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5 Ways Going Paperless Will Help Your Business

From an original article by Nick Candito, Small Biz Daily

You’d be surprised how many companies still use paper processes. According to The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM), 92 percent of companies say that removing paper processes is a constant objective.

If your business has yet to make the change, here are five reasons to do so as soon as possible:

Information security – Digital documents can be protected in ways paper documents can’t, such as remotely via the cloud or an off-site hard drive.

Accessibility – Find your document in a few clicks instead of flipping through binders or digging through a desk.

Adherence – Collaboration is easier when everyone can access essential documents.

Real-time visibility – Keep tasks on track and quickly identify problems.

Optimized performance – When you improve collaboration, security, adherence, and visibility, your customers will naturally benefit from it. And when they benefit, your bottom line benefits.

For a more in-depth look at the benefits of going paperless, read the full article.

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Blog Business

Investment Ideas for Small Businesses

From an original article by Jenna Cyprus, Small Biz Daily

If your small business is profitable enough to have a substantial amount of money left over after everyone has been paid, what should you do with your money? Invest it. Doing so can help reduce overhead costs and increase profitability, paving the way for future success. But are what are those “wise investments” that accomplish those goals? Here are just a few:

  • Business improvements – Most businesses have some areas in need of improvement, whether it be the business strategy or the physical place of business. Invest in something that will lead to future growth. For example, if you’re looking to draw more customers into your business, invest in a marquis system or large chalkboard that can showcase special promotions within your store.
  • A Better Website – Whether you are an online store or a brick-and-mortar business, you can benefit from a more robust website design. Often, both current and potential customers will visit a business’s website to get a sense of what you have to offer. Website designs can become outdated and lose their appeal. If you run an exciting business, make sure you have an exciting website.
  • Employees – Investing in the “face” of your business is crucial. They are the ones interacting with customers. Happy, satisfied employees lead to happy, satisfied customers, which is important for repeat business. Explore unique perks or benefits you can offer your employees to separate you from the competition. With a healthy economy, workers have more choices now than they did in the past.

To learn more about investments that can help your business grow, click here.

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Blog Business

Creating a Safe Workplace

From an original article by Joshlyn Ross, U.S. Small Business Administration

June is National Safety Month, the perfect time to evaluate how safe your workplace is and to identify opportunities for improvement. Before you begin the process, it’s best to know what you’re looking for. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a variety of resources to help you and your employees make well-informed safety decisions every day.

  • Ensure your business meets legal requirements with OSHA – Check out OSHA’s handbook to ensure that your small business meets the legal requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
  • Find the health and safety requirements that apply to you – OSHA offers a quick, step-by-step guide for determining which requirements apply to your workplace and how to comply.
  • Take advantage of training and educational programs – OSHA offers courses and training materials to help you execute your safety plan.
  • Request an on-site consultation for review – Get a free on-site consultation to find out where you and your business stand. Consultants will help identify workplace hazards, provide advice on OSHA compliance, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs.

To learn more about creating a safe workplace, click here.

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Blog Business Fraud & Security

Understanding the Crisis of Disengagement

From an original article by Andrew Sherman, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

How much is disengagement affecting your business? Chances are, it’s more than you realize. The direct and indirect costs of disengagement are still being understood and analyzed. However, the effects of disengagement are the same throughout each organization or business. It is a disease affecting the central nervous system of our economy – and it is destroying creativity, innovation, productivity, and profitability. Disengagement is rooted in dissatisfaction, with many identifying inadequate challenges, pay, morale, a sense of purpose, or lack of appreciation at the heart of their disdain.

So what can be done? Today’s leaders have to find a delicate balance between confidence and vulnerability. They must express hope and optimism. It is nearly impossible to ask an employee to be passionate about a company whose leaders are disconnected and apathetic. Andrew Sherman’s new book, The Crisis of Disengagement, offers concrete ways to foster, inspire, and sustain engagement.

For more details on the disastrous effects of disengagement and possible solutions, read the full article.

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Blog Business Cash Management Fraud & Security

5 Ways to Protect Your Small Business from Ransomware Attacks

From an original article by Sarah Grano, American Bankers Association

Ransomware has become one of the fastest growing malware threats to small businesses. According to the FBI, in 2015, more than $1.6 million was lost due to ransomware attacks. The popular malware is used by cybercriminals to freeze business networks, servers, or individual computers, steal critical data and information, and demand that a ransom be paid.

Here are some ways you can avoid ransomware attacks:

  • Educate your employees – A strong security system paired with employee education about the warning signs, safe practices, and responses offer a strong first line of defense.
  • Manage the use of privileged accounts – Restrict users’ ability to install and run software applications on network devices.
  • Employ a data backup and recovery plan – Backups are essential to lessen the impact of potential malware threats. Keep the data on a separate device or offline.
  • Keep business devices up to date – Ensure antivirus and anti-malware solutions are set to automatically update and conduct regular scans.

In the event your business experiences a ransomware attack, contact your local FBI field office immediately. For more information and a helpful ransomware infographic, click here.

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Blog Business

Banking Tips for Small Business Entrepreneurs

From an original article by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has an extensive list of banking tips for helping small businesses get the most from their banking relationships and avoiding frauds and scams. These tips cover everything from properly setting up deposit accounts and collecting payments to borrowing money and avoiding losses.
Here are just a few of the tips:

  • Know if all of your deposits are protected by FDIC insurance.
  • Don’t assume that the same rules apply to business cards and personal cards.
  • Establish a good payment record for your business.

To take a closer look at these helpful tips and more, read the full article.

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Blog Business Fraud & Security

Protecting Your Mobile Device

Today’s smartphones are incredibly advanced, offering easy, convenient access to your email, bank accounts, social media and more. Unfortunately, criminals are also seeking access to your mobile device. The Georgia Bankers Association and American Bankers Association have some tips for keeping your information and money safe:

  • Use the passcode lock on your device.
  • Logout completely when you finish a mobile banking session.
  • Install mobile security software.
  • Use caution when downloading apps.
  • Download updates for your phone and mobile apps.

To learn more ways to protect your mobile device, click here.

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Business Cash Management Growth & Capital

Convert Your Accounts Receivable into Liquid Cash

Could you increase profits by operating from an enhanced cash position? We would like to introduce you to a program that puts you on all-cash basis by providing working capital for your receivables from a local financial institution! The program, called BusinessManager®, provides companies with immediate cash for their outstanding accounts receivables. More than 30,000 businesses have discovered that this program is the key to running and growing their businesses more effectively.

Unlike a traditional line of credit secured by receivables, BusinessManager® converts your accounts receivable into liquid cash by bridging the gap between your payable due now and the receivables that are not due from your customers for another 30 days.

5 Benefits of the BusinessManager® program:

1. Improve Cash Flow – With predictable cash flow, you can make payroll, remit payables on time, increase inventory, and pursue new business opportunities.

2. Grow Sales – Pursue larger contracts and/or new customers that you otherwise could not accommodate due to limited working capital.

3. Save time and money – Take advantage of prompt payment discounts from suppliers and get back to doing business.

4. Offer financing to your customers – Sharpen your competitive edge by offering flexible payments terms.

5. Increase your Bottom Line – Enhance profitability by increasing sales and reducing costs! Having cash on-hand can make all the difference.

Here are a few more reasons you should look into BusinessManager®:

  • Realize growth opportunities
  • Extend credit terms
  • Take advantage of supplier discounts
  • Reduce debt
  • Operate with confidence

Contact one of our business banking experts to see if BusinessManager® is right for you!

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Blog Business

Tips for Using Facebook for Business

From an original article by Derek Walter, Business News Daily

As Facebook continues to evolve, some things remain the same – Facebook is a powerful and effective way for you and your business to connect with and market to customers. How do you maximize that opportunity?

Let’s look at some tips that can help make your Facebook page more robust and engaging:

  • Get a catchy URL – When it comes to branding your business, consistency is key. Select an @ username that reflects your business. Shorter is better so it can fit on business cards and other promotional material.
  • Pick the right template – Facebook offers several templates to fit a variety of business types. For example, if you own a restaurant, the restaurants and cafes template places images higher so you can show off the venue and menu items.
  • Pick the right call-to-action button – In the end, be clear about what you want your customers to do. It could be as simple as asking them to “Show Now” or “Contact Us.”

For many more tips on using Facebook to build your business, read the full article.