newslo--2020-06-11--4 Sources of Potential Disruption in the Financial Sector

In a world where disruption is increasingly the new “ normal , ” companies operating within the financial sector must remain keenly aware of potential forces that can rock the boat .
How enterprises respond to change is now an indicator of whether they ’ re able to survive in today ’ s fast-paced landscape .
In other words , the ability to embody agility and innovation is more important to survival and growth than ever before .
Knowing the potential sources of disruption before they fully emerge is key to reacting to change effectively .
It can mean the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face of transformation .
Here are four examples When we think supply chain risk and disruption , we often consider manufacturers and retailers .
However , COVID-19 and its resulting economic impact have demonstrated the financial sector is just as vulnerable to the effects of supply chain disruption .
In fact , A PwC survey found more than one in five industry CFOs fear supply chain disruptions in light of COVID-19 .
Other prevalent anxieties include operational and financial impacts ( 71 percent ) , a possible worldwide recession ( 70 percent ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diminished consumption ( 39 percent ) .
Businesses within the financial sector may experience service delays from third-party vendors during times of crisis and can also feel the effects of customers handling their finances differently as a result of economic strain .
According to research from Ernst & Young , the adoption of financial technology ( FinTech ) is on the rise around the world .
One out of three people had adopted FinTech as of 2017 .
Just two years later , adoption sits closer to two out of every three people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the firm defines adoption as utilizing at least two types of services to indicate a change of habit — like money transfer , financial planning , investing , insurance , etc .
What does this mean for more traditional financial services companies ?
Competition can emerge not only from other banks , investment firms and the like ; FinTech upstarts are aiming to address consumer pain points and make financial transactions more convenient .
In fact , the prevalence of FinTech options is changing how customers perceive money management altogether — pushing user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As Investopedia points out , FinTech often aims to serve traditionally underserved customer segments — like those living in very rural areas , for instance — or to provide “ faster and/or better service.
” This shapes user expectations across the board , which in turn motivates competitors — FinTech companies and traditional financial services providers alike — to keep stepping up their games as well .
The risk of falling behind here is falling off the map entirely .
AI and ML are advancing how enterprises handle everything from front-line customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former uses AI and ML to power intelligent chatbots capable of answering customers ’ questions and offering targeted product recommendations , among other functions .
The latter fuels data-driven decisions using advanced AI algorithms to automatically detect insights from deep within data , then push them to human users who can act on those insights .
ML helps refine insights over time , improving relevance based on user feedback .
Both use cases demonstrate how AI and ML augment “ human power ” by taking over traditionally time-consuming , tedious tasks — in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service specialists and data analysts respectively to work on higher-order tasks .
Falling behind on AI adoption in its various iterations can make companies more vulnerable to obsolescence .
Financial services organizations must remain constantly vigilant against evolving cybersecurity threats .
Social engineering attacks — those in which hackers trick account holders into giving up information — remain at the top of the list in terms of potential disruption , closely followed by hackers potentially altering stored data and using malware to harm operations .
For every new technology financial companies can use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe to assume there are hackers trying to exploit it on the other side .
These are just four potential sources of disruption in the financial sector , but rest assured there ’ s no shortage of others .
Remaining competitive today requires more than holding your ground ; it requires actively staying ahead of the curve .

In a world where disruption is increasingly the new “normal,” companies operating within the financial sector must remain keenly aware of potential forces that can rock the boat. How enterprises respond to change is now an indicator of whether they’re able to survive in today’s fast-paced landscape. In other words, the ability to embody agility and innovation is more important to survival and growth than ever before.
Knowing the potential sources of disruption before they fully emerge is key to reacting to change effectively. It can mean the difference between adapting and floundering in the face of transformation.
Here are four examples
Business & Supply Chain Disruptions
When we think supply chain risk and disruption, we often consider manufacturers and retailers. However, COVID-19 and its resulting economic impact have demonstrated the financial sector is just as vulnerable to the effects of supply chain disruption.
In fact, A PwC survey found more than one in five industry CFOs fear supply chain disruptions in light of COVID-19. Other prevalent anxieties include operational and financial impacts (71 percent), a possible worldwide recession (70 percent) and diminished customer confidence which results in diminished consumption (39 percent).
Businesses within the financial sector may experience service delays from third-party vendors during times of crisis and can also feel the effects of customers handling their finances differently as a result of economic strain.
Innovation from FinTech
According to research from Ernst & Young, the adoption of financial technology (FinTech) is on the rise around the world. One out of three people had adopted FinTech as of 2017. Just two years later, adoption sits closer to two out of every three people (64 percent). Furthermore, the firm defines adoption as utilizing at least two types of services to indicate a change of habit — like money transfer, financial planning, investing, insurance, etc.
What does this mean for more traditional financial services companies? Competition can emerge not only from other banks, investment firms and the like; FinTech upstarts are aiming to address consumer pain points and make financial transactions more convenient. In fact, the prevalence of FinTech options is changing how customers perceive money management altogether — pushing user expectation toward convenience, personalization and accessibility.
As Investopedia points out, FinTech often aims to serve traditionally underserved customer segments — like those living in very rural areas, for instance — or to provide “faster and/or better service.” This shapes user expectations across the board, which in turn motivates competitors — FinTech companies and traditional financial services providers alike — to keep stepping up their games as well. The risk of falling behind here is falling off the map entirely.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML are advancing how enterprises handle everything from front-line customer service to financial data analysis. The former uses AI and ML to power intelligent chatbots capable of answering customers’ questions and offering targeted product recommendations, among other functions. The latter fuels data-driven decisions using advanced AI algorithms to automatically detect insights from deep within data, then push them to human users who can act on those insights. ML helps refine insights over time, improving relevance based on user feedback.
Both use cases demonstrate how AI and ML augment “human power” by taking over traditionally time-consuming, tedious tasks — in these cases, freeing up human customer service specialists and data analysts respectively to work on higher-order tasks. Falling behind on AI adoption in its various iterations can make companies more vulnerable to obsolescence.
Evolving Cyber Security Threats
Financial services organizations must remain constantly vigilant against evolving cybersecurity threats. Social engineering attacks — those in which hackers trick account holders into giving up information — remain at the top of the list in terms of potential disruption, closely followed by hackers potentially altering stored data and using malware to harm operations. For every new technology financial companies can use to their advantage, it’s safe to assume there are hackers trying to exploit it on the other side.
These are just four potential sources of disruption in the financial sector, but rest assured there’s no shortage of others. Remaining competitive today requires more than holding your ground; it requires actively staying ahead of the curve.


newslo--2020-06-11--How to Help Your Elderly Parents with Their Finances

As your parents get on in years , it ’ s likely that you may have to help them with more and more tasks .
They raised you when you were young and helpless , and now it ’ s your turn to help them as they progress into their golden years .
Whether that ’ s helping install home safety features , getting their groceries , or helping them sort out their finances will depend on your exact situation and their health .
In today ’ s post , we ’ ll cover a few ways that you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you have the financial ability to help them directly – like buying their groceries or helping pay down their mortgage – that ’ s great .
If not , don ’ t worry .
There are still ways that you can help your parents manage their finances .
First , many retirees can significantly benefit from having professional guidance in managing their retirement funds .
It can be a difficult transition for many to move from earning a steady income to living off the somewhat fixed sum of their retirement savings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a steep price , but often the cost of not having a professional set of eyes on your finances can be much , much more in the long run .
Financial professionals , like those at Cetera and other companies , offer a wide variety of services : Basically , whatever your parents need help with financially , a trained professional will likely be able to assist you with assisting them .
Be sure that you thoroughly research any financial professional you want to work with , though .
All too often , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vulnerable set themselves up to look like financial professionals , but actually hope to take advantage of those in need .
Read reviews , and research any professional thoroughly before putting your or your parents ’ money on the line .
Retirees transitioning from a steady salary to a likely somewhat diminished fixed retirement income may experience some difficulty adjusting to the new financial situation .
As a loving son or daughter , you can help ease this transition in a few ways .
If you can provide direct funds to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a welcome and heartfelt gesture – try sending them money electronically using an app like Zelle .
Even picking up the tab when you go out to eat can be a meaningful way to decrease their monthly expenses .
If this is outside your financial comfort zone , however , you can still help them by sitting down and creating a budget .
Budgeting for those in retirement can be quite different than budgeting for an early-career or mid-career professional .
For one thing , the portion that you allocate toward savings might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more necessities that you ’ ll have to spend money on : things like medical bills , vitamins and medications , and in-home care .
Sitting down and helping your parents work through an average month , helping them create a list of planned expenses , and then seeing how much they have left over for leisure is a great way to help your elderly parents with their finances .
Lastly , it ’ s never a pleasant , thought , but the day will come when your parents will pass their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you have any .
That means that all the preparations should be made before your parents ’ passing , which can help make the transition smoother and stop arguments among siblings before they get ugly .
Here are the steps you should take when helping your parents plan their estate : • Find a time to discuss this with your parents .
It won ’ t be easy for you , and probably much less so for them , but you ’ ll be glad you had the difficult conversation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up their will , and be sure everyone agrees on the executor or executrix who will be responsible for allocating the estate .
You can use software like DocuSign to help if your siblings live far away .
• Process your emotions .
Planning for your parents ’ eventual passing is emotionally difficult , and it ’ s important that everyone works through their emotions together once the process is completed .
Your parents brought you into this world and took care of you ; it ’ s only natural that you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ golden years .

As your parents get on in years, it’s likely that you may have to help them with more and more tasks. They raised you when you were young and helpless, and now it’s your turn to help them as they progress into their golden years. Whether that’s helping install home safety features, getting their groceries, or helping them sort out their finances will depend on your exact situation and their health.
In today’s post, we’ll cover a few ways that you can help your elderly parents with their finances. If you have the financial ability to help them directly – like buying their groceries or helping pay down their mortgage – that’s great. If not, don’t worry. There are still ways that you can help your parents manage their finances.
Find them a reliable financial planner
First, many retirees can significantly benefit from having professional guidance in managing their retirement funds. It can be a difficult transition for many to move from earning a steady income to living off the somewhat fixed sum of their retirement savings. Hiring a professional may seem like a steep price, but often the cost of not having a professional set of eyes on your finances can be much, much more in the long run. Financial professionals, like those at Cetera and other companies, offer a wide variety of services:
Retirement allocation
Investment opportunities
Long-term planning
Advising on large purchases
Budgeting
Estate planning
Basically, whatever your parents need help with financially, a trained professional will likely be able to assist you with assisting them. Be sure that you thoroughly research any financial professional you want to work with, though. All too often, criminals seeking to prey on the elderly and vulnerable set themselves up to look like financial professionals, but actually hope to take advantage of those in need. Read reviews, and research any professional thoroughly before putting your or your parents’ money on the line.
Help create a reliable budget
Retirees transitioning from a steady salary to a likely somewhat diminished fixed retirement income may experience some difficulty adjusting to the new financial situation. As a loving son or daughter, you can help ease this transition in a few ways.
If you can provide direct funds to help your parents, that’s always a welcome and heartfelt gesture – try sending them money electronically using an app like Zelle. Even picking up the tab when you go out to eat can be a meaningful way to decrease their monthly expenses. If this is outside your financial comfort zone, however, you can still help them by sitting down and creating a budget.
Budgeting for those in retirement can be quite different than budgeting for an early-career or mid-career professional. For one thing, the portion that you allocate toward savings might be smaller. Additionally, there may be more necessities that you’ll have to spend money on: things like medical bills, vitamins and medications, and in-home care. Sitting down and helping your parents work through an average month, helping them create a list of planned expenses, and then seeing how much they have left over for leisure is a great way to help your elderly parents with their finances.
Help prepare their estate
Lastly, it’s never a pleasant, thought, but the day will come when your parents will pass their estate on to you and your siblings, if you have any. That means that all the preparations should be made before your parents’ passing, which can help make the transition smoother and stop arguments among siblings before they get ugly.
Here are the steps you should take when helping your parents plan their estate:
Find a time to discuss this with your parents. It won’t be easy for you, and probably much less so for them, but you’ll be glad you had the difficult conversation. Hire a professional to help draw up their will, and be sure everyone agrees on the executor or executrix who will be responsible for allocating the estate. You can use software like DocuSign to help if your siblings live far away. Process your emotions. Planning for your parents’ eventual passing is emotionally difficult, and it’s important that everyone works through their emotions together once the process is completed.
Your parents brought you into this world and took care of you; it’s only natural that you should help them with their finances in their golden years.


newslo--2020-06-14--Cloud Storage vs External Hard Drive: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Data storage is a fundamental aspect of online work that more and more businesses have needed to consider .
Where you keep your data , and how secure it is as a result , can be the difference between having a business that people trust and a serious breach of confidential information .
When it comes to data storage many are still unsure whether to go with cloud storage options or an external hard drive .
Some people haven ’ t yet switched to cloud storage because they aren ’ t sure what benefits it has .
In the ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive , there are numerous factors to consider that many business owners and individuals may not be aware of .
That ’ s why we ’ ve listed these key pros and cons of both options , so you can make an educated decision on which is best for you .
Once you ’ ve read this post you ’ ll never be unsure about whether to use the cloud or an external hard drive for your data storage purposes again .
An external hard drive is a memory storage unit that isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself but can instead be plugged into it externally .
They are commonly connected through a USB port and can come in varying different sizes and designs .
Let ’ s start off by looking at the positives of using an external hard drive .
For starters , the fact that an external hard drive connects via a USB port makes it compatible with almost any desktop computer or laptop .
This means the hard drive can easily be connected and accessed by whatever machine you are working on at that particular time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive to connect to certain mobile phones or tablets provided they have a USB port .
It also benefits from being a physical object , meaning you know exactly where it is at any one time .
You are able to safely disconnect your hard drive and then keep it locked up .
This ensures that nobody else will have access to the information stored on that hard drive .
To do so they ’ d need to have the hard drive itself to plug it into their device .
The ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memory capacity also means you can buy the right size and price hard drive for your needs .
Now that we ’ ve highlighted the pros of external hard drives , let ’ s look at the notable cons of this data storage option .
The fact that an external hard drive is a physical object unfortunately also works to its disadvantage .
It means that there is only one copy of your data .
That means for starters that only one person can access it at any one time .
That can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes remote and collaborative working between employees near-impossible .
It also means that your data is dependent on the wellbeing of the hard drive itself .
As a physical object , its at risk of unexpected occurrences like an office fire or an earthquake that could severely damage the device .
Hard drives are also known for sometimes failing .
If this happens and your hard drive is corrupted , it can be hard to fix it and salvage all the data you ’ ve stored .
There doesn ’ t even need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen .
The reality of hard drives is that , sooner or later , it is going to stop working .
You may never know when this will happen either , or why .
The wiring of the cable could become damaged , or an electrical surge could cause a failure in saving essential documents .
If this happens and you haven ’ t saved files elsewhere , you risk losing them forever .
Another con to consider with external hard drives is that if the hard drive isn ’ t kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steal data from it .
Since external hard drives are kept locally to us , we can be less careful with their security .
They often only need a password , if that , to get full access to their contents .
A hacker who manages to obtain your external hard drive would have very little trouble in accessing the information on it .
So , what ’ s the alternative to an external hard drive with these cons ?
You can try cloud storage .
Cloud storage is a way of storing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as the cloud .
A major benefit to this over an external hard drive is the fact that a cloud storage solution is accessed via the internet .
That means that you can access the cloud through any internet connection , whilst with an external hard drive if you forget the hard drive itself you have no way to access your data .
This also means that , through cloud sync , various people can access the information at any one time .
This makes the cloud far superior in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees .
Many providers allow people to make direct changes to documents that are then saved to the cloud in real-time .
Cloud storage also benefits from cloud backup , which creates a backup copy of any data you save to a cloud server .
This means that there are far more ways to restore your documents or data , should anything happen to the main cloud server .
With an external hard drive , this backup support isn ’ t as reliably available .
This makes cloud storage a better solution in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of the best examples of cloud backup save many versions of your data on many different servers .
To see an example of comprehensive cloud data solutions , take a look at this article here .
Cloud storage services also offer tiered pricing options , ensuring you can pay for the services you need .
This pricing model means you can pay for the right amount of storage space that your business requires .
In truth , there are far fewer cons to using cloud storage , though some do exist .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection to ensure fast restoration and saving of documents .
This means that you do need to rely on your internet to make the most of a cloud storage solution .
Yet , a strong WiFi connection is almost a requirement for many businesses today .
Many are concerned about how secure cloud storage is , due to the fact that it can be accessed from anywhere using an internet connection .
However , this is very rarely a con , as reliable cloud storage providers invest heavily in the security of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is because cloud services have access to sophisticated multi-level encryption .
The reality is that you are able to utilize both of these data storage options if it would put your mind at ease .
If you do however you need to make sure you store your external hard drive somewhere safe so as to not compromise your data through an easily accessible hard drive .
It doesn ’ t hurt to have more than one storage solution , but using just an external hard drive means you aren ’ t taking advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for .
After having assessed all the pros and cons above , the conclusion of cloud storage vs external hard drive storage options is a fairly clear one .
Cloud storage is a better option if you intend for several employees to have access to your data at any one time .
It can also allow them to collaborate directly with documents saved onto the cloud , something that ’ s impossible with external hard drives .
It ’ s also overall more secure , thanks to advanced encryption methods and the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take your hard drive with you everywhere to access your information .
You may be hesitant to switch to a cloud storage solution , but as these points above show it ’ s a far better way of keeping your data safe today .
It also ensures your business is better prepared for any emergencies that might occur .
You need your data to be backed up properly , and unless you ’ re backing up on numerous hard drives at once , cloud storage is a better way to guarantee this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time-consuming to do so .
If you ’ re unsure how to properly make the transition to cloud storage , or have other tech questions , make sure to look through previous posts on our website .
We work to provide simple to understand solutions to real business and tech problems facing companies today .

Data storage is a fundamental aspect of online work that more and more businesses have needed to consider. Where you keep your data, and how secure it is as a result, can be the difference between having a business that people trust and a serious breach of confidential information.
When it comes to data storage many are still unsure whether to go with cloud storage options or an external hard drive. Some people haven’t yet switched to cloud storage because they aren’t sure what benefits it has.
In the ongoing debate surrounding cloud storage vs external hard drive, there are numerous factors to consider that many business owners and individuals may not be aware of. That’s why we’ve listed these key pros and cons of both options, so you can make an educated decision on which is best for you.
Once you’ve read this post you’ll never be unsure about whether to use the cloud or an external hard drive for your data storage purposes again.
Cloud Storage vs External Hard Drive
External Hard Drive: The Pros
An external hard drive is a memory storage unit that isn’t placed inside of a computer itself but can instead be plugged into it externally. They are commonly connected through a USB port and can come in varying different sizes and designs.
Let’s start off by looking at the positives of using an external hard drive.
For starters, the fact that an external hard drive connects via a USB port makes it compatible with almost any desktop computer or laptop. This means the hard drive can easily be connected and accessed by whatever machine you are working on at that particular time. It can even allow the hard drive to connect to certain mobile phones or tablets provided they have a USB port.
It also benefits from being a physical object, meaning you know exactly where it is at any one time. You are able to safely disconnect your hard drive and then keep it locked up.
This ensures that nobody else will have access to the information stored on that hard drive. To do so they’d need to have the hard drive itself to plug it into their device. The ability to choose a hard drive with a certain memory capacity also means you can buy the right size and price hard drive for your needs.
Now that we’ve highlighted the pros of external hard drives, let’s look at the notable cons of this data storage option.
External Hard Drive: The Cons
The fact that an external hard drive is a physical object unfortunately also works to its disadvantage. It means that there is only one copy of your data.
That means for starters that only one person can access it at any one time. That can be good for security, but it makes remote and collaborative working between employees near-impossible.
It also means that your data is dependent on the wellbeing of the hard drive itself. As a physical object, its at risk of unexpected occurrences like an office fire or an earthquake that could severely damage the device. Hard drives are also known for sometimes failing. If this happens and your hard drive is corrupted, it can be hard to fix it and salvage all the data you’ve stored.
There doesn’t even need to be a natural disaster for this to happen. The reality of hard drives is that, sooner or later, it is going to stop working. You may never know when this will happen either, or why.
The wiring of the cable could become damaged, or an electrical surge could cause a failure in saving essential documents. If this happens and you haven’t saved files elsewhere, you risk losing them forever.
Another con to consider with external hard drives is that if the hard drive isn’t kept safe it’s very easy to steal data from it. Since external hard drives are kept locally to us, we can be less careful with their security. They often only need a password, if that, to get full access to their contents.
A hacker who manages to obtain your external hard drive would have very little trouble in accessing the information on it.
So, what’s the alternative to an external hard drive with these cons? You can try cloud storage.
Cloud Storage: The Pros
Cloud storage is a way of storing all of your data on external servers known as the cloud.
A major benefit to this over an external hard drive is the fact that a cloud storage solution is accessed via the internet. That means that you can access the cloud through any internet connection, whilst with an external hard drive if you forget the hard drive itself you have no way to access your data.
This also means that, through cloud sync, various people can access the information at any one time. This makes the cloud far superior in terms of collaborating on documents and sharing information between employees. Many providers allow people to make direct changes to documents that are then saved to the cloud in real-time.
Cloud storage also benefits from cloud backup, which creates a backup copy of any data you save to a cloud server. This means that there are far more ways to restore your documents or data, should anything happen to the main cloud server.
With an external hard drive, this backup support isn’t as reliably available. This makes cloud storage a better solution in case of emergencies, by comparison.
Some of the best examples of cloud backup save many versions of your data on many different servers. To see an example of comprehensive cloud data solutions, take a look at this article here.
Cloud storage services also offer tiered pricing options, ensuring you can pay for the services you need. This pricing model means you can pay for the right amount of storage space that your business requires.
Cloud Storage: The Cons
In truth, there are far fewer cons to using cloud storage, though some do exist. Cloud storage relies on a strong internet connection to ensure fast restoration and saving of documents.
This means that you do need to rely on your internet to make the most of a cloud storage solution. Yet, a strong WiFi connection is almost a requirement for many businesses today.
Many are concerned about how secure cloud storage is, due to the fact that it can be accessed from anywhere using an internet connection. However, this is very rarely a con, as reliable cloud storage providers invest heavily in the security of their services to prevent data breaches. This is because cloud services have access to sophisticated multi-level encryption.
The reality is that you are able to utilize both of these data storage options if it would put your mind at ease. If you do however you need to make sure you store your external hard drive somewhere safe so as to not compromise your data through an easily accessible hard drive.
It doesn’t hurt to have more than one storage solution, but using just an external hard drive means you aren’t taking advantage of the additional features cloud storage allows for.
Cloud Storage vs External Hard Drive: The Verdict
After having assessed all the pros and cons above, the conclusion of cloud storage vs external hard drive storage options is a fairly clear one.
Cloud storage is a better option if you intend for several employees to have access to your data at any one time. It can also allow them to collaborate directly with documents saved onto the cloud, something that’s impossible with external hard drives.
It’s also overall more secure, thanks to advanced encryption methods and the fact that you don’t need to take your hard drive with you everywhere to access your information.
You may be hesitant to switch to a cloud storage solution, but as these points above show it’s a far better way of keeping your data safe today. It also ensures your business is better prepared for any emergencies that might occur.
You need your data to be backed up properly, and unless you’re backing up on numerous hard drives at once, cloud storage is a better way to guarantee this. Not only that but its considerably less time-consuming to do so.
If you’re unsure how to properly make the transition to cloud storage, or have other tech questions, make sure to look through previous posts on our website. We work to provide simple to understand solutions to real business and tech problems facing companies today.


newslo--2020-06-14--What Is Customer Relationship Management? A Detailed Guide

For any firm , sales are the lifeblood .
Nothing happens until you sell something .
With that in mind , it ’ s no wonder firms invest in customer relationship management ( CRM ) systems , which deliver up to 41 % increase in revenue per salesperson .
Nurturing better customer and stakeholder relations positions your firm as a preferred partner , which builds greater loyalty .
But for you to generate this value , you need to gain a better handle on CRM .
Here ’ s a detailed guide to help you understand what CRM is all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you use to manage relationships between your current and future customers .
With CRM , the overarching goal is simple – better your relationships with customers and other individuals .
Every effort and investment you make should drive to this goal .
CRM gives you a central system through which you can organize all the data relating to your leads , customers , suppliers , and other stakeholders .
Through agile CRM can streamline your sales , marketing , and customer care ( more info here ) .
In the beginning , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer as you are not dealing with many relationships .
However , as you bring more clients , leads , and stakeholders on board , things become complicated .
The data you accumulate will need a more robust system to manage .
Who Is CRM Best Suited For ?
Practically any organization can deploy and find value in CRM .
As long as your firm needs to streamline sales , customer care , suppliers , customers , and the like , CRM can be of great benefit .
For example , does your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list on leads and customers ( which business doesn ’ t ? )
?
CRM helps you more efficiently run that process .
Do you have a customer care team where several workers interact with various customers ?
You need a CRM system to avoid repetitive interactions when a client reaches out to a different customer care representative .
Maintaining an information base that representatives can refer to and pick up the conversation with a customer from where the last rep left it off at is vital .
When Is the Best Time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your organization could benefit from investing in CRM .
But when do you need to take the system on ?
With any organization , this question becomes a pressing matter when you can no longer manage your information on spreadsheets .
Whenever the lack of immediate visibility into the necessary information hits , there ’ s pressure to figure out a better way .
Let ’ s not mention that time when an employee decided to leave , and you lost some sales because they used to manage the data .
You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early as possible instead of waiting for such complexities to set in .
If you wait till you can ’ t get by on several spreadsheets anymore , you ’ ll have suffered opportunity costs due to lost information .
Furthermore , the effort it will take to shift and reorganize all the data in a new system takes the team ’ s eyes off the ball .
You ’ re much better off starting with CRM at the earliest stage and growing into it as you scale and generate more information .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ off , there are no fixed prices for CRM solutions .
What you pay will depend on several factors .
Many providers will charge you a per-user fee .
For example , if the charge is $ 50 per user and you have six users , you ’ ll pay $ 300 for the service .
Other CRM providers will ask you to pay based on functionality .
For example , you can find a solution charging $ 50 per user , per period for company , client , and deal management .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can add on another set of functionalities .
Some CRM solutions charge for extra data , and these come in various structured packages .
For example , you may be expected to pay on a per-record basis .
In this case , say for every 1,000 people you add to your database , there is a price attached .
Other providers will charge you based on the amount of storage you take up .
For example , you can find a CRM system charging you a particular fee for every 5GB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CRM Do for Your Firm ?
With a CRM system , you can find more clients , win new business , and continue making your customers happy .
Through the efficient organization of customer or prospect information , you can develop ways to nurture stronger relationships that result in robust sales .
A CRM system will begin by collecting a customer ’ s website , email , social media information , and phone number across several channels and sources .
The system will go a step further to crawl more customer data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The CRM also records a level of personal information relating to a customer , such as their preferred means of communication .
Once you input all the necessary information , the system will categorize it .
You then have a total data record of the customer and their company to enable you to unlock more value from that relationship in time .
Quality CRM systems also integrate with other business tools oriented toward customer development .
These include document signing apps , billing and accounting systems , and surveys .
The 360-degree view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both ways is critical in better decision making and operations .
In addition to all this , new generation CRM capabilities introduce artificial intelligence ( AI ) to automate your operations further .
AI helps the CRM system automate the more manual tasks so you can focus on mission-critical issues .
Therefore , administrative tasks like data entry , service case routing , among others , fall to the built-in intelligence capability .
The AI also helps generate and surface insights to help you better understand your clients .
Some CRM systems can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel to enable you to better prepare for the engagement .
The health of your client relationships impacts the revenue you bring in .
CRM is critical in enabling high-quality relationship management through organizing data you need to best serve your customers , leads , and other stakeholders .
Before you invest in a CRM system , conduct in-depth research on your options to find which works best for your firm .
Are you looking for up to date business and/or technology news ?
Check out more of our content for insights on @ @ @ @ @ @

For any firm, sales are the lifeblood. Nothing happens until you sell something. With that in mind, it’s no wonder firms invest in customer relationship management (CRM) systems, which deliver up to 41% increase in revenue per salesperson.
Nurturing better customer and stakeholder relations positions your firm as a preferred partner, which builds greater loyalty. But for you to generate this value, you need to gain a better handle on CRM.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand what CRM is all about
What’s Customer Relationship Management?
CRM refers to the technology suite you use to manage relationships between your current and future customers.
With CRM, the overarching goal is simple – better your relationships with customers and other individuals. Every effort and investment you make should drive to this goal.
CRM gives you a central system through which you can organize all the data relating to your leads, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Through agile CRM can streamline your sales, marketing, and customer care (more info here).
In the beginning, it’s relatively easy to manage your customer as you are not dealing with many relationships.
However, as you bring more clients, leads, and stakeholders on board, things become complicated. The data you accumulate will need a more robust system to manage.
Who Is CRM Best Suited For?
Practically any organization can deploy and find value in CRM. As long as your firm needs to streamline sales, customer care, suppliers, customers, and the like, CRM can be of great benefit.
For example, does your firm need to maintain a centralized data list on leads and customers (which business doesn’t?)? CRM helps you more efficiently run that process.
Do you have a customer care team where several workers interact with various customers?
You need a CRM system to avoid repetitive interactions when a client reaches out to a different customer care representative.
Maintaining an information base that representatives can refer to and pick up the conversation with a customer from where the last rep left it off at is vital.
When Is the Best Time to Adopt CRM?
So you think your organization could benefit from investing in CRM. But when do you need to take the system on?
With any organization, this question becomes a pressing matter when you can no longer manage your information on spreadsheets.
Whenever the lack of immediate visibility into the necessary information hits, there’s pressure to figure out a better way.
Let’s not mention that time when an employee decided to leave, and you lost some sales because they used to manage the data.
It’s simple.
You are better off adopting a CRM system as early as possible instead of waiting for such complexities to set in.
If you wait till you can’t get by on several spreadsheets anymore, you’ll have suffered opportunity costs due to lost information.
Furthermore, the effort it will take to shift and reorganize all the data in a new system takes the team’s eyes off the ball.
You’re much better off starting with CRM at the earliest stage and growing into it as you scale and generate more information.
How Much Does CRM Cost?
First off, there are no fixed prices for CRM solutions. What you pay will depend on several factors.
Many providers will charge you a per-user fee. For example, if the charge is $50 per user and you have six users, you’ll pay $300 for the service.
Other CRM providers will ask you to pay based on functionality. For example, you can find a solution charging $50 per user, per period for company, client, and deal management.
If you pay an extra $50, you can add on another set of functionalities.
Some CRM solutions charge for extra data, and these come in various structured packages.
For example, you may be expected to pay on a per-record basis. In this case, say for every 1,000 people you add to your database, there is a price attached.
Other providers will charge you based on the amount of storage you take up. For example, you can find a CRM system charging you a particular fee for every 5GB of storage you consume.
What Does CRM Do for Your Firm?
With a CRM system, you can find more clients, win new business, and continue making your customers happy.
Through the efficient organization of customer or prospect information, you can develop ways to nurture stronger relationships that result in robust sales.
A CRM system will begin by collecting a customer’s website, email, social media information, and phone number across several channels and sources.
The system will go a step further to crawl more customer data from their organization’s latest news. The CRM also records a level of personal information relating to a customer, such as their preferred means of communication.
Once you input all the necessary information, the system will categorize it.
You then have a total data record of the customer and their company to enable you to unlock more value from that relationship in time.
Quality CRM systems also integrate with other business tools oriented toward customer development. These include document signing apps, billing and accounting systems, and surveys.
The 360-degree view of your customer due to data flowing both ways is critical in better decision making and operations.
In addition to all this, new generation CRM capabilities introduce artificial intelligence (AI) to automate your operations further.
AI helps the CRM system automate the more manual tasks so you can focus on mission-critical issues. Therefore, administrative tasks like data entry, service case routing, among others, fall to the built-in intelligence capability.
The AI also helps generate and surface insights to help you better understand your clients.
Some CRM systems can predict how your clients or prospects might feel to enable you to better prepare for the engagement.
Build Better Client Relationships
The health of your client relationships impacts the revenue you bring in. CRM is critical in enabling high-quality relationship management through organizing data you need to best serve your customers, leads, and other stakeholders. Before you invest in a CRM system, conduct in-depth research on your options to find which works best for your firm.
Are you looking for up to date business and/or technology news? Check out more of our content for insights on how technology and business intersect.


newslo--2020-06-14--Write This Way: 9 Clever Tips for How to Write Like a Journalist

Journalists have to produce a huge amount of material .
The Washington Post editorial staff alone , publish 500 stories a day .
That ’ s a lot of news , every day .
Have you always wanted to write stories like a journalist ?
They seem to have a way of captivating their readers .
Read on to learn how to write like a journalist A good story needs good quality information .
Do your research thoroughly and you ’ ll have a detailed understanding of all the possible angles .
Research might involve visiting the location of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring the story to life for you so you can bring it to life for your readers .
Other research can supplement the visit to the location and interviews .
Online research , for example , may provide background and supplementary information .
Another aspect of research is about your readers .
Understanding your reader is key to success in journalistic writing .
Whether your work is for a small circle of friends or for wider press release distribution , have your readership in mind while you write .
What is it that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting ?
A story has to have an angle to interest the reader .
Often this is something that will elicit an emotional response in the reader .
Stories with human interest capture the reader ’ s attention because they are relatable .
The reader ’ s empathy is engaged .
A dull political story can be given more appeal by focusing on the personalities of the politicians involved .
Jeopardy is another angle to capture readers ’ attention .
A boring story about economic statistics becomes an interesting story when the angle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whatever the angle , it needs to be front and center .
Ideally , it should be in the headline or at least in the first few words of the article .
The reader ’ s attention is grabbed and held from the start .
A strong introduction is a typical journalistic technique .
Not only is the angle in the introduction but the key information in the story needs to be there too .
There ’ s no place in journalistic writing for a slow build-up of the story .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last paragraph .
Many readers will only read the introduction .
The whole story has to be covered in summary in this opening paragraph .
This opening paragraph is known as the lede .
The lede establishes the what , when , where , who , and why of the story .
It hooks the reader .
The essential points can then be built on or expanded in the body of the article .
A typical structure of an article is represented as an inverted pyramid .
The most important elements of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important last .
After the lede , the body of the article can provide supporting information .
It can unpack some of the detail behind the lede .
Help the reader by providing a logical structure to article with each section or paragraph having a distinct message .
Don ’ t repeat yourself or summarize .
Journalistic writing has a heavy dependence on quotations from witnesses to the story .
These quotations provide different perspectives .
As the writer or journalist tells the story , the quotations bring it to life .
Provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brings credence to the account .
Expressing the comments in quotation marks means the reader can apparently “ hear ” the words of witnesses who were present .
This is much more powerful than having the journalist ’ s third-party account .
When sources can be disclosed , do so .
It is persuasive evidence that the account is true .
It also shows that the journalist has done their research .
The writing style is a major indicator of journalistic writing .
A distinctive characteristic is writing using the active voice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a subject that performs the action described by the verb .
“ I love you ” is an example .
A passive voice is when the subject of the sentence has the action described by the verb , performed on them .
“ You are loved by me ” is an example .
Both of these sentences describe the same fact .
The difference is that the active voice is stronger , clearer , and more direct .
The meaning is more immediately accessible to the reader .
The pace of the story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The writing seems to move along more energetically .
It ’ s this energy that is engaging and makes journalistic writing so attractive .
Journalistic writing is rapidly consumed .
It ’ s not generally read more than once and so has to be accessible to all readers .
The key to this is simplicity .
The author , Ernest Hemmingway , famously developed his writing style as a journalist .
His approach was to have short sentences , simple sentence construction , and fewer descriptive adjectives than most writers .
Keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read .
The meaning is more obvious .
It ’ s got pace , immediacy , and energy .
Journalists are used to having their work edited .
The process of writing and then editing it helps to avoid redundancy in the writing .
Fluff or content that does not add to the story is ruthlessly removed .
The best journalists edit themselves .
They check and re-check their own work .
They hold themselves to high standards of writing .
If better journalistic writing is your aim you have to be prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ painful but a professional journalist learns to take it on the chin .
Listen and learn .
Start writing .
Apply these tips and get more experience .
Eventually , you ’ ll learn how to write like a journalist .
Browse our website for more business tips .

Journalists have to produce a huge amount of material. The Washington Post editorial staff alone, publish 500 stories a day. That’s a lot of news, every day.
Have you always wanted to write stories like a journalist? They seem to have a way of captivating their readers.
Read on to learn how to write like a journalist
1. Do Your Research
A good story needs good quality information. Do your research thoroughly and you’ll have a detailed understanding of all the possible angles.
Research might involve visiting the location of the story. Meeting and talking to witnesses bring the story to life for you so you can bring it to life for your readers.
Other research can supplement the visit to the location and interviews. Online research, for example, may provide background and supplementary information.
Another aspect of research is about your readers. Understanding your reader is key to success in journalistic writing. Whether your work is for a small circle of friends or for wider press release distribution, have your readership in mind while you write.
2. Find an Angle
What is it that makes the basic facts of a story interesting? A story has to have an angle to interest the reader. Often this is something that will elicit an emotional response in the reader.
Stories with human interest capture the reader’s attention because they are relatable. The reader’s empathy is engaged. A dull political story can be given more appeal by focusing on the personalities of the politicians involved.
Jeopardy is another angle to capture readers’ attention. A boring story about economic statistics becomes an interesting story when the angle is potential job losses or business failure.
Whatever the angle, it needs to be front and center. Ideally, it should be in the headline or at least in the first few words of the article. The reader’s attention is grabbed and held from the start.
3. Open Strongly
A strong introduction is a typical journalistic technique. Not only is the angle in the introduction but the key information in the story needs to be there too.
There’s no place in journalistic writing for a slow build-up of the story. There’s no dramatic reveal in the last paragraph.
Many readers will only read the introduction. The whole story has to be covered in summary in this opening paragraph. This opening paragraph is known as the lede.
The lede establishes the what, when, where, who, and why of the story. It hooks the reader. The essential points can then be built on or expanded in the body of the article.
4. Use the Inverted Pyramid Structure
A typical structure of an article is represented as an inverted pyramid. The most important elements of the story are presented first. The least important last.
After the lede, the body of the article can provide supporting information. It can unpack some of the detail behind the lede.
Help the reader by providing a logical structure to article with each section or paragraph having a distinct message. Don’t repeat yourself or summarize.
5. Quote-Unquote
Journalistic writing has a heavy dependence on quotations from witnesses to the story. These quotations provide different perspectives. As the writer or journalist tells the story, the quotations bring it to life.
Provide attribution for quotations wherever possible. It brings credence to the account.
Expressing the comments in quotation marks means the reader can apparently “hear” the words of witnesses who were present. This is much more powerful than having the journalist’s third-party account.
When sources can be disclosed, do so. It is persuasive evidence that the account is true. It also shows that the journalist has done their research.
6. Active Voice
The writing style is a major indicator of journalistic writing. A distinctive characteristic is writing using the active voice.
Active voice is when a sentence has a subject that performs the action described by the verb. “I love you” is an example. A passive voice is when the subject of the sentence has the action described by the verb, performed on them. “You are loved by me” is an example.
Both of these sentences describe the same fact. The difference is that the active voice is stronger, clearer, and more direct. The meaning is more immediately accessible to the reader.
The pace of the story is better served by an active voice. The writing seems to move along more energetically. It’s this energy that is engaging and makes journalistic writing so attractive.
7. Simplicity
Journalistic writing is rapidly consumed. It’s not generally read more than once and so has to be accessible to all readers. The key to this is simplicity.
The author, Ernest Hemmingway, famously developed his writing style as a journalist. His approach was to have short sentences, simple sentence construction, and fewer descriptive adjectives than most writers.
Keeping your writing simpler makes it easier to read. The meaning is more obvious. It’s got pace, immediacy, and energy.
8. Edit and Edit Again
Journalists are used to having their work edited. The process of writing and then editing it helps to avoid redundancy in the writing. Fluff or content that does not add to the story is ruthlessly removed.
The best journalists edit themselves. They check and re-check their own work. They hold themselves to high standards of writing.
9. Take Criticism
If better journalistic writing is your aim you have to be prepared to take feedback. Criticism might feel painful but a professional journalist learns to take it on the chin. Listen and learn.
Write Like a Journalist
Start writing. Apply these tips and get more experience. Eventually, you’ll learn how to write like a journalist.
Browse our website for more business tips.


newslo--2020-06-18--Filing for Bankruptcy after a Car Accident – What You Need to Know

Filing for bankruptcy is never a good thing as it means you are no longer able to honor any financial obligations you have .
Filing for bankruptcy should be the last option but it can be used to get you out of some tough situations , for example when you get involved in a car accident .
When you are involved in a car accident , you may be looking for ways to discharge the debts you owe .
Here are a few things you ought to know What Happens After You File for Bankruptcy ?
If you file for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , everything you own and are responsible for , including the car accident , becomes classified as property of the bankruptcy estate .
In this case , you must include your accident in your bankruptcy petition when you present your case to a bankruptcy attorney .
If your lawyer is able to get you some compensation from your car accident , your trustee will likely abandon the case and you will get to keep the money if it is below a certain amount ( the amount varies from state to state ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ money is above a certain threshold , the trustee may ask your north Miami beach car accident lawyer to hold the money in escrow .
The trustee may then pursue the case if they believe the value of it is higher than the threshold needed for them to abandon the case .
They will then decide whether to accept any settlement offers .
After the case is over , the trustee will divide the money between you and your creditors .
If you file for bankruptcy after injuring someone in a car accident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get out of honoring any debts that arise .
The restrictions that could come into place are usually connected to intoxication or driving under the influence of marijuana .
If you get into an accident while drunk and injure or kill someone , you will be left with the obligation to pay for criminal fines , restitution , court fees and bodily injury to the other party .
Your debts are also not dischargeable if you caused willful or malicious injury to another person .
In most cases , a debtor may let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to a car accident after you file for bankruptcy .
As always , the debts can not be forgiven if the damage is caused by malicious or willful acts .
A good example of this is ramming your car into a building because you hate its owner .
Although you may have gotten into an accident , the accident stemmed from a malicious or willful act and you will be on the hook for the damages even after you file for bankruptcy .
Although you might have some room to maneuver after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file for bankruptcy , it is important that you talk to your lawyer to see if the bankruptcy will have any effects on your obligations to pay the necessary damages .
Filing for bankruptcy can get you out of some financial obligations .
That said , there are some exceptions to this rule and it is important you talk to your lawyer about them .
It is also important that you talk to your lawyer to see if you are able to keep your compensation if you have creditors at the time of @ @

Filing for bankruptcy is never a good thing as it means you are no longer able to honor any financial obligations you have. Filing for bankruptcy should be the last option but it can be used to get you out of some tough situations, for example when you get involved in a car accident. When you are involved in a car accident, you may be looking for ways to discharge the debts you owe.
Here are a few things you ought to know
What Happens After You File for Bankruptcy?
If you file for chapter 7 bankruptcy after causing an accident, everything you own and are responsible for, including the car accident, becomes classified as property of the bankruptcy estate. In this case, you must include your accident in your bankruptcy petition when you present your case to a bankruptcy attorney.
About the Money
If your lawyer is able to get you some compensation from your car accident, your trustee will likely abandon the case and you will get to keep the money if it is below a certain amount (the amount varies from state to state). On the other hand, if the money is above a certain threshold, the trustee may ask your north Miami beach car accident lawyer to hold the money in escrow.
The trustee may then pursue the case if they believe the value of it is higher than the threshold needed for them to abandon the case. They will then decide whether to accept any settlement offers. After the case is over, the trustee will divide the money between you and your creditors.
Personal Injuries
If you file for bankruptcy after injuring someone in a car accident, it is unlikely that you will get out of honoring any debts that arise. The restrictions that could come into place are usually connected to intoxication or driving under the influence of marijuana.
If you get into an accident while drunk and injure or kill someone, you will be left with the obligation to pay for criminal fines, restitution, court fees and bodily injury to the other party.
Your debts are also not dischargeable if you caused willful or malicious injury to another person.
Property Damage
In most cases, a debtor may let go of any debts for property damaged due to a car accident after you file for bankruptcy. As always, the debts cannot be forgiven if the damage is caused by malicious or willful acts. A good example of this is ramming your junk car into a building because you hate its owner. Although you may have gotten into an accident, the accident stemmed from a malicious or willful act and you will be on the hook for the damages even after you file for bankruptcy.
Talk to Your Lawyer
Although you might have some room to maneuver after you get into an accident and then file for bankruptcy, it is important that you talk to your lawyer to see if the bankruptcy will have any effects on your obligations to pay the necessary damages to the junk car.
Filing for bankruptcy can get you out of some financial obligations. That said, there are some exceptions to this rule and it is important you talk to your lawyer about them. It is also important that you talk to your lawyer to see if you are able to keep your compensation if you have creditors at the time of filing.


newslo--2020-06-20--How Much Insurance Does My Business Need

In business , as in life , two things are certain : taxes and , well , uncertainty .
The COVID-19 pandemic is a classic example of how uncertainty can topple your business .
Prior to 2020 , you wouldn ’ t have , even in your wildest imaginations , thought that a virus can keep businesses shut for several months .
While you can not eliminate uncertainties , there are steps you can take to better prepare for them .
Buying business insurance is one such step .
If you ’ ve been considering taking this step , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : how much insurance does my business need ?
In this article , we ’ re answering this question .
Continue reading How Much Insurance Does My Business Need ?
Right off the bat , you need to know that there ’ s no fixed business insurance amount .
Every business has its own unique insurance needs .
As such , an amount that ’ s right for your small business isn ’ t necessarily the right amount for my small business .
That being said , there ’ s a blanket policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as general liability insurance .
This policy protects your business from a range of liabilities it might face in the course of its operations .
The average general liability policy provides coverage for up to $ 1 million , at a cost of about $ 500 annually .
This is to say , if your business faces a million-dollar lawsuit and is compelled to pay out the amount , your general liability insurance provider will settle the claim .
What Affects How Much Insurance Your Business Needs ?
There are a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance a business need .
Here are two that carry the most weight : The Nature of Your Business The risks ( and the type and level of those risks ) a business faces vary from industry to industry .
For instance , a fast-food restaurant and an online shoe store face , for the most part , different risks .
While a restaurant has an increased risk of fire , the online store doesn ’ t really have to worry about fires as much .
On the other hand , the online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the restaurant faces no such risk , assuming it doesn ’ t have any online operations .
The good news is there are insurance policies catered to most types of businesses .
If you run a logging company , look into lumber insurance .
If you ’ re a restaurant owner , check out restaurant insurance .
The Size of Your Business The bigger the size of your business , the more insurance you ’ ll typically need .
If your business has multiple outlets across your state or the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same amount of insurance as a startup with only one location .
If you have several employees , your insurance needs will increase , especially with regard to workers ’ compensation insurance .
To this end , you certainly have a clearer answer to the question : How much insurance does my business need ?
But to recap , there ’ s no fixed amount .
It all depends on the nature and size of your business , as well as the types of risks your enterprise faces .
If you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small business consultant .
Stay hooked to our blog for more small business tips and insights .

In business, as in life, two things are certain: taxes and, well, uncertainty.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a classic example of how uncertainty can topple your business. Prior to 2020, you wouldn’t have, even in your wildest imaginations, thought that a virus can keep businesses shut for several months.
While you cannot eliminate uncertainties, there are steps you can take to better prepare for them. Buying business insurance is one such step.
If you’ve been considering taking this step, one of the questions in your mind is: how much insurance does my business need?
In this article, we’re answering this question. Continue reading
How Much Insurance Does My Business Need?
Right off the bat, you need to know that there’s no fixed business insurance amount. Every business has its own unique insurance needs. As such, an amount that’s right for your small business isn’t necessarily the right amount for my small business.
That being said, there’s a blanket policy most businesses buy. It’s known as general liability insurance. This policy protects your business from a range of liabilities it might face in the course of its operations.
The average general liability policy provides coverage for up to $1 million, at a cost of about $500 annually. This is to say, if your business faces a million-dollar lawsuit and is compelled to pay out the amount, your general liability insurance provider will settle the claim.
What Affects How Much Insurance Your Business Needs?
There are a number of variables that affect the amount of insurance a business need. Here are two that carry the most weight:
The Nature of Your Business
The risks (and the type and level of those risks) a business faces vary from industry to industry.
For instance, a fast-food restaurant and an online shoe store face, for the most part, different risks. While a restaurant has an increased risk of fire, the online store doesn’t really have to worry about fires as much. On the other hand, the online business faces an increased risk of cyberattacks while the restaurant faces no such risk, assuming it doesn’t have any online operations.
The good news is there are insurance policies catered to most types of businesses. If you run a logging company, look into lumber insurance. If you’re a restaurant owner, check out restaurant insurance.
The Size of Your Business
The bigger the size of your business, the more insurance you’ll typically need.
If your business has multiple outlets across your state or the country, you cannot expect to require the same amount of insurance as a startup with only one location.
If you have several employees, your insurance needs will increase, especially with regard to workers’ compensation insurance.
Purchase Adequate Business Insurance
To this end, you certainly have a clearer answer to the question: How much insurance does my business need? But to recap, there’s no fixed amount. It all depends on the nature and size of your business, as well as the types of risks your enterprise faces.
If you’re still unsure, seek the advice of a small business consultant.
Stay hooked to our blog for more small business tips and insights.


newslo--2020-06-20--Vocalize Your Feelings: 9 Little-Known Words to Describe Common Emotions

Have you ever noticed that there ’ s a word for everything ?
In fact , the Oxford English Dictionary contains more than 171,000 words .
There are even words for your emotions .
All of them .
The human mind is very complex , capable of feeling certain things that you might not have ever imagined needed a name .
And yet every emotion has been fully labeled and categorized so that the entire breadth of human psychology can be better understood .
This article takes a look at 9 words to describe common emotions that you probably never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discover insight into the English language that will blow your mind Here ’ s something most people can relate to .
You know that moment when you realize your life doesn ’ t make sense to you anymore ?
That ’ s called “ nodus tollens ” .
Even though you been following the arc of your story as it naturally unfolds , you suddenly have to stop and skim back through the series of events that lead you to this moment .
It ’ s the feeling of finally understanding that life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed .
This post contains even more rare English words .
Onism is the sudden awareness of how small your personal experiences are compared to the amount of the world you ’ ll never experience .
It ’ s like staring at the airport departure board at all the amazing places you could visit , and realizing you ’ ll only be able to visit a small number of them during your lifetime .
This can cause sadness or even a feeling of loss , yet it ’ s just a simple realization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what you will experience as an individual .
This is the name for a recurring thought that only seems to occur late at night .
Such as a looming deadline , and overdue task , or some type of vague fear about the future .
It ’ s as if these particular thoughts wait until bedtime to attack , plaguing your mind with specific anxieties .
Nighthawks often go away for days , weeks , or even months before returning suddenly to fill you with dread .
It ’ s as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you to relax , then sneak inside to build another nest in your mind .
This is the term for the amount of time it takes you to get to know someone .
Think about when you meet someone , perhaps at school or at work .
You likely have a short conversation at first , each gauging the other .
Then over a period of time , the person becomes more and more familiar to you .
The casualness of your relationship gradually melts away .
Sometimes adrontis takes weeks or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer strangers to one another .
Do you consider yourself a fan of ancient history and wish you could experience it firsthand ?
Or perhaps you were born in the 1990s yet have a fondness for the 1960s .
This is called “ anemoia ” , or nostalgia for a time you ’ ve never experienced .
This occurs when you daydream about what it would be like to watch the workers of ancient Egypt build the pyramids or sit on a riverbank in France a few hundred years ago , smelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anemoia isn ’ t uncommon .
After all , everyone has an imagination , and it ’ s natural to be curious about how those who came before us lived their lives .
There is a phenomenon in life in which your experiences seem small and unimpressive until you write them down and see them in an entirely new light .
The Tilt Shift makes the seemingly inconsequential timeline of your life seem suddenly epic , and you perhaps can not believe that you are actually looking at the moments of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is due to the fact that the subject viewpoint is quite different from the objective viewpoint .
In fact , the change in perspective can be hard to wrap your mind around .
It can actually help provide a greater appreciation for everything been through rather than believing that your life has been boring or uneventful .
Next on the list of little know emotions is “ heartworm ” .
Everyone has at least one heartworm in their life .
These are relationships that you simply can ’ t get out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you try .
The person from this relationship has perhaps been out of your life for many years , and your feelings for them faded long ago , and yet you apparently maintain some form of unfinished business with them .
A heartworm is much like a campfire that ’ s been extinguished , and yet warm embers remain after a day or two , still hot enough to potentially spark a fire .
Keyframe refers to a moment that might seem rather banal or innocuous at the time , and yet ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your life .
This doesn ’ t occur due to any major epiphanies or dramatic moment , it ’ s actually quite imperceptible .
You ’ ll likely only notice the change of direction in retrospect as you look back over a specific flow on events .
In fact , you might not notice the keyframe until many years after the fact .
This is the sadness experienced at the realization that you ’ ll never fully know what others think of you .
No matter if their thoughts are good or bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thus you might burn far too much energy trying to make someone love you who already does or who never will .
The world is full of interesting words that describe every detail of life .
Some you ’ ll learn and some you won ’ t .
Fortunately , these words that describe common emotions provide a bit of insight into what you experience on a daily basis .
Keep scrolling to discover even more useful tips and advice .

Have you ever noticed that there’s a word for everything? In fact, the Oxford English Dictionary contains more than 171,000 words.
There are even words for your emotions. All of them.
The human mind is very complex, capable of feeling certain things that you might not have ever imagined needed a name. And yet every emotion has been fully labeled and categorized so that the entire breadth of human psychology can be better understood.
This article takes a look at 9 words to describe common emotions that you probably never knew had names.
Keep reading to discover insight into the English language that will blow your mind
1. Nodus Tollens
Here’s something most people can relate to. You know that moment when you realize your life doesn’t make sense to you anymore? That’s called “nodus tollens”.
Even though you been following the arc of your story as it naturally unfolds, you suddenly have to stop and skim back through the series of events that lead you to this moment.
It’s the feeling of finally understanding that life is much more random than you previously believed.
This post contains even more rare English words.
2. Onism
Onism is the sudden awareness of how small your personal experiences are compared to the amount of the world you’ll never experience.
It’s like staring at the airport departure board at all the amazing places you could visit, and realizing you’ll only be able to visit a small number of them during your lifetime.
This can cause sadness or even a feeling of loss, yet it’s just a simple realization of how vast the world is compared to what you will experience as an individual.
3. Nighthawk
This is the name for a recurring thought that only seems to occur late at night. Such as a looming deadline, and overdue task, or some type of vague fear about the future.
It’s as if these particular thoughts wait until bedtime to attack, plaguing your mind with specific anxieties.
Nighthawks often go away for days, weeks, or even months before returning suddenly to fill you with dread. It’s as if they are waiting outside the bedroom window for you to relax, then sneak inside to build another nest in your mind.
4. Adrontis
This is the term for the amount of time it takes you to get to know someone.
Think about when you meet someone, perhaps at school or at work. You likely have a short conversation at first, each gauging the other. Then over a period of time, the person becomes more and more familiar to you. The casualness of your relationship gradually melts away.
Sometimes adrontis takes weeks or months, but eventually, you are no longer strangers to one another.
5. Anemoia
Do you consider yourself a fan of ancient history and wish you could experience it firsthand? Or perhaps you were born in the 1990s yet have a fondness for the 1960s. This is called “anemoia”, or nostalgia for a time you’ve never experienced.
This occurs when you daydream about what it would be like to watch the workers of ancient Egypt build the pyramids or sit on a riverbank in France a few hundred years ago, smelling the air and enjoying the beautiful flowers.
Anemoia isn’t uncommon. After all, everyone has an imagination, and it’s natural to be curious about how those who came before us lived their lives.
6. The Tilt Shift
There is a phenomenon in life in which your experiences seem small and unimpressive until you write them down and see them in an entirely new light.
The Tilt Shift makes the seemingly inconsequential timeline of your life seem suddenly epic, and you perhaps cannot believe that you are actually looking at the moments of your life rather than someone else’s.
This is due to the fact that the subject viewpoint is quite different from the objective viewpoint. In fact, the change in perspective can be hard to wrap your mind around.
It can actually help provide a greater appreciation for everything been through rather than believing that your life has been boring or uneventful.
7. Heartworm
Next on the list of little know emotions is “heartworm”. Everyone has at least one heartworm in their life. These are relationships that you simply can’t get out of your head no matter how hard you try.
The person from this relationship has perhaps been out of your life for many years, and your feelings for them faded long ago, and yet you apparently maintain some form of unfinished business with them.
A heartworm is much like a campfire that’s been extinguished, and yet warm embers remain after a day or two, still hot enough to potentially spark a fire.
8. Keyframe
Keyframe refers to a moment that might seem rather banal or innocuous at the time, and yet ended up representing an entirely new path for your life.
This doesn’t occur due to any major epiphanies or dramatic moment, it’s actually quite imperceptible. You’ll likely only notice the change of direction in retrospect as you look back over a specific flow on events.
In fact, you might not notice the keyframe until many years after the fact.
9. Catoptric Tristesse
This is the sadness experienced at the realization that you’ll never fully know what others think of you. No matter if their thoughts are good or bad, you’ll simply never know. Thus you might burn far too much energy trying to make someone love you who already does or who never will.
A Guide to Unusual Words that Describe Common Emotions
The world is full of interesting words that describe every detail of life. Some you’ll learn and some you won’t. Fortunately, these words that describe common emotions provide a bit of insight into what you experience on a daily basis.
Keep scrolling to discover even more useful tips and advice.


newslo--2020-06-23--Here’s What You Need to Know About Light Duty Work Restrictions

You recently injured your back , and now you ’ ve been given the okay to go on light duty at work .
Part of you wants to scream , “ Thank goodness !
” But the other , more cautious part of you can ’ t help but ask , “ What exactly will I be doing at work ?
” If you have an active Workman ’ s comp claim , it ’ s critical that you understand what light duty work restrictions are and how they will affect your role .
Fortunately , we ’ ve compiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you know how your job will look going forward .
In the majority of states , employers have to offer their employees light-duty work when these employees are hurt on the job if this type of work is available .
Light duty work may range from supervising other workers to taking inventory .
In addition , workers usually must accept this work if their treating physicians approve of the duties they will be performing .
Note , though , that accepting this type of work doesn ’ t mean you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the payment you receive for your light-duty work is lower than the amount you earned prior to your accident , you ’ ll likely receive the difference when you receive your disability payments .
Thinking about turning down a light-duty opportunity ?
Don ’ t .
This can negatively affect the benefits you receive for light-duty workman ’ s comp .
Specifically , you may lose the right to receive benefits by refusing to accept doctor-approved light duty work .
When it comes to workers comp light duty , you may be asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on light duty ?
” The reality is , no legal limits exist for how long employers can keep employees on light duty .
You can stay for the amount of time that your physician has you on restrictions at work .
Also , note that it is not legal for your company to terminate you just because you refuse to perform tasks that your physician says you should not do .
Furthermore , be sure to record the date that you were started on your light-duty tasks .
And keep detailed records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employer regarding your light duty arrangement .
Keeping solid records will help you to protect your best interests in the event that your employer decides to remove you from light-duty too soon .
How We Can Help In addition to highlighting light duty work restrictions , we offer a wide range of tips and advice related to construction and design .
For instance , you can find out important tips for maintaining your roof or even the latest trends in the construction industry .
In addition , you can even discover through our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Explore our site to learn more about how to enhance your quality of life both personally and professionally today .

You recently injured your back, and now you’ve been given the okay to go on light duty at work.
Part of you wants to scream, “Thank goodness!” But the other, more cautious part of you can’t help but ask, “What exactly will I be doing at work?”
If you have an active Workman’s comp claim, it’s critical that you understand what light duty work restrictions are and how they will affect your role.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a brief guide on these restrictions so that you know how your job will look going forward.
Let’s dig in
What Is Light Duty?
In the majority of states, employers have to offer their employees light-duty work when these employees are hurt on the job if this type of work is available.
Light duty work may range from supervising other workers to taking inventory.
In addition, workers usually must accept this work if their treating physicians approve of the duties they will be performing.
Note, though, that accepting this type of work doesn’t mean you’ll automatically lose your disability benefits. If the payment you receive for your light-duty work is lower than the amount you earned prior to your accident, you’ll likely receive the difference when you receive your disability payments.
Can Your Reject Light Duty Work?
Thinking about turning down a light-duty opportunity? Don’t. This can negatively affect the benefits you receive for light-duty workman’s comp.
Specifically, you may lose the right to receive benefits by refusing to accept doctor-approved light duty work.
Additional Considerations Regarding Light Duty Work Restrictions
When it comes to workers comp light duty, you may be asking, “How long can you stay on light duty?”
The reality is, no legal limits exist for how long employers can keep employees on light duty. You can stay for the amount of time that your physician has you on restrictions at work.
Also, note that it is not legal for your company to terminate you just because you refuse to perform tasks that your physician says you should not do.
Furthermore, be sure to record the date that you were started on your light-duty tasks. And keep detailed records of the conversations you have with your employer regarding your light duty arrangement.
Keeping solid records will help you to protect your best interests in the event that your employer decides to remove you from light-duty too soon.
How We Can Help
In addition to highlighting light duty work restrictions, we offer a wide range of tips and advice related to construction and design.
For instance, you can find out important tips for maintaining your roof or even the latest trends in the construction industry. In addition, you can even discover through our site how to reduce your utility bills.
Explore our site to learn more about how to enhance your quality of life both personally and professionally today.


newslo--2020-06-24--The US Stock Market is Slowly Recovering

We started this year with some unpredictable global turmoil .
The entire world is now fighting against the novel coronavirus pandemic that started spreading from China , later covering the vast majority of the planet .
As a result , now the virus has been contracted by over 8 million people globally whilst the death toll nears a grim number of half a million .
However , besides the human cost of the coronavirus pandemic , there is unprecedented economic pressure on every government around the world .
Even during the 21st century , we have navigated through a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the swine flu , the world has survived many difficult situations with common efforts and joint work .
There has not been the need for such radical and drastic measures in recent history , anywhere , and under no circumstances .
So what makes the novel coronavirus infection so different ?
Why is it costing people lives , jobs , health , and freedom ?
What does it have that the swine flu or ebola did not ?
And most importantly , why is the impact of the virus so grim on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The one factor that makes COVID-19 stand out from the rest is its high reproduction rate .
The R rate , as it is commonly referred to as , indicates on average how many people will contract the virus from one infected individual .
The R rate is exceptionally high with coronavirus and stands at the natural mark of 3 .
However , with relevant manipulation and lockdown measures , the R rate can be reduced to the absolute minimum .
For instance , the UK government has set the goal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all times , all across the country .
This way , the virus will not be spreading any further , flattening the curve significantly .
As such , social distancing happens to be the only known and practiced way of fighting against the virus .
For this very reason , utterly restrictive lockdown measures had to be introduced practically in all affected countries .
Italy became the first major nation to ban mobility in all forms nationwide .
Later , it was followed by others in Europe , Asia , and the Americas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a standstill , forcing many companies to close down .
The stock market struggles throughout the crisis From the very beginning of the pandemic , every statement made by national and international leaders , organizations and experts have been causing falls and surges in US stock markets .
However , in the end , this has been a predominantly negative experience for the industry .
The announcement of lockdown measures , Boris Johnson testing positive for COVID-19 and president Trump ’ s often confusing and appalling statements have made the stock market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the turmoil .
As of now , there is a visible trend of gains slowly growing from post-COVID trauma .
But how are S & P 500 or Nasdaq Composite seeing any positive signs amid the predictions of the worst economic downturn since the great depression ?
The recovery of the US stock markets amid the nearing recession The US stock markets have gone through something unique in early 2020 .
In February 2020 , the US stock market was at the all-time high , thriving with positive outlooks and the optimism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a month from the 19th of February , the market went down to a devastating , grim mark .
This has been said to be the fastest decline from the high point to the bear market .
What has happened to the US stock market in early 2020 is extremely clear .
There was practically no certainty , with no valid information flowing in or out .
The government in Washington was not ready to deal with the global pandemic , changing strategies way too often , sparking the feeling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The companies were shut down and that impacted major corporations almost as equally .
Big names keep shutting down key locations and branches to this very date .
However , the market seems to be back on track .
The S & P 500 has recovered completely , going back to its pre-pandemic mark in late May .
Nasdaq Composite , a key index with a bunch of tech firms listed , closed above 10,000 for the first time , showing the strong recovery from the total lockdown that lasted for almost 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to their original spots while others are exceeding expectations .
So why is it that during the anticipated major recession , the US stock market keeps thriving ?
Why is there so much even happening on the US stock market during such an economic turmoil ?
The answer is not simple , but there is one factor when it comes to reading the pattern of the US stock market .
The leading experts in the field say , that the stock market is the best indicator of what there is to expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , by no means is it a direct parallel and completely accurate representation of the economic development and dynamics .
However , usually , the stock market falls sometime before the recession .
It closely indicates what is to come a few months before the recession hits .
Usually , the recovery starts three to four months prior to the end of the recession .
However , as we know for sure , the recession is yet to begin with its full force .
We keep living in the global recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining at a constant rate in the United States .
Therefore , the stock recovery now does not indicate the end of the recession .
Rather , it shows that the lockdown measures are getting lifted globally and that we started understanding more about the virus .

We started this year with some unpredictable global turmoil. The entire world is now fighting against the novel coronavirus pandemic that started spreading from China, later covering the vast majority of the planet. As a result, now the virus has been contracted by over 8 million people globally whilst the death toll nears a grim number of half a million. However, besides the human cost of the coronavirus pandemic, there is unprecedented economic pressure on every government around the world.
Even during the 21st century, we have navigated through a number of pandemics. From the Ebola outbreak to the swine flu, the world has survived many difficult situations with common efforts and joint work. There has not been the need for such radical and drastic measures in recent history, anywhere, and under no circumstances. So what makes the novel coronavirus infection so different? Why is it costing people lives, jobs, health, and freedom? What does it have that the swine flu or ebola did not? And most importantly, why is the impact of the virus so grim on stock markets and economies in all nations?
The one factor that makes COVID-19 stand out from the rest is its high reproduction rate. The R rate, as it is commonly referred to as, indicates on average how many people will contract the virus from one infected individual. The R rate is exceptionally high with coronavirus and stands at the natural mark of 3. However, with relevant manipulation and lockdown measures, the R rate can be reduced to the absolute minimum. For instance, the UK government has set the goal to keep the reproduction rate below 1 at all times, all across the country. This way, the virus will not be spreading any further, flattening the curve significantly.
As such, social distancing happens to be the only known and practiced way of fighting against the virus. For this very reason, utterly restrictive lockdown measures had to be introduced practically in all affected countries. Italy became the first major nation to ban mobility in all forms nationwide. Later, it was followed by others in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This practically brought the economic activity to a standstill, forcing many companies to close down.
The stock market struggles throughout the crisis
From the very beginning of the pandemic, every statement made by national and international leaders, organizations and experts have been causing falls and surges in US stock markets. However, in the end, this has been a predominantly negative experience for the industry. The announcement of lockdown measures, Boris Johnson testing positive for COVID-19 and president Trump’s often confusing and appalling statements have made the stock market one of the least predictable financial sectors throughout the turmoil. As of now, there is a visible trend of gains slowly growing from post-COVID trauma. But how are S&P 500 or Nasdaq Composite seeing any positive signs amid the predictions of the worst economic downturn since the great depression?
The recovery of the US stock markets amid the nearing recession
The US stock markets have gone through something unique in early 2020. In February 2020, the US stock market was at the all-time high, thriving with positive outlooks and the optimism of even further growth. However, just a month from the 19th of February, the market went down to a devastating, grim mark. This has been said to be the fastest decline from the high point to the bear market.
What has happened to the US stock market in early 2020 is extremely clear. There was practically no certainty, with no valid information flowing in or out. The government in Washington was not ready to deal with the global pandemic, changing strategies way too often, sparking the feeling of the unstable environment among the US-based businesses. The companies were shut down and that impacted major corporations almost as equally. Big names keep shutting down key locations and branches to this very date.
However, the market seems to be back on track. The S&P 500 has recovered completely, going back to its pre-pandemic mark in late May. Nasdaq Composite, a key index with a bunch of tech firms listed, closed above 10,000 for the first time, showing the strong recovery from the total lockdown that lasted for almost 3 months. Other indexes have also gotten back to their original spots while others are exceeding expectations.
So why is it that during the anticipated major recession, the US stock market keeps thriving? Why is there so much even happening on the US stock market during such an economic turmoil? The answer is not simple, but there is one factor when it comes to reading the pattern of the US stock market.
The leading experts in the field say, that the stock market is the best indicator of what there is to expect for the economy on a broad scale. However, by no means is it a direct parallel and completely accurate representation of the economic development and dynamics. However, usually, the stock market falls sometime before the recession. It closely indicates what is to come a few months before the recession hits. Usually, the recovery starts three to four months prior to the end of the recession.
However, as we know for sure, the recession is yet to begin with its full force. We keep living in the global recession with the number of new coronavirus infections remaining at a constant rate in the United States. Therefore, the stock recovery now does not indicate the end of the recession. Rather, it shows that the lockdown measures are getting lifted globally and that we started understanding more about the virus.