3 Quick Ways to Improve Brand Awareness

If you’re a small business owner, you know what it’s like to be busy. Managing employees, product orders, and service logistics is a full-time job—and that’s only a foundation for success.  If all the moving parts are in place, you’re ready to service any customer who walks through your doors.

But where do those customers come from?  How do they know who you are? That's what branding is all about.

For many small business owners, branding is a scary word, but it’s one of the most important steps a small business can take to generate growth.  It’s true:  finding customers and growing a company is a multifaceted challenge.  While it can’t be done overnight, it’s easy to get started with a basic strategy in mind.

Here are three quick and easy steps to improve brand awareness:

Tips to Make Your Brand More Recognizable to Prospective Customers

1. Have a consistent online presence.

Creating brand awareness is all about presence and consistency.  It’s about having a recognizable presence in places where customers will look for your business.

You should have a professional website with a professional domain name.  It’s your digital front door, and it’s open 24/7.  To create a consistent presence with it, use the same logo on the website that you would use on your business card.  If you have a social media page, use the same logo there, too.

The same is true for photos of yourself and your team.  Get a professional headshot done and use it for your website, business cards, and social media.  When people see your logo or your headshot in different places, they’ll begin to recognize you. That’s branding.

2. Use popular ad platforms to reach your target market.

If you follow the news, you’ve probably seen all those articles about Big Data companies like Google and Facebook collecting user information and selling it to advertisers.  As you can imagine, those companies are very good at identifying the potential interests of their users, and you can use that to your advantage.

Services like Facebook Ads or Google Ads can drive new business toward your website and into your store.  While it’s paid advertising, you can direct your ads toward groups who are more likely to purchase from you.  In doing so, you create a positive feedback loop.

When your target customer searches for a service you offer, they see your ad and begin to associate your business with their needs.  When they click on your ad, it sends them to your website, where all the branding work you’ve already done tells them that they’re in the right place.

3. Go above and beyond for every customer.

Many small business owners make the mistake of thinking that the point-of-sale is the end of the relationship.  Far from it!  No matter what gimmicks you see out there now or twenty years from now, word of mouth will always be king when it comes to advertising.

Build an outstanding customer experience into your business model.  Whether you create an amazing website that’s easy to use or provide great customer service with a personal touch, find a way to go the extra mile for every customer.  If you give your customers an experience worth talking about, they’ll sell your business for you.

Stay consistent.  Every time.

At the end of the day, branding is all about how your customers view your business.  It’s easy to create a logo and headshot and make your online presence consistent, and it’s a necessary first step, just like handling staff issues and warehouse orders.

To get the word out, ads can help.  Use those big services like Google and Facebook to run an ad.  Have a sale or offer a discount.  Get customers into your store and when you do, make their experience one worth sharing.

Type 2 Diabetes Doesn't Have to Be a Life Sentence

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States today. About one in ten Americans suffer from diabetes, with an overwhelming majority of these having type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the number of diabetes patients tripled between 1990 and 2010. In light of such distressing statistics, it is heartening to know that recent research and circumstantial evidence points to a lasting remedy for this disease. However, before we review the case for a type 2 cure, let’s review the causes and characteristics of this all-too-common condition. 

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is an ailment involving insulin. Insulin is a hormone  which gives energy to cells by providing them with glucose. The body of a type 2 diabetic either fails to properly use insulin or simply doesn’t produce enough of the hormone for its needs. As a result, glucose doesn't reach the cells where it is needed; instead, it remains in the bloodstream. There are numerous factors that predispose a person to developing type 2 diabetes. They include obesity, lack of physical activity, and genetics.  When a person is diabetic, they can experience a wide variety of symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, increased thirst and urination, and numbness and/or tingling in their extremities. Anyone who presents these or other symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes should seek medical help immediately. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a host of health issues, including stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Can You Cure Type 2 Diabetes?

Given the fact that diabetes is such a serious and pervasive disease, it may seem surprising and even unbelievable that it can be cured. Yet, there is evidence that indicates that very idea. Researchers at McMaster University of Ontario, Canada performed a study in which subjects’ daily caloric intake was slashed by 500-750 calories; each person was also placed on a personalized exercise plan. The participants continued to take insulin and medication for their diabetes. Astoundingly, 40% of those involved no longer needed medication or insulin after four months of taking part in the program.

Other diabetes sufferers have echoed the findings of the Canadian researchers. Dennis, a reader of the Diabetes Self-Management blog, gave this report:

“‘Last November I weighed 288 [pounds] with an [HbA1c level] of 7.1%. Today, with a very low-carbohydrate diet, my [HbA1c] level is 5.6%. I’ve lost 35 pounds, my sugars are under control, and all my symptoms are gone!’”

Other readers of the site echoed Dennis’ statements, noting that their glucose levels had lowered or returned to normal ranges since changing their diet.

Type 2 diabetes is a common disease, but doesn’t necessarily have to be a lifelong one. As studies and other data have shown, many diabetics have reversed their condition by changing their lifestyle. Indeed, these findings are a remarkable breakthrough that no type 2 diabetic should ignore.

Should You Buy a House Soon After Graduating College? 

You've just graduated from college and now you're ready to take on the world as an adult, moving out of your parents' home and into a place of your own. At this point, you may be on the fence about whether to rent or take the plunge on home ownership. Purchasing a big-ticket item like a home, however, involves extensive research and careful planning to avoid costly pitfalls. You'll need to weigh the pros and cons to make the right decision.

What are the Pros?

Property value may increase over time.

Unlike renting, owning your home means that you can reap the benefits of increased property value. If there is an upturn in the market, or if you complete renovations that raise the value of your property, you'll increase its equity. As a renter, you will never stand to make a profit from your home. When you buy a home and make timely mortgage payments, you'll own the property outright at the end of the loan period.

Benefit from tax incentives.

Most U.S. states offer a variety of tax incentives for first-time homeowners, which may include tax credits, zero-interest loans, and grants. But the savings don’t stop there. You may also qualify for tax breaks for home improvement loans and improving your home's energy efficiency.

Have more control over the property.

In addition to creating a stronger financial future, homeowners also have the freedom to customize their space any way that they see fit. If you want to paint your walls green or renovate your kitchen, you don’t need permission from a landlord to tailor your space to your style and needs.

What are the Cons?

Spend more in the long run.

Remember that home ownership also contains added costs not included in the mortgage payment. You must also factor in the price of homeowner’s insurance, maintenance costs, property tax, and the initial down payment. Real estate experts recommend that you have 20% of the cost of your desired home saved as a down payment. It is still possible to buy a home with a smaller down payment, but a smaller down payment means you will need private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI can be paid in a variety of ways but most commonly it is added onto your monthly mortgage payment.

Take on more responsibilities.

Once you own a home, you'll be responsible for its upkeep. Landscaping, gutter cleaning, furnace inspection, pumping the septic tank are just some of the routine maintenance that will require your time, effort, and money. You'll also have to deal with unexpected issues, too. If a pipe bursts and floods your living room, there is no landlord to call to fix the damage—that responsibility lies solely on you.

Less freedom to move.

Home ownership also leaves less flexibility and freedom to move. Generally it takes about 3-5 years to recoup the cost of your initial investment which is typically about 2-5% of the total purchase price of your home. If you have landed a great job in a city that you love and plan to stay in long-term, then home ownership might be a great next adventure! But, if you're unsure of where you'll be located in the next few years, committing to a short-term lease makes it easier to move.

The Bottom Line

If you have adequate savings for a down payment, you know where you want to live, and you are excited by the idea of customizing and maintaining your own home, now may be a good time to pursue homeownership. Before moving forward, however, do your research and consult finance and real estate professionals who can help you secure your dream home.

How to Pair Wine with Food 

The art of pairing food and wine may seem intimidating at first if you’re not a professional chef or a sommelier. How good will your filet mignon taste with a cabernet ? Would creamy linguine complement a bottle of chardonnay? Making the right wine and food pairing can improve the quality of your dining experience, but how do you pick a winning combination?

5 Considerations to Make When Pairing Wine with Food

1. Body

Consider the weight of the wine that you choose to pair with your food. White wines are considered light-bodied while most red wines are medium to heavy-bodied. For example, a savory blue cheeseburger would pair better with a malbec than pinot gris because that wine and food pairing is heavier. You would be better off pairing a light pinot gris with roasted vegetables and fresh herbs.  

2. Acidity

Knowing the acidity of your wine is key. More acidic wines go better with fatty foods versus saltier or creamier foods. These wines cut through the richness in foods and provide balance in your meal; it essentially cleanses your palate. A popular pairing that follows this rule is lamb, a fatty meat, and cabernet sauvignon. On the other hand, a creamy alfredo would pair better with pinot grigio versus an acidic sparkling wine.

3. Sweetness

Make sure the wine is sweeter than the food you’re eating. This assures that you don’t experience any bitter aftertastes. Sweet wines include port, ice wine, Moscato, sherry, and Riesling; they all pair well with sweet desserts. Try a fresh fruit tart with vanilla mascarpone with Moscato for a heavenly eating experience.

4. Sauce

When considering your wine and food pairing, match with the sauce that you use instead of the meat being used. For example, a rich and tangy marinara would pair well with a Sangiovese no matter what meat is being served with the marinara (if any). Tikka Masala, another tomato-based sauce, pairs well with a fruity pinot noir. An olive oil-based sauce, like a creamy aioli, can be paired with rosé to lift the flavor of the aioli.

5. Complement or Contrast

Decide if you want your wine and food pairing to complement or contrast each other. Complementing your food and wine is slightly easier⁠—just remember to pair sweet with sweet, creamy with creamy, and acidic with acidic. Finding delectable contrasting flavors can require more trial and error. Classic contrasting flavors are spicy with sweet. For example, Riesling goes great with the herbs and spices in the majority of Thai food.

Keep in mind that food palettes vary from person to person, so don't be afraid to experiment and go with what works best for you.

Why You Should (or Shouldn't) Sign a Prenup Before Getting Married

Even though prenups, or prenuptial agreements, are mainly viewed by experts as one way to ensure smart financial planning, the decision to have one remains a personal choice for couples. While some believe it helps protect financial rights, others see it as an inappropriate way to start a marriage because of its association with divorce. Whether or not you are set on getting a prenup, it’s essential to understand what the process entails. 

What Is a Prenup?

In simple terms, a prenup is a contract that two people sign before getting married. It aims to outline specific guidelines that govern how debts and assets will be split should the marriage end in divorce. If you plan on having a prenup, you and your future spouse should agree to all the terms in the contract. Moreover, you must make sure that it is written in accordance with the laws of your state, or else it will be deemed invalid by the courts. 

How Does It Work?

Just like any other contract, prenups are legally binding, and could affect your obligations and rights during and after your marriage. If you and your future spouse are already in agreement when it comes to what issues will be covered in your prenup, you can proceed to writing a formal legal document. Both of you will have to sign afterward, and have it notarized if your state law requires it. 

Even if the process seems straightforward, keep in mind that there are strict legal rules to be followed if you want to make your prenup enforceable. Generally, the law prescribes that for the contract to be valid, it has to be in writing, voluntarily and freely signed by the couple, and includes total declaration of all debts and financial assets of both parties. Illegal and unfair provisions will render the contract legally void. Thus, it's best to have experienced matrimonial lawyers involved to ensure the process is executed correctly. Depending on your state’s marriage laws, know that your signed agreement can even affect how property will be disposed of or distributed in the event of death.  

What Can a Prenup Do?

Prenups help protect obligations and rights of each spouse when it comes to property. They can be used to keep property in the family, outline distribution of assets in case of death or separation, identify and divide marital and separate assets and debts, and preserve the right to carry out transactions involving properties. A prenup can even stipulate special conditions,  such as a spouse making a cash payment if he or she admits to cheating. 

Despite the many provisions that a prenup can offer, it can’t be used to cover illegal activities, or violate a criminal law or public policy. For instance, child support and child custody cannot be included because it is subject to state guidelines. Similarly, prenups can’t be used to force a spouse to commit an illegal act.

Who Should Get a Prenup?

Despite what many may think, prenups aren’t needed only by rich people. Although it is true than they can protect a wealthy spouse’s assets, even those with modest means can benefit from a valid prenup. Most couples take advantage of a prenup to avoid future feuds when it comes to division of property during a divorce. It can also be a means of protection from a spouse’s debts. If you have children from prior marriages, then you can use the agreement to break down how you want bestow your property to them when you pass on. Overall, whether or not you have a lot of assets, a prenup can be a practical tool to clarify your financial obligations and rights throughout your marriage.

5 Ways Cloud Computing Helps Businesses

In the past, business owners were wary of storing sensitive and proprietary information in the cloud, fearing they would be compromised. But over time, the cloud has proven to be a reliable and trustworthy ally to businesses big and small. Now, more than half of multinational companies rely on at least one cloud-based platform in their day-to-day operations. Here’s a closer look at how this technology can benefit your business.

1. Reduces Costs

Businesses are always looking for ways to bring down expenses, and cloud computing can help in this regard. Whether you tap cloud services for data backup, file storage, big data analytics, or application development, the cost remains low across the board. The amount you’ll spend on cloud computing is only a fraction of the total investment in infrastructure, utilities, and workforce of traditional on-site operations.

It also eliminates the need for expensive repairs and replacements as it mostly does away with mechanical components found in large data centers. Moreover, you may no longer need a dedicated IT staff to oversee your technology. Most cloud service providers offer 24/7 tech support to their clients. 

2. Offers Flexibility

With cloud computing, many service providers offer a pay-as-you-go plan, which means that you only spend for the features that you’ll need. Start with a basic plan, then add more services as needed.

Scalability eliminates long-term commitment to your technology, especially for ones that required sizeable capital outlay upfront. With traditional computing, you have to allot for predicted capacity at the onset, even if peak times are infrequent. Failure to do so can lead to downtimes, but it also results in an excess capacity that sits idle.

3. Improves Mobility and Accessibility

Cloud computing gives users access to data anytime, anywhere—as long as there's a reliable Internet connection. Such convenience allows employees to work on the go, using mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and phones.

Collaborative work is also more manageable on the cloud, thanks to seamless data sharing. Work teams can now distribute information in real-time, which minimizes errors and speeds up procedures. Whereas before, emailing large files was the only way to share information online, an efficient, and sometimes, unreliable method.

4. Provides Business Continuity

Companies need to have up-to-date backups of their files in the event of attacks, accidents, disasters, and other unfortunate circumstances. Creating copies of sensitive information off-site allows your business to continue its operations, despite the downtime. In doing so, you have to ensure that the stored data in the cloud is secure all the time by taking the necessary steps. Most cloud service providers store data on multiple servers, a process called geo-redundancy. This failsafe means that you’ll have access to your information, even if one location is down.

And for your employees, they can work out of the office and still use applications with the same functionalities as if they’re on-site.

5. Boosts Productivity

Cloud computing minimizes the risk of data loss, and with this advantage comes the improvement in productivity. With cloud services, data are readily available and accessible to intended recipients. This translates to a faster analysis and implementation of proposed projects or services. 

How to Save for Retirement When a 401K is Not an Option

While an employer-sponsored 401(k) is one of the best ways to ensure that you can continue living comfortably during retirement, this is not an option for everyone, particularly people working freelance or part-time. Fortunately, there are still a variety of options when it comes to saving for retirement even without employer-provided benefits. Here are some of the ways you can prepare for the future if you don’t have access to 401k plans.

Fund a SEP-IRA

A Simplified Employee Pension IRA (SEP IRA)  is one of the best retirement accounts for freelance workers or those who are self-employed. You can set up your account online make contributions electronically or by mail, or phone. Workers can contribute up to 25% of compensation or $56,000, depending on whichever is lower.  Contributions are tax-deductible, and you can combine SEP IRA with a Roth or a traditional IRA. This account allows you to lower your taxable income considerably while you save for your retirement.

In a way, a SEP IRA is like a 401(k), except it requires less paperwork and you are allowed to contribute more money. If you have a small business with employees, you need to contribute to the SEP IRA accounts of your employees. However, if you don’t have employees, everything goes to you. With this type of IRA, you are not required to contribute every year.

Fund a Solo 401(k)

Like the name suggests, a solo or one-participant 401(k) fund is only for one person. This is best for self-employed workers who prefer higher contribution limits. It works similar to a traditional 401(k) and shares the same requirements and rules. Nevertheless, it was created especially for those who are self-employed. Understand that the IRS requires you to be a business owner with no employees if you want to contribute to a solo 401(k).

Open an Investment Account

If you desire more flexibility and the freedom to invest more than your annual contribution limits, consider opening a brokerage account. You can invest in bonds, stocks, money market funds, mutual funds, or real estate investment trusts. Although it's technically not a retirement account, saving money in a normal investment account grants you more flexibility when you want to withdraw money from it.

Open a Roth or Traditional IRA

Both of these accounts are available to anyone who wants to set aside money from their income for retirement. The primary difference between the two is that your contributions are tax deductible in a traditional IRA but not for a Roth IRA. However, savings that you withdraw in a Roth IRA is tax-free, but withdrawals from a traditional IRA will be taxed. Younger or part-time workers benefit more from a Roth IRA since they tend to be in a relatively low tax bracket.

What is the Gig Economy and How Can it Impact your Business?

After the global economic downturn of 2008, which left millions of U.S. workers jobless, the gig economy saw rapid growth, displacing traditional employer-employee working relationships. Companies like Airbnb and Uber used this relatively new labor market to rise to prominence, quickly ranking among Forbes' Fortune 500. If implemented correctly, you too can use this workforce to grow your business. Let’s take a closer look.

What Defines the Gig Economy?

The gig economy covers contractors, consultants, and freelancers who do independent work and specific projects—also known as gigs—in exchange for compensation. These jobs go beyond the traditional nine-to-five, structured setup; they typically don't require workers to report daily to an office. 

Most gig workers possess the skills, specialization, and experience, allowing them to contribute significantly to a business on a per-project or on-demand basis. And, the proliferation of digital platforms, such as websites and mobile applications, let freelancers and contractors find jobs, even short-term ones, to augment or sustain their living. Moreover, contractors can work remotely at any time and from anywhere.

Given the flexibility it offers for workers and employers, analysts predict that over 50% of the U.S. workforce will be freelancers in the year 2020.

How It Affects Your Business

If you, as a business owner, choose to hire gig workers as a staffing solution, there are several considerations you’ll need to make:

1. Productivity

Improving operational productivity is the primary reason for choosing the gig economy. Hiring the right freelancer or contractor depends on what they can contribute to your company. You compensate them for their performance and deliverables. For this alternative to be cost-effective, their produced work must be of a higher caliber than that of hired employees.

2. HR Policies

Independent workers and freelancers are not covered by current HR policies, which is why recruiting departments must weigh the impact of the gig economy on the business. Before getting a contractor on board, HR managers should first assess hiring procedures, modify performance metrics, and be clear on a worker’s classification and compensation. Doing so prevents oversights or missteps that can hinder productivity and waste money.   

3. Legalities

Apart from rethinking hiring policies, consider the legalities of utilizing a contingent workforce for special projects and short-term tasks. There’s plenty of room for legal issues surrounding employer-contractor relationships, which can lead to abuse of power from both sides. When drafting a project contract, ensure your company’s protection against unscrupulous freelancers. Some independent workers are not as loyal as traditional employees because they place value on flexibility—they can leave anytime.

Another way you can face legal troubles is by misclassification. The U.S. Department of Labor scrutinizes worker classifications, so if you’re hiring a freelancer that takes on the work of a regular employee, know that your company could face criminal penalties including heavy fines by labor authorities. Avoid mistakes and consequences by understanding who is classified as an employee and who isn’t.

The Bottom Line

The gig economy will continue to grow over the coming years, and for most businesses, it offers numerous benefits. To remain competitive in your industry, your company must be ready to make systemic changes and policy overhauls to draw from the talent pool in the gig economy successfully.