Hear timely insights on marketplace conditions, proposed legislation, innovations, research, and success strategies from industry leaders, lawmakers, experts, and icons to help you propel your business forward and THRIVE.
Episodes
Thursday Jan 27, 2022
Thursday Jan 27, 2022
A study in Iceland has sparked several countries, a few international companies and several in the United States to pilot and even implement a four-day workweek. And guess what? Productivity is up and morale is following. Host Gene Marks shares his thoughts on how this trend might be a solid recruitment tool during a labor shortage and a no-cost benefit that changes how businesses operate. Listen to this week’s “On the Mark” podcast.
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 Jan 25, 2022
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
Many businesses depend on customer relationship management (CRM) software to generate sales leads and track client responses. But do these systems garner maximum benefit across a company, with user ease at the forefront? Hear Copper, Inc. CEO, Dennis Fois, describe why its CRM software is built around Google Workspace, and the benefits seen when a CRM complements user productivity. Learn why he advocates centralizing customer data away from email inboxes, and why the nature of your business model — transactional vs. relational — should direct what CRM you use.
Topics include:
3:02 - How does Copper differ from other CRMs?
5:27 - Why and how Copper integrates solely with Google Workspace
9:07 - Shifting from process software to productivity software
12:58 - Are industry-specific (vertical) CRMs necessary?
15:54 - ROI: business growth, existing customers, IP losses with employee turnover
26:50 - The value of top-down company commitment to a CRM
30:43 - Why CRMs need more focus on ease of use
33:01 - AI impact on CRMs, labor force, and decision-making
Resources:
How do customer relationships impact your business and how can you continually improve them? Read our article at www.paychex.com/articles/management/microbusinesses-build-customer-relationships.
In today’s online business environment, how can you nurture customer sales leads to a successful close? Learn more at www.paychex.com/articles/startup/tips-for-closing-a-sale-focus-on-customer.
Want to suggest a guest or topic for the show? Submit your ideas to: https://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 Jan 20, 2022
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
With 5 million applications for startups filed in 2021, the key to any initial success sits squarely in how you prepare before you start. Gene Marks shares advice in this episode of the “On the Mark” podcast, including surrounding yourself with good advisors and proven resources, setting realistic goals around a solid plan to make money, having enough money to make a two-year go at it and being committed to making it work. Also, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact businesses, Gene suggests a few tips for making your workplace safe for employees and customers in light of recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court on vaccination and testing.
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 Jan 18, 2022
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill visits the show to introduce LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business program benefitting minority-owned businesses with funding grants and legal services through a $6M, multi-year initiative. The program supports SMBs led by Black, Latino, Asian, female, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ owners with access to capital, and expertise in legal, accounting, and regulatory services from a network of professionals. Hear how Grant’s family history of entrepreneurship and business experience as co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks spurs his support, and his invitation to women- and minority-owned businesses to pursue these new resources.
Topics include:
2:25 - LegalZoom's $6M partnership initiative for SMBs
3:30 - Family roots of entrepreneurship
4:58 - Access to capital, a professional network, and legal/accounting resources
9:49 - Lessons learned from co-owning the Atlanta Hawks
11:45 - Parallels between athletics and business
13:10 - Grant's personal role, connections, in the Fast Break network
16:12 - "What if?" business alternatives outside athletics
18:12 - His mother's business legacy
24:41 - Final pitch for Fast Break for Small Business
Resources:
Learn more and sign up for email alerts to apply for the next round of Fast Break for Small Business grants by visiting www.legalzoom.com/fastbreakforsmallbusiness.
What tech-based business solutions from Paychex could meet your small business needs? Explore our offerings at www.paychex.com/business-solutions/small-business-solutions.
What guests or topics do YOU want to hear on THRIVE? Submit your suggestions to us at: payx.com/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 Jan 13, 2022
Thursday Jan 13, 2022
Small business — particularly freelancers and independent contractors — who use PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or other digital payment services to put money in their accounts will have such transactions reported to the IRS by the third party if the amount totals $600 or more in a given year. They’ll also receive a 1099-K, starting in 2022, which means the IRS will know the income earned and businesses will be responsible to pay taxes on such income. Listen as Gene Marks shares more insights on the change in this week’s episode of the “On the Mark” podcast.
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 Jan 11, 2022
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
If you want to offer or improve retirement savings plans for your employees, or if your business operates in a state where retirement planning is now mandated, what advantages could a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) provide? Longtime retirement planning consultant Kelly Michel shares how a PEP plan can reduce your costs, minimize your fiduciary liability, and may even garner business tax credits, while still offering your workers the traditional benefits of a 401(k) plan.
Topics include:
2:33 - Kelly's background in Multiple Employer Plans
4:12 - What's a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP)?
5:24 - How the 2019 SECURE Act impacted PEP plans
7:05 - U.S. savings crisis, need for these plans
8:48 - Value of professional plan management
11:14 - Should employers with existing 401(k) plans switch to a PEP?
17:48 - Advantages of PEP vs. state-run IRA programs
18:34 - What's the future around 401(k) and PEP plans?
Resources:
What are five major benefits your small business can gain from a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP)? Read our article at www.paychex.com/articles/employee-benefits/pooled-employer-plan.
How do 401(k) plans help your employees access and save for a dignified retirement? Learn more at www.paychex.com/articles/employee-benefits/what-is-a-401k.
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 Jan 06, 2022
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
A Paychex survey conducted in late 2021 revealed that more than 60 percent of employees indicated well-being support was a top priority when looking for work, while improved workplace mental health benefits also were highly desired. In this week’s “On the Mark” podcast, host Gene Marks offers some practical suggestions — from training and coaches to flexibility of hours and kickball — for employers to consider that could make a difference in employee mental well-being at work.
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 Jan 04, 2022
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
In this episode, Gene Marks talks with EY’s Lee Henderson, Audit Partner, Americas EY Private Leader, and Executive Sponsor of the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network. It’s in this latter role that Lee is really making an impact on black and Latino entrepreneurs. Hear the results of his team’s survey of this group and learn what EY is doing to continue the positive momentum of 2021. If you’re a minority entrepreneur, if you're looking for funding, if you're looking for resources, and most importantly, if you want to get into a network of people who can help you grow your business, you’ll learn why these are the types of opportunities you’ll want to take advantage of.
Topics include:
3:19 – Background on EY's middle-market practice
7:05 – Highlights of the survey of black and Latino entrepreneurs
11:46 – Understanding the unique needs of minority entrepreneurs
16:36 – Connecting minority entrepreneurs to capital
21:51 – Details on the Entrepreneurs Access Network
25:16 – How to apply to Entrepreneurs Access Network
30:45 – How this model is being adopted by other organizations
Resources:
With information from the U.S. Small Business Administration and other resources, this Start-Up Guide will show you who to talk to and what it takes to get your business off the ground and financially secure at www.paychex.com/secure/whitepapers/fund-your-business.
Though the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is no longer a funding option, read this Securing Financing for Your Small Business article to learn about alternative small business financing options, as well as lender options and how to prepare for a loan at www.paychex.com/articles/finance/securing-small-business-financing.
To learn more about EY's Entrepreneur Access Network, visit ey.com/ean.
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.