Mazuma is now Vyde

Resources

Author: Jake Snelson

The holiday season is the perfect time to show your employees how much you appreciate their work and support. Depending on how many employees you have it might be better to do a group gift, like a party, rather than individual gifts. However, an individual gift shows each employee just how valued they are.

There are affordable gift ideas for every price point; even if it means you’re handmaking something for your employees. Just be sure not to go too cheap. It makes employees feel less valued when they can tell you care more about profits than them.

 

The holiday season is approaching and it's the perfect time to show your employees what they mean to you. Find a gift for them that fits your budget.

Download the employee gift guide printable here.

 

Theft is a major issue for both online and brick-and-mortar businesses
Theft is a major issue for both online and brick-and-mortar businesses. Some types of theft have been around for ages, while new attacks are always popping up, especially due to the Internet. It’s important to protect your business, yourself and your employees from any type of theft. Shoplifting, employee fraud and online threats are the most common types of theft in businesses. Continue reading to learn what to look for and how to prevent these types of theft.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is the most common type of theft brick-and-mortar shops face. While it’s virtually impossible to eliminate shoplifting there are ways you can decrease it. Keeping an organized store is a great tool because you can easy to notice when something is missing. It’s also critical to train your employees to be on the lookout for shoplifters. These are some common places shoplifters hide merchandise:

  • Shopping bags from another store
  • Bags or purses
  • Strollers
  • Umbrellas
  • Clothing, especially large coats

Security measures like installing cameras can help you spot shoplifters and stop them before you lose anything. For more inexpensive ideas on preventing shoplifting check out this article.

Employee fraud

When you bring employees into your business you’d like to believe they would have you and your business’ best interests at heart, but that isn’t always the case. The best way to stop employee theft is to have a thorough hiring process that not only gives you an idea of someone’s skills but shows their level of integrity. No matter how well you interview your potential employees, those who are going to commit fraud are usually skilled liars and may trick you into thinking they are trustworthy.

A 2014 study on fraud and abuse by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) warned employers to look for certain red-flag behaviors. The first tip was to listen for employees who are boasting about living above his or her means because they may be taking home more than what you’re paying them. On the flip side, employees who are constantly talking about their financial hardship may be looking for a way to bring in more money, even if they have to do it through theft.

Shopping bags from another store

Online Threats

Businesses in any sector are liable to online threats. In fact, in 2015 43 percent of all cyber attacks targeted small businesses. Most hackers send an email asking for the user to enter information, click on a link or download a file. When the user does any of these things it gives hackers access to the server and allows them to steal money or even personal information. Data breaches also affect your employees and customers, so it is crucial to keep your information safe.

The best way to combat online attacks is, again, through training. Teaching your employees what to look for and that they shouldn’t open, click through or download any type of suspicious email is the first step. Most hackers will target the employee over finances for the company. Make sure whoever is in that position has special training and is especially careful about what emails they open. You should also create an action plan on how your company deals with any attacks.

There are different laws and regulations on what to do if your business has a data breach. Learn more about what you are required to do and the best practices if you are hacked here.

Other posts that might interest you

Improve Your Online Presence Part 1: 8 Steps for Reviewing Your Website

Improve Your Online Presence Part 2: Perform a Quarterly Social Media Audit

Improve Your Online Presence Part 3: Contact Information & Review Sites

4 Low Cost and Low Risk Ways to Grow Your Team

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 1: Who, What, When, and Where

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 2: Celebrating Holiday and Events

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 3: Cheap Advertising Tips

How To Attract the Right Talent For Your Company

Quick Money Management Tips to Build Your Business

Plan for Holiday Success by Hiring Seasonal Employees

How to Create a Succession Plan for Your Small Business

Your business is always vulnerable to theft from employees, shoplifters or cyber hackers. Check out these tips to protect you and your business no matter where the threat comes from.,/div>

When you’re running a successful business it’s easy to praise yourself for your hard work and dedication; and it’s easy to forget to say “thank you” to the people who have made you a success: your clients. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show your clients how grateful you are for their loyalty. The best part is that expressing your gratitude doesn’t have to be expensive.

With these 12 quick, easy, and inexpensive ideas you can show gratitude for your clients this month:

    1. Write a personalized note. In an increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven world, handwritten notes are becoming a lost art.  A personal note shows your client that you took the time to think about them specifically. Try this guide if you are having a hard time putting your feelings into words.
    2. Invite them to party with you. This idea may be more costly, but if you have it in your budget, host an event at your business. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant–order a sandwich tray and some punch and get the party started! Send out invitations asking your clients to stop by and enjoy lunch on you.
    3. Send them a treat. Everyone loves receiving a nice Cookie tin and they’re perfect for a small budget. Other popular treats are fudge, meat and cheese trays, fruit baskets, gourmet candy, and freshly baked bread. Have them delivered to your client’s office before they’re bombarded with goodies in December.
    4. Share your knowledge, free of charge. Your clients come to you because they trust you and want to learn from you so share your expertise. Whether it’s an email newsletter, helpful hint on social media or printable checklist, customers love useful information about the service or product they’re purchasing. The best part is that you can do this for free!
    5. Reward them with a coupon or gift. Get in the gift-giving spirit this year by offering a discount for your goods and services. Design the coupon with a gratitude theme for that extra holiday touch.
    6. Acknowledge special occasions. If you know about a client’s business anniversary or special occasion for them, send them card congratulating them or wishing them well.
    7. Share your favorite book. Is there a book that has changed your life? Share your favorite inspirational and thought-provoking book with your clients. Be sure to include a handwritten note or bookmark in the cover. You may even think about sending different books to different clients so that it is more personalized.
    8. Make them laugh. If you have a creative mind on staff, have them step up and create a funny and personalized client gift or message. One idea: Photoshop your client into a famous movie poster, rename it something clever and email the picture with your note of “Thanks for your business!”
    9. Start a loyalty program. Nothing makes people feel more valued than getting a special discount or extra perk by shopping with you. If you haven’t already, start a loyalty program that gets customers excited about continuing their business with you.
    10. Show them off to everyone you know. Tell everyone about an outstanding client in your newsletter or social media page. Offer free publicity by linking to their website and giving a quick shout out about how great they are.
    11. Discount their bill, for no reason. We’re heading into a financially stressful time of the year, surprise your clients with extra savings. Slash their monthly bill or offer a discount at the register, just because you appreciate their business.
    12. Most importantly, show them that you care through excellent customer service.  Being kind goes a long way. Actively look for new ways to make your clients experience better. It will elicit positive reviews and bring them back for more. It’s the perfect win, win situation.

Looking to improve your real estate business? Learn about tax deductions, creating a successful partnership and more geared to real estate professionals.

Running your own business is hard work, especially when you’re focused on helping other people find their dream homes. The last thing you need hanging over your head is the worry of small business bookkeeping and accounting. Knowing the best financial practices for realtors, real estate agents, real estate brokers and property managers can help you to do things right the first time and end up saving you time, money and a headache.

These 10 articles will give you a great place to start and we’re always here to help if you have any more questions about your business.

How to Track and Separate Business and Personal Expenses as a Realtor or Real Estate Agent

The line between business and personal are easily blurred, especially when you use things like your car or cellphone for both. Find out the best practices for separating your personal expenses and your business expenses.

How to Legally Structure a Real Estate Partnership or Agency

Do you know the difference between a general partnership, limited partnership and a limited liability company? Find out which is the best fit for you and how to go about setting it up.

The Top 10 Tax Deductions for Realtors and Real Estate Agents

Running your own business is expensive; make sure you know how to get the deductions you are entitled to. When you know what deductions to look for you can make the best use of your time and money.

What You Can and Cannot Deduct for Advertising Your Real Estate Business

The best way to get your name out there as a realtor is through advertising. You know you can deduct your business cards and Internet advertisements, but what about giveaways or promotional products?

Top 4 Tips on Tracking Mileage and Deducting Vehicle Expenses as a Real Estate Agent

You have a lot more vehicle deduction options than just counting milage from driving clients around. Find out the best ways to get the most money for your miles.

6 Ways to Save Time and Money on Bookkeeping and Accounting as a Realtor or Real Estate Agent

Bookkeeping and accounting are one of the most important aspects of running your own business. Do you know the difference between the two and are you keeping up?

How to Calculate Self-Employment Taxes for Real Estate Professionals and Agents

One of the best parts of being self employed is being able to work as much or as little as you want; however, making sure you’re taking out your own taxes isn’t as alluring. Make sure you pay Uncle Sam right the first time around.

How Do I Figure My Estimated Quarterly Taxes? For Realtors, Real Estate Brokers, and Property Managers

The IRS considers realtors, real estate agents, brokers, and property managers as self-employed, and therefore; are subject to pay quarterly taxes. Do you know how to calculate them?

How to Develop an Exit Strategy for Your Real Estate Agency Partnership

While things with your real estate partner may seem to be going great right now you never know what life is going to throw at you. Take time to plan an exit strategy for both your benefits.

How to Develop a Succession Plan for Your Real Estate Partnership

As your business grows and develops you should have a plan that helps you assess who could become a leader within your partnership. Consider all who will be affected by your decisions.

 

Have you ever wondered how long to keep important financial documents such as receipts, bank statements, and credit card bills? If you’ve got a big box of papers that you don’t know whether they’re important or not, you’re not alone! Here is a quick method to use for an organized system of keeping receipts for the recommended amount of time. Use this printable in your office and reference it when you organize your papers.

It’s important to remember that the IRS recommends keeping tax-related documents for at least six years. An audit can be performed up to six years after filing if an error is suspected, and you’ll want proof of your purchases if that happens.

Download the printable version here.

KeepItFor2

Good news! You don’t have to wait until Christmas to start taking advantage of holiday business deductions. If done right, you can write off all of those Halloween goodies from your small business bookkeeping, too.

Make a promotion out of your treats

  • Make a promotion out of your treats. You know you’ll be buying them anyway. If not for the office staff, then for all of the cute little witches and vampires that are sure to show up at your business. Make Halloween candy tax deductible by attaching a business card or flyer promoting your business.
  • If you’re really in the spooky spirit this year, order candy with your logo on it. An even better way to promote your business and still have something for trick-or-treaters. This company will do it for you and have it delivered before October 31st.
  • Treat your current and potential clients. They’re undoubtedly overloaded with goodies during the Christmas season, but sending a box of chocolates in October may stick in their mind better as an early (and unexpected!) surprise.
  • Donate your leftover Halloween treats. Charitable organizations with 501(3)c status like Operation Gratitude and Soldiers’ Angels collect leftover Halloween candy to include in care packages for soldiers. They are two of many 501(c)3 organizations on the IRS-approved list to donate tax deductible charitable goods. Always be sure to check the IRS list before claiming your donations are tax deductible, as status can change. Read more about that here.
  • Throw a party. You can deduct a portion of a Halloween party if the party is to conduct or promote business. Typically this looks like an open house of some sort where you mingle with current and potential clients, play a few Halloween games, give out candy and treats, and discuss business.

Your small business is up and running with a bright future. You’ve decided to go full force with it and make long-term plans. But you know as well as any other small business owner that things don’t always go as anticipated. Wise entrepreneurs know that a well-developed succession plan can ease the future changes of an evolving business.

What is a Succession Plan?

A succession plan is a written plan for the future of the business. Specifically, it outlines who and how one leader will replace another within the company. Positions of leadership are often filled internally with people who have the potential to improve upon their current position and assume a leadership role.

While it may seem too far out to worry about right now, how you exit your business in the future reveals the character and effectiveness of your business as a whole. Even if you plan to work until the day you die and hand your business down the family line, you’ll still want a plan in place to make the transitions go as smoothly as possible. It’s especially important to have a succession plan in place in the event of a tragedy or unexpected death. What if you had a heart attack tomorrow? What would the future of your business look like?

How to Create a Succession Plan for Your Small Business

  • Assess internal candidates first. A strong succession planning program identifies future leaders within the company and prepares them through mentoring, training, and assignments that stretch them. A study from Booz Allen Hamilton concluded that “over their entire tenures, CEOs appointed from the inside tend to outperform outsiders” when it comes to returns to shareholders.
  • Develop a written criteria for your ideal candidate.  Which characteristics are the “must haves” and which are the “nice to haves”? Try to view your internal candidates as objectively as possible as you run through your written criteria. Obviously your replacement should have strong leadership and organizational skills, but what else? Dig deep as you develop your list.
  • Consider all stakeholders. As you are creating a succession plan for your small business, consider how a change in the leadership will affect the other employees that work for you, as well as your business partner if you have one. Ponder these questions as you create your succession plan:
    • Is there an emergency candidate who could take the reigns if you were to leave tomorrow?
    • Is the company organized enough to ease the transition of a new leader?
    • Is there a seasoned leader in place who is willing to coach a potential successor?
  • Put your succession plan into practice now. Most business owners make it this far and then stop. Your succession plan should be more than a static list of names in your file cabinet. Start preparing your successors now for the future. There is no such thing as a “ready now” candidate; all will need mentoring and training to assume a leadership role. Assign your potential successors tasks that will stretch them, challenge them, and give them responsibility to make important decisions within the company.
  • Refresh as needed. Your succession plan should be a living document that is changed and modified as market conditions and/or strategy change. It should go beyond the traditional position description and delve deeply into both the competencies and experiences required for the next leader. The succession plan can then be used as a tool in grading succession candidates objectively.

Plan for Your Small Business

When in doubt, consult a professional. An accountant or attorney can provide a fresh, objective viewpoint and can advise you on the potential profitability of certain candidates. You can even screen candidates formally with stress tests, aptitude tests, and specific challenges. Creating a solid succession plan now can help ease the transition of changing roles later on.

Other posts that might interest you

Improve Your Online Presence Part 1: 8 Steps for Reviewing Your Website

Improve Your Online Presence Part 2: Perform a Quarterly Social Media Audit

Improve Your Online Presence Part 3: Contact Information & Review Sites

4 Low Cost and Low Risk Ways to Grow Your Team

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 1: Who, What, When, and Where

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 2: Celebrating Holiday and Events

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 3: Cheap Advertising Tips

How To Attract the Right Talent For Your Company

Quick Money Management Tips to Build Your Business

Plan for Holiday Success by Hiring Seasonal Employees

How to Protect Your Small Business from Theft

Payroll is a time-intense small business task that has to be done right if employers want their employees to stick around. It’s not a task that can be delayed, or done improperly. Normally not a favorite task among small business owners, payroll is sometimes best left to the experts.

Here are three big advantages of outsourcing payroll that will save you time and money:

big advantages of outsourcing payroll

  1. Access to expertise and knowledge. Employers have to deal with almost 10,000 federal, state and local taxing jurisdictions across the United States. They also heavily rely on technology to operate more efficiently.  As a business grows, employers have more employee records to keep and also need more reporting.  The lack of technology becomes a hindrance to scaling for growth of the business. When you’re doing payroll in-house, you’re more likely to make mistakes that not only upset employees, but the government as well. Payroll service providers may be less likely to make big mistakes, and when they do, it’s easier to approach them about it than if the same mistake were made by one of your own employees.
  2. Minimize costs and risks. Outsourcing payroll can also cut costs and reduce risk. On average, businesses are overpaying employees by about 4% because of differences between the employee’s time and an accurate time record. Larger businesses often have the means to employee an entire accounting/payroll department, but businesses with fewer than 20 employees often find that outsourcing payroll saves them money. A quick way to determine if outsourcing payroll would save your business money is to figure out how many hours your employees are devoting to payroll-related activities, calculate how much you’re spending and compare the amount to the plans offered by several payroll-services providers. (Vyde offers plans around $75/month–if you’re spending more than that, you could be saving money!) Also, be sure to factor in the money your business spends on tasks like printing and distributing checks, creating tax documents, and the like.
  3. More focus on your core business. Doing payroll yourself can take a lot of time and focus from the money-making aspects of your business. Payroll may not directly increase sales, but done incorrectly, it can put your business in a world of hurt. To be in accordance with the laws and legal requirements of payroll takes a considerable amount of time and detail. Outsourcing payroll will help you save time and allow you to spend more money on the profitable parts of your business.

Struggling with in-house payroll? Discover the woes small businesses face, from errors to compliance challenges. Enter the solution: hiring an expert. Outsourcing your small business payroll to professionals ensures accuracy, compliance, and frees up valuable time. As you seek the best, consider Vyde—the most trusted accounting and bookkeeping firm in the US, providing seamless payroll services for your business success. Make the smart move today.

Outsource Your Small Business Payroll

FAQs about Outsourcing Small Business Payroll

Why outsource payroll?

Outsourcing ensures access to expertise, reduces errors, and simplifies compliance with diverse tax jurisdictions.

How does outsourcing minimize costs?

It cuts expenses on overpayments, staffing, and ancillary tasks like check printing, resulting in significant savings.

Can small businesses benefit from outsourcing?

Absolutely. For businesses with fewer than 20 employees, outsourcing payroll saves money and allows focus on core operations.

What risks does outsourcing payroll mitigate?

Outsourcing reduces the risk of errors in tax filings, legal compliance, and employee payment discrepancies, fostering smoother operations.

How does outsourcing enhance business focus?

By delegating time-consuming payroll tasks, businesses can redirect their attention and resources to revenue-generating activities, fostering growth.

If your small business is one that gets especially busy during the holiday season, you can plan for success early by hiring seasonal employees. You might be surprised at how a little extra help can boost sales, increase profits, and make your life as a business owner less hectic during an already busy time of year. Here are a few rules that apply when hiring seasonal employees:

  • All labor laws still apply. Laws that cover harassment, discrimination, and workplace health and safety apply to seasonal workers just as they do to any other employee. If you’re not familiar with these, this Employment and Labor Law Guide for small businesses is a good reference point.
  • Consider hiring seasonal employees as contractors. If you’re running an online business and need some help managing your blog or social media accounts, you can hire an independent contractor without actually making them an employee. A contractor normally works as a less  supervised member of your team. Keep in mind, you hire a contractor to do a job for you, but they are not technically your employee. As such, you aren’t required to provide benefits, withhold tax/Medicare/Social Security, or pay unemployment taxes. You also can’t dictate the hours the contractor works. However, you are required to report compensation of $600 or more to the IRS (more on this here). Be sure to outline the details and length of the contract before work begins.
  • You still have to withhold taxes. Despite popular opinion, seasonal employees should not be paid “under the table,” even if you’re just paying them to hang Christmas lights. Part-time and seasonal employees are subject to the same tax withholding rules as the rest of your employees. For details on your tax reporting responsibilities, refer to IRS regulations on part-time or seasonal help.
  • You may want to use a talent management company. These companies can save you big time and money by screening potential employees, taking care of the HR work, and making sure you hire the right fit for your company, even if it’s only for a season.
  • Use the same HR process as your other employees. Don’t be tempted to hire an employee in haste and throw them out on the sales floor on November 15th. Take some time to onboard the employee by offering early training and opportunities for them when things are slow. Additionally, it’s best to follow the same HR hiring process with a seasonal employee as it is a long-term employee.

Whether you’re running a brick and mortar shop, an online business, or offering services of some sort, the holidays are normally a busy time of year. Start the process of hiring seasonal employees early to ensure a seamless start to the holiday season.

Other posts that might interest you

Improve Your Online Presence Part 1: 8 Steps for Reviewing Your Website

Improve Your Online Presence Part 2: Perform a Quarterly Social Media Audit

Improve Your Online Presence Part 3: Contact Information & Review Sites

4 Low Cost and Low Risk Ways to Grow Your Team

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 1: Who, What, When, and Where

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 2: Celebrating Holiday and Events

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 3: Cheap Advertising Tips

How To Attract the Right Talent For Your Company

Quick Money Management Tips to Build Your Business

How to Create a Succession Plan for Your Small Business

How to Protect Your Small Business from Theft

Last month, we sent a poll to our clients asking them how they manage stress. The options were the typical stress management techniques you’d guess–sleep, prioritize, make lists, exercise, and meditate. The results were overwhelmingly similar, in that nearly 63% of Vyde clients rely on exercise to reduce their stress. Since nearly all of our clients are small business owners, it’s no surprise that they have their fair share of pressure in the work place.

Here are 10 statistics to further reinforce that notion to get your body moving when you’re feeling stressed out:

  1. It doesn’t take much. Psychologists studying depression and anxiety have found a brisk ten minute walk to be as effective as a 45 minute workout in reducing stress.
  2. Science has also provided some evidence that physically active people have lower rates of anxiety and depression than sedentary people. Less anxiety = less stress.
  3. Exercise is meditation in motion. Five to 10 minutes into their exercise routine, most people find that they are able to stop thinking about workplace stress and focus more on their body movements. This focus helps them remain calm and concentrated in all aspects of life.
  4. Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem.
  5. It improves your mood. Regular exercise increases self-esteem, relaxes you, boosts your confidence, and lowers the symptoms associated with stress, depression, and anxiety.
  6. Exercise helps you sleep. If your work day wears you out mentally, a little physical exercise can help you wind down and sleep better and longer at night. Better rest = less stress.
  7. Raising one’s heart rate can actually reverse damage to the brain caused by stressful events. Dr. Matthew Stults-Kolehmainen said “Stress atrophies the brain — especially the hippocampus, which is responsible for a lot, but memory in particular. When you’re stressed, you forget things.”
  8. Exercise helps you control your weight and your appetite, a number one cause of stress among many Americans. Those who exercise tend to weigh less and eat healthier, giving them one less thing to worry about. Eventually, healthy choices become natural as a result of good daily exercise habits.
  9. Exercise helps you become organized. Prioritizing and planning exercise into your week soon filters over into other aspects of your life. When you’ve got a clear schedule you know you’re working with, such as 30 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of reading, and 20 minutes on social media, your overall stress levels are reduced.
  10. It boosts your confidence. People who exercise worry less about what others think of them and more about their own personal development. Setting goals to compete with yourself instead of others increases self-esteem and overall healthy living.

try working exercise into your schedule

Essentially, when your body feels better, so does your mind. If you’re feeling especially stressed lately, try working exercise into your schedule and allow it to boost your energy and rid yourself of daily stressors.

FAQs for Managing Small Business Stress with Exercise:

  1. Why is exercise recommended for managing small business stress?

    Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, enhance sleep quality, and boost self-esteem, all of which contribute to stress reduction.

  2. What are some benefits of incorporating short bouts of exercise into a busy schedule?

    Even brief, brisk walks or short exercise sessions can effectively alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance concentration, offering immediate relief from workplace pressures.

  3. How does exercise help with mental focus and relaxation?

    Exercise serves as a form of meditation in motion, allowing individuals to shift their focus away from workplace stressors and concentrate on physical movements, promoting a sense of calm and mental clarity.

  4. Can exercise contribute to better sleep and weight management?

    Yes, regular exercise aids in better sleep quality and duration, while also helping individuals control weight and manage appetite, reducing stress associated with weight-related concerns.

  5. How does exercise impact overall brain health and stress resilience?

    Exercise has been shown to reverse stress-induced brain damage, particularly in the hippocampus, enhancing memory and cognitive function while reducing susceptibility to stress-related mental health issues.