Saturday, 31 December 2022

Love Your Business at SmallBizFluence “Find Your Freedom” Event

Sometimes the love you had when you first started your business can get lost. From finding new customers to marketing, and running the day-to-day operation of your business it can be overwhelming. The goal of SmallBizFluence “Find Your Freedom” is to help you take back your life as well as the love you first had for your business.

 

event-post-ssmall-business-live-virtual-events-december-31-2022

Click the red button and register now to attend SmallBizFluence “Find Your Freedom” from February 6-10, 2023. Work on your business, not in it.

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Featured Events, Contests and Awards

SmallBizFluence: "Find Your Freedom" EventSmallBizFluence: “Find Your Freedom” Event
February 06, 2023, Online

The SmallBizFluence “Find Your Freedom” event is days long online event that will enable you take your life back — and love your business. You’ll learn how to get more clients, make more money, and save time so that you can work on your business and not in it. Register today!


Building Business CapabilityBuilding Business Capability
May 08, 2023, Las Vegas, Nevada

Building Business Capability is the only conference that enhances your ability to advance People, Product, Data, and Knowledge, to build your core leadership skills, to create a customer centric organization, and to deliver digital transformation.


Conversion Conference Conversion Conference
June 19, 2023, Las Vegas, Nevada

The Conversion Conference will leave you knowing how to attract the right audience, align business models with the user experience, optimize the lifetime value of client relationships and introduce you to the right technology to make it all happen.


More Events

More Contests

This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends.

You can see a full list of events, contests and award listings or post your own events by visiting the Small Business Events Calendar.

Image: BizSugar

This article, "Love Your Business at SmallBizFluence “Find Your Freedom” Event" was first published on Small Business Trends



Experts Share How to Make Your Content Marketing More Impactful

Each business’s content marketing plan is likely to look a bit different. There are many strategies that can boost your impact or get your content in front of more eyes. Here, members of the online small business community share some options to try if you’re ready to improve your marketing efforts.

ways to make your content marketing more impactful

Boost Your Content Performance

Content creation can require a significant time commitment. So you want to get as much benefit from each piece of content as possible. Learn how to boost the performance of your content in this Platter of Gold post by Adeyemi Adisa.

Get Your Content to Rank Without Backlinks

Backlinks can quickly boost the visibility of online content. But you don’t have complete control over the links that point to your content. To get your content to rank anyway, read the tips in this post by Erik Emanuelli. Then head over to BizSugar to see what members are saying.

Use These Link Building Tactics to Promote Your Local Business

Though you cannot control every element of link building, there are a few things you can do to improve in this area. But your strategies likely depend on the type of business you’re trying to promote. For local businesses, read the tips in this Search Engine Watch post by Guy Sheetrit.

Build an Audience by Giving Back

Building an audience is essential for making sure your content is impactful. And there are many ways to accomplish this goal. But one prominent option, especially this time of year, is by giving back in some way. Read more in this Content Marketing Institute post by Ann Gynn.

Drive Results with These ECommerce Marketing Techniques

It’s usually smart to cater your marketing strategies to your industry. Specifically, eCommerce marketers generally focus on strategies that drive quick online sales. Moss Clement dives into several strategies that drive results in this Your Browser Blog post.

Plan a Successful Product Launch

Product-based businesses can get even more specific with their marketing when launching new inventory. The types of content and marketing messages generally shift when new items become available. Learn more about planning a successful product launch in this Poll the People post by Nada Bundalo.

Get People to Click Through Instagram to Your Site

Instagram can serve a powerful marketing purpose for small businesses. But ultimately, most companies want to bring those followers to their website. Get tips for doing just that in this Pixel Productions post by Kelly Bliss.

Include These Essential Elements of Modern Web Design

Once you bring those potential customers to your site, the right design can make a positive impression and showcase your content well. To make your site look modern, integrate the elements included in this Crowdspring post by Rizza DC.

Find the Best Ways to Use BuzzSumo

Benefitting from business tools isn’t just about selecting the right ones; it’s also about finding the best uses for them. BuzzSumo is a popular option for content marketing. And Sandeep Mallya provides tips for using it in this 99signals post. After reading, visit the BizSugar community to read comments from the community.

Use These Technical Trends for Effective Marketing

Effective marketing strategies don’t just include helpful, relevant content. The technical details can also impact how many people see your content or other marketing messages. Read this eAskme post by Guarav Kumar for tips on these elements.

If you’d like to suggest your favorite small business content to be considered for an upcoming community roundup, please send your news tips to: sbtips@gmail.com.

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "Experts Share How to Make Your Content Marketing More Impactful" was first published on Small Business Trends



Friday, 30 December 2022

How to Generate and Convert More Leads to improve your B2B Sales


Marketing leads are the life blood of any business. They provide new customers who can provide additional revenue stream for you in the future. Think of your sales strategy as a funnel. You have to continuously feed the top of the funnel with leads and curate those leads to ensure that you get new customers and sales at the bottom of the funnel. How you replenish the top of the funnel, and how you convert those leads into sales determines the success of your business. That’s why it is very important for any business-to-business company to pay attention to lead generation and conversion to be successful. Below we provide insights into how to achieve it.

  1. Deploy Multi-channel Approach – The name of the game to succeed in marketing, and sales growth is to generate large number of leads at the top of the funnel. You should deploy multi-channel strategy to do that. Both online and offline approaches work well to generate large number of leads. Some of the offline lead generation tactics include marketing events, presentations, etc. Online lead generation tactics can include email campaigns, social media, webinars, and so on using reference such as https://lagrowthmachine.com/email-lead-generation/
  2. Qualify Leads – The leads you receive from online and offline campaigns are of mixed quality. Many of them may not result in eventual sales. That’s why it is important to curate and qualify them before spending significant effort on them. You can qualify the leads by cross referencing them with your existing customer base and also performing preliminary research to ensure they align with your target customer profile. For example, if you are targeting companies in manufacturing industry you should not spend time pursuing leads in the retail industry.
  3. Follow up on Qualified Leads – Once you have identified high quality leads, it is important to have a well-defined strategy to pursue them and convert into customer wins. You can do so using multiple channels such as emails, phone calls, Twitter, etc. You can also launch targeted marketing campaigns to educate the prospects on your products. It is important to have regular follow ups with the leads to get the attention of the prospects. You will likely need 3-4 follow ups before getting their attention.
  4. Leverage Automation – Pursuing prospects gathered from the lead generation activity is time consuming. It is important that you leverage technology to automate using tools such as LaGrowthMachine as many tasks as possible to get more done with less effort. For example, you can automate email outreach with templates to send the emails to targeted prospects automatically at regular intervals. Automating your outreach efforts enables you to expedite the marketing process and generate results quickly.

Generating and converting marketing leads is one of the most important, yet time consuming activities. It is important to utilize these tips to get the most out of your efforts.



4 Best Ways to Strengthen Company Culture in Your Construction Company


Construction is one of those industries which relies upon trust, loyalty, and strong bonds between workers. Without such characteristics present, you would more than likely discover a sharp increase in the number of health and safety accidents when employees fail to ‘have each other’s backs’.

With this in mind, here are the four best ways to strengthen company culture in your construction company.

  1. Be Consistent as a Manager

Consistency, both in terms of how you reprimand and discipline and how you supply feedback to your construction team, is the key to cultivating an atmosphere of trust and mutually beneficial loyalty.

Every member of staff, across all departments, should feel included and valued, even those temporary workers you may employ from a temp agency when you have a busy project or order to fulfil. Hypocrisy is the enemy of a happy company culture, and you should always practice what you preach.

  1. Strike the Balance with the Right Number of Meetings

There is nothing more frustrating to an employee, especially one working on a construction project with various deadlines to meet than when they are summoned to attend a meeting, which eats into the time they have to complete their work and said meeting ends up being nothing of relevance or importance.

Talk to your employees, either during one-to-one meetings or else with an online or e-mail feedback form to ascertain their preferences when it comes to meetings and which communication channels they prefer in general. This gives your workers the choice of how they would like to be managed, within reason, of course, which gives them a sense of control over their own work.

  1. Empower Your Employees

Another way to cultivate a happy working environment, both for yourself and senior managers and everyone else who contributes their time to your construction business, is to make your workers feel empowered and in control of their own area.

If, for example, you are getting ready to move to a new warehouse and are looking into new and innovative technologies, or else adding to your current inventory of material handling equipment, then allowing the relevant employees to test-drive such technologies is a brilliant and beneficial idea.

Contact a prestigious material handling rental company, such as https://jjconnellco.com/komatsu/, who will be more than happy to supply and assist you with anything you need to know and work out a forklift rental agreement that works for your company.

  1. Consider Hybrid Working

The fourth suggestion in this article to truly empower your employees and cultivate a multi-beneficial working culture is to implement hybrid working for those workers who are not ‘on the front line’ as it were.

Naturally, your construction workers themselves must work onsite, but in these cases, you should begin to offer more flexibility, in terms of their working hours and their shift patterns. Furthermore, giving your construction workers the power to decide their own working hours on a particular project will ultimately lead to higher levels of efficiency and productivity.



In the News: Grants of up to $5,000 to Help Your Community and the Environment

Business grants are established to help entrepreneurs. However, grants can also include measures to help the communities businesses are operating in. Other measures can also include providing grants that have a bigger impact, such as the environment. If your business happens to be in an industry a particular grant is looking to address, it is that much better.

These grants highlight the many different opportunities that are available to small businesses across a range of issues. As an entrepreneur makes sure to keep an eye on all available grants because you never know what you might qualify for. And as always make sure to follow the instructions and always turn them in as soon as possible, but never late.

small-business-news-roundup-december-30-2022

 

Supporting communities and the environment by funding small businesses with grants delivers more bang for the buck. From installing renewable energy solutions to renovating storefronts are some of the issues these grants look to help with. Find out more about these grants:

Small Business News December 23, 2022

The last small business news roundup of the year has some timely information, take a look:

IRS Announces 2023 Mileage Reimbursement Rate

The release of the 2023 standard mileage rate from the IRS reveals the rate is going up. The new standard mileage rate for 2023 is 65.5 cents per mile. That is a 0.3-cent increase from the 2022 standard mileage rate adjustment the IRS announced earlier this year as a means of combatting inflation and higher gasoline costs.

SBT in 15 – Year in Review 2022

It’s the final episode of Small Biz in :15 and it’s looking back at the year 2022 Check out this roundup of business experts who chatted with host Shawn Hessinger in the first 7 months of our show. Guests on the show since the beginning have shared some amazing business advice and tips. Check out the full show above or listen to it on the SoundCloud player below.

A Different Kind of Lender Can Get You the Loan You Need

One of the toughest things for small business to find especially in a recession is capital. A lot of fintech organizations will lend money at a very high rate, but then you spend your profits paying the interest off and never get ahead. On The Small Business Radio Show this week, Eleni Delimpaltadaki Janis founded Equivico at the nexus of smart investments and social justice.

IRS Delays $600 Threshold Rule for PayPal, Venmo, CashApp Users

The IRS is delaying the implementation of a new rule that requires companies like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp to report user transactions that eclipse a $600 threshold. That unpopular new rule is part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan. It will require companies known as third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs) to send users who transact $600 or more in a year a Form 1099-K.

National Day Calendar for Business 2023

Holidays and celebrations can be perfect opportunities for businesses to offer promotions or highlight their offerings. Even if you want to celebrate every day, there are enough national days to accomplish that goal. The following national day calendar can help you plan your marketing materials and bring some fun to your business throughout all of 2023.

19 Businesses to Start With No Money in 2023

You do not always need a lot of money to start a new business, and there are many business ideas you can pursue that do not require a large upfront investment. If you are considering starting a new business venture but do not have a lot of capital, there are still plenty of options available for you.

STARTUP STATISTICS 2023 – The Numbers You Need to Know

The road to startup success is paved with frustration, dejection, and repeated failures. And the latest startup statistics prove this point. Why do startups fail? What is the current startup failure rate? And how do startup owners perform in various industries? To answer questions like these, we have compiled the latest startup stats to help you understand the current startup world.

Become a Better Small Business Leader by Learning from Successful Founders

Leading a business requires many skills, from problem-solving to coming up with creative ideas. Even the most successful entrepreneurs need to continually improve. Read on for lessons from some of the biggest names in business – and members of the online small business community.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "In the News: Grants of up to $5,000 to Help Your Community and the Environment" was first published on Small Business Trends



Air Scrubber Options for Your Business

When the quality of the air in your business is bad, it will quickly deter customers from coming back. Not only that, but your employees might start quitting also. If you are dealing with this problem, there are some air scrubber options for your business on this list that will keep the air everyone breathes clean.

What is an air scrubber?

An air scrubber is an HVAC device designed to remove the contaminants of the location in which it is installed. This can be a home or business.

What does an air scrubber do?

An air scrubber removes air pollution, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), dust, pet dander, air and surface contaminants and odors. It is attached directly to the ductwork of your HVAC system with a portable or whole-system installation.

Air Scrubbers for Your Business

A key point to remember is an air purifier is designed to clean airborne particles only, while an air scrubber removes particles from the air and surrounding surfaces. Here are some of the best air scrubbers available on Amazon.

 

ALORAIR CleanShield HEPA 550 Industrial Commercial HEPA Air Scrubber

ALORAIR CleanShield HEPA 550 Industrial Commercial HEPA Air Scrubber

Top Pick: The 10-year warranty on the ALORAIR CleanShield HEPA 550 industrial commercial air scrubber is one of the many reasons for it being the top pick. It also includes being stackable for a daisy chain GFCI Duplex to clean large environments and variable speed control. The three-stage filtration system has a pre-filter, HEPA filter and a carbon filter to clean the air of a 5500cu. ft or 800sq.ft.

ALORAIR CleanShield HEPA 550 Industrial Commercial HEPA Air Scrubber

Buy on Amazon

 

Purisystems Negative Air Scrubber with Advanced 5-Stage Filtration

Purisystems Negative Air Scrubber with Advanced 5 Stage Filtration - Air Cleaner

Runner Up: The runner-up scrubber is a 5-stage air filtration system from Purisystems. This is a low-noise system consisting of MERV-10 and MERV-17 filters that capture large and microparticles. This delivers 99.97% filtration efficiency at 0.3 microns. Additional cleaning features include built-in UV-C light technology and an Ionizer to enhance the purification process for 800 square feet. You can daisy chain up to three scrubbers with this system.

Purisystems Negative Air Scrubber with Advanced 5-Stage Filtration

Buy on Amazon

 

Dri-Eaz HEPA 700 Air Scrubber

Dri-Eaz HEPA 700 Air Scrubber, Industrial Air Filtration System

Best Value: The company that makes it and the price makes the Dri-Eaz air scrubber the best value. Made in the USA, this scrubber effectively filters 99.99% of contaminants, dust, odors and fumes out of the air. And a digital touch screen lets you control the unit with the Command Hub technology. From restaurants to schools, it can clean 700 cubic feet of air per minute (700CFM).

Dri-Eaz HEPA 700 Air Scrubber

Buy on Amazon

 

Purisystems Commercial Portable Negative Machine Air Scrubber

Purisystems Commercial Portable HEPA Air Cleaner

Up to 2,000 CFM air cleaning capacity gives this Purisystems unit the ability to clean spaces of up to 20,000cu.ft. It uses 3-stage filtration with HEPA class H13 filters tested and certified at 99.97% at 0.3 microns. A stainless-steel housing, quiet wheels, 70DBA and built-in UV-C light technology round up some of the other features.

Purisystems Commercial Portable Negative Machine Air Scrubber

Buy on Amazon

 

XPOWER Professional 3 Stage Filtration HEPA Purifier System Scrubber

XPOWER X-3400A Professional 3 Stage Filtration HEPA Purifier System

The XPOWER commercial air scrubber delivers 500 CFM with a multistage HEPA filtration system rated at 99.97%. This is a stackable system that can be daisy-chained to deliver more cleaning capability. You also get variable speed control, nylon prefilter and pleated prefilter for extended HEPA filter life, a fitted foam cap, a filter change indicator light, and tool-free filter changes.

XPOWER Professional 3 Stage Filtration HEPA Purifier System Scrubber

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MOUNTO Industrial HEPA Air Scrubber

MOUNTO AF1000 1000cfm Industrial HEPA Air Scrubber Air Filtration System

If you need up to 1000CFM, the MOUNTO industrial air scrubber is the machine for you. A large 16″x16″x6″ True H13 HEPA filter along with other prefilters gives this machine the ability to clean large spaces quickly. It has a roto-molded housing with durable wheels to maneuver it wherever you need it.

MOUNTO Industrial HEPA Air Scrubber

Buy on Amazon

 

BlueDri Negative Machine Airbourne Cleaner HEPA Scrubber

BlueDri BD-AS-550-BL Negative Machine Airbourne Cleaner HEPA Scrubber Water Damage Restoration Equipment Air Purifier

Equipped with three separate filtration stages including carbon and HEPA filters gives this BlueDri air scrubber increased capacity. With the stackable capability, some of the features include a daisy chain compatible GFCI port, an LED light indicator to change the intake filter, a variable speed control mechanism, and an hour meter display.

BlueDri Negative Machine Airbourne Cleaner HEPA Scrubber

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Abestorm 2000 CFM Commercial Air Scrubber

Abestorm 2000 CFM Commercial Air Scrubber with UV-C Light and Fan

You can clean up to 300sq.ft of space at 2000CFM with this Abestorm air scrubber. This unit is designed to be moved around with 4 handles, 1 power cord fixing strap, 2 each stable and adjustable wheels, and 6 anti-collision corner pads. When it comes to filtration and cleaning it gives you multiple options, including HEPA, carbon, built-in pre-filter G3, and H13 high-efficiency clapboard filters along with UV-C light.

Abestorm 2000 CFM Commercial Air Scrubber

Buy on Amazon

 

B-Air RA-650 HEPA Air Scrubber Commercial Industrial Grade

B-Air RA-650 HEPA Air Scrubber Commercial Industrial Grade Air Purifier

Rated with a 1/3 HP external rotor induction motor gives the B-Air scrubber the power to clean rooms efficiently. You can control the unit with a variable speed control switch and monitor the usage through an hour meter. A built-in GFCI Power Outlets lets you daisy chain other units and a filter change light indicator will make sure the air in your space is always clean. It uses up to 3 stages of filtration including a pre-filter, optional carbon filter, and HEPA filter.

B-Air RA-650 HEPA Air Scrubber Commercial Industrial Grade

Buy on Amazon

 

CADPXS 550CFM Air Scrubber with 3 Stage Filtration System

CADPXS 550CFM Air Scrubbers with 3 Stage Filtration System & MEVR-10 Filter

A clean air delivery rate for 500CFM allows the CADPXS 550CFM air scrubber to filter spaces of up to 2000sq.ft. The HEPA filtration system can be daisy-chained with up to three units with the onboard GFCI outlet. You can set the timer for 1h/2h/4h/8h to save energy and use the air quality and filter replacement indicators to monitor your machine and environment.

CADPXS 550CFM Air Scrubber with 3-Stage Filtration System

Buy on Amazon

 

What business needs an air scrubber?

Any business can benefit from an air scrubber because it makes the air everyone breathes better. However, there are some businesses that can greatly benefit because of the odors or contaminants they produce. Here are some of these businesses:

• Restaurants
• Hospitals, medical clinics and other healthcare facilities
• Spas and nail salons
• Restoration and manufacturing companies
• Woodshops
• Schools
• Storage facilities
• Warehouses

What to Look for in an Air Scrubber

Air scrubbers are a considerable investment, so make sure the machine you buy does everything you need it to do for your use case. At the very least, here are some of the features a quality air scrubber should have as you make your choice.

EPA Rating: Energy Star-rated machines by the EPA will save you money because these machines run almost all the time.

WI-FI Control: Although this is not a standard feature, controlling the scrubber remotely is a great option.

Air Quality Indicator: Knowing the quality of the air in your environment will keep you from running the machine needlessly.

Filter Change Indicator: Running a scrubber with a dirty filter defeats the purpose of having it. Find a machine that lets you know when to change the filter.

Multiple Fan Speeds: The more control you have, the better you will be able to clean the air in your environment.

Caster Wheels: If you are buying a portable version, look for strong wheels that last.

Wet Scrubbing: With this method, the air scrubber sucks the air through a damp pad or a filter to clean the air.

Dry Scrubbing: This method sucks the air through a dry filter to trap any contaminant in the air before releasing the cleaned air.

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This article, "Air Scrubber Options for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends



How Workman’s Comp Insurance Works in Minnesota


Are you a Minnesota resident or business who needs to understand the basics of workers’ compensation insurance? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll cover how MN workman’s comp insurance works in Minnesota and why it may be essential for employers and employees.

Plus, with all of the guidelines surrounding it being quite complex and ever-changing, we’ll provide an overview that makes sense without getting too bogged down by legal jargon. From knowing when to purchase coverage to understanding limitations on claim amounts, this article aims to answer all your questions regarding MN workman’s comp. Read on to learn more.

What Is Workers Comp

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides financial and medical benefits to injured employees or those suffering from a work-related illness. In Minnesota, employers must carry MN workman’s comp insurance to cover their employees in the event of a work-related injury or illness.

It’s important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are generally the sole remedy for injured employees in Minnesota. If you are eligible for MN workman’s comp benefits, you cannot sue your employer for additional damages if you are injured on the job.

Partial Replacement Of Lost Wages

Wage replacement benefits are provided at a percentage of their gross wage and cover medical expenses as determined by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. This benefit is essential for any employee injured on the job due to their employer’s negligence, as it helps alleviate financial hardship during an already traumatic period.

In addition, workman’s comp coverage extends beyond just wages. Employers are also responsible for reimbursing expenses such as medical bills, travel costs associated with treatment, and even a lump sum in the case of work-related disabilities.

Help Covering Employee’s Medical Costs

MN workman’s comp insurance covers medical costs associated with work-related injuries, illnesses, and even death. These work-related expenses include medical bills for treatments, lost pay due to work injuries or illnesses, rehabilitation costs, and more.

With workman’s comp in place, employers can help ensure that their employees receive appropriate care and aren’t liable if an employee becomes injured while on the job. Workman’s comp helps to protect businesses from lawsuits related to work-related issues by workers or family members of workers who have had unfortunate work-related accidents happen to them.

Finding Vocational Rehabilitation

Lastly, workman’s comp insurance helps cover medical expenses and even lost wages that may occur from an occupational injury in the state. With this coverage, one can seek help from a specialized program where intervention strategies are developed to assist with their return to work. Through work assessments, education, and training, individuals can work towards being gainfully employed again.

MN Workman Comp Insurance Works in Minnesota: In Conclusion

MN workman comp insurance is vital for employees in Minnesota who are injured on the job. This type of insurance provides medical benefits and wage replacement while the employee is out of work. Workers’ compensation insurance also protects employers from being sued by their employees. We hope you found this information regarding MN workman comp insurance helpful. Thanks for reading.



Thursday, 29 December 2022

IRS Announces 2023 Mileage Reimbursement Rate

The release of the 2023 standard mileage rate from the IRS reveals the rate is going up. The new standard mileage rate for 2023 is 65.5 cents per mile.

That is a 0.3-cent increase from the 2022 standard mileage rate adjustment the IRS announced earlier this year as a means of combatting inflation and higher gasoline costs.

irs mileage reimbursement rate 2023

2022 IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate

For 2023 the IRS mileage reimbursement rates for businesses, individuals, and other organizations are as follows:

  • 65.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase setting the rate for the second half of 2022.
  • 22 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, consistent with the increased midyear rate set for the second half of 2022.
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2022

The IRS goes on to say this increase applies to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

An annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile is used to set the standard mileage rate for business use.

The Mid-Year Increase in 2022

Because of the high prices in early and mid-2022, the IRS increased the optional standard mileage rate from July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. The increase which was considerably high was almost double the increase from the beginning of the year. It went up by 4 cents for business use and medical care as well as for members of active-duty members of the Armed Forces.  The IRS rarely makes a mid-year increase, with the last one taking place in 2011. This took place after House Democrats called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to increase the mileage reimbursement rate.

So, Who Can Deduct Car Expenses on Their Tax Returns?

If you own a business or are self-employed and use your vehicle for business, you may deduct car expenses on your tax return. On the other hand, if you as a taxpayer use your car for both business and personal purposes, you will have to split the expenses. The deduction is based on the portion of mileage used for business.

This is how you figure out car expenses, actual expenses and using the standard mileage rate:

Actual expenses include:

  • Depreciation
  • Lease payments
  • Gas and oil
  • Tires
  • Repairs and tune-ups
  • Insurance
  • Registration fees

Using the Standard Mileage Rate

If you are going to use the standard mileage rate for a car you own, you must choose to use this method in the first year the car is available for use in your business. Then again if you want to use the standard mileage rate for a car you are leasing, you must use it for the entire lease period.

Alternative Vehicle Allowances and Reimbursements

If you drive your own car, you can also use the Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) allowance plan to receive tax-free reimbursements from your employee for fixed and variable vehicle costs. Fixed costs are items such as insurance and tax and registration fees. Variable costs are expenses such as fuel, tires, and routine maintenance and repairs.

There are some exclusions to this allowance. Your car can’t cost more than what the IRS sets as the maximum for each year. For example, for 2022 your vehicle can be more than $56,100 for automobiles trucks and vans.

Flat car allowances are another way employers can reimburse their employees for business driving expenses. This is a set amount an employer can provide to their employees to cover the costs of using their own vehicle for business purposes over a given period.

The amount can vary by location, task, and type of vehicle. However, both parties can agree on a set amount such as $750 for wear and tear, tires and of course cost of fuel. Remember these allowance payments are taxable unless some measures are taken. So, make sure to find out what the tax liabilities are for both parties.

No More Tax Deduction for Employees

Related to driving, the IRS no longer takes employee business expense deductions. This started in 2018 and it will go through 2025 because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). According to the IRS, “Employees who use their car for work can no longer take an employee business expense deduction as part of their miscellaneous itemized deductions reported on Schedule A.”

The agency goes on to say employees can’t deduct this even if their employer doesn’t reimburse the employee for using their own car. However, there is an exception for a certain group. Armed Forces reservists, qualified performing artists, and fee-basis state or local government officials may still deduct unreimbursed employee travel expenses.

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "IRS Announces 2023 Mileage Reimbursement Rate" was first published on Small Business Trends



10 Places to Get Scrapbooking Supplies for Your Business

Are you looking for some scrapbooking supplies to help with your business? Whether you need stickers, paper, tools, accessories, or anything else related to scrapbooking, there are plenty of great places to shop online and save money to find what you need.

In this article, we’ll take a look at ten websites where you can buy the best scrapbooking supplies. Let’s jump in!

The Scrapbooking Market in 2022

According to Yahoo Finance, the arts and crafts market was worth a lot of money in 2021 at almost $57 billion worldwide. It’s expected to reach a value of about $70 billion by 2027.

International Scrapbooking Industry Day is on March 4th every year and celebrates the global scrapbooking industry, which is still popular worldwide even with digital scrapbooking options.

scrapbooking supplies

Top Places to Buy Scrapbooking Supplies Online

If you’re looking for an online store where you can shop for great scrapbooking deals, then these are the places for you.

1. Amazon

Amazon is one of the biggest and most trusted e-commerce sites, so it’s a great place to find quality scrapbooking supplies. They have a wide selection of supplies from different brands, including some hard-to-find items.

2. Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace where independent designers, artisans and crafters can sell their handmade items. You can shop, save, and find a variety of deals on scrapbooking supplies here, ranging from stickers, paper and tools to more intricate items like custom-made albums.

3. eBay

eBay is another great website for searching for scrapbooking supplies. They have a wide selection of both new and used items at competitive prices. The great thing about eBay is that you can also find rare and vintage items if you’re looking for something special or some inspiration.

4. Scrapbook.com

Scrapbook.com is an online scrapbooking store that offers a wide selection of products from both its own brand and other top-quality brands. They also have a great selection of tutorials, classes and workshops to help you get started with scrapbooking.

5. Michaels

Michaels is an arts and crafts store that has a great selection of scrapbooking supplies, including paper, tools and embellishments. They also have an online store to accept orders, which makes it easy to find what you need.

6. Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is another popular arts and crafts store that has a great selection of scrapbooking supplies. They offer both physical stores and an online store that makes it easy to find anything you need.

7. Craft Direct

Craft Direct is an online store based out of Cedar City, Utah that offers some of the best scrapbooking supplies such as scrapbook page kits, scrapbooking collections, page protectors, and much more.

8. Oriental Trading

Oriental Trading is a company that specializes in party supplies, but they also have a great selection of scrapbooking supplies. They offer everything from paper in virtually any color to tools and embellishments.

9. Joann

Joann is a craft store with an extensive selection of scrapbooking supplies, fabric, yarn and much more. If you’re looking for an extensive selection of crafting materials at competitive prices, Joann is a great option.

10. A Cherry On Top

A Cherry On Top, which started back in 1997, has a large selection of scrapbooking-related items, such as glitter, cutting tools, planners, and more. They also have a blog and tutorials to help you get started with scrapbooking.

Essential Scrapbook Supplies

If you’re looking to stock up on scrapbooking supplies like paper and other basics, then these are the items you’ll need.

Die Cuts

Die cuts are a great way to add a unique element to your scrapbook pages for all occasions. You can buy pre-made die cuts with specific shapes, or you can purchase a die-cutting machine and make your own.

Adhesives

Adhesives are essential for attaching photos, paper, and other elements to your pages. There are several types of adhesives to choose from depending on the material and weight of your project.

Embellishments

Embellishments give your scrapbook pages an extra bit of special detail. Some popular embellishments for scrapbooks are stickers, buttons, ribbons, and charms.

Markers or Pens

You’ll also want to pick up some markers or pens for journaling, titling, and other decoration. Many craft stores carry a wide variety of markers and pens in different sizes, colors, and types.

Paper

You can never have too much paper! Different types of paper are great for creating backgrounds, layering, and more. You can find paper in a variety of colors and textures at craft stores.

Stamps

For a personalized touch, consider getting some stamps for your scrapbook like rubber stamps with designs or phrases.

Ink Pads and Ink Refills

You’ll need an ink pad and refills for any stamps you use in your scrapbook. There are many different types of inks available, so make sure you get one that will work with your stamps.

Scrapbooking Tools for Business

To create professional-looking scrapbooks, the right tools and accessories can make all the difference. Whether you’re making scrapbooks for customers or just to keep your own memories and thoughts organized, these tools will help you create a timeless product.

Scissors

Scissors are a must-have item for any scrapbooker. There are several types to choose from including decorative scissors and paper trimmers.

Stencils

Stencils are a great way to add some design elements to your scrapbook. You can find stencils in different sizes and shapes to fit your project.

Punches

Paper punches help you create shapes like circles, ovals, and stars with ease. They are also great for creating borders and other embellishments.

Embossing Tools

For a professional touch, embossing tools can be used to give your scrapbook a raised, 3D look.

Rulers and Measuring Tools

You’ll need rulers and measuring tools for precise cutting and placement of photos, papers, and other elements.

Trimmers

Trimmers are great for trimming excess paper or creating a straight edge. They come in different sizes and styles to fit your project needs.

Albums

Albums are essential for creating your scrapbook masterpieces. You can find albums in all shapes and sizes, with different binding options like three-ring binders.

What Should a Scrapbook Contain?

Scrapbooks are a great way to preserve your memories of joy and tell stories. To get started on your scrapbook, some essential elements that you’ll need are photos, paper, embellishments, and journaling.

You can also add memorabilia like ticket stubs or postcards to make your scrapbook even more personal. Finally, you’ll want to choose an album or binding option to put it all together.

What Is the Most Important Scrapbook Tool?

The most important tool for scrapbooking is your imagination! It can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the supplies and tools available, but your creativity is the most important part of creating beautiful scrapbook pages.

Once you have your ideas, you can use the right tools and supplies to bring those ideas to life. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can create beautiful scrapbooks that will last for years.

Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today.

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This article, "10 Places to Get Scrapbooking Supplies for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends



5 Job Offer Template Examples

Are you a business owner who is in the process of hiring a new employee? If so, you may be wondering how to go about drafting a job offer letter. In this article, we will share five job offer letter template examples that you can use as a guide. We will also provide tips on how to make your offer letters more persuasive. Let’s get started!

What Is a Formal Job Offer Letter?

A formal job offer letter is an offer of employment from a company’s hiring manager to a potential employee during the hiring process. This letter will outline the terms of the position, including salary, benefits, and hours. The letter will be signed by the hiring manager or HR representative.

job offer template

 

How to Write a Job Offer Letter

Writing an employment offer letter doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, if you have all of the necessary information, it should be relatively easy. Here is a step-by-step guide on exactly how to write a job offer letter:

Step 1: Job Title

Start by clearly stating the job title and department in which the employee will work.

Step 2: Start Date

State when the employment period will begin. This should be a specific start date or range of dates, such as a week or month.

Step 3: Job Responsibilities & Duties

Outline any duties and responsibilities associated with the employment relationship.

Step 4: Compensation

Clearly state the compensation package and pay period, including salary, bonuses, vacation/holiday time, and any other benefits.

Step 5: Signatures

Both the employer and employee should sign the job offer letter, indicating an agreement to the employment terms.

 

Professional Job Offer Example

Below is an official job offer letter template example. Feel free to use this job offer letter sample as a guide when writing your own job offer letter:

Dear _________,

We are pleased to offer you the position of _________ with our company, _________.

This offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

The start date for this position will be _________, and your job duties include _________.

Your annual compensation package is as follows:

• Salary: _________ (first pay period is _________)

• Bonus: _________

• Vacation/Holiday Paid Time: _________

• Profit Sharing: _________

In addition, you will be eligible to participate in our company medical insurance which covers _________.

Please sign below to indicate that you accept this job offer in accordance with the terms outlined herein.

Sincerely,

_________

Accepted By: _________ Date: _________

More Effective Job Offer Letter Example Options

If the above formal letter job offers template does not fit your needs, there are several other effective examples to choose from. Consider these additional job offer letter sample options…

Job Offer Email Example

This example can be used if the offer is being sent via email:

Dear _________,

We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to offer you employment with our company. Your position will be as _________ in the _________ department and your starting date will be _________.

Your compensation package includes a salary of _________ and bonuses/profit sharing of _________, as well as vacation/holiday time of _________. You will also be eligible for our company medical insurance which covers _________.

Please reply to this email to confirm that you accept the terms outlined in this job offer. If you would like to discuss any other details before accepting, please let us know.

We look forward to having you as part of our team!

Sincerely,

_________

Full-time job offer letter template

This template can be used to create a full-time job offer letter. Feel free to customize it according to your company’s specific needs and culture.

Dear _________,

We are pleased to offer you a full-time position with our company, starting _________. You will be employed in the role of _________, and your job duties will include _________.

Your starting salary will be _________, and you will be eligible for a yearly bonus of _________, based on performance. You will also receive _________, including _________.

We are very excited to welcome you to our team and we look forward to your contributions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at _________.

Sincerely,

__________________

Name & Job Title

Company Name & Address ___________________

Please sign and date below to accept this job offer.

_______________________

{Applicant Name}

Date: _________________

Part-time job offer template

This template is designed to be used when making a part-time job offer. Feel free to customize it according to your company’s needs.

Dear _________,

We are pleased to offer you a part-time position with our company, starting _________. You will be employed in the role of _________, working an average of _________ hours a week.

Your duties and responsibilities will include _________. You will report directly to _________ and be expected to comply with all company policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines.

The position offers a competitive salary of $_______ per hour, payable biweekly on the ___th of each month. In addition, you will be eligible for _________.

We invite you to accept this offer of employment and join our team. Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter within _________ days if you choose to accept. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

___________________

Name & Job Title

Company Name & Address ___________________

Acceptance of Offer Letter

I, _________, accept the offer of employment as outlined in the offer letter dated _________. I understand that this is a part-time position, and I agree to abide by all company policies.

Signature: _______ Date: _________

Enclosed: Offer Letter, Employee Handbook. ___________________

Thank you for your time and consideration. We are excited to have you join the team!

Internal job offer template

Sometimes, companies will hire internally to fill a position. This template is designed to be used when making an internal job offer.

Dear _________,

We are pleased to offer you the position of _________ at our company. This position is a promotion from your current role as _________. Reporting directly to _________, you will take on increased responsibilities and be expected to contribute significantly to our team’s success.

Your salary for this new role will be an annual rate of _________, payable biweekly on the ___th of each month. In addition, you will receive benefits including _________.

Please accept this offer by signing and returning the enclosed copy of this letter within _________ days. We look forward to working with you in your new role.

Sincerely,

___________________

Name & Job Title

Company Name & Address ___________________

Acceptance of Offer Letter

I, _________, accept the offer of employment as outlined in the offer letter dated _________. I understand that this is an internal promotion and I agree to abide by all company policies.

Signature: _______ Date: _________

Enclosed: Offer Letter, Employee Handbook. ___________________

Thank you for your dedication to our company and we are excited to have you join the leadership team!

Job Offer Letter Tips

In addition to being a contract indicating employment terms, a job offer letter can be a great marketing tool to entice candidates to join your team. Here are five tips for writing an effective job offer letter:

Be clear and concise

When drafting a job offer letter, start by clearly outlining the role, responsibilities, salary, and benefits you’re offering.

Make it personalized

Use the candidate’s name in the letter, and explain why you’re interested in having them join your team.

Include additional information

Share more details about the company, such as its mission and culture, to give a more personal touch.

Be sure to comply with applicable laws

Make sure you are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations when drafting your job offer letters, such as those related to minimum wage and overtime pay.

Include a deadline

When you send the job offer letter, set a deadline for the candidate to accept or decline the offer. This will help you stay organized and keep track of which offers have been accepted and which ones are still pending.

 

What Does a Job Offer Look Like?

Job offer letters, also known as employment offers, are formal documents that outline the terms and conditions of a position, including salary, benefits, hours, job duties, and other details. They typically include information about the company and its mission, as well as a description of the job duties and expectations. A job offer letter should also include a deadline for the candidate to accept or decline the offer. The letter may also contain additional information such as the name of their supervisor, start date, and other relevant details. The offer letter should be signed by both the employer and the employee.

 

How Do You Write a Simple Offer Letter?

When writing a simple job offer letter, start by introducing yourself and your company. Explain why you are interested in hiring the candidate and provide an overview of the role you are offering. Next, clearly outline all of the details related to the job, such as salary, hours, benefits, and any other expectations. Finally, thank the candidate for their interest and include a deadline by which they should accept or decline the offer.

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This article, "5 Job Offer Template Examples" was first published on Small Business Trends



5 Places to Get Sewing Supplies for Your Business

Whether you run a clothing business or a fabric craft business, good sewing supplies will be incredibly beneficial for you. However, finding the right sewing supplies for your needs can often be challenging, or figuring out what other supplies you need as demand for your products increases. To help your sewing business grow, we’ve put together a guide to help you find the best sewing supplies to add to your sewing room.

The Sewing Market in 2022

With more and more people interested in handmade goods, there is a real demand for high-quality sewn products. Many people have taken a one-off sewing project to build their skills and start a business around it.

The sewing market is seeing stable growth across different types of sewing category options such as embroidery, quilting, and handmade clothing. There is definitely demand for sewing, whether it’s decor or functional products.

sewing supplies

 

Top Places to Buy Sewing Supplies Online

There are many types of stores where you can purchase sewing supplies, depending on what you’re looking for there. You can start your search in many places, such as a dedicated notions shop, a popular brand shop for supplies, or an all-purpose craft store.

1. Amazon

If you’re looking for a variety of supplies for sewing, as well as functional items such as packaging materials, Amazon is a one-stop shop. You can pick up a wide array of items and have them delivered quickly so you can carry out sewing projects quickly.

2. Etsy

Etsy is another one-stop shop when it comes to sewing supplies specifically. You can find tons of material for craft items such as embroidery, quilting, jewelry, and more to create unique sewn products. You can also find sewing patterns and other useful things to make the design process more manageable.

3. Joann

Joann has long been a staple in the fabric and craft community for its bulk options and excellent product selection. You can find all manner of sewing supplies at Joann, including yarn, beads, fabric, zippers, pins, and more, to create crafts at a competitive price.

4. Michaels

Michaels has been another staple in the craft world since it offers both art supplies and sewing supplies. You can shop at Michaels for yarn and needlework, fabric, thread, and other items from leading brands.

5. Loralie Designs

Loralie Designs is an option if you’re seeking specific sewing items, such as fabrics from leading designers, quilting supplies, and other creative tools. While it doesn’t necessarily have functional items such as bobbins or pins, it can be a great way to find interesting fabrics and supplies for your products.

 

Essential Sewing Supply

If you’re starting your own sewing business, it’s essential to stock up on important items you’ll frequently use, so it makes sense to invest money purchasing them. Some of the key things you’ll need for your sewing business include:

Fabric

Finding the right fabric can transform your project and help stock amazing items in your shop. When it comes to fabric, it’s essential to consider the material you use, its weight, and the types of projects you’re undertaking, Having many different fabric opinions, such as prints, patterns, and floral options, enables you to complete lots of different kinds of products and offer a wide variety to customers.

Thread

When it comes to threads, there are a lot of different options available. That’s why you should take your time to shop around and understand thread variety and what works best for your idea. There is embroidery thread, sewing thread, and stronger types of thread used for bigger projects such as home decor items. Again, having a variety of threads in stock gives you plenty of flexibility in what you can make.

Sewing Tools for Business

As part of sewing supplies, you might also need some sewing accessories to complement what you already have

Bobbins

Bobbins are useful for organizing your thread and storing it easily. Depending on your preference, you can use plastic bobbins to wind the thread around or get round wooden ones. Bobbins are relatively low in price, so you can purchase them in bulk, making storage far easier to manage in your sewing room.

Sewing Machine

A heavy-duty, high-quality sewing machine will be instrumental in helping you work faster and quicker. Many top brands like Singer and Brother offer sewing machines at various price points. Smaller ones may be better if you don’t have much space, but if you want to increase your products, large sewing machines may be the better option.

Needles

As with the other supplies, you’ll likely need a few different kinds of needles depending on your projects. For example, thin embroidery needs are suitable for needlework and delicate crafts. But you might need a thicker needle to sew bags and clothes and work with heavier fabric. With so many choices in this category, it’s important to browse a store or site to understand which one works best for you before purchasing.

Zippers

Depending on the type of products you make, having zippers as part of your accessories can prove to be helpful. You can use zippers alongside your fabric and sewing machine to make products such as bags, clothes, kids’ items, and more.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Wholesale Sewing Supplies?

Many businesses offer great prices and exclusive promotions for sewing supplies. The place to buy wholesale sewing supplies is a dedicated sewing store such as Joann. They have a wide variety of brands and may offer options to ship to you to help you save money on bulk purchases.

What Are the Most Important Sewing Supplies for Business?

Many supplies are essential for sewing businesses, but the most important one is fabric. Good fabric can turn a good product into great and really creates the look and feel of the product, especially with the design and weight of the material.

What Is the Most Popular Brand for Sewing Machines?

The most popular brand for sewing machines is Singer, as it is a high-end brand with good quality.

What Are the Types of Sewing Notions?

Notions are small objects and accessories used in sewing. Notions include buttons, snaps, needles, thread, elastic, measuring tape, and marking pens.

Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today.

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "5 Places to Get Sewing Supplies for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends