful – these 8 job fair tips ensured that our event was successful. If you’re considering holding an upcoming hiring event, consider these steps to make sure it’s a success: -Post-event follow-up: following up after the event is crucial because this is when your post-event survey can be completed

-Making connections: if someone has applied or interviewed with you at your last hiring event, take note of their information so you can follow up in order to gauge their interest

-Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone!

6) Have a Plan B if necessary.

Planning can go wrong too, but here are seven steps you can take to prevent that from happening:

-Check your advertising strategy-Would it be more successful if you hand out flyers or hire a bus and a band? Find out beforehand.

-Attend job fairs regularly-Find out where the other companies who typically attend these events are located. This way you know where the competition is and when they will be at the next event. Set up meetings with them before so you’re prepared and make sure your schedules won’t conflict with each other on the day of the event.

7) Don’t forget these essential items.

1. Get there early! Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time and leave an hour before the end of your shift. This will give you enough time to secure a place in line, set up your booth, interact with people who stop by, and clean up after the event is over.

2. Set-up location – if you are not allotted space on the floor, bring displays (i.e., podiums) or shelving that can be used during breaks or downtime.

3. Your pitch – have a great elevator speech ready to engage people walking by and answer any questions they might have about your company. Remember: sell yourself! If you don’t know what you’re selling, nobody else will either.

4. Be ready for anything! Prepare yourself for any type of question with samples or mock resumes in case someone wants one on the spot.

5. Dress professionally – even if it’s just running errands, dress as though you’re going out to lunch at an expensive restaurant; everyone else is dressed professionally too!

6. Comfortable shoes – you may be standing all day and need something supportive.

7. A good attitude! No matter how many people come to visit your table, treat each person like they’re the most important person you’ve ever met! 8. Good luck!

8) Follow up after the event.

By following these eight tips, you will be able to be successful at the job fair you are hosting.

Congratulations on hosting your very first job fair! You’re one step closer to finding great candidates and hopefully filling some open positions. Below is a list of things that you should prepare in order to have the best possible event -Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Get as much information as you can from the location ahead of time so there are no surprises once you arrive. Ask about rules or restrictions they may have with regard to setup, parking, and access to restrooms.

-If parking is limited or not available onsite, contact local business owners in the area and ask if they will allow parking for attendees on their property (many times it’s free). If this isn’t an option, find other places where people can park around the building (like residential streets) so they can walk over.
October 24, 2022