Starting a small business comes with the responsibility of generating profit needed for achieving increased growth, all while trying to cut expenses that often come with the daily running of a business. Juggling these will occasionally leave you wondering how to reduce your cash outflow, with a slight slip up costing you tons of money during your start-up phase. If you are looking for ideas on how to save money as a small business, here are a few ideas worth implementing in your daily operations.

The key reason why the wealthy are investing so much in agriculture now is that it’s produced a steady return for Americans almost since the beginning of this nation. In some cases, the wealthy are investing in agriculture, while in others, people are becoming wealthy because of agriculture.

What was a $500,000 investment 30 years ago is now a three million dollar piece of property. The generational farmer is finally seeing a good return.

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The wealthy that are buying in now is also seeing good returns. It’s why Bill Gates has purchased over 242 thousand acres of land. He knows if he builds it, they will come. For Bill Gates, “they” are dollar signs.

As explained in this Perpetual Dividends piece, farmland also serves as a hedge against inflation. Food is a standard cost of living, and inflation is also a standard component of living. With the increase of inflation, we see automatic inflation in food costs, that’s what inflation is.

Farmland is the producer and supplier of that chain. Those that are investing in the land that puts the food on the tables of America are hedging against the costs of inflation by serving as the first link in the food chain. That’s why the wealthy are investing in agriculture. It’s a win-win.

Any educator wants to ‘wow’ the room when leading professional development. But, it isn’t often as easy as it looks.

Whether you are an experienced presenter or a first-timer, it helps to have plan. As part of their “5 Minute Friday” segment, Eduro Learning details seven strategies to transform any instructor into a successful professional development coach.

Every session should begin with a warm-up.

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It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. The goal should be to help teachers transition from school into this new setting. Organization is critical. Have an agenda that is visible for all participants. Include any relevant resources. As a professional development coach, this will keep everyone focused and engaged. A portion of this schedule should include a hands-on activity that gets people up and moving. Not only does this break up long days, but it can also push teachers out of their routine and comfort zone. A professional development coach should offer opportunities to practice and implement the skills being taught. Leaders should model the desired behaviors throughout the session without forgetting that everyone has something to offer. Encourage sharing amongst peers. Finally, Eduro Learning advocates actionable, key takeaways as part of the closing session.

Research shows that theft, burglary, and fraud are some of the most significant threats to businesses, which leads to sizeable financial losses annually. With the current advancement in technology, cyber theft against businesses, corporations, companies, shops, and other entities has become rampant. As a business person, putting adequate investment in your enterprise’s security is inevitable. Such an investment will ensure your products are safe, which has a satisfying effect on your inner peace.

Although there is a law in place concerning theft, many culprits have gone scot-free, maybe because they had good lawyers or were corrupt. In such cases, the victims have suffered tangible losses in their business. Therefore, it is your responsibility to take the “better prevention than cure” direction to safeguard your business. This article will look at types of business theft, how to protect your business from theft, steps to take after a theft, and a few frequently asked questions.

Types of Business Theft

Theft in businesses is a whole extensive field, which contains different actions that can negatively affect your survival and growth. At the most basic level, two major types of theft occur in businesses; internal and external theft. We have other sub-types under these two categories as discussed below:

Internal Theft

Today, enterprises, companies, supermarkets, shops, and other businesses are not safe from their employees. When we talk about internal theft, we refer to that committed by someone within the business, such as an employee or a partner. Some businesses become victims of internal theft because the management may be too trusting towards their employees. People within a business are aware of its security system, including how its alarm systems function. The most popular types of internal theft include:

• • Stealing from the till, especially for those who work at the cash registers.
  • • Skimming – when an employee takes part or all of the money from a sale.
    • • Embezzlement – when funds are misappropriated or rechanneled for the gain of those in financial control. This is common in non-retail businesses.
      • • Data theft – this happens when an employee who has access to private and sensitive information about the business steals it to orchestrate fraud or sell to scammers.
        • • Shoplifting occurs when employees take products home without paying for them.
          • • Padding hours is when employees lie about the hours they have worked to take home more money than their fair share.

            External Theft

            Someone from outside the business commits external theft. This is the most common type of the two, and its rates are higher. Many businesses have an increased vulnerability to external theft mainly because of gaps in their security, such as faulty parking lot security systems. The common types of external theft in business include:

            Shoplifting customers sneak out products from the business without paying for them.

            Robbery happens when thieves come into your business and threaten or intimidate you using weapons and other tactics to make you give them your merchandise and money.

            Burglary involves thieves breaking into your business, especially during the off-hours, and making away with merchandise and money from your store.

            Fraudulent returns are another type, but they are not so common. However, this happens when scammers develop schemes to return some items to get refunded. In such cases, you will realize that the merchandise in question was not even purchased by those who want to return them.

            The Best Ways of Guarding your Business against Theft

            

            Crime is on the rise in the world today as people struggle to make ends meet. For this reason, businesses are becoming extensively vulnerable to theft. As a business owner, there are several measures you can take to ensure you are on the safe side. After all the hard work of making your enterprise stand, nothing is as heartbreaking and traumatizing as having your money and merchandise stolen. Therefore, what can you do to keep your business safe from such actions? Here are some of the best ways we found that can help you out:

            Invest in a Sturdy Security System

            Security alarms and cameras are the best way to keep track of what is going on in and around your business. If you are ready to prevent any imminent losses caused by burglary or theft in the future, be ready to cough out some good dollar for a reliable security system. Additionally, you can consider hiring a local locksmith to strengthen the doors and increase the locks. If you do not have such an expert in your locality, you can always find many online offering commercial locksmith service. There are so many professionals available today who have mastered the art of security surveillance system installation. Work on the blind-spots and have cameras and mirrors installed appropriately.

            Hire Security Experts

            Sometimes the human eye sees better than most cameras. Therefore, although you might have a reliable security system in place, you might also consider hiring a security company to increase the efficiency of your business’ monitoring. I understand this means a realizable increase in the expenses, but you will not think twice about getting these professionals once you realize its worth. The other advantage is that human guards can use force when needed to fight off robbers and burglars. CCTV cameras and security alarms cannot do that! However, you also need to ensure that your business lighting is top-notch so that the cameras and the security people can easily see whatever is happening around you.

            Train Yourself and your Employees

            The best way to stay ahead of burglars is by being alert of anything and anyone suspicious. You and your staff must have hints on how to identify a potential threat. Everyone within the business must be aware of what reaction to take in case of a serious threat. Sometimes, running is recommendable in an event where saving your life is more important than the money and merchandise you try to defend. Having signs showing “staff-only” areas is also a good way to keep unwanted people away from some regions. Additionally, your staff should clear the tills regularly and remain with as little on-site cash as possible, and all the excess should be taken to the bank. Finally, your employees should be trained on how to report a crime to you correctly.

            Check an Individual’s History when Hiring

            The mistake that many business owners commit is hurriedly hiring new employees without deeply scrutinizing their past. This happens when hiring casual, part-time, and even full-time employees. Getting the individual’s records from their previous employer can be a great way to curb internal theft in a business. If you employ a goon unknowingly, you can be certain that the petty cash and till money are the most vulnerable. Besides checking references when hiring, it is also advisable to have stringent policies about theft and clearly explain them to your employees. Moreover, keep clear stock records and count your money regularly. With such steps, you will indeed reduce staff theft and, consequently, prevent future losses.

            Minimize the Access to the Computers

            Data theft is a real threat, and it can have severe implications for your business. Stolen data can be used to master-mind crime against your business or blackmail you into giving out your money and merchandise. Having strong access codes to your business’ computers is one way to ensure that data theft is minimized. Additionally, you should have a few selected individuals who can access these computers to minimize the number of people getting certain information. Other network security threats are of concern, including Adware, viruses, and malware. For such, you should ensure your computers have u-to-date antiviruses.

            Conduct Risk Assessment

            Full and thorough risk assessments are worthy because they help you identify where your business premises is most vulnerable. Identifying the most vulnerable areas will help you know where you need to focus when defending your premises. It is advisable to conduct such assessments both digitally and physically.

            Steps to Take After Employee Theft

            

            It is always a sad day for a businessman who has had their business vandalized and their money and merchandise taken. It could mean a fresh and stressful financial start to rekindle the business, especially if you do not have affordable insurance. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you don’t suffer as such after one of your employees has stolen from you:

            Investigate the theft – This should be done following the policies you have in place in your business regarding theft. The policy should state clearly that any suspected employee is an investigation candidate. Besides stating the consequences of such misconduct, the policy should have clear parameters for any dishonesty or theft.

            Discipline the culprit – many employers run for job termination as their first punishment for any employee who steals from them. However, employers are supposed to use other mitigating factors to handle this situation. For instance, if the employee has been performing so well, there could be some leniency on their punishment. Additionally, if the organization is somehow linked to misconduct, especially when it comes to policymaking. Deciding to terminate an employee should be done cautiously because potential lawsuits are waiting to happen. An employee could sue the business if they were pregnant, ill, or disabled during their termination. However, if you successfully go through with the suspected employee’s termination, the following steps should follow.

            Suing the ex-employee – after the verification of the theft, you may decide to sue the suspect. The claims you lay against the former employee should not interfere with the employment contract. They should just be used to recover the value of the merchandise said to be stolen by the employee. In such a case, lawyers can request freezing of the suspect’s bank accounts and assets until a fair judgment is reached. If the suspect is found guilty, the court may order them to return some of the money as part of their sentence.

            Recovering through insurance –several policies can cover your business against fraudulent employees, such as fidelity bond and crime fidelity insurance.

            FAQs

            

            Which crimes are particularly associated with businesses?

            Embezzlement, murder, fraud, armed robbery, rape, and kidnapping are the most common felonies in businesses. Other petty offenses are commonly known as misdemeanors or infractions.

            Is stealing from a store a crime?

            Stealing from a store is known as shoplifting, and it one of the most significant types of theft that businesses are experiencing today. There are varying consequences to this crime, depending on the judge and the seriousness of the crime. Some shoplifters will only be required to pay a fine and do community service, while others may be required to complete a particular jail term.

            Can I be tracked down for shoplifting?

            Shoplifting is a misdemeanor crime, which does not require a lot of follow-ups. However, the police are at liberty of tracking you down if it is their wish, although it might consume a lot of time and resources.

            Can a corporation be charged with crimes?

            In the olden days, corporations and businesses could not be charged with crimes. However, this has changed over time, and today, such entities can be sued and sue another legally. They can also be charged in front of a judge for any crimes they have committed.

            Conclusion

            Businesses today are among the major targets for crime, especially theft. Having that in mind, business people are going the extra mile to ensure their premises are safe and protected from thieves, robbers, and burglars. In a business setting, two types of theft can take place: internal and external theft. Internal theft is one committed by people inside the business. External theft refers to the one committed by individuals from outside the business.

            We have discussed both types of theft at length in this article. I believe you have gathered all the information on how you can protect your business from both. Additionally, we have discussed the best protection tips for your business against theft. Some of such ways include having reliable security systems, being keen on an individual’s past life, carrying out risk assessments, and hiring security experts.

Are you a business owner? Does your property need a facelift? Here are some modern remodel ideas that can help boost your look and a strategic framework for any business that wishes to refresh.

1. Think about your business identity. What impression does it convey? What makes it unique? Consider your strengths, weaknesses, history, etc.

2. Think about your ideal customers. Who is your target market? Remind yourself of who is not a customer and why. You can’t please everyone, so don’t try. Target specific buyers or clients.

3. Think about what your business is offering. Then relate that to your identity and your target market.

4. Think about the physical appearance of your building and overall property.

Parking lot repair

Potholes create serious liability issues while ruining the look of your entire parking lot. Neglecting potholes can result in serious damage or injury. Pothole repairs are very cost-effective, eliminating further damage, deterioration, liability, and pavement-related problems.

Here are three main reasons why your parking lot should be in good repair.

1. Preserve aesthetics

a. The primary reason for maintaining your parking lot is to create a good impression on the clients who visit your business. If your parking lot is worn out and cracked, it will leave potential customers with the wrong impression, possibly hurting your business.

2. Reduce liability

a. There are liability concerns as a business owner is liable for any accidents occurring in their parking lot area due to negligence. If someone were to fall in your parking lot or a car is damaged because of neglected pothole maintenance, a liability issue results.

3. Reduced costs

a. In addition to keeping the parking lot attractive and safe, maintaining it can save you on major replacement or repair costs in the future. You will not need to be concerned about your parking lot deterioration over time if you keep up with routine maintenance.

By keeping up with parking lot repairs such as seal coating, crack repair, and pothole patching, you will save money in the long run. Your asphalt parking lot will last a long time if you give it the care it needs.

Hardscaping services

Hardscaping includes man-made features such as walls or paths incorporated into the landscape architecture of your property. Paved roads, pathways, driveways, or patio areas are found in property hardscapes. Materials such as wood, concrete, brick, stone, gravel, metal, boulders, and mulch are used to construct them. Here are some reasons why you should retain hardscaping services to improve the look of your business.

1. Low maintenance

a. One of the most appealing benefits of property hardscapes is the limited amount of maintenance required. Once the design is in place, no mowing, watering, pruning, trimming is required. Your property hardscape is set for years to come.

2. Water-efficient

a. In areas where drought is common, hardscaping is a great solution to fight the waste of water. Rather than wasting gallons of water to maintain the lawn on your business property, a hardscape does not require water. Also, you do not need to be concerned about yellow grass or dying plants.

3. Increases property value

a. By using hardscape material, the value of your business can increase. It creates an outdoor extension of your business where buyers or customers can relax and entertain in the space.

4. Adds entertainment space

a. A patio space can be an extension of your business, especially during the warmer months. Customers can enjoy an outdoor experience while sitting around a fire pit, enhancing the appeal of your business.

5. Adds dimension

a. Some hardscaping can add dimension to your business property. You no longer need to have a flat, wide-open area. Add different levels, defined edges, and curved walkways to create a visually attractive space.

6. Reduces erosion

a. An effectively planned hardscape can reduce potential erosion. Barriers using concrete or stone in areas where erosion is likely to occur, you can keep your property’s grounds intact.

Roof repairs

A well-maintained, safe roof is vital for your business’s structural integrity. A well-built roof protects your business’s interior from bad weather and helps with fire prevention.

Contact a roofing company for an inspection. Damage may not be visible from the ground but will be evident during an inspection. Missing shingles, damage from impact, and damage to the roof vents, flue caps, or skylights can reduce the integrity of the roof. The most common causes of roof decline are snow, wind, and hail, causing blistering, decay, and other damage.

Mechanical maintenance

Preventive maintenance on buildings is the most cost-effective method for minimizing wear and tear on a commercial property due to everyday use and weather. A carefully designed building maintenance plan will reduce the risk of expensive repairs in the future while extending the life of expensive building assets such as the HVAC system and roof.

Here are some tips to help develop a maintenance plan to extend the life of your commercial business.

1. Develop a maintenance checklist that will include the following:

a. Access controls

b. Electrical and lighting

c. Fire alarms and sprinklers

d. Garages

e. HVAC

f. Parking lots and pavement

g. Plumbing

h. Roofing

2. Implement a maintenance schedule based on the season. For example, in the fall, pay close attention to the condition of the roof, especially where snow and ice can build up. Winterizing the roof will decrease heating costs and increase its longevity. During the summer months, concentrate on ways to make your building more eco-friendly by reducing costs to cool, such as tinting the windows, add reflective roof coatings, etc.

3. To refresh the look of your business, think beyond the building. There are overlooked parts of a commercial property that should be included in the preventive maintenance plan.

a. Irrigation systems

b. Outbuildings such as storage buildings or sheds

c. Parking lots and garages

d. Perimeter fences and automatic gates

4. Prevent pest infestation before it happens. Inspect the building to look for small openings, cracks, etc., where insects can enter. Keep the landscaping neat and trimmed away from the building. Trees should not touch the building. Hire a pest control service to ensure your business property is free from pests. Also, make sure all areas of the interior of the building are clean to prevent rodent infestation.

5. Create a maintenance manual to include maintenance checks for each season. It should include:

a. Floorcare

b. HVAC maintenance and repair (such as water heater repair or furnace repair)

c. Pest control

d. Roofing

You will save money in the long run by spending extra time ensuring your business property is in top condition. It will also refresh the look of your business and increase customer interest.

Give bathroom areas a facelift

The bathroom areas in a business are often a neglected part of any business. If it is a public facility or just for employees, cleanliness and functionality are critical. The state of your restroom area is a reflection of your business and brand.

Contact bathroom remodeling contractors. They may suggest the following:

1. Touchless fixtures/faucets

a. One of the best upgrades you can make to your business restroom is to install a touchless commercial faucet. It enables guests or employees to wash their hands properly without recontamination. Make sure you also add a touchless soap dispenser to refresh your business’s look in a sanitary and modern way.

2. Auto flush urinals and toilets

a. This is the next obvious upgrade after the faucets. They not only improve and modernize your business restroom but reduce the contaminated surfaces that people touch.

3. Touchless towel dispenser

a. As air dryers can slow down bathroom traffic, we are talking about paper towel dispensers. A study shows that bacteria such as potential pathogens and spores can be deposited on the hands due to bathroom hand dryers. For a hygienic solution, a touchless towel dispenser option is preferred.

4. Motion detecting lights to avoid switches

5. Door handle alternatives such as arm pulls

6. Ensure the flooring is not worn out or water-stained

7. Sinks and counters can enhance the look of the restroom

8. Lighting should be more than adequate

9. Large bathroom mirrors for checking user’s appearance

10. Decorate the walls of the room with art, reviews, or just a fresh paint job

Upgrade the office space

When considering an office space renovation, there are many factors to consider. If not properly planned, you will spend more money than initially allotted. Poor organization can also lead to significant delays. Here are some tips.

1. Visualize the design you want for your renovation. Senior management needs to have an idea of the type of environment they want their office to have. Using architecture design platforms can help to design the space successfully.

a. Make sure the design matches projected growth, your industry, and projects an image of professionalism.

2. Will the renovation be subject to harsh weather? If you live in an area with excessive snowfall, your remodel could be impacted by inclement weather.

3. Consider if your business will be shifting industries and require specialized spaces. This is a common occurrence for businesses to add another facet of the business to their company over time. If you can anticipate this, a better space can be designed to increase productivity.

4. Ensure you have adequate space for expanding staff. As the business grows, additional staff will be needed. Make projections about how you see business growth within the next five to seven years. Consider if you have enough coworking spaces. If you are able to anticipate this growth, you can make changes to ensure an efficient and productive office space.

5. Remember that you can refresh the look of your business by the use of cost-effective materials. This is essential when designing and managing an office renovation. Work with a designer to find the balance between a cost-effective project and an elegant result.

6. Plan your space generously. Make sure you include enough storage or inventory space. This is an error frequently made in an office remodel. Remember that it is better to have too much storage area than not enough.

7. One of the best ways you can refresh the look of your business is with the use of environmentally friendly technologies. The use of new electrical fixtures that save energy can also provide other advantages. Many local governments offer businesses a positive tax incentive for doing so. This will save your business money.

8. Another eco-friendly suggestion is to have designated recycling areas included in the design. Employees simply need to follow instructions on the recycling bins. This addition helps the environment, which has an appeal to both current and future customers.

9. When remodeling your businesses’ interior, make sure you have an attractive reception area to greet current and potential customers.

a. When remodeling your businesses’ interior, make sure you have an attractive reception area to greet current and potential customers.

b. Consider using the services of a commercial office furniture store when choosing seating, tables, or other pieces you would like in your reception area.

c. A design consultant from an upscale furniture store can be retained to help with some aspects of the interior renovation.

d. The size of the reception area should be in direct proportion to the size and type of your business. The associated cost and sophistication of the reception area depend primarily on what happens in the business.

e. The elements needed for a reception area are a reception desk, ergonomically correct chair for the receptionist, comfortable chairs for the guests, a table to hold magazines or literature.

f. A surface where the visitors can use their laptops, hold their purses, briefcases, or other personal belongings while waiting.

g. Other decorative elements, such as beautiful glass accessories, ceramic lamps, etc., add to the space’s first impression when a visitor or potential client enters the building.

To refresh the look of a business and enable employees to continue working with as little disruption as possible, working with an experienced consultant will help complete the refresh of your business in the most professional way possible while attracting new clients and customers.