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  • What’s the Best Option for You? Buying vs Leasing Commercial Real Estate

    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.

  • 8 Job Fair Tips for Employers to Ensure a Successful Event + Free Checklist

    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.

  • 8 Ecommerce Terms You Need to Know: A Comprehensive Glossary

    8 Ecommerce Terms You Need to Know: A Comprehensive Glossary

    E-commerce can be tough! With so many different terms to know, you may feel like you’re in over your head. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Whether you’re just getting started with your first online store or have been selling online for years, here are eight e-commerce terms you need to know now, along with their definitions and uses! These are the e-commerce terms you need to know if you want to sell online like a pro!

    1) Affiliate marketing

    Affiliate marketing is an online business model that allows bloggers and content creators to leverage their existing following by promoting and linking to a particular company’s products, services, or information. Brands can in turn access new customers at a lower cost than if they were going through traditional advertising. It is relatively low-cost for retailers who can employ the strategy without having their own established customer base. According to this 2015 Forbes interview, 45% of all shoppers start their search for a product on Amazon rather than on Google which leaves an enormous opportunity for those brands that have their own pages with affiliate links.

    2) Analytics

    1.  Conversion Rate -This is the most important analytics term because conversion rates reflect what percentage of visitors or customers make a purchase.

    2. Relevance Score -Used by Google and other search engines, this term defines how well an advertisement’s content matches a keyword search or website.

    3 Website Bounce Rate -A low bounce rate means that visitors are browsing multiple pages and spending more time on your site than on average. High bounce rates generally signify that visitors weren’t pleased with their first impression of your site and quickly exited without further exploration.

    3) Customer lifetime value (CLV)

    Drop shipping occurs when a retailer does not have any physical inventory and fulfills orders by buying the items at the time of purchase, hence the drop in dropshipping. When an order comes in, the retailer picks up the item from their suppliers and then ships it off to the customer. This is a great way for newbies to start out in eCommerce because you don’t need any upfront costs or inventory. It can also be beneficial because you don’t take on any liability for unsold goods.

    4) Dropshipping

    Dropshipping is when the retailer never touches the inventory – or at least not before it has been sold. A wholesaler, usually a manufacturer, stores, and ships the products on behalf of the retailer. When an item is ordered from the retailer’s website, typically by a customer, that customer’s money is put into a ‘dropship’ shopping cart where they are directed to purchase the items that are being stocked by the supplier. The retailer gets paid either monthly or in advance for any sales.

    In order to offer as wide of a selection as possible, many retailers use dropshipping as their primary business model. Other retailers use dropshipping in addition to other fulfillment options such as stocking inventory themselves.

    5) Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

    An increasingly popular trend in the marketing industry, micro-influencers are social media users with small but highly engaged audiences, typically consisting of up to a few thousand followers. Micro-influencers can often be found on Instagram or YouTube and may not have as much clout as a celebrity or other influencer, but their intimate connection with their audience makes them more credible. They’re also cheaper than celebrities, which is an attractive factor for companies looking to make an impact without breaking the bank.

    6) Groupon effect

    The Groupon effect is what we call a significant increase in sales when a customer uses a coupon or deal. Generally speaking, 50% of new customers will come in because they are taking advantage of an offer and this trend continues as long as that offer is available. Keep in mind that if you’re not monitoring the offers your competitors are running, you might be losing out on half of your potential clientele! For example, if you’re promoting a sale for one day only (or for limited quantities), it’s important to know how many customers use such offers and may potentially purchase from you today. Make sure these promos are reflected in your marketing strategy by developing some sort of clear criteria so they can reach more people who might have otherwise not seen them at all.

    7) Hijacking/sniping a deal

    Hijacking is the act of hopping on a deal as soon as it launches before other customers have time to make an offer. The term comes from back in the day when buyers would physically hijack products that were on carts and make off with them. Sniping also comes from this – buyers would take photos of the deals being made and post them in forums or social media so other shoppers would know where the good deals were happening right when they go live. Today, neither one is necessary; all you need is your laptop or phone ready so you can set up a timer countdown in advance and shoot over there as soon as they go live!

    8) Micro-influencer

    Micro-influencers, which typically include bloggers, social media influencers, and anyone who has less than 100k followers, don’t have the same clout as their celebrity counterparts but can still drive real purchase intent. What’s more, they tend to cost a lot less per post. For these reasons and many more, micro-influencer marketing is one of the newest trends in social media marketing. What defines a micro-influencer? It all depends on who you ask. The term is typically used for those with 20 or fewer thousand followers, but many don’t agree on that cut-off point.

  • 8 Steps to Starting Your Own Bookkeeping Business

    8 Steps to Starting Your Own Bookkeeping Business

    If you’re hoping to start your own small business, consider starting a bookkeeping business. The bookkeeping industry has never been more in demand, and this demand will only continue to increase as companies rely on more and more technology to run their finances and keep track of their transactions. If you’re thinking about starting your own bookkeeping business, these 8 steps will help get you started on the right foot.

    1) Get your bookkeeping degree

    You will need a bookkeeping degree, which can be attained by enrolling in an online course or community college. You may also be able to take night classes at a local school in your area. This is the first step on the path to starting your own bookkeeping business. After you graduate with your bookkeeping degree, you will then want to find an internship that specializes in accounting and tax preparation. From there, after successfully completing your internship, you should get as much experience as possible so that you have time for full-time work if desired. Once you have enough experience and education under your belt, it’s time to start looking for opportunities that align with what interests and excites you most about the field of accounting.

    2) Establish your bookkeeping services

    Bookkeeping services are a great business idea because they fill a need that many small businesses don’t have the time or knowledge to take care of. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder why bookkeepers are in high demand and can earn a hefty salary. In order to start your own bookkeeping business you must first figure out the type of service you would like to provide and get an accountant certification. Here is how you can start your own bookkeeping business in 8 steps:

    1) Figure out what type of service you would like to provide. Are you skilled with QuickBooks? Do you love working on spreadsheets? Or maybe accounting just isn’t your thing but customer service is something that comes naturally?

    3) Network, network, network!

    The best way to get your business off the ground is by talking to people. That’s why networking is so important when you’re just starting out. You need contacts that know what they’re doing and can give you advice on how you should be running your company, plus they might be able to refer you new clients or hire you themselves. If you’re lucky enough to work with a mentor who has years of experience in the industry, all the better!

    4) Use LinkedIn for business development

    LinkedIn is a great place to network with other professionals and learn about new opportunities. You can use LinkedIn as an excellent tool for marketing your bookkeeping services. Asking for referrals from past clients and business contacts will help get you more clients. You can also join groups on LinkedIn that are related to your profession, like The Association of Accounting Technicians. This is a good way to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field and make connections with others who may be interested in hiring you as their accountant.

    5) Create a compelling website

    If you’re interested in starting your own bookkeeping business, the first thing you’ll want to do is get your website up and running. A website is the most important tool for any business nowadays, so make sure that you spend some time on it.

    1) Pick a domain name

    2) Use WordPress

    3) Optimize your site

    4) Add content

    5) Get listed with Google My Business

    6) Setup a Facebook page

    7) Hire help

    8) Get out there!

    6) Stay up to date on technology

    Today’s businesses are using more technology than ever before. This means that you need to make sure that you’re up-to-date with the latest advances in order to take advantage of all of the benefits that technology can offer for your business. So, here are some helpful tips for staying up-to-date on today’s most important tech trends:

    1. Learn about the latest devices and software – It’s essential for any business owner in today’s competitive market to stay on top of the latest developments in hardware and software. This will help you keep your company productive and competitive. One way to do this is by reading a blog such as this one, which is updated regularly with information about recent advancements in technology.

    7) Monetize your blog through affiliate marketing

    Once you’ve created your blog and established some sort of authority in your niche, it’s time to monetize. One way you can do this is through affiliate marketing. This means that when you post about a product or service on your blog, you include a link at the end of the post so readers can purchase the item through your affiliate link. If they end up buying something, you’ll earn a commission from the company that is selling that item. Once they click on your link and make their purchase, they are an affiliate of yours and get paid every time someone they referred buys a product or service.

    8) Have patience when growing your business

    Starting your own business takes time, just like anything else. If you want to be successful and stay in control of your life, you have to be patient with the process. It won’t happen overnight. You need to work hard on marketing and find a niche for yourself that you can grow over time. It’s also important to set goals so you know what steps are necessary to get there. For example, if your goal is $100,000 in revenue by 2020, then it’s good to set quarterly goals of $10k each year and then break those down into monthly or weekly goals too.

  • 2022 SmartRecruiters Review: Is It the Right Recruitment Software for You?

    2022 SmartRecruiters Review: Is It the Right Recruitment Software for You?

    Are you thinking about hiring recruitment software to help your team manage applications and streamline hiring? If so, then the 2022 SmartRecruiters Review can help you make an informed decision about whether this product might be the right choice for your company. In this review, I’ll cover all the basic features that come with the software, as well as some extra options and extras that set 2022 SmartRecruiters apart from its competitors. Let’s get started!

    Why you need recruitment software

    Recruitment software can help you and your team save a lot of time by streamlining your recruitment process and improving the candidate experience. But it’s important to know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so finding the right tool for you will depend on how you want to use it. SmartRecruiters is an ideal solution for organizations looking for a recruiting CRM because it offers high customization and easy integration with third-party tools such as LinkedIn, Google Maps, and more. Plus, its social recruiting features are perfect if you’re in need of a solution that supports recruiting via Facebook or Twitter. Read on to see if 2022 SmartRecruiters is right for your organization!

    Features Overview

    SmartRecruiters is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that covers all aspects of the recruitment process. The easy-to-use software includes tools such as applicant tracking, time management, sourcing, and social media. Plus, it works across various devices like your phone or tablet. Keep track of your recruitments on the go with their online recruiting app, which is free to use.

    In terms of functionality, SmartRecruiters provides candidate assessment tests to help hiring managers gauge who they should move forward within the hiring process. There are also video interviewing features available in their Pro package.

    If you want to improve efficiency and stay organized with your staff’s day-to-day tasks then this may be a great choice for you!

    All in all, we recommend using this recruiting software if you’re looking for an affordable option that will make everything easier on your team members.

    What companies use SmartRecruiters

    SmartRecruiters is a recruitment software that allows employers to find and hire talented people. The company uses a SaaS model, which means it is hosted in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. In addition to its core features, such as job posting, applicant sourcing, and candidate tracking, SmartRecruiters offers some tools that are not usually seen in other recruitment software platforms. For example, it provides services like video interviewing, social media recruiting, and background checks. It also includes a tool called SmartMatch that helps organizations hire more diversely by using artificial intelligence algorithms to identify candidates who have been underrepresented in past hiring processes.

    How it works

    SmartRecruiters is a software that provides recruitment management services. Users can post jobs to more than 12,000 job boards, build candidate profiles and review resumes, and manage entire hiring processes from start to finish. The service also has built-in automation features which can help recruiters with their day-to-day tasks.

    This is a comprehensive recruitment management system that promises to free up time and resources while providing an effective approach to hiring. However, it’s worth noting that this software doesn’t come cheap as it has one of the higher monthly fees in its category at $79 per month. But if you’re looking for a complete solution that’s been specially designed with recruitment managers in mind, then SmartRecruiters might be worth considering.

    The interface

    Some people find it a bit overwhelming to use. This may be because they are not used to using recruitment software. They do offer an online tutorial which can help with understanding how it works. Overall, their interface is great and easy to use. The only downside is that the company does not have a live chat feature or phone support option. If you have any questions about anything, you will need to contact them through email. However, this is still one of the best recruitment software options on the market today.

    Positive feedback from customers

    I was at a loss when it came to recruiting software until I found 2022. I really enjoy how easy it is to use and the fact that you can customize everything. They also have a great customer service team who are always willing to help out with any problems or queries.

    I would recommend 2022 to anyone who needs recruitment software!

    How much does it cost and what features are included in each package?

    SmartRecruiters is a recruitment software that is loved by many for its cloud-based, easy-to-use, and personalized features. Plus, its low cost makes it a great option for recruiters on a budget. The platform has everything from the applicant tracking to an applicant database, which means you’ll have access to all of your recruiting data in one place. Not only can you access information about your candidates, but you can also easily collaborate with other team members through the platform’s messaging system. The downside to SmartRecruiters is that there are no mobile apps available yet. So, if you’re constantly on the go or need to update notes during interviews then this might not be the best solution for you. The price starts at $14/month but there are additional plans available depending on how many people work with your account.

    Other important questions

    – How easy is it to implement with your current HR process?

    – How much does it cost? – What is the available features, and how many users can you have on one account?

    – Are there integrations with other systems that you use, such as Salesforce or Office 365?

    – Is there a trial period so you can test out the software before committing to a purchase plan?

    Free trial available!

    SmartRecruiters makes it easy to find, screen, and hire top talent. The software is available in four different tiers of pricing (Pro, Premium, Enterprise, and Ultimate) which makes it a great option for small businesses as well as larger corporations.

  • Bank of the West Business Rewards MasterCard Review for 2022

    Bank of the West Business Rewards MasterCard Review for 2022

    The Bank of the West Business Rewards MasterCard offers a competitive rewards program, but it doesn’t compare well to other business credit cards on the market today. Is it right for your business? Read on and find out about this card’s strengths and weaknesses so you can decide if it will be helpful to you as an entrepreneur or small business owner in the coming year!

    What Is The Bank of the West Business Rewards MasterCard?

    The Bank of the West Business Rewards MasterCard is a business credit card that offers a cash bonus and rewards on purchases at participating restaurants and grocery stores. The card has no annual fee, and it does not charge an interest rate on purchases. Cardholders get one point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases. These points can then be redeemed with no restrictions on how many points can be used per dollar. There are also no limits to how many points can be earned or redeemed in a year. However, there are limitations when it comes to who can apply for this card. To qualify for the Bank of the West Business Rewards MasterCard, applicants must have been issued their company’s EIN by either the IRS or another federal agency and have been in business at least three months before applying. The applicant must also show proof of good standing with state authorities where they reside as well as being authorized to conduct transactions in California by either a trade name registration or foreign corporation registration number.

    What Are The Key Features Of The Card?

    The key features of this card are that it has no annual fee and offers a business cash rewards program that can be customized. In order to earn points, you must spend at least $5,000 annually with Bank Of The West or have a combined balance in checking and credit cards that’s over $10,000 each month. You’ll also earn one point for every dollar spent on your card or 1% on your checking account balance if you meet the requirements. One point equates to one penny so this is an effective way to build up points slowly and take advantage of other perks like bank-level security protection which includes fraud prevention features and zero liability protection against unauthorized transactions.

    What Are The Fees & Charges For This Card?

    The fees and charges on this card are quite reasonable and comparable to those found on other business cards. The annual fee is $0, but there is a 2% charge for each purchase transaction. There’s also a 2% charge on cash advances, balance transfers, and cash-like transactions. For these kinds of transactions, you’ll have to pay a $10 minimum in addition to the regular fee. Late payments will cost you $25 or 5%, whichever is greater, while returned payments will cost you either $25 or 3%.

    The most notable feature that sets this card apart from others is its Reward Points program. You’ll earn points at one point per dollar spent on qualifying purchases made using your Bank of the West Business Rewards MasterCard credit card.

    Who Is Eligible To Apply For This Card And What Documents Are Required?

    To apply for this card, you need a business with annual gross revenues of $5 million or more. In order to be eligible, you will need to provide your business Tax ID number as well as other documentation that proves your eligibility. The card has no annual fee and does not require an intro APR period. There is also no balance transfer fee when making transfers within the Bank of The West system. You can earn points by using it in-store, online and at ATMs, but not on travel purchases made through third-party websites or travel agencies. You can redeem points after each purchase and get a statement credit when you accumulate enough points in one year. However, if you don’t have enough points in one year then they will carry over until the next year.

    What Is A Typical APR On This Card And How Can I Secure A Lower One Through Good Behavior Or Discounted Application Fees?

    The APR on this card is currently at 13.49% which is fairly average. There are a few ways that you can lower your APR though. You can apply for the card with a good credit history and one year of experience managing a business as an owner, manager, or executive and you could be eligible for an APR as low as 12%. You could also sign up through Plenti, a program that gives you points every time you make purchases and then offers discounts at select retailers when you redeem them. These rewards are worth 10-20% off and you get 20,000 after signing up just once. For new businesses, there’s a $250 fee waiver if they’re approved within 30 days of opening their account and they maintain certain criteria.

    There are so many other benefits offered by this card but these are some things that stand out as especially beneficial for new entrepreneurs looking to build their credit or learn how to use it responsibly.

    Bonus Categories (2018)

    The Bank of the West Business Rewards MasterCard is a solid option for businesses looking for a rewards credit card. The card comes with a low-interest rate and generous rewards program, making it worth considering if you’re not in need of additional perks like roadside assistance or extended warranties. This card offers a variety of features that make it an excellent choice, including:

    Low-interest rates on purchases and balance transfers 9% introductory APR on balances transferred within first 60 days (for balances transferred after 60 days, APR will be 12.99% – 22.99%)

    Rewards that can be redeemed as cash back or gift cards at any business location or online at your favorite retailer’s site

  • 3 Ways to Evaluate the Investment of Time and Money

    3 Ways to Evaluate the Investment of Time and Money

    Before you start investing your time and money in something, it’s important to be able to evaluate whether the investment will yield returns or not. Sometimes the investment may not be worth your time and money, which could result in lost time, lost money, and lost credibility—all of which are difficult to recover from. These three ways can help you evaluate the investment of time and money before moving forward with something new.

    1) Does this have a high ROI?

    As a business owner, you will constantly be trying to determine if what you’re doing is worth your time. Will this new client give you more money than they cost? Can I delegate this task, or will I just have another thing that someone else could be doing instead? When you’re putting time into something, always make sure it has a high ROI. If not, it’s probably not worth your time. In other words, evaluate each decision based on whether or not it’s going to bring in more revenue than the investment of time and energy required.

    For example, many people would say that taking a phone call from an unhappy customer is worthwhile because it might lead to future sales and customer loyalty. However, if you are spending 20 minutes per day answering emails while others are working on tasks with a higher ROI, then the company as a whole may not see as much growth as desired. Therefore, in order to get a full picture of what should happen for the business, it is important for all employees to do their fair share so that everyone can work on their highest ROI project. Think about who is responsible for tasks: Another way to decide how valuable a task will be is to think about who owns the responsibility. Often times we think someone else should take care of it, but in reality, no one cares about something as much as those who are responsible. So why delegate? The only person who knows how you feel about the project is you! If there isn’t someone at work assigned to complete this kind of task, then you might want to assign it yourself.

    2) Will I need to reinvest the money?

    Ultimately, the potential investor will need to decide if they are willing to reinvest money into your business. This is one aspect of investment that has more control than anything else. The second step would be to evaluate whether you are an entrepreneur or a solopreneur. As a solopreneur, it’s up to you as you will be running all aspects of your company, so there is no question about whether someone from outside your company could do it better. You are accountable for success or failure–so this may not be an option for some people with smaller budgets or who lack experience. If you are an entrepreneur, then the best way to determine how much time and money should be invested in developing your product is through market research: gathering data on consumers’ needs and wants, understanding competitors’ offerings, identifying gaps in their products, etc.

    From here, investors can make decisions on how much money to put into the project–and what form it might take (e.g., equity or debt). Lastly, both entrepreneurs and solopreneurs must keep in mind whether they have a long-term vision for their business; if they don’t see themselves in 10 years without significant changes, then investing might not be worthwhile because of startup risks (which we’ll cover later). In general, every investor will want to know if they’re going to get paid back in full over a short period of time before making any investments. A last piece of advice is always to ask yourself would I invest my own money?

    A good starting point would be conducting at least 3 weeks’ worth of market research to determine how much investment is needed. Remember, a positive ROI=investment!

    3) Is there customer support?

    Providing customer support is a necessary component of any successful business. Customers want to feel like their satisfaction matters, so it’s important that you make an effort to reply in a timely fashion. But even if your customer base isn’t large enough for formal customer service hours, there are other ways you can show your commitment. Always be sure that you’re available when customers contact you, either by email or social media inbox messages. If people feel like they’re getting brushed off, they may go looking elsewhere or leave bad reviews on your site. Customers are more likely to come back if they know there is someone willing and waiting to help them with whatever problem they encounter.

    In addition to being accessible, provide technical assistance: Technical assistance doesn’t just mean installing programs and fixing software. Provide solutions for your client’s needs whether it’s project-specific (e.g., installation) or general (e.g., setting up a phone). It doesn’t matter how basic the solution is – providing solutions will keep people coming back to your company because they know you care about them as an individual not just as sales prospects.

    Finally, stay educated on industry trends: One way to grow your company without spending any money is through learning new technologies and techniques which then allow you to offer better services than competitors who don’t update themselves often enough!

  • Is the Kaplan Real Estate Review Right for Your Education?

    Is the Kaplan Real Estate Review Right for Your Education?

    The Kaplan Can I get a degree with this program?

    Real Estate Review claims to be the comprehensive course available to help students pass the real estate exam, and at over $600, it’s one of the pricier ones too. Is this course right for you, though? To find out, let’s take a look at what they have to offer.

    What is the Kaplan Real Estate Review Course?

    Kaplan is a prestigious school with an esteemed reputation. Located in New York City, the school offers a well-respected review course in real estate. With over 10 years of experience, their curriculum and staff are designed to provide you with valuable information about the subject and provide you with a competitive edge in the market. To graduate from this course, it requires commitment and dedication as well as hands-on experience. It’s not easy, but it’s worth every penny. The courses are rigorous and take time to complete, but they’re much cheaper than going through an entire university degree program. Plus, there’s more flexibility with what career path you can pursue. For example, if you have your heart set on flipping homes or starting your own brokerage firm instead of being just a broker or agent like most people in the industry do, then Kaplan would be perfect for you! All we need now is to find out if this could work for your education needs.

    Who are the instructors at Kaplan’s REP course?

    The instructors at the REP course offer expertise and advice in both educational fields and in real estate. They are knowledgeable, informative, and passionate and they take a personal interest in your success. They’re all great instructors who offer something different to the classes that teach how to succeed in buying, selling, and renovating properties.

    Kaplan Realeur teachers range from successful investors/entrepreneurs to recognized industry leaders who have accumulated wealth over their lifetime of sales activity.

    How long does it take to complete Kaplan’s REP course?

    Kaplan’s REP course is 12 weeks long and requires roughly 40 hours of study time. These 40 hours are in addition to any hours you have to put in studying as a part of your other coursework. It is also worth noting that if you are hoping to work while taking this class, it will most likely be hard to do with minimal setbacks. Kaplan recommends taking one of their courses when you can devote 100% of your attention to the program.

    What do you learn in this course?

    The general overview of this course is that you can learn to be a Certified Residential Specialist, which essentially makes you more qualified to work in that specific field. They teach real estate law and the skills necessary to work with buyers and sellers. The subject is online-based, which means that it requires a lot of self-motivation, but it has engaging activities and videos. It teaches good skills, but isn’t necessarily required unless working in the real estate industry.

    Why choose this course over others?

    Kaplan University’s College of Business offers an online Master of Science in Financial Planning and Law (MS-FPL) with a specialization in real estate. The curriculum focuses on an understanding of the law, ethics, human resource management and finance as it relates to financial planning for real estate.

    This degree is designed to develop a basic understanding of all areas pertaining to real estate management and legal implications from rental homes to office buildings. The flexibility associated with this program is an added benefit that allows you to take classes without disrupting your day-to-day life.

    Students gain expertise in property investment, income properties, property tax law, negotiation techniques, and legal citations while exploring topics such as commercial financing or municipal housing development.

    You can get a degree with a program in real estate at several colleges and universities, some of which have online options. To find out more about where to get your degree, check out our post on The Top 10 Colleges for Getting a Degree in Real Estate. As long as you have college credit or an associate degree from a different field, you should be able to enter many top programs in this industry. But it’s worth noting that most career paths in real estate require licensure from one of the state or regional boards. Fortunately, these licensing exams are usually not difficult if you know the material—particularly if you’ve taken courses in finance and accounting.

    How do I enroll in this course or where can I find out more information about it (website, etc.)?

    Kaplan’s real estate course was designed with the needs of working adults in mind. You can enroll on their website, where you will be asked a series of questions to determine which program is best for your level. All courses are offered online and are available 24/7. They provide flexibility to work towards certification from any location that you choose. Additional benefits include no prerequisites and no experience required, weekly email updates that cover what’s new in real estate, reality-based interactive training material as opposed to text-only material, contact hours once you pass a test and more opportunities after completion of your education with hands-on field experience through internships or apprenticeships at leading firms and brokers around the country.

  • The 6 Best Restaurant Payment Processors for a Smooth Payment Experience in 2022

    The 6 Best Restaurant Payment Processors for a Smooth Payment Experience in 2022

    Your restaurant is more than a place to order food and sit down to enjoy it; it’s also an entrepreneurial venture that requires you to keep your finances in order so you can plan and budget accordingly. If you have an e-commerce component as well, you need payment processing that integrates directly with your point-of-sale (POS) software so payments are seamless, quick, and accurate at the table and online — no matter which one your customers choose to use to pay. If you’re looking for the best restaurant payment processors, here are the top six options on the market right now.

    1) Braintree

    Braintree makes running your restaurant easy with the best payment solutions. Braintree’s POS app lets you keep track of your inventory, order, and customer data all on your tablet or phone. Plus, Braintree has partnerships with most major card networks to provide one-touch payments from more than 130 different devices. This means no more fumbling around for cash at the end of the night! Once you complete this quick installation process, setup is pretty much automated. All it takes is plugging in your device once and installing the free app – then your company is ready to start processing payments right away.

    Braintree also provides instant refunds with an industry-leading guarantee which will be sure to give customers peace of mind when paying for their meal tonight.

    2) PayPal (without credit card fees)

    Accepting credit cards is the best way to go about accepting payments for your restaurant. However, you need to pay 3% plus $0.10 per transaction (this is known as a swipe fee). With PayPal, on the other hand, you pay 2.7% plus 30 cents per transaction (without any swipe fees), and you can also accept other forms of payment like bank transfers, ACH transactions, checks, and more. Plus, it’s easy to integrate with most POS systems and enables you to take advantage of new features that will be released this year like Person-to-Person payments and Express Checkout which allows customers to check out faster by entering their email address or phone number. While Square charges a flat rate fee of 2.75%, it’s limited to certain types of businesses and has higher setup costs than others. So if you’re looking for an affordable option that’ll make processing payments quick and easy, then look no further than Stripe! Their rates are lower than PayPal at just 2.4%, but there’s no requirement for monthly fees – so you only pay when you process transactions!

    3) Square (no monthly fees, no contract & no transaction fee)

    Square is an innovative startup that offers small businesses the ability to accept credit card payments anywhere with any device. The company has no monthly fees, no contract, and no transaction fee. Square is well-suited for restaurants because it’s compatible with most POS systems and can be used by staff members without specialized knowledge of point-of-sale systems. It’s also best suited for restaurants who have a limited number of tables because it can be used as a tabletop device or integrated into the restaurant’s POS system. Square provides instant deposits to the restaurant owner, which means they are able to use the funds right away without waiting days or weeks.

    4) Stripe (lower rate, exclusive access to your customer’s data and website integration tools)

    Oracle Payables streamlines the process of payments by working with over 150,000 restaurants and using their expertise to reduce administrative tasks. Oracle Payables has increased the number of restaurants they work with by 10% each year since 2017, which is a remarkable feat. They have also improved the payment process by creating an interactive platform that allows diners to pay at their table and provides real-time notifications on status changes. The company has plans to expand its service offerings in 2020.

    Oracle Payables offers restaurants protection from chargebacks and fraud so that they can focus on what matters: cooking great food! Egnyte (best price, ease of use): Egnyte is compatible with POS systems such as iPad or Square Register. Their integrations allow you to see all your transactions within one dashboard and make adjustments without having to log in elsewhere. With Egnyte’s best price guarantee, you’re sure you won’t find lower rates anywhere else – including other providers like Google Drive or Dropbox. It takes less than a minute for businesses to sign up and payments are processed quickly.

    5) Shopify Payments

    Shopify is a robust payment processor that can help your business grow and manage payments more efficiently. Shopify Payments includes everything you need to accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, and PayPal on your website or mobile app. Shopify’s built-in fraud protection tools help you reduce chargebacks and improve the customer experience. Plus, if you’re looking for an integrated point-of-sale system that supports in-person transactions and inventory management, Shopify’s POS software is one of the best options available. With Point of Sale, you’ll be able to control what products are visible on your sales floor as well as how they are priced – all while managing customers through queueing. Additionally, Point of Sale offers support for major card providers such as Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, American Express®, JCBTM, and Diners Club International®.

    6) Oracle Payables

    Oracle Payables is a cloud-based solution that provides a reliable, real-time payment processing system. Oracle Payables offers easy setup and integration to provide business owners with an efficient way to process payments without the need for third-party software or hardware. The Oracle Payables system also provides custom tools designed with restaurant owners in mind, including customizable reports and simplified data entry. With Oracle Payables, your restaurant will be able to offer both credit card and cash processing options that are quick, secure and easy to use.

  • The 5 Best Mileage Tracker Apps to Help Your Small Business in 2022

    The 5 Best Mileage Tracker Apps to Help Your Small Business in 2022

    If you’re running a small business, one of the things you need to keep track of is how much your employees are driving. By monitoring mileage, you can be sure that your tax deductions are accurate and that you aren’t paying more than you have to on auto expenses. To help you do just that, here are five of the best mileage tracker apps to look out for in 2022.

    1) Gas Cubby

    Gas Cubby is an app that helps businesses track the miles their employees drive on company-related business. It works well as a mileage tracking system for companies with small fleets because it does not require you to purchase or maintain a Bluetooth or cellular device for each vehicle. The app sends updates about your location every few seconds and then syncs them with your reports when you connect the phone again. If you choose Gas Cubby’s annual subscription, they will provide detailed reports with charts and graphs illustrating all of your trips, fuel stops, mileage patterns by month, and much more. All of this information can be used to better plan future business trips or even adjust the way you allocate budgeting dollars within the organization.

    2) Google Drive

    Google Drive is the app of choice for many small business owners. With Google Drive, you can store your files and access them from any device with an internet connection. Drive also offers a suite of collaboration tools that can be used to share documents with your employees, contractors, or clients. The best part? You can get started for free! If you have multiple teams or users sharing the same drive, it’s a good idea to set up shared folders so everyone can collaborate easily.

    The downside of Google Drive is that if one person on your team changes a file offline and someone else needs it right away, they’ll have to wait until their colleague comes back online. It also lacks integrations with mileage-tracking software so there’s no way to automatically track mileage between drives. That being said, there are some great apps available below that help address these issues while keeping everything in one place!

    3) My Trip Mate

    My Trip Mate is a mileage tracker app that assists small business owners with their tax deductions. The app automatically tracks trips, calculates mileage, and stores all the data for submission. My Trip Mate’s integration with QuickBooks Online makes it easy for users to import their information and file their taxes in one place. The app sends reminders on when it’s time to file your taxes and offers tips on how to maximize deductions. With My Trip Mate, you’ll always have up-to-date records of all your mileage so you can be confident knowing that you’re getting the best tax refund possible! You don’t even need to spend any extra money on this app as it comes at no cost to you. Plus, there are features like unlimited account history access, editable trip statuses, and automatic syncing between devices.

    4) TripLogz

    TripLogz has been the mileage tracker app on the market for over three years, with more than five million users logging over 200 billion miles. We take every opportunity we can to improve our product and evolve based on what our customers tell us they want. The app is constantly being updated with new features, fixing bugs, and overall improving the user experience. Our goal at TripLogz is to help small business owners track their miles quickly, easily, and painlessly so they can concentrate on running their companies! Our comprehensive list of features will not only make it easier for you to keep your finances organized but will also give you the peace of mind that your business is on top of everything from start to finish. The result? More time doing what you love while saving money by avoiding unnecessary expenditures and fees.

    5) MyTaxiPro

    MyTaxiPro is an all-in-one app that allows you to track your mileage, gas mileage, and service records and even perform an oil change on your vehicle without ever having to leave the app. It’s a great tool for any small business owner with a truck or van who needs the ease of on-the-go access.

    How does MyTaxiPro work? Simply enter the beginning and end of your trip (or just take a photo) then let our system automatically update your odometer reading, save your parking location and upload documents like receipts from each trip. If you want more granular control over how much you spend, you can use MyTaxiPro manually record each mile and kilometer as well! MyTaxiPro is perfect for small businesses because it offers detailed reports and graphs that are easy to understand, so you always know where your money goes.

    This handy mobile app saves time, space, and money while providing accurate reporting and complete visibility into company expenses. We recommend MyTaxiPro for anyone looking to find the best mileage tracker app available today.