Hidden Traps of Using Remote Workers

Remote work arrangements, which began as temporary solutions during the pandemic, are permanent for many companies. There are now three times more remote jobs than in 2020. These arrangements can be a win-win for companies, employees, and communities.

• Companies save on needed space and employees take fewer sick days. There are also reports that employees are more efficient.
• Employees are happier because they have more time for family and personal endeavors. They save on commuting time and costs.
• Communities have a better environment. There’s reduced traffic and fewer carbon emissions.

But there are some cautions for employers. Don’t overlook any of the following:

Take the correct payroll withholding

It doesn’t matter for federal income tax withholding where employees are located, but it does for state income tax purposes. Each state with an income tax has its own rules, and problems can arise when the company is in one state but workers are living and working in another. Usually, income tax is withheld in the state where workers perform their jobs. But there are exceptions that may require withholding in the state where the employer is located.

And things become even more complicated when a worker lives in the same state as the employer but works in another state. Generally, withholding is in the employer’s state unless a “convenience of the employer rule” applies. This says that the worker must work in another state at the demand of the employer, so withholding is done in the state where the work is performed. Not all states have this rule.

There have been proposals at the federal level to restrict states from imposing income taxes on employees who are in a state for only a limited period (e.g., a few days a month). For example, an employee works remotely in State A but is required to attend company meetings held twice a month in State B. Can State B require withholding for those two days a month? One bill proposed last year would have barred income tax on and withholding for a remote worker unless that worker earned remuneration for employment duties for more than 30 days within the year.

What to do: Check with your CPA or other tax advisers, or work with an outside payroll company. And monitor federal legislation that may impact withholding on remote workers.

Watch for potential income tax consequences

Having remote workers creates a “nexus” to another state, which means an employer likely is obligated to pay some income taxes in that state. The amount of tax depends on how the company’s overall income is apportioned to that state. Each state has its own rules about apportioning income for tax purposes.

What to do: Discuss this matter with your CPA or tax adviser and, where necessary, work to minimize apportionment to higher tax states.

Continue workers compensation

You must cover workers even though they work remotely and even if they work from their own homes. OSHA won’t inspect their homes for safety and doesn’t expect employers to do so, but you must have insurance protection and remote workers can submit claims for on-the-job injuries or illnesses.

What to do: Discuss safety issues with remote workers. Also, discuss workers’ compensation matters with your workers’ compensation agent if you have one or an employment law attorney.

Follow state employment tax for remote workers

State laws apply to workers within their boundaries, even if they’re on the payroll for a company out-of-state. This means the following:

• State minimum wage and overtime rules
• State benefit rules (e.g., family and medical leave; time off for voting, school activities, etc.)
• Paying state unemployment tax

What to do: Review state laws for all locations in which you have remote workers.

Conclusion

Having a remote workforce may be a reality today. Employer responsibilities are amplified by the number of locations employees work in. Get good advice on what to do.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "Hidden Traps of Using Remote Workers" was first published on Small Business Trends

10 Microloan Programs for Small Businesses

Are you a small business owner who is looking for financing? If so, you may want to consider applying for a microloan. These types of loan funds can help new and existing businesses grow and thrive. In this article, we’ll chat about the many different programs available to your business. Let’s dive in!

What are Microloan Programs, and How Do They Work for Small Businesses?

A microloan program is designed to provide a small business with access to capital. These loans are typically smaller than traditional bank loans and have shorter repayment terms. In most cases, microloans are made through community-based lenders, such as credit unions or community development organizations.

To qualify for a microloan, new or existing businesses typically need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a personal guarantee and being willing to provide collateral. Borrowers also need to have a good credit history and a strong business plan. Once approved, borrowers typically receive the loan amount in one lump sum and then begin making regular monthly payments.

• READ MORE: How to Get a Business Loan with Bad Credit

Microloans can be used for a variety of purposes, such as start-up costs, inventory, equipment purchases, or working capital. These loans can be an important source of funding for businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing.

The Role of an Intermediary Lender in Microloans

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy, but they often have a hard time accessing the capital they need to grow and thrive. That’s where intermediary lenders come in.

An intermediary lender is a financial institution that provides loans to businesses through the Small Business Administration (SBA) microloan program. SBA microloan program loans are typically for smaller amounts than what a bank would lend, and they often come with a personal guarantee from the borrower.

This means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the intermediary lender is on the hook for the entire amount. However, these loans can be an important source of funding for small businesses, helping them to grow and create jobs. And that’s good news for everyone.

10 of the Best Microloans for Small Businesses

The SBA Microloan Program is one of the most popular options for business owners. The program provides loans to for-profit small businesses and nonprofit organizations. The loans can be used to purchase real estate and for various other purposes. Here are 10 of the best microloans loan programs for small businesses:

1. SBA Microloan Program

The SBA microloan program offers loans for up to $50,000 and can be used for working capital, inventory, or the purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Intermediary lenders make the loans through the SBA microloan program and provide technical assistance and support services to borrowers.

2. Accion USA

This global nonprofit organization has offices in almost 30 cities all over the country and they’ve provided over 50,000 loans of a combined $450+ million. However, they aren’t limited to microloans. They have regular loans available for up to $1 million.

3. Kiva

Kiva partners with nonprofit community-based lenders to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs around the world. More than 2.5 million people have raised over $1 billion on Kiva, with loans as low as $25. Kiva offers up to $15,000 at 0% interest, and repayment terms vary depending on the entrepreneur’s location and business sector.

4. California Finance Lender Loans

These loans are for California-based businesses only and can be used for various purposes, including working capital, inventory, or the purchase of machinery and equipment.

5. Micro Angel

A Micro Angel is an individual who provides capital to a business in exchange for an equity stake in the company. Micro Angels typically invest between $5,000 and $25,000 in a company and often receive mentorship and guidance as well as a financial return on their investment.

6. LiftFund

LiftFund has been an integral part of the SBA microloan program since its inception, with over $210 million dollars lent to small businesses in 13 different states. They offer loans as small as $500 and up to $1 million dollars.

7. Grameen America

Grameen America provides low-interest loans to women in the U.S., starting at 15% with no extra fees added. They’ve issued more than $1 billion in microloans to over 100,000 women with low income.

8. Opportunity Fund

They are only available in California and Nevada, but they offer loans from $2,600 to $250,000 depending on the type of finance you require. Your loan must be repaid within one to five years with an easy repayment plan that’s right for your needs.

9. CDC Small Business Finance

This company is proud to offer microloans ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. Their competitive interest rates start at 8% and go up to 10%, making them a great choice for small businesses in need of financing. Their loans are available in select counties in California.

10. Accompany Capital

Accompany Capital offers microloans to small business owners in New York City. The loans are available in amounts ranging from $500 to $50,000 and have an interest rate of only 3%.

How and when should you use a microloan program to finance your small business?

There are a number of ways to finance a business, but not all methods are created equal. One option that can be particularly helpful for some entrepreneurs is a microloan program. Microloans are small business loans that are typically used to fund startup businesses or businesses that are in the early stages of growth. While microloans can sometimes be difficult to obtain, they can be a great option for those who qualify.

One of the biggest advantages of using a microloan to finance your business is that they tend to have lower interest rates than traditional loans. This can save small business owners a significant amount of money over the life of the loan. Additionally, microloans can often be approved more quickly than traditional loans, which can be helpful if you need funding fast. Finally, because microloans are typically used to fund smaller businesses, the application process is often easier than it is for larger loans.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to using microloans. One downside is that they usually have shorter repayment terms than traditional loans, which means you’ll need to be diligent about making your payments on time.

READ MORE: 

• How to Get a Business Loan with Bad Credit

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "10 Microloan Programs for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends

Best Work Jeans for Men in 2022

Denim is one of the most durable fabrics used for clothing. It’s no wonder, then, that many jeans manufacturers began designing jeans specifically used for work. Work jeans may have additional pockets and loops for tools, or they may have a fire repelling treatment. In other words, they are different from your average pair of jeans in both their material and functionality.

What makes a good pair of work jeans?

Good work jeans should be an investment, as they can benefit you for years. Depending upon your field, you will want a heavy-duty material that can stand up to everyday hard work. However, you’ll also want to be comfortable, so make sure to find material that is tough but flexible.

While being stylish isn’t a necessity, it certainly doesn’t hurt. If it suits you, work jeans can certainly be worn outside of work as well.

Why you need a good pair of work jeans:

• Functional – Keep your tools and other items close at hand with the extra pockets and loops most work jeans have.
• Comfortable – There’s nothing more comfortable than a broken-in pair of jeans, and being comfortable while on the job is essential.
• Durable – Made from heavier material than regular jeans, good work jeans will stand up to the harshest working conditions without losing quality over the years.
• Good Investment – The best work jeans will last for years. Spending some money now can get you a pair of work jeans you’ll be reaching for over and over again.

Best Work Jeans for Men in 2022

You may find yourself drowning in denim while searching for the perfect pair of work jeans. Here are our top 7 picks we found on Amazon:

• Top Pick: Ariat Men’s Rebar M5 Durastreatch Straight Leg Jean
• Runner Up: 5.11 Tactical Men’s Defender-Flex Straight Jeans
• Best Value: Carhartt Men’s Straight Leg Flannel Lined Jean

ARIAT Men’s Rebar M4  Straight Leg Jean

Top Pick: Our number one pick for men’s work jeans is the Rebar M4 straight-leg jeans by Ariat. This company specializes in work and western wear and ensures their jeans are the most comfortable and durable you can buy. They use ToughMax denim, which is a material designed to be twice as strong and abrasion resistant as regular 100% cotton jeans.

The Rebar M4 jeans feature no-rub comfort inseams, reinforced pockets, Duraflex technology and heavy-duty zippers and hardware. They are available in 6 different colors.

ARIAT Men’s Rebar M4  Straight Leg Jean

Buy on Amazon

 

5.11 Tactical Men’s Defender-Flex Straight Jeans

Runner Up: 5.11 produces functional yet stylish apparel for first responders, tactical operators, public safety personnel, and outdoor field guides. They are made of 10 oz mechanical stretch denim from 76% cotton and 24% polyester with Lycra T400 Tough Max, making them comfortable yet extremely durable.

While these jeans are considerably more expensive than some others on our list, 5.11 assures its products are a worthwhile investment. Aside from their proprietary material, they feature dual back patch pockets, two rear hip pockets, and the 5.11 signature mag pockets, made for those who carry a firearm. They come in several colors and in waist sizes 28 to 44 and lengths 30-36.

5.11 Tactical Men’s Defender-Flex Straight Jeans

Buy on Amazon

 

Carhartt Men’s Straight Leg Flannel Lined Jean

Best Value: Carhartt’s flannel-lined work jeans use Rugged Flex technology, which offers more room to bend in the knee area, more stretch between the legs, and extra flexibility in the hips. They have a straight leg opening that easily fits over work boots, and reinforced belt loops for added protection against wear and tear.

These jeans are made from 85% Cotton, 14% Polyester, and 1% Spandex. They are available in several denim washes.

Carhartt Men’s Straight Leg Flannel Lined Jean

Buy on Amazon

 

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Men’s Carpenter Jeans

You can’t talk about jeans and not mention Levi Strauss & Co., possibly the most well-known denim brand in the world.  Levi’s gold-label men’s carpenter jeans boast superior quality, strength, and durability thanks to their premium denim.

These jeans have classic 5-pocket styling and are relaxed through the seat and thigh. You can get these carpenter jeans in several different colors, and they have a broad range of waist sizes and inseam lengths.

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Men’s Carpenter Jeans

Buy on Amazon

 

Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Ripstop Carpenter Jean

The Wrangler Riggs Ripstop jeans can help you keep your tools accessible with 2 slash pockets, 2 back pockets, 2 utility pockets on the right leg, and 1 hammer loop on the left leg.

These jeans are made from 100% Cotton Durashield Denim, which is designed for both durability and comfort. They have a relaxed fit, and deep front pockets, and are available in seven colors.

Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Ripstop Carpenter Jean

Buy on Amazon

 

Dickies Men’s Straight-Leg Duck Carpenter Jean

Dickies has been making workwear for 100 years, so it’s safe to say their products are built to last. The Duck carpenter jeans sit slightly below the waist and feature a utility pocket, hammer loop, and dual tool pockets.

These carpenter jeans are made with Duck fabric – a woven canvas-like material that is stronger than regular denim.  They are available in 7 different colors.

Dickies Men’s Straight-Leg Duck Carpenter Jean

Buy on Amazon

 

Red Kap Men’s Classic Work Jean

Red Kap makes work jeans for those on a tighter budget, but they state they do not sacrifice in quality. According to the brand, their work jeans offer ripstop reinforcement, wrinkle-resistant coating, and excellent color retention and soil release,  which they say will keep your jeans looking good for years to come.

The classic work jeans feature a traditional rise and Bartak reinforced pockets. They are made from prewashed 13.75 oz. heavyweight denim in an indigo color.

Red Kap Men’s Classic Work Jean

Buy on Amazon

 

Bulwark Men’s Midweight Fr Dungaree

For those who require flame-resistant work jeans, Bulwark specializes in all types of safety-oriented workwear, including chemical-resistant and fire-resistant garments and accessories. Their midweight FR jeans meet or exceed the standards for CAT2 and NFPA.

Besides being flame resistant, these work jeans feature plenty of places to keep your most used items – two utility pockets, a hammer loop, a rule pocket, two deep scoop pockets, and two oversized reinforced hip pockets. They are made from Duck material and come in 4 colors.

Bulwark Men’s Midweight Fr Dungaree

Buy on Amazon

 

While regular denim jeans may be adequate for some, investing in some quality work jeans can save you money in the long run, as well as improve your workday. We hope our suggestions help you find the best men’s work jeans.

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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, "Best Work Jeans for Men in 2022" was first published on Small Business Trends

What is Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding campaigns raise funds for businesses Through individual small contributions from a big pool of contributors.

There are three types of crowdfunding:

• Crowdfunding With Equity –  Investors get shares or profits.
• Rewards/Donation-based crowdfunding – Money comes in through donations. There’s a rewards program, Usually a product or service.
• Debt Crowdfunding – Early-stage companies attract investors who charge high-interest rates for business loans and the amounts are small.

This system works well for real estate investing as investors commit lower donations or capital towards any single property. It’s a great way to diversify your stock market portfolio. You just need to lock in the money for several years.

This is good for developers too. It allows them to get a big variety of investors. These developers can go to social media networks to get donations. Take note. A change in the 2012 Jobs Act provides more access to the US real estate market and crowdfunding.

Even though you can invest smaller amounts, most sites want you to be an accredited investor.

• READ MORE: Too Much Focus on Crowdfunding Can Be a Mistake

How Crowdfunding Works

The successful crowdfunding campaign raises small amounts of money from a large number of people. This is different from a traditional business loan. There’s a perception that working with a crowdfunding program to raise money is easy. But a successful campaign takes time and effort.

Here’s how crowdfunding works.

• You need to create a profile regardless of the crowdfunding site you use. Graphics and product images help to raise money. Most involve a pitch video and some supporting content.
• There is usually a subscription fee to fund projects. A payment processing fee can cost 2.9% and o.30 for each transaction. Along with the transaction fees, platform fees range from 3 to 5 percent.
• Setting a goal for raising funds is essential. Some crowdfunding platforms will let you collect money even if your goals fall short, but others won’t. So small business owners need to be realistic.

Small businesses need to consider their annual sales before they come up with the gross campaign sales number. Getting some investment advice is helpful. It can dictate the point where you should stop raising money to ensure success.

• Corralling backers before your crowdfunding projects launch is important. And it involves marketing your business venture. Successfully funded campaigns send consistent updates through email and social media.
• You can collect funds from the most successful campaigns. The reward of crowdfunding shows successfully processed payments into your account. A crowdfunding equity platform has you work with investors to close the deal. Here’s some more information about the payout fees for GoFundMe.

Tips for Successful Crowdfunding Campaigns

Crowdfunding for business is a great way to get a startup going. Here are five tips to get you started, and remember there are legal requirements with each of these.

Start With a Community

If you want to use a platform, building a community is a good start. Reach out to members of the media and influencers to build momentum. This tip works for all types of crowdfunding. However, you need to remember that this is a numbers game. You want to be strategic about who you reach out to. However, at the same time, you don’t want to limit your options or narrow them down.

Offer Good Incentives

Offering hats and caps or T-shirts as incentives encourage donors to give more. Different tiers for a crowdfunding venture give people a way to remember your campaigns. Media shout-outs can influence what the average patron pays.

Keeping things simple is good. Having multiple bundles and additional accessories might not work out well.

You Need Good Copy

Cookie-cutter taglines can affect your campaign promotions. If peer-to-peer lending sentences aren’t unique, you won’t generate interest. Personalize your communications by adding your accomplishments. Media asset creation should be a priority.

You can also tell your personal business story. However, you’ll need to keep that short.

Don’t Ignore Analytics

Crowdfunding campaigns do better when you know what to change and when. Analytics can show you the traffic you get and the money coming in. Being specific about how you will use the money also helps.

Update Your Page

Pages with updated photos and written content are always appealing. Donors want to know the progress of your event or project.

Keep all posts engaging and short. It’s always a good idea to include videos and the most recent images.

• READ MORE: What If Your Crowdfunding Campaign Doesn’t Raise Enough Money?

4 Crowdfunding Platform Types for Your Startup

Maybe you’re looking for angel investors for an equity program, or something more low-key. Either way, here’s a list of the most common types of business crowdfunding.

Equity CrowdFunding

Equity crowdfunding lets groups of investors fund businesses and startups. They get equity for supplying cash. Equity-based crowdfunding is different and unique from other types of funding. The business plan here targets a larger group of investors.

Here’s a list of some equity crowdfunding sites.

Debt Crowdfunding

Investors supply the capital upfront. They get the money back plus interest.

Donation Crowdfunding

Get a large number of people to donate small amounts. There are no promises made to investors to repay or revenue-sharing deals made.

Reward-Based Crowdfunding

Startups don’t need to give up shares, or equity. Rewards are centered around the services or products for sale.

Top Crowdfunding Sites for Raising Money

Crowdfunding for small businesses means sorting through crowdfunding sites, like the ones that are listed here. Make sure to look for the best features such as marketing tools, user-friendliness and customer support. The ones listed below supply proven results for crowdfunding campaigns.

Kickstarter

This is one of the reward-based crowdfunding leaders. Keep in mind you can raise capital here but Kick starter doesn’t fund charitable causes or personal expenses. It’s a leader as far as crowdfunding websites go because it offers Google Analytics integration.

GoFundMe

This site is a crowdfunding success at least partially because of its flexibility. Get small business funds raised here with an easy and fast setup. Plus there’s social media integration and no deadlines or goals to get your funding.

WeFunder

This ranks as one of the best crowdfunding sites for early-stage tech startups. Investors get rewards for contributions. Plus, this site is available to both high net worth and non-high network investors. There’s a company-wide minimum of $100.

Fundly

This crowd funding site is a little different. It’s made for charities and individuals with no startup fees involved. The payment partner does take a $.30 per transaction fee for credit card processing.

Experiment

This is crowdfunding for science projects and experiments. Payment processing fees here are roughly 3 to 5% and each submitted project is reviewed before it’s launched. Here’s some more information on how this crowdfunding site works.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to reach your funding target crowdfunding campaign here. There’s no cost if you don’t because no one gets charged. Projects are excepted from Australia, Canada the UK, and the US.

As a creator, you never give up ownership. Any project that you create is always yours.

Chuffed

This is a site that deals with socially conscious type projects. Social enterprises, not for profits and community groups are the focus. There are some common campaigns here including funding for social programs or products. Organizations or individuals looking for money for other things like animal vet bills can use this site.

Any crowdfunding campaign here don’t charge fees to those running the campaign itself. The donors pay the payment processing fees which work out to about three dollars on every $100 donation. And if you are so inclined, you can offer to tip Chuffed.

Crowdfunder

This is a good equity crowdfunding site for seed-stage companies. They don’t charge a percentage of what you raise, but they only allow accredited investors. That’s partially defined as people with incomes of $200,000 and $300,000 over the last two years.

This isn’t the place for you if you’re looking to raise money for personal issues or causes. These accredited investors also include investment advisers and registered brokers. There’s no percentage fee for the amount you raise. However, you’ll need to pay at least $299 monthly to use the platform. This type of monthly fee needs to be considered.

Fledgling companies need to look for features like convertible note funding. This is used when pre-money valuation hasn’t been carried out which can be converted to equity.

What is a Disadvantage of Crowdfunding?

There are administrative fees and other issues to consider. For example, some of these sites can take up to a 5% cut and there are other fees that can include payment processing of 3 to 5%.

Think about this before you get involved. Some of the sites like the one just listed above include monthly payments for subscriptions. Considering all the costs means understanding when you can get access to the funds. Some sites make you wait before you can get your hands on the money. That could be anywhere between 60 to 90 days.

Don’t forget there can be other success fees like legal reimbursement expenses. These can take 60 days to show up and they can be an extra 7.5% extra on a campaign from an equity crowdfunding platform.

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "What is Crowdfunding?" was first published on Small Business Trends

Bitcoin Weekly Trend Shaky Amidst Uncertainty

On Wednesday Bitcoin’s price reached $21,322 with a 24-hour trading volume of $26,39 billion, down from $23,536 last week, according to Coinbase.

Bitcoin’s value rose by 0.95% within the last 24 hours, culminating in a Bitcoin weekly trend that is struggling to reach even the halfway point of its previous high.

It is currently number one in terms of coin market cap at $407 billion and has a circulating supply of 19,104,675 BTC coins and a maximum supply of 21,000,000 BTC coins.

 

• READ MORE: What is Cryptocurrency and How Does it Work?

 

Bitcoin Weekly Trend – July 28, 2022

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continue to see price volatility in 2022. Bitcoin’s price has been fluctuating between $18,603 and $24,179 so far this month. However, Bitcoin prices have found it hard to go higher, with subsequent slumps in prices.

Bitcoin saw its peak early in January when it nearly hit the $48,000 mark. Since then, it has lost more than half of its value and is a far cry from its November 2021 high of $68,000.

 

• READ MORE: Who Accepts Bitcoin as Payment?

 

Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency, showed some weakness on Tuesday trading as its price fell an additional 6%, following the 5.7% decline on Monday amid investors opting for more risk-averse strategies. A week ago, on July 20 it was valued at $23,366.91, while on April 28 its value had reached $39,237.95.

The Latest Bitcoin Trend Has Investors Worried

In recent weeks the latest Bitcoin trend and the cryptocurrency market has seen some volatility amid concerns of a possible increase in interest rate by the Federal Reserve to tame surging inflation. Crypto prices had previously dropped by at least 10% or more following the last three Fed meetings in March, May, and June. In June when the Federal Reserve increased interest rates Bitcoin’s value fell by more than 70%.

Interestingly the crypto market has been moving in sync with the stock market for the past few months. The correlation between Bitcoin and the stock market continues to show that crypto and stock markets are moving in the same direction.

This is in part with investors appearing to be treating cryptocurrency like stocks. Both have seen volatility as investors are pulling away in response to rising interest rates, surging inflation, and fears of a recession.

 

• READ MORE: Top 50 Cryptocurrencies

 

Despite its fluctuations experts still expect Bitcoin’s price to exceed the $100,000 mark at some point. While the long-term Bitcoin price has generally gone up, experts advise price volatility during the journey. However, in these times of economic uncertainty experts advise that keeping your crypto investments to less than 5% of your total portfolio can help you mitigate any unexpected financial losses.

Launched in 2009, Bitcoin remains the dominant cryptocurrency in the market being the largest by market capitalization and trading volume. Over the years it has grown in popularity and has even started to be used as an alternative to paper cash allowing users to buy a cup of coffee, insurance, consumer staples, luxury watches, and event tickets.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "Bitcoin Weekly Trend Shaky Amidst Uncertainty" was first published on Small Business Trends

30 Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms

Staying at home with kids is a full-time job on its own. But many moms also want to make extra money online or with a home-based business idea. If you’re looking for the perfect stay-at-home mom business ideas, read on for some options.

What is a Mompreneur?

A mompreneur is any mom who also runs a business. The term is often applied to those who run companies that serve other moms, or those who serve as the primary caregiver for their children.

• Read more: What is a Mompreneur?

Business Opportunities for Stay-at-Home Moms in 2022

Technology has opened lots of opportunities for stay-at-home moms and anyone looking to run a business remotely. You can run a company completely online and enjoy time flexibility to complete tasks while the kids are napping or entertaining themselves.

• Read more: 21 Successful Mom Entrepreneurs to Inspire You

Why You Should Consider Starting Your Own Business as a Stay-at-Home Parent

Some aspiring small business owners who are also parents may consider waiting until their children are grown or away at school. However, here are some reasons why you should start a business while staying home with the kids:

• Earn extra income: Most families with a parent who stays home live off one income. However, if you can build a lucrative business from home or during a partner’s off-hours, you can increase your family’s resources significantly.
• Demonstrate work ethic to your kids: If your kids see you working hard at something you love, they may emulate you and create their own career opportunities in the future.
• Enjoy a flexible schedule: Home-based business ideas often allow you to work on your own schedule. You can run your business while the kids sleep, go to school, or enjoy fun activities.
• Get your kids involved: As they get older, certain business opportunities may even create family bonding opportunities. For example, your kids may weigh in on your web design options or help you prepare decorations for an event you’re planning.
• Do something for yourself: Stay-at-home parents spend most of their time taking care of others. Creating your own business opportunity can help you reclaim some of your individuality, creativity, and sense of purpose outside your family.

Best Business Ideas for Mompreneurs

Here are the top home businesses for moms interested in offering profitable products or services online.

1. Freelance Writing Business

As a freelance writer, you contract with publications to create content or articles as needed. There are a few ways to structure this business. Some writers work with just one or two companies on an ongoing basis. Others market their writing skills on a wider scale and work with clients for short projects.

2. Proofreading Business

If you’re more interested in editing, start your own proofreading service. You can serve online publications, print journals, or authors. Proofreaders may charge an hourly rate or per project.

3. Bookkeeping Business

For those with a financial background, keep books for local businesses. Stay in touch remotely and use bookkeeping software to run operations from your home office.

4. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants serve other businesses with various services, from scheduling to drafting emails. You can work with one large client or several, depending on your time availability.

• Read more: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

5. Direct Sales

Direct sales contract with larger companies to sell products. Alternatively, some offer multi-level marketing opportunities where you purchase products yourself and then sell them to others.

6. Social Media Manager

Social media managers schedule content and interact with followers on clients’ social media accounts. Create your own website and social media profiles to market your services to other companies.

7. Personal Training Business

Those with a fitness background can serve personal training clients online thanks to video chatting platforms. You just need a home gym and computer to start this type of business.

8. Consulting Business

If you have experience with business, marketing, or other technical skills, work with clients remotely as a consultant. These professionals usually give clients the knowledge and tools to improve operations on their own, rather than offering ongoing services.

More Great Home Business Ideas for Moms

There are tons of diverse opportunities for making money as stay-at-home parents. Whether looking for an online business idea or something that you can run with your kids, here are some opportunities to consider.

9. Course Writing Business

Online courses generally include multiple videos or written lessons on a particular subject. Offer your online course for sale on your own site or a platform like Udemy; then students can work through the content at their own pace.

10. Online Store

There are tons of products you can sell online, from t-shirts to tech devices. Manage your own inventory from home or use a fulfillment or drop shipping service to simplify operations.

11. Graphic Design Business

Graphic designers help businesses create logos and marketing materials. You can work with clients online to keep all your operations remote.

12. At-Home Daycare

While caring for your own children, provide the same care to other kids in your neighborhood in exchange for a daily or weekly fee.

13. Dog Walking Business

If you love getting out for walks with your family, walk local dogs in your neighborhood. This business model allows you to get your kids involved, especially if they love animals.

14. Craft Business

If you’re looking for business ideas that fit a creative market, make your own products by hand and sell them online or at local craft fairs.

15. Event Planning Business

Help individuals and businesses in your community plan special events. You can easily contact vendors and organize schedules from home.

16. Tutoring Business

Work with students online to help them with specific subjects or test prep.

17. Wholesale Baking Business

If you love baking, make cookies and cakes to sell to local bakeries. You may need a special license to sell food made in your home kitchen, so check with your local health authority.

18. Stock Photography Business

Photographers can take photos of various subjects and sell them on stock photo websites. These sites often offer a portion of each sale, so this is a popular way to earn passive income.

19. Digital Product Sales

Instead of dealing with lots of physical products from an eCommerce store, sell digital products like printable art or workbook pages that customers can download immediately.

20. YouTuber

Create your own YouTube channel about your family or another subject you’re passionate about. Then earn income from ad sharing or sponsored content.

21. Social Media Influencer

Similarly, focus on growing your own social media presence and work with brands you love to provide sponsorship opportunities.

22. Podcaster

For those who prefer an audio format, podcasting allows you to share content you care about. Then offer sponsored ads within each show.

23. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketers earn a commission from each sale made when they direct followers to a site via an affiliate link. This is a popular passive income stream for bloggers or influencers.

24. Content Marketing Service

Offer writing services to businesses that want to start a blog or build a robust online presence.

25. Vacation Rental Business

If you have the resources to purchase properties in a popular tourist destination, rent those spaces on sites like Airbnb or VRBO. You’ll need to maintain those properties regularly or work with a management company to get them ready for new guests.

26. Meal Prep Service

Those who love cooking may offer prepared meals to clients, especially those looking to save time and eat more healthy foods.

27. Catering Service

Alternatively, focus on serving meals at special events like weddings or fundraisers. Complete lots of the prep work at home and then do the bulk of the work on weekends.

28. Alterations Service

For those with sewing skills, alter clothing and hem curtains for local customers from your own home.

29. Laundry Service

Similarly, you can offer laundry services like washing, stain removal, and pressing. Either let customers pick up their items or deliver them to each person’s home.

30. Web Design Business

If you have the technical skills to design and build websites, help businesses create their own online presence in exchange for a fee. Create your own website with an online portfolio to showcase your work.

What Business Idea Can you Do While Staying Home?

There are numerous online business ideas you can run from home while creating your own hours. For example, offer freelance services like writing, marketing, or web design where you serve other businesses. You can also start your own eCommerce site or offer services directly to consumers, like dog walking or laundry and alterations.

Which Home Business Is Most Profitable?

Many home-based businesses can be profitable since they often don’t come with high overhead costs like retail or office space. There are several that can be started with little to no investment, including freelance writing, web design services, and VA business, all of which can be profitable quickly.

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "30 Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms" was first published on Small Business Trends

Spotlight: Winning Proof Marries One Entrepreneur’s Love of Sports and Writing

Michelle Hill loves sports, even though she’s never excelled at them. What she is good at is writing. So she found a way to combine her love of sports with her writing skills in her business, Winning Proof.

To date, she’s helped sports and business professionals publish 21 books. And she’s written three herself. Read more about her story in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.

What the Business Does

Offers book publishing services for sports and business professionals.

Business Niche

Providing personalized care and making clients feel valued.

Hill told Small Business Trends, “Each new client receives a personalized Welcome Box tailored to what they listed on the New Client Information Sheet, and I provide responsive, quick replies to their inquiries and challenges.”

How the Business Got Started

To marry two passions.

Hill explains, “When I unofficially started Winning Proof in the mid-2000’s, my intent was, and still is, to marry my love of sports with my love of writing. Now don’t think that I was any good at sports because I wasn’t. In fact, I was lousy at pretty much every sport during my school years except a semester of archery in high school. I was the one who excelled in cooking and typing class…and…well…writing.

“When my business was officially “born” I was standing in the middle of an aisle at an entrepreneurial expo in Southern California when the name Winning Proof hit me upside my head. It stuck.”

Biggest Win

Sticking with it.

Hill says, “The biggest win happens every single day because I’m still here, still in business, and still trying…and learning…and growing. The biggest win is that I didn’t quit. What perseverance and determination and tenacity mean to my business is that in the end I will have spent my time utterly fulfilled because I helped others realize their dream of becoming an author.”

Biggest Risk

Moving the business.

Hill adds, “With all the sports teams in Texas, I thought the Dallas area would be great for business. In 2019, I moved to Frisco, TX to be near the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Stars. Well, it did go wrong, I hated Texas, and the end result was that I saved every penny of my social security and hightailed it back to North Carolina exactly a year later. The lesson is that it’s okay if things don’t turn out the way you envisioned_make swift and hard decisions to plant yourself where you’re happiest overall.”

Lesson Learned

Create a large emergency fund.

Hill says, “I would work at a j-o-b longer while I was building my business so I’d have more of an emergency fund and working capital when everyone in the whole world forgets my name.”

Best Business Experience

Visiting professional venues.

Hill explains, “I’ve been on an NFL field 3x when I was meeting clients so that was super cool. The vantage point is way better FROM the field!”

Favorite Quote

??”You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” Maya Angelou.

* * * * *

Find out more about the Small Biz Spotlight program

Image: Winning Proof, Michelle Hill

This article, "Spotlight: Winning Proof Marries One Entrepreneur’s Love of Sports and Writing" was first published on Small Business Trends

How to Sell on TikTok

TikTok is becoming an important social media platform for small business owners. Whether you want to build brand awareness or start social selling, this ever-popular social media app is a powerful weapon in your marketing arsenal. In this article, you will learn how to start selling on TikTok and some proven tips to increase your sales.

Let’s dive in:

Should You Create a TikTok Account for Your Small Business?

TikTok has become one of the leading social media platforms in a brief period, having around 78.7 million users in the US. About 37.3 million users of the total number belong to Gen Z, with high levels of education, digital nativism, and social awareness.

Being on TikTok can help you reach Gen Z, which is becoming a highly influential group of shoppers and buyers.

• READ MORE: How to Use TikTok for Business

What Are the Benefits of Selling on TikTok App?

Here are the key benefits of selling on TikTok:

• You can target Gen Z, which accounts for more than 40% of global consumers
• Videos increase conversion rates. So, TikTok, being a video hosting platform, can provide your business with attractive conversion rates. In fact, 37% of users immediately go to buy it once they discover it in a TikTok video
• You can easily find local TikTok influencers to spread the word about your products/services
• You don’t have to be an expert to start selling products on TikTok, as having an online store on TikTok is super easy
• Users are not passive on TikTok due to its immersive experience – users not only watch content but also listen to the audio. So, you can have their attention if you create content that is interesting and entertaining

What’s more, 38% of TikTok users convince their friends and family members to buy products they have seen in TikTok videos.

• READ MORE: How to Win Over your eCommerce Customers’ Loyalty?

How to Sell on TikTok

So, you have made up your mind to sell your products to the TikTok community.

Here is the step-by-step process to start selling on TikTok:

1. Create a TikTok Account

If you already have a personal TikTok account, consider creating another account for your business. Go to the TikTok website or download the app from App Store or Google Play to create an account. You can register using your email address, phone number, or any existing social media account.

When you’re picking a username for your TikTok account, keep your account on other social media platforms in mind. You may want to have the same or similar username across different social platforms. So, your audience can easily recognize you. Once your account is live, add a profile picture.

2. Upgrade to a Pro Account

By default, TikTok creates a personal account. You need to upgrade it to a Pro account, which has two types – business and creator. To use TikTok for business, you should upgrade your account to a business account. Doing so will enable you to access detailed analytics and add your business contact information to your TikTok bio.

What’s more, the TikTok business account will give you access to a host of engagement and ad solutions to succeed. After you have upgraded your account, you should optimize your TikTok profile. Make sure you define your business in your TikTok bio and use an appropriate call to action.

Also, you should connect TikTok with other social media accounts, such as Instagram and YouTube accounts.

3. Link Your eStore to TikTok

To start selling on TikTok, you must integrate your eCommerce store with TikTok. TikTok allows Shopify, Square, Ecwid, BigCommerce, and PrestaShop integration. Soon other platforms will join the list.

You should talk to your eCommerce infrastructure provider to know how to integrate your eStore with TikTok.

• READ MORE: How to Put a Link on Your TikTok Bio

4. Start Creating Content

The only way to wow your target audience is to create engaging content. Instead of creating tons of branded content, you should focus on creating TikTok content that is engaging and playful.

You should check the Discovery page and your TikTok feed (For You Section) for viral videos to get content ideas. See what your competitors are doing and try to understand TikTok trends.

Some popular content ideas are how-to videos, song parodies, and before and after videos. If you lack creativity, these TikTok content ideas can help you create videos for TikTok.

Posting content at the right time is critical for the success of your TikTok channel. So, you should figure out the best time to post on TikTok.

5. Engage with TikTok Audiences

High-quality organic content receives good engagement on TikTok. So, if you create entertaining short videos, your audience will view your content and leave likes and comments. Instead of doing nothing about it, you should engage with your audience. Reply to their comments and likes.

Your objective should be trying to earn fans. When more users engage with your content as soon as you post it, TikTok’s algorithm is likely to amplify the reach of your videos and make them feature on In Feed Videos of others.

6. Partner with Influencers

Partnering with influencers will provide you with social proof and extensive exposure. You can search for influencers on the TikTok creator marketplace, where you can see data-driven insights to find the right influencers for your business.

7. Encourage User-Generated Content

If you want to make TikTok one of the best-performing sales channels, you should encourage user-generated content. Asking your audience what they want, creating the TikTok hashtag challenge, and including TikTok creators are a few popular ways to encourage users to create content for your brand.

8. Utilize TikTok Advertising Solutions

Running TikTok ads is an excellent way to get your products in front of your audience. But before you begin creating ads, you should understand the different types of paid ads on TikTok. This will help you determine the right ad type for your business.

In feed ads, branded hashtag challenges, top view ads, branded lenses, and brand takeovers (that take up the entire screen) are popular options to run ad campaigns on TikTok. It is better to track ad performance to find what works best in your niche.

Using TikTok paid advertising to promote discount codes can be a good marketing strategy to boost sales.

• READ MORE: Top TikTok Hashtags and Where to Find More

Selling Tips for TikTok Users

Here are some proven tips to increase your sales:

• Study viral videos to know what works in your niche
• Focus on creating sharable content frequently and encourage user-generated content
• Partner with micro-influencers to improve your exposure and brand positioning
• Create your video ad content strategically to wow your audience
• Take advantage of popular hashtags

Also, you ensure that you use the right music in your videos.

Can you Sell Products through TikTok?

Yes, you can sell products through TikTok. You can integrate your eCommerce platform with Open API to sell your products to users. It works with Shopify, Square, Ecwid, and PrestaShop. And other platforms are joining the list soon.

How Do I Set up a Shop on TikTok?

Setting up a shop on TikTok depends on the platform you use. Shopify users should add the TikTok app from the dashboard and follow the steps to complete the process. If you use Ecwid, the process will be the same. You should contact your eCommerce platform to learn how to set up a shop on TikTok.

How Do I Become a TikTok Seller?

Open a TikTok account and convert it into a business account. Then, you need to integrate your eCommerce platform with your TikTok account to become a TikTok seller.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "How to Sell on TikTok" was first published on Small Business Trends

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Land

The land selling process can be difficult, confusing, and stressful as it is inundated with an endless list of tasks, financial decisions, and paperwork.  Apart from the specialized knowledge about how to sell land by owner, you also need to invest in resources, time, and energy. All this complexity can lead to major mistakes that can cost you a lot of money. Generally, if you’re not attracting buyers for your land listing, you could be making a few mistakes unknowingly. In this post, we will discuss six common mistakes you should avoid when selling land.

1. Not Having Enough Market Knowledge

To be a pro land seller, you need to understand the ins and outs of the market and selling process. Gather the latest information about the local real estate scene and implement it in your land selling process. Understand the current market conditions and choose an appropriate time to sell your land.  Check what other sellers are saying and doing in your area to know whether they’re having a hard time selling their land. If you don’t understand the market, you will lose selling opportunities either by overpricing your land or selling at the wrong time.

2. Having Bad or No Photos or Videos of the Land

People want to see what you’re selling before sacrificing their time to see or buy it.  Poor quality pictures lower the quality of your land as they can easily take away the aesthetic appeal of your land. People will think or feel you’re asking too much and will not bother to visit the place physically to view the land. Those who give you an offer will be tempted to reduce the price significantly, which can tempt you to agree.  If you don’t own a good camera, hire a professional landscape photographer to take images from different angles of the land. This ensures they capture all the scenery around the land that may attract viewers and convert them to buyers.

3. Overpricing the Land

One big mistake that people make unknowingly is overpricing the land they’re selling.  Before giving your land a price tag, you may want to go through a market evaluation and check the value of a similar piece of land in your area.  Overpricing is a huge turn-off, and people end up not enquiring more about the land.

4. Selling at the Wrong Time

Every state or country has the best time for buying or selling something. For instance, winter jackets are best sold during the fall and winter seasons. Apart from climatic conditions, you also need to check the market conditions that favor land selling. The real estate market is quite unpredictable. Land prices keep fluctuating. Be vigilant and check for opportunities that can allow you to make the most out of your land sale.

5. Hiring the Wrong Agent

Another common mistake people make is hiring an agent who sells houses. An agent who sells homes uses different strategies to reach buyers. Similarly, customers looking to buy homes differ from those looking to purchase land as they have different needs. If you’re unable to sell the land on your own, make sure you get an agent who understands everything about land selling and can give you accurate information and advice. You need someone with solid marketing ideas and extensive experience selling land in your area and other regions. Avoid unresponsive agents as this could mean they have other bigger commitments than selling your land.

6. Not Offering Payment Options

Having limited payment options can drag down your land-selling process. While you have the right to decide how you want to get paid, make sure you diversify your payment options. No one wants to open an account with a bank they dislike just to make a payment. If you’re only accepting cash payments, you’re limiting buyers who prefer cashless transfers for security reasons.

Why Effective Management Can Transform Your Business

Ask not what your people can do for you, but what can you do for your people. Behind every great business idea and every successful business model are a group of people motivated for success. As a business owner, your professional future can be shaped by those around you, so give them the chance to flourish.

Learn What Makes People Tick

Every employee is different, just like every business owner. Spend time to get to know an employee – what do they enjoy away from the professional sphere? How did they reach this point in their working life? Where do they see their future?

Do they love to go swimming? Are they interested in art or the movies? Have they discovered the internet service near Mystic, which has massively enhanced their love for online gaming? Are they reading a new book?

It might feel like you are wasting precious time, but the reality is the opposite. Investing time in your people shows that you care, and when a person feels wanted, they will be motivated to deliver results.

Different People Need Different Management

Once you know more about a person, it allows you, the business owner, the option to adapt your management approach.

The sporting arena has taught us that some produce their best when given gentle encouragement, while others in the same team might need a more forceful approach.

It is the responsibility of a good manager to understand their people and to know how to get the best from them. This requires a degree of flexibility.

Share the Love of Your Business

The best managers take employees on a journey, and they motivate those around them by sharing the vision for their business.

Employees should want to bring success because they feel like an integral cog in the wheel, a crucial component in the concept, and effective managers harness that enthusiasm by demonstrating that every worker is a key part of the process.

Develop Their Skills

Good employees should want to better themselves, learn all the time, and develop new skills.

Whatever their field of expertise, provide them with the support to grow. If your accountant is feeling stagnant, explore new courses with them and opportunities to learn. If your sales team is feeling low, show them that new motivational video you found.

Inspire those around you to be better than before by showing them that you are also learning new ideas all the time. Right up to the day he retired, Michael Jordan was practicing new skills on the basketball court, and Serena Williams is probably out there right now, sharpening her forehand.

Wanting to improve should be a constant and business owners should embrace those that want to develop themselves, and those who want to be better every single day.

Conclusion

Above all else, it is the ability to listen and to inspire that creates a good business owner and a good manager of people. If you invest energy into your people, they will deliver results and, ultimately, that is the goal for all businesses.

5 Tips for Buying Rental Property

Investing in a property to rent is one of the best ways to generate a passive income stream and grow your wealth. However, before purchasing a property, you need to make sure your investment will be able to make money – both in the short and long term.

When making a decision on an investment property, don’t rush it. As there are a few factors to consider when buying a residential home, there are factors to consider when buying-to-rent, too.

Investors should think like tenants when choosing an investment property – your purchase should be attractive to prospective renters and guarantee a stream of income for years to come. Hiring one of the top rental management companies in scarborough will also allow you to take a more hands-off approach.

Here are five other tips for investors who want to purchase rental property.

1. Choose the Right Neighborhood

Always consider the location of your investment property and what type of tenants it will attract. For instance, while a property near a college will always be in high demand, the flipside is that you may have a high tenant turnover rate.

A landlord renting property to students may also have to deal with other issues – these could be noise complaints from the neighbors or financial instability from younger tenants.

2. Consider the Costs

When you purchase a buy-to-let property, bear in mind that it may not see a return on your investment within the first few years – especially if you financed your purchase with a bond. Because your rental won’t pay itself off immediately, you should consider the costs involved before your property starts making money.

Make sure you know the additional expenses of owning a rental property – such as municipal rates (which vary from area to area) and property maintenance.

3. Investigate the School District

Although purchasing a rental property near a school has always been a good move, making more money from the rental is not always guaranteed. Instead of investing in property near a random school, take a look at the school district first. The quality of schools in close proximity to the property will affect the value of your investment.

Generally, landlords will reap a healthy return on their investment; however, the property’s value when you eventually decide to sell it should also be taken into account.

4. Research the Crime Statistics

You’re probably already aware of neighborhoods with high crime rates. Still, no tenant wants to live next to a hotbed of criminal activity – even for a low price.

Before purchasing a property, speak to the locals about the crime level in the area and visit the local police station to get a clearer picture of the crime rate in any specific area.

5. Look at the Competition

Look through other rental listings in the area. If there are a lot of rentals like yours on the market, chances are the supply is lower than the demand.

Although a moderate level of competition is healthy for any business, it is not necessarily good for investment properties. Higher vacancy levels in a given area mean tenants have more options, which could impact your bottom line.

Zoho Surpasses 80 Million Users and It’s Still Growing

Zoho is celebrating 38% year-over-year growth. The company made that announcement today as it kicked of ZohoDay 2022, its annual analysts conference in Austin, Texas.

Milestone investments, research and development and growth were the hot topics at Zoho’s summit.

Zoho Celebrates Growth at Annual Analysts Conference in Austin

Zoho Day will wrap up on Wednesday in the company’s home city of Austin. That’s where dozens of analysts, customers, and company executives gathered to celebrate the last year, which was highlighted by another term of growth, and look forward.

ZohoDay included sessions focusing on Zoho’s long-term strategy, vital company data, customer experience transformations, growth and retention, as well as Zoho innovations and company roadmap.

The annual event also featured enlightening breakout sessions and a professional social event complete with food, live music and dancing.

80 Million Users and Growing

Zoho says there are now more than 80 million people using its business software. And it’s continuing to grow.

The company says it’s expanding and now making investments in automotive, robotics, and healthcare technologies. Zoho already offers software solutions for small business users to handle myriad tasks.

In addition to the new and existing users and its ever-expanding software choices for small business users, Zoho is expanding its physical footprint.

Expanding Zoho’s Physical Footprint and Staying True to Its Mission

The company says it’s opened 59 new global hub-and-spoke offices in rural areas and small cities over the past two years, allowing the company to expand into new markets and further support local communities.

That’s key to Zoho’s overall mission, says CEO Sridhar Vembu, who delivered the keynote address at Zoho Day Tuesday morning.

“We’ve long felt that we have a responsibility to the communities and world around us, whether that be through providing job opportunities to those with less access or by delivering products that help businesses grow to their potential,” Vembu says.

"Business has to be grounded in doing good," says @Zoho CEO @svembu. #zohoday22 pic.twitter.com/LNUucyuWpZ

— Small Business Trends (@smallbiztrends) July 26, 2022

“Our approach from the start of Zoho—now 26 years ago—still rings true today: nurture people and businesses, and lower the barrier of entry. Cost-effective, yet built-for-scale products and regionally located offices aside, Zoho has built its business by being a partner that helps people thrive. Our success is their success and vice versa.”

Vembu also noted the company’s successful navigation of the global pandemic and events that followed, noting the “pandemic followed by the monster bubble, then inflation, war, the Great Resignation …”

“Navigating stormy seas requires a strong ship culture and a shared sense of purpose and destiny,” Vembu adds.

When asked if Zoho has given up anything by remaining a private company, Vijay Sundaram, CSO, said, "Perhaps, but what we've gained is far more important: we are masters of our destiny and have the freedom to do what's right for customers and employees." #zohoday22 pic.twitter.com/jmPyGwgrSv

— Small Business Trends (@smallbiztrends) July 26, 2022

Zoho Customer Stories

Zoho Day 2022 wasn’t just for analysts. The company also highlighted some of its millions of customers.

At the conference, Zoho customers were able to share how the company’s software is helping them solve the challenges they’re facing.

Lots of customer stories at #zohoday22. Themes:

– not having to expand staff to handle sales growth

– empowering staff to make changes / add features without development staff

– transforming from multiple platforms toward a set of functions that are streamlined and play nice. pic.twitter.com/kFVRvVMV8N

— Small Business Trends (@smallbiztrends) July 26, 2022

Key #ZohoDay22 Announcements

Check out some of the big announcements Zoho made on Tuesday at Zoho Day 2022, including news on the company’s future and the products and services it offers to small businesses:

• Investments – Zoho made strategic investments in the areas of automotive, robotics and health care technology to support the development and access to advanced solutions by those in need.
• Innovation and R&D Diversity – Zoho is dedicated to investment in innovation that supports the research and development of powerful, unified tools that organizations can customize to fit their business needs and vision.
• Transnational Localism – Zoho celebrates its global expansion through its transnational localism effort, which is designed to create self-reliant local communities and economies. The expansion includes new offices in more than 30 locations
• Zoho’s Privacy Pledge – With more than 80 million users around the world, Zoho respects the privacy of its customers and does not have an ad-revenue model in any part of its business, including its free products.

For more coverage from Zoho Day 2022, check out the Small Business Trends Facebook and Twitter feeds during and after the conference when it wraps up on Wednesday.

Reflecting on what tools can help your small business succeed. #zohoday22 kicks off in Austin. pic.twitter.com/AKFnq8Jjke

— Shawn Hessinger (@Shawn_Hessinger) July 26, 2022

Photo: Small Business Trends

This article, "Zoho Surpasses 80 Million Users and It’s Still Growing" was first published on Small Business Trends