Episodes
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
7 Ways to a Safer Workplace, Including COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Workplace safety is top of mind for employers and employees alike. Gene Marks suggests seven ways — from staying ahead of the compliance curve on COVID-19 vaccination mandates and mask policies to conflict training and investment in technology to increase automation and cut down on the number of people at work. The host of “On the Mark” offers insights he shares with his clients to help businesses get back to and stay at work safely.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Upgrading Hardware Tech for New Workplace Norms
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Given today’s remote and hybrid workforce needs, how are small businesses approaching computer hardware technology? Hear from Lindsey Greathouse, director of global SMB marketing for Lenovo, one of the world’s largest personal electronics brands, as she shares how the company differentiates its service solutions for the mobile devices, laptops, and accessories now considered commodities. How have these tech tools helped foster productivity and connection in the new work-from-home and hybrid work environments, and what’s the future of the industry, given advances in artificial intelligence?
Topics include:
2:02 - Career path recap
4:53 - Lenovo's diversified portfolio of products
8:33 - Delivering continuity for SMB remote work needs
13:16 - Partner network innovations, right to repair
14:39 - Look for flexibility, scalability, security as a future focus
17:17 - Subscription-based, as-a-service access growing
18:10 - How will hologram, AI technology impact hardware?
Could new HR technology help your small business workforce become more productive? Check out the findings in our recent whitepaper at: www.paychex.com/secure/whitepapers/hr-technology-the-future-of-work.
Do you have a topic or guest to suggest for the show? Submit your ideas at: http://payx.me/thrivetopics
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
There’s Money to be Found in Tax Credits and Deductions
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
As 2021 winds down, Gene Marks reminds employers they can still take advantage of tax credits and deductions to infuse money into their operations. The CPA and small-business owner hosts this episode of “On the Mark” to offer insights and advice on eight ways to save on taxes — from hiring select groups of individuals such as military veterans and helping employees pay down student loans to helping employees save for educational expenses to purchasing equipment to help your business. Plus, these advantages will be available in 2022 and some even beyond that. Listen to this week’s podcast for more.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Leveraging Reddit to Reach Business Prospects
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Is the long-running Reddit platform, with its multitude of online groups formed around topic-specific sub-channels (subreddits), becoming a viable option for small business advertising? And what does product or service promotion look like inside a social media platform built on chats? Hear from Timo Pelz, vice president of business marketing for Reddit, on the ways business owners can leverage conversation and community — staples for the platform — to add value for users and align within dynamic discussions. Plus, hear how Reddit is branching into audio and visual, within its focus on authentic, engaging conversation.
Topics include:
2:28 - The "towns" and communities of Reddit
4:59 - Reddit's advertising goals: minimal disruption
6:21 - How is Reddit's ad platform developing?
8:27 - How can small businesses reach prospects on the platform?
14:21 - Context, content, and conversation on Reddit
18:12 - Can businesses create subreddits for promotion?
19:40 - How limited disclosure fosters authenticity
21:58 - Will audio and video change Reddit's interface?
Resources:
Blog content can help a business “soft sell” on a platform like Reddit. Learn how-to’s on blogging for your business at: www.paychex.com/articles/marketing/blogging-benefits-for-small-business.
Discover a content community that may align with your business at: http://reddit.com.
Have a topic or guest to suggest for the show? Send your submissions to: http://payx.me/thrivetopics.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
5 Tips to Help Your Business Counter Inflation
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Businesses could be dealing with inflation due to rising prices and supply chain issues for the next year or more, so it’s important to have a strategy. This episode of On the Mark offers five tactics businesses can consider that might help navigate any potential challenges. Host Gene Marks, a CPA and small-business owner, shares what he has discussed with his clients, including raising prices and using targeted communication through a customer relationship management system to accomplish this. He also suggests practicing shrink-flation by delivering less product while holding prices steady. Consider getting into long-term contracts to reduce risk, as well as buying as much inventory now and finally investing in technology to improve efficiencies.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
Taking Stock: Inventory Innovations in the Information Age
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
Any business selling products is dependent on inventory management to fulfill customer needs, but many companies haven’t mastered this critical aspect of operations. Hear Lucas Miller, vice president of implementation for Fishbowl, the global leader in inventory control solutions, explain best practices in stock management, trending innovations, and key metrics that can empower smarter inventory planning and leaner warehousing. Further, learn why the shift to automated stocking software calls for veteran staff at the helm, and how pain points in managing inventory data can point to a need for improved business processes.
Topics include:
3:23 - Supply chain shortages reveal inventory management challenges
4:57 - How has physical counting changed today?
7:26 - Barcoding is about accuracy, not speed
9:32 - QR codes: trend vs. traction
11:02 - How does RFID differ? What's the forecast for RFID?
12:49 – Avoiding the challenge of overstocked obsoletion
15:25 - Robotics, automation impact on manufacturing
17:22 – Process changes necessary for modern inventory automation
21:00 - Key inventory metrics: ABC codes, reorder levels
Resources:
As you manage inventory, you’ll need to understand the cost of goods sold. Learn more at: www.paychex.com/articles/finance/what-is-cost-of-goods-sold.
Explore inventory management software at: http://FishbowlInventory.com
Is there a topic or guest you’d like to submit for the show? Send in your ideas at: http://payx.me/thrivetopics
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Tap into Millions Before 2021 Ends
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Businesses still searching for financial help to offset cash flow disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic should listen to the recent episode of the “On the Mark” podcast as host Gene Marks reviews the benefits of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The program ends Dec. 31, 2021, so time is running out to take advantage of the program. Learn about eligibility, interest rates, the favorable 30-year term to pay back the loan and more. Plus, certain businesses might qualify for EIDL grants such as targeted advances and supplemental advances, possibly infusing more than $10,000 into your business that can help with operating expenses.
Resources:
Learn how the SBA Enhances Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program with Higher Borrowing Limit at www.paychex.com/articles/human-resources/sba-economic-injury-disaster-loan-program.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Help or Hindrance: Big Tech’s Impact on Your Business
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Google. Facebook. Amazon. How do these three tech companies dominate online search and advertising options for small businesses competing for visibility in the online marketplace? Gilad Edelman covers the intersection of Big Tech, politics, and law for WIRED magazine. Hear his insights on the power and impact of these online marketing giants, what practices might define them as monopolies, and whether pending lawsuits or other national actions could curtail their current influence on business competition.
Topics include:
4:04 - Analysis of Parler's removal from app stores
8:59 - Why sole-platform businesses need backup plans
12:12 - Customer service pains in the internet economy
13:36 - Three markets Google monopolizes
17:51 - Is small business stagnating despite cheap ads?
20:23 - Will a third member join the online ads duopoly?
21:49 - The new shift in Amazon search
26:42 - Antitrust legislation odds Big Tech may face
29:53 - Could the FTC set new rules regulating Big Tech?
Resources:
Review best-practice strategies to compete against larger competitors at:
www.paychex.com/articles/marketing/how-to-succeed-business-competition.
What’s omni-channel marketing and how can you leverage it for your small business: Learn more at: www.paychex.com/articles/marketing/what-is-omni-channel-marketing.
What would you like to hear on THRIVE? Suggest a topic or guest for the show at: http://payx.me/thrivetopics.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Employee Retention Tax Credit: Why Leave the Potential for Big Money on the Table?
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Business owners looking to infuse meaningful money — potentially tens of thousands of dollars — into their operations should check into whether they are eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit. CPA and small-business owner Gene Marks debuts the “On the Mark” series, sharing details about the credit, how to determine eligibility, why some of his clients favor ERTC over Paycheck protection program loan forgiveness and how Paychex can help.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.