Author: Complete Controller

Venture capitalist: perhaps you have heard this name before or even studied about it. The venture capitalist, a concept derived from incubation and business investment, is the driving force for startups to succeed.

However, in today’s fast-paced world, you need more than an investment to survive, let alone excel. Another phenomenon that falls under the clouds of startup investment is venture capitalists. In retrospect, VC-based organizations focus on delivering a robust business solution by generating funds and capitalizing on the ideas by using those. However, fundraising takes up a lot of time, and the time to invest in an idea becomes slim.

However, as the world progresses and embarks on a creative journey towards excellence, new concepts emerge into the frame. One of those esteemed concepts is Venture Building. Let us delve further into the deep blue sea of Venture Building, which undeniably leads to building empires.

Venture Building in a Nutshell

Venture Building, also known as the venture studio, is a business model that uses its resources to convert an idea into a business. We all know how draining it is to build a startup and bring it up to the pace in today’s dynamic business environment. The increasing demands, radical time duration, and cash investment for laying a foundation for a strong enterprise may take decades.

Moreover, unlike incubators, which use crowdfunding to help budding entrepreneurs set foot in the business world. Venture Builders build a startup in-house from scratch by providing the ideate with the resources to make it work. You can even call Venture Building the overlap between the accelerator and venture capitalist.

Is Venture Building the Best Option from the Rest?

Although Venture Building and Venture Capital fall under the same category, one acts as the other’s bridge. Venture builders link entrepreneurs to get the capital to make their businesses successful. An important point to know is that they don’t leave you hanging.

In other words, young business professionals can mitigate their challenges by incorporating a VC business model. One of the significant benefits is hiring the right resource. Venture Builders will provide the ideates with a team of talented individuals who can help them achieve supremacy in the marketplace.

Looking at it objectively, incubators or VCs invest in your business and leave you unarmed in the present, ruthless business world. On the contrary, Venture Builders are there for your business and witness it when it becomes an empire.

The Advantages of Venture Building

It stands out that Venture Builders add expertise to their startup, substantially increasing their chance of success. Additionally, the organization has a myriad of experiences, thus making the model numerous times more effective than the rest.

However, it requires more than experience to convert a startup into an enterprise. It would help to have an infrastructural landscape, such as a repository of robust technological frameworks. Moreover, other aspects, like branding, marketing, strategies, etc., can do wonders for a new business venture.

Finally, a Venture Builder can help you handle all your operational needs. If dealt with properly, these nitty-gritty prospects can be a huge stress reliever for a business owner without entrepreneurial experience. Business owners can only focus on maximizing their business model and generating revenue.

Conclusion

As startups become more accustomed to the digital landscape, venture building is becoming more and more recognized. Moreover, with incubation methods becoming obsolete, venture building can be the driving force to help business owners achieve something in the business world.

So, long gone are the days when incubation and accelerator programs were instrumental in bringing startups into the business world. However, you need a lot more than just a simple catalyst to excel in the modern world. From Knack-to-knack competition to economic turbulence, startups today must put in lines of effort to succeed. So, what’s stopping you? Get linked with the Venture builders and find ways to expand your horizons in the business world. Remember, the goal is to build a brand that’ll stand out from the rest. About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Are you familiar with compound interest? You may understand the concept, but do you clearly understand it in practice? The big question here is: are they good or bad for me? And the answer is: it depends. That is it! Depending on the situation, compound interest can help or hinder your finances.

Follow the post today to understand how these interest rates work and when they work in your favor!

Compound Interest: The Budget Villain?

From what you can see in the explanation, if the term increases, the impact of interest on the debit balance is more incredible. The fee is charged each month again. So, getting a loan to repay in 6 months is much cheaper than making the same loan in 12 months, for example.

The truth is that in the case of debt, compound interest is always the budget villain. And the loss is exponentially more fantastic as the debt repayment deadline also increases.

Credit cards and overdrafts are the most expensive debts! If not enough, the interest charged is high. They reapply every month, which can quickly form a snowball that is challenging to control.

When are Compound Interests Allies of Financial Security?

But do not think interest in interest-only hinders your life. If you like investing and saving, they can become your best allies! In the same way, they are incorporated into the debit balance, increasing their debts. They also join the positive balance of their investments.

Now, imagine that you applied a thousand real on an investment that brings a return of 1% a month – yes, the interest on the stakes is much smaller than the loans! In that case, you will have another ten actuals of income in a month. The interest calculation will be made on $1,010 real in the following month, not the original value. Did you see how investment interest can be a hand in the wheel when investing?

How do You Avoid Interest on Interest Loans and Financing?

Considering that you have no money saved but do not want to let the dream of buying the property itself aside. Although interest rates on real estate loans are lower than personal lending rates, they are still high. And because the term is too long, the final amount paid is much higher than the contractor’s.

Have you stopped to think that using the consortium is an excellent way to finance real estate, vehicles, and services? Without interest, the main charge of the consortium is the administration fee. It reimburses the company responsible for organizing the receipts. Also, it applies to the common fund to ensure that all participants achieve their objectives. As the administrator applies the money invested, she uses compound interest well!

The important thing here is to understand that the amounts charged in this modality are much smaller than the traditional loans, apart from the fact that you will not need to give an entry fee, which is captured in the bank financing.

Now that you know compound interest, you can choose the best way to apply your money! To learn more about it, check out a particular post and ask questions about where to invest your money.

Pay Your Overall Loan with Extra Payments

You can make extra payments that help you get freedom from the loan. In this way, the overall cost will be reduced. It happens when you cannot fully pay an unprotected personal loan. After 1st February 2011, people took unprotected loans, and you can make excessive payments of up to $8,000 in a year without penalty. You can pay a 1% penalty on the entire amount repaid for exorbitant expenses over $8,000. If you paid back across the restriction, you must charge 90%. You can pay a 0.5% penalty for the overall amount you have paid again. It can only happen if the loan is in the final year of the agreement.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Successfully running a non-profit can be challenging. It requires strong leadership with robust financial management practices. This article will discuss seven financial habits you can adopt to ensure your non-profit can effectively satisfy its central goal and develop a stable network of donors. Also, building up these propensities will empower you to lead with certainty and adaptability, realizing your monetary undertakings are on track. 

Financial Habits Non-Profits Should Apply to Enjoy Success

Here are the best financial practices that can help you succeed as a non-profit organization: 

• Budgeting

It would help if you focused on planning. Competent non-profits don’t simply toss numbers on a page and throw in the towel. They cautiously consider where assets are coming from and what they will spend on planning to satisfy their primary goal. They go through a standardized process to make their spending plans sound. The process results in a budget that always works as a guide for decision-making. 

• Being aware of project costs

Know the expense of your projects. To succeed, you must be aware of the costs of unique projects. Your bookkeeping frameworks will try to empower you to assign expenses to explicit tasks. This way, you can make the right choices and work more productively. You can also report to your donors about utilizing the funds.  

• Know your donors well

Be acceptable stewards of your contributors’ assets. Try not to guess; know exactly. Effective non-profits settle on choices dependent on ground realities and not random guesses. 

Instead of saying things like “I think we should do x,” it’s better to say, “I reviewed our constituents and found that 87% are without x and cannot get the means to do y. Considering this data, I investigated what it would cost to dispatch and support a program to address this issue.”

• Educating yourself with financial knowledge

You need to become monetarily proficient. Successful non-profits ensure staff and board members are well-informed on financial terminology and concepts. While monetary proficiency doesn’t need to ascend to the CPA level, the board and staff must comprehend economic terms and realize how to peruse and utilize financial reports to manage their goals.  

• Comprehending the significance of positive cash flow

It would be best if you comprehended the significance of positive cash flow. Successful non-profits are not unprepared for an unexpected shortfall of funds. They have a precise estimate of how much money will be available at any point in time for both programs and operations. They have great money stores to get the association through ebbs in working capital. When they use their reserve, they have an arrangement to renew them by a particular date.

• Not avoiding the topic of ‘overheads’

Reject the idea that ‘overhead’ is a filthy word. Successful non-profits challenge the individuals who continually recommend they cut overheads. They perceive that overall working costs (market-competitive salaries, rent, fringe benefits, technology, office supplies, and more) reserve the framework that empowers the association to accomplish its best work. Untalented work, working out of self-destructing workplaces without cutting-edge innovation, is a catastrophe waiting to happen. Competent non-profit organizations enroll, recruit the best ability, and give them the appropriate devices to accomplish incredible work. They reject age-old reasoning that non-profit implies modesty. If you want to see your non-profit organization succeed, you must take the proper steps to make it happen. 

• Having an operating fund reserve

Effective non-profits maintain a half-year or a more significant number of operating reserves available at any time. They are ready for the startling loss of a substantial blessing or the unforeseen need to contribute extra assets to accomplish a program objective. They have composed rules for how enormous their operational reserves should be, the point at which you can tap them, and when and how the company will recharge them if they are wiped. 

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The food industry keeps shifting rapidly, but now the stakes are higher than ever. The industry is moving swiftly to meet changing consumer preferences and the expanding requirements of a global population expected to increase by two billion in the next thirty years.

For some individuals, long-term trends that impact how the world consumes and grows food present attractive investment opportunities, chiefly in private markets. Startups are involved in all aspects of the industry, from plant-based alternatives to dairy and meat products to vertical farming.

If you have been planning on investing in a fast-food franchise for some time, you have thoroughly researched the venture. If you are still exploring your options, consider the following five known benefits of investing in the food industry.

Brand Power

Many popular food franchises have strong brand recognition among consumers. By investing in a food franchise, you will benefit from sharing in brand recognition.

When building a business from scratch by yourself, you must build a brand independently. That is the benefit of a popular franchise program. There is an established customer base that knows all about the organization and will be excited to see what your location has to offer.

Corporate Support

One main incentive for wanting to invest in the food industry is that you have a support structure set to assist you, which is something you do not have when opening a restaurant on your own. With a food franchise, the franchisor offers training for you and your staff, will help you find your location, and will assists with a grand opening. If you are new to the restaurant or food industry, readily available corporate support is an advantage to franchising.

Room for Growth

While the structure and quality of select food industries or franchise programs may deter you, there is still so much room for personal growth and creativity in the food business. Since you manage your own franchise unit, you use your creativity to expand your team by making little adjustments to your store’s menu and the décor or how you communicate with local communities.

While researching or shopping, ensure you ask what the rules and regulations are for each franchise. If you believe individual freedom is essential, do not sign on until you have the reassurance that you can have creative control.

Feel-Good Factor

The positive emotional impact is probably the least known benefit of investing in a food franchise. Since you are a local business owner, you have the resources to get involved in the local community by donating food for charity or hosting community events at your restaurant. The feel-good factor of giving back to your community can help you as a restaurant owner by increasing customer loyalty and boosting your happiness.

The Extended Family

When you choose a franchise program that cares about its franchises, it will welcome new members and treat them like family. You will enjoy the meaningful relationships you form at your franchise and in the franchise industry.

Investing in food can be expensive; therefore, here are some tips for saving money:

• Know exactly how much you need and how much to save.
• Switch to a bank with better options and incentives.
• Set aside a dedicated amount from each paycheck.
• Turn those lights down – save on utilities when you are able.
• Use cash as much as possible for daily purchases.
• Neglect expensive habits.

Conclusion

You need a lot of money to open a franchise all by yourself, but running a successful food franchise is just as easy and more convenient. Startup costs for food franchises may vary from $10,000 to a couple of million, so if you want to get into this business, you need to save money today. About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Using social media channels for customer marketing and engagement has been increasing exponentially for some time. Still, there are various platforms that businesses have not completely fully utilized to advertise their brand.

YouTube is one platform organizations have neglected, which is unusual given the usefulness of video marketing for businesses to enhance their brand image and involve their target audience. To help companies make the most of their video marketing efforts, here are some innovative ways to leverage YouTube to increase brand image.

Display Endorsements and Testimonials

Video helps tell a story much more straightforward than words. Leveraging platforms such as YouTube allows organizations to share how they increase value, appreciate customers and employees, and take action to validate their claims. It is also a great way to display endorsements and testimonials as proof of authenticity. People are loyal to and continue to buy from brands they trust.

Appeal to People, Not Brands

YouTube was made for people, not for brands. Keep in mind that this is how you develop your video strategy. A YouTube page is impressive, but where you put video content is not nearly as significant as the content itself. Content is critical, so ask content producers or clients for content you can publish online. When developing content, be human, honest, and relevant.

Spotlight Your Best Customer

Create a montage of the finest moments by recording interviews with your loyal customers. Once you have obtained client consent and published the video, encourage them to promote it on their own social media platforms to increase distribution and audience awareness.

Leverage Storytelling

Storytelling on YouTube with material that elicits an emotional response or builds suspense may help companies generate strong brand loyalty. Engaging, long-form videos to foster client relationships can help YouTube become a reliable communication platform.

Include User-Generated Content

Encourage real consumers to make instructional movies on how they use your products or services. Compared to polished corporate material, user-generated material is far more believable and honest. So, try communicating with your company’s consumers, particularly brand specialists, to guarantee they become your YouTube champions and ambassadors.

Invest in Promoting Content

For many consumers, YouTube is a how-to resource and a television station. Consequently, most people agree that YouTube is a critical channel for companies, whether consumer-facing or enterprise-facing. Unfortunately, too many businesses will spend time and money creating elaborate content but fail to invest in promoting it, resulting in 100 views or less. Utilizing influencers with an established following is a good strategy if your budget is low.

Leverage Community Posts

Community posts are a new element for business ventures to try by engaging customers in various formats like GIFs, polls, images, and text. If you do not feel ready to create a video, try another design for a community post. These posts reach and engage your audience instantaneously.

Optimize Your Video for SEO

YouTube contains billions of subscribers, which is a massive opportunity for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). To make sure your videos are listed in search engine results, enhance your videos, title, keywords, thumbnail, and description.

Capitalize on Search Queries

Although a video is an influential tool for communicating efficiently, the medium itself is not the most effective for YouTube marketing businesses. Google owns YouTube, and videos on the platform will appear on the search engine algorithm. Create videos based on search requests, and you may find your business on the first page of search results faster than you previously believed possible.

Create a Series

Many consumers are likely to binge-watch television series, so they might also embrace long-form video content as well. Take advantage of this trend by making a branded series of long-form videos that are no more than 10 minutes long. Use these videos to increase brand recognition and follower loyalty.

Conclusion

There are many creative approaches to increasing brand image, such as digital marketing, social media marketing, pay-per-click marketing, and many more. Now, YouTube is becoming a trending approach to improving brand image.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Suppose you are among the fifty million Americans who believe that staying young and healthy means you do not need health insurance; you are wrong! It is an effortless way to avoid monthly insurance premium payments and other associated costs. However, you are putting yourself at significant financial risk. Let us discuss why we need health insurance and how it helps us.

• It is a substantial financial risk

For a moment, it may seem like you are saving a pile of money by not going for health insurance, but the future is always uncertain. Heart conditions are the leading cause of death in the United States, and open-heart surgery costs $324,000. Even a mortgage payment on that would cost you around $2,000-$3,000, which is much more than the insurance premium. Honestly, it is a considerable risk you do not want to take.

• It will affect the people around you

Uninsured people avoid regular checkups and wait for their condition to get severe enough to enter the emergency room. When they fail to pay the emergency room expenses, the hospitals divide the unpaid liability of the uninsured person across the board, where a fraction of that expense goes into the account of the other patients.

• Preventive care

People with health insurance tend to go for regular checkups, which helps them identify deadly diseases early. On the other hand, uninsured people avoid going to a doctor at all costs to avoid any expense. Avoiding healthcare results in a late diagnosis of a disease or mental condition they have. And since prevention is better than cure, it is wise to take necessary preventive actions.

• Better to pay for insurance than to go bankrupt

You can never predict the future. Even a single accident on a skiing slope can cost you thousands of dollars. Medical emergencies cost you more. You cannot cover the medical bills based on your salary, especially when you will not be working then. It is not possible to cover the expenses without health insurance. 

• Affordable care act

The latest changes under this Act require a person in his twenties to sign up for health insurance, considering Americans’ recent bankruptcy in terms of medical expenses. If you do not sign up for it, you will get penalties. Always be careful while signing up for health insurance, and go for the best company in town. Do not confuse health shares with health insurance.

• The necessity

People consider health insurance a luxury. It is not a luxury but a necessity. If you are trying to save money, cut the cable, cancel the gym membership, and stop eating out in restaurants before giving up your health insurance. You can always look for low-cost health insurance, but do not avoid it to save bucks. It might end up costing you more. 

Nowadays, colleges require students to sign up for health insurance before taking admissions. It is becoming necessary considering the cost of medical services in the United States. If you decide to live without medical insurance, make sure you have thousands of dollars set aside in case of an emergency. Even a minor surgery or a single accident can cost you more than $20,000, which a person on an average pay rate cannot afford to pay suddenly. 

All in All

If you are trying to save money, you can cut back on luxury items that are not a necessity. As mentioned earlier, a cable connection or a gym membership is unnecessary. You can even sell things on eBay to save money for monthly premiums. Do not put yourself in danger just for the sake of money. About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Business owners all over the world understand the importance of financial forecasting. Business forecasting helps your business in navigating the complexities of the business environment. Usually, CEOs and business leaders are busy. With their little time, having another responsibility on their hands can be incredibly challenging. You should hire a financial advisor or a CFO to forecast for you.

A financial forecast estimates future incomes and expenses for any business over time the following year. They are used to help develop projections for the sake of profit and loss statements, burn rates, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts.

It is a fiscal management tool that presents estimated info based on the present, past, and projected budgetary conditions. Tools will help identify future expenditure and revenue trends that have an immediate or long-term influence on government policies, community services, and strategic goals.

Why Should You Create a Financial Forecast?

As an entrepreneur or CEO, your time is valuable. Your efforts and focus are expanding your business, looking for new opportunities, making sales, and investing in marketing. All these pursuits demand a significant amount of time, leaving you little to no space for anything else.

There are other pressing matters for business leaders than financial forecasting; therefore, it often goes overlooked. You can use economic forecasting to achieve long-term success. It provides more than just a simple outlook towards the future of your business. Instead, it offers a roadmap to follow, setting goals accordingly and measuring your success.

A Clear Direction for the Future

Your business will likely have sales targets, growth strategies, and revenue goals. You also have reporting meetings for each month, quarter, and year. These are just the standard business practices that help you plan for the near future. Conferences are so joint that they often become part of the business routine. It might have reached a state where you no longer think about the numbers you generate or have no goals to achieve.

Without a clear sense of direction, you will set arbitrary goals. Having a financial model helps you create concrete plans and expectations. If you are thinking about a suitable place to start, do a one-year program for now, given the current state of your business.
Ask questions like: Where do I want to be at the same time next year? Where else do I want my business to have?

Being Able to Adapt

One of the most significant demands of the business world today is flexibility and adaptability. You will not survive for long if you have a fixed and rigid way of running a business. Financial forecasting shows how flexible you can be in your business based on your current resources.

When you understand your potential, you immediately realize what goals are achievable and which will take time. Money is one of a company’s most significant assets; therefore, you need to ensure that you have enough to make the right changes.

What Resources Do You Need, and When?

One of the most significant factors of inefficiency within any company is the failure to understand what resources are needed and at what time. Will the help be in cash funding, or how much to ensure before you run out? How do employees prevent overstaffing and even materials your company can benefit from?

Intelligent forecasting is the closest to getting to a crystal ball. Even though your forecast intelligently details how to achieve goals, the more degrees of inaccuracy, the more you waste resources. Predictions are supposed to be living documents. A skilled CFO will use a forecast to guide your budget, regularly compare to forecast, and ensure your goals are on track.

Bottom Line

Financial forecasting is and will always be essential to long-term business success. It is a visual representation of your business’s future so that you can decide what you need to change. Learn to approach your business goals with strong intentions rather than following old patterns.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Data Security is a top priority for businesses with highly confidential data. Every company tries its best to avoid data breaches, but sadly, even the complete security protocols may fall vulnerable to a data breach.

The data breach is monetarily detrimental and damages your company’s reputation, resulting in your customer’s disappointment and loss of trust. This blog lists the top data security risks every business should address to eliminate threats.

Accidental Data Exposure

Data exposure and breaches often happen due to the clever work of the hackers who steal data by their methods, and many times, it happen accidentally. Violations due to the employee’s negligence are common and add to a massive chunk of data breach percentages in a business. 

There have been countless instances of people accidentally leaking their company’s private data online or sending it to the wrong person. It is essential to educate your employees about the SOPs and encourage them to follow them to avoid future data breaches. 

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks are common in the digital world and are a massive data security risk. They are malware that can encrypt your files, and then the attacker would ask the victim to give him a certain amount to gain access to their information. 

The attacker also gives the victim the payment method to buy the decryption key. Mostly, ransomware attacks are done via phishing and sent via email, which the victim may mistake for a trusted file. 

Protecting yourself from ransomware attacks is essential by installing a trustable antivirus and avoiding opening suspicious emails. 

Also, ensure to keep a backup of all your essential files frequently. Although it wouldn’t stop a malware attack, it will give you access to your data.

Third-Party Data Security Risk

When a business shares its data with a third party, it becomes vulnerable to a security risk. The company may give its financial information and other valuable data to a third party exposed by a hacker, resulting in a data breach.

Always analyze the third party’s cyber-security risks before dealing with them. Give only limited access to your data to the vendor if necessary. If you let the vendors have available data, it will increase the chances of a data breach. Consistently collaborate with trusted third parties only.

In-House Data Breach

Whenever a business or organization thinks of a data security risk, they think of outside sources and how they can steal or encrypt their data. Inside sources are of minor importance, including current and ex-employees and partners. 

Limit the data access to each employee and partner and carefully monitor how they use the data. Sign contracts with the employees and partners, which require them to pay heavy bills and a loss of collaboration in case of a data breach.

Poor Login Credentials

Easy and guessable passwords result in a data breach and are a massive data security risk. Google reported in a study in 2019 that 1.5% of the login credentials contributed to a data breach, which resulted in stealing the company’s detailed information and using its data against itself.

When the passwords are easy to guess, anyone can access the company’s confidential data despite the vital security protocols. Every business should keep its passwords updated on time, set up solid and complex passwords, and share the credentials with only trusted and relevant people.

Untrained Employees

Untrained employees are one of the biggest data security threats, as they are an easy target of phishing emails, may set up easy passwords, distribute confidential data, and download malware. 

It is essential to train all your employees to avoid data security risks. Even if you get the best security tools, they would be useless if your employees are not acquainted with the security risks and threats.

Conclusion

A data breach can take any business under its wings and destroy it. It is essential to take preventive measures to safeguard your business and its data from potential threats. 

Many businesses shut themselves up for fear of a data breach. Rather than making your business vulnerable, you and your team should always be ready to tackle data breaches persistent. About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

The Essential Traits of Agile Leaders for Effective Team Management

Leadership is no longer about barking orders from the top of a pyramid. It’s about keeping pace with change, adapting to challenges, and empowering teams to reach their full potential. Over 15 years as the CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional management styles crumble in the face of disruption. Those who stand out embrace agile leadership—a dynamic approach that fosters adaptability, collaboration, and growth.

In this guide, I’ll share the essential traits of agile leaders, actionable strategies, and real-world examples to help you implement an agile mindset for better team management. Whether you’re managing a small team or scaling an entire company, you’ll take away tools to lead more effectively in an evolving world.

Why Agile Leadership Matters

The world of work is transforming rapidly. A whopping 86% of software development teams have adopted agile methodologies, setting the gold standard for flexibility and innovation. Agile leadership focuses on collaboration, trust, and working alongside your team—not above them.

By fostering adaptability, organizations can see commercial performance increase by as much as 237%. I’ve witnessed this kind of transformation in my own business and across clients’ companies. Prioritizing agility sets the stage for teams to not only survive change but thrive in it.

For more insights into why agile leadership is vital for today’s workplace, visit our expert resources.

The benefits of agile leadership

Why should leadership evolve? Because flexibility spurs stronger, more successful teams. Agile leadership offers tangible advantages:

• Flexibility: Teams can adapt and pivot quickly when the unexpected arises.
• Innovation: Open environments encourage ideas to flourish.
• Better Collaboration: Empowered people work better together.
• Resilience: A culture that leans into challenges bounces back faster.

Consider Netflix, which transitioned seamlessly from DVD rentals to streaming services. Their agility—built on trust and adaptability—left competitors struggling to keep up.

It’s not just about surviving market changes; agile leadership drives measurable improvements. For example, teams fully implementing Scrum report higher quality results compared to those using outdated methods. And that’s just scratching the surface of what an agile approach can do.

Essential Traits of Agile Leaders

Agile leaders stand out not because they’re perfect but because they refine essential skills that push teams toward excellence. Let’s break down the traits that define agile leadership.

Adaptability and flexibility

In a world where today’s plan can become obsolete by tomorrow, adaptability is non-negotiable. Agile leaders know when to stick to their guns and when to pivot. They treat challenges as opportunities for growth.

Case study: Netflix

When streaming became the future, Netflix didn’t hesitate to overhaul its entire business model. Their leadership team embraced experimentation, celebrated learning from mistakes, and built an environment of trust.

Steps to Build Your Adaptability:

• Ask your team for feedback: When you involve the people on the frontlines, you’re more attuned to the changing landscape.
• Run experiments: Test small initiatives and analyze results before launching widespread changes.
• Stay curious: Make it a habit to study your industry and emerging trends.

For an industry-specific look at environmental impacts of adaptability, check out this resource.

Servant leadership

“Leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” This idea resonates deeply with me. True leaders put their ego aside to nurture their team’s success.

Case study: Patagonia

Patagonia exemplifies servant leadership by providing flexible work schedules, mission-driven values, and endless employee development. Their leaders ask, “How can we help you do your best work?”

Key Practices for a Servant Leader:

• Listen first: Take time to understand your team’s needs and obstacles.
• Empower decision-making: Let your people own their projects.
• Remove barriers: Eliminate unnecessary processes that slow your team down.

Emotional intelligence in leadership

Leading isn’t just about tasks and data; it’s about people. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is your ability to connect, empathize, and inspire.

A workplace with emotionally intelligent leadership is one where people feel heard and motivated. Without EQ? Teams can fall prey to miscommunication, low morale, and unnecessary stress.

How to Develop EQ:

1. Pause before reacting: Train yourself to measure your emotions; this unfiltered self-awareness is crucial in tense situations.
2. Put yourself in their shoes: When making decisions, consider how your actions affect your team.
3. Trust is built in conversations: Build consistent, meaningful connections through regular one-on-one meetings.

For more strategies on improving emotional intelligence, we invite you to explore our insights.

Effective communication

Strong communication is the backbone of any agile team. Miscommunication can derail projects, but transparent communication keeps everyone in the loop, and importantly, aligned.

Proven Strategies:

• Always be transparent: Share updates—even if the outcome isn’t polished.
• Use technology intentionally: Platforms like Slack or Asana can streamline information-sharing across teams.
• Hold quick daily check-ins: A five-minute huddle ensures everyone knows the game plan.

For extra inspiration, read about effective communication techniques.

Continuous improvement

Success isn’t about single, massive wins. It’s about small, consistent steps forward. Agile leaders make improvement a daily habit.

Build Your Culture of Improvement:

1. Close feedback loops: Ask for input after every project and act on it.
2. Celebrate progress: Even small wins deserve recognition.
3. Pilot solutions: Before implementing widespread changes, test them with smaller groups.

If creating a constant rhythm of innovation sounds appealing, dive deeper into building a culture of continuous improvement.

Implementing Agile Leadership

Shifting to agile leadership is about commitment. Start with small, meaningful steps:

1. Reflect on your style: Analyze how you currently lead and identify where you’d like to grow.
2. Educate yourself: Read books, attend seminars, or seek mentorship.
3. Engage your team: Take them on the journey with you, explaining your goals and why the change is necessary.
4. Set measurable goals: Track key indicators like morale, collaboration, and productivity.

Overcoming resistance to change

Leaders often face resistance from team members unsure of change. The solution? Cultivate trust by being consistent, transparent, and showing small, positive results. Did you know some studies note that organizational culture acts as a barrier to agile adoption for over 40% of companies? Breakthroughs start with trust.

Conclusion

Agile leadership isn’t a trend—it’s a shift in mindset that’s here to stay. Adaptable, emotionally intelligent leaders capable of clear communication thrive in today’s unpredictable world.

Take one trait—servant leadership, effective communication, or adaptability—and commit to nurturing it this month. Real transformation starts with small actions. Your team deserves a leader who inspires growth and collaboration. Why not start that journey today?

To learn more about perfecting your agile leadership approach, visit Complete Controller.

FAQ

What’s the biggest difference between traditional and agile leadership?

Traditional leadership often focuses on power and hierarchy. Agile leadership prioritizes trust, adaptability, and servant-style collaboration.

How can leaders build emotional intelligence?

Focus on self-awareness, active listening, and consistent relationship-building. To advance these skills, formal training programs can also help.

How do agile leaders promote better communication?

Tools like Slack or Trello streamline workflows. Transparent, regular updates across teams also keep goals aligned.

Why is continuous improvement so critical in agile teams?

It ensures ongoing innovation and helps teams stay competitive.

What makes shifting to agile leadership so challenging?

Resistance to change can pose a barrier. Leaders must be intentional and focus on winning trust and demonstrating early results.

 

Sources

• Complete Controller. (n.d.). Leadership and Management Resources. https://www.completecontroller.com/
• Parabol. (n.d.). Agile Statistics Research.
• eSparkBiz. (2025). Agile Statistics Report.
• Digital.ai. (n.d.). Agile Transformation Insights.
• Smith, A. (2020). “Digital Revolutions: From Internet to Social Media.” Digital Journal.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Renewable Energy Resources. https://www.epa.gov/renewable-energy
• National Geographic. (n.d.). Environmental and Technology Articles. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/renewable-energy
• International Energy Agency. (n.d.). World Energy Outlook. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

Top Emerging Trends and Tech Revolutionizing the Housing Market in 2023

As someone who has made financial literacy my life’s work, I’ve seen firsthand how technology disrupts traditional industries. The housing market is no exception. From smart home systems you control from your phone to AI tools predicting property values with jaw-dropping precision, the industry is changing rapidly. For buyers, sellers, and professionals alike, adapting to this wave of innovation isn’t just a game-changer—it’s essential. Let’s break down the trends reshaping how we live, buy, and sell homes in 2023.

The Rise of Smart Home Innovations

What are smart homes?

Imagine this: you’re sitting on your couch, adjusting your thermostat, locking your doors, and dimming your lights—all from one app on your smartphone. That’s the heart of smart home technology. These homes come equipped with internet-connected appliances and devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or app-driven thermostats. They’re not only cool—they’re practical.

Features buyers now demand

• Voice-activated appliances: Think refrigerators that tell you when you’re out of milk.
• Energy-efficient systems: Smart thermostats like Nest cut energy bills while keeping homes comfy.
• Smart locks and security: Better control over home safety.

Why it matters in real estate

Homes with smart home innovations don’t just sell—they sell faster and for more money. According to Redfin, a real estate group in Austin, added smart locks, cameras, and thermostats to their $500,000+ listings, cutting selling times by 30%. Buyers don’t just want it; they expect it. Projections suggest that by 2025, over half of U.S. consumers will adopt smart home tech—a 42% growth rate in four short years (Source: Exploding Topics).

But here’s the kicker: 2023’s housing market presented unique challenges, with declining new listings dropping to 5.4 million—a steep 16.4% fall from last year (Source: Redfin). As homes become rarer commodities, sellers who incorporate technology stand out, and buyers gain convenience and utility savings.

Digital Transformation in Housing: The Role of AI

Leveraging AI in property transactions

The rise of AI in property valuation is simplifying one of real estate’s more daunting challenges—pricing. Tools like Zillow’s Zestimate analyze thousands of data points to spit out accurate valuations that sellers can bank on.

Real-world impact of AI

• Predictive Maintenance: Flags issues such as plumbing breakdowns before they turn disastrous.
• Better Matchmaking for Renters: AI rapidly sifts through tenant applications, saving landlords time.
• Economic Trends Meet AI: With average home prices slightly dropping to $514,000 this year (Source: Statista), AI helps industry players better adjust to tighter margins.

As someone who’s used data analytics to empower clients for over 15 years, I can confidently say this tech works wonders. If you’re a buyer overwhelmed by 1,000 listings, machine learning saves you time by personalizing results. Real estate isn’t just selling homes anymore—it’s smart, data-driven decision-making using tools like these.

Virtual Reality Home Tours: A Game-Changer

Why virtual reality is taking over

Driving across town just to find that “perfect home” doesn’t match the photos? Enter virtual reality home tours—where buyers can “walk through“ listings from their laptops or even mobile VR headsets.

Benefits for buyers and sellers

• Reduces logistical headaches.
• Expands the market by targeting out-of-area buyers.
• Adds a high-tech edge to luxury listings.

In Miami, a startup used VR for high-end properties and drove foreign leads up by 22%, closing faster than ever (Source: Redfin). It’s these kinds of transformations that make adopting new tech irresistible for the housing market.

Sustainable Housing Technology: Leading the Green Revolution

Thinking big picture, sustainability isn’t a “nice to have“—it’s now a “must-have.“ Buyers want homes with greener footprints, and luckily, tech makes that doable.

Eco-friendly practices worth watching

• Rainwater collection systems help with water waste.
• Energy-efficient smart tech, like programmable thermostats, reduces costs and emissions.
• Non-toxic materials like bamboo and recycled wood add both charm and eco benefits to construction.

Example for Homeowners: I recently advised a family to invest in solar panels and Energy Star appliances. Their utility bill dropped by 30% in one year, and their property value increased. Energy tech pays off—literally.

For the latest energy efficiency housing trends, take cues from builders and how rapidly modernizing homes boosts their sales numbers.

Revolutionizing Transactions: Blockchain for Security

What’s one of the biggest pain points in real estate? Paperwork. Blockchain is flipping the script by replacing outdated filing systems with secured digital ledgers.

Key gains for buyers and sellers

• Quicker closings minus repetitive document signings.
• Fraud-proof recording systems that track each step of the sale.
• Finally, the transparency needed to feel confident about a transaction.

While blockchain adoption faces government and industry hesitation, its promise remains undeniable. The technology is nearing a point where most ownership transactions could happen as seamlessly as buying on Amazon.

Future of Home Buying

In the coming years, the future of home buying belongs to the tech-savvy. Among the biggest trends to keep an eye on:

1. AI-driven tools are taking over search functionality and process improvements.
2. Sustainability is transitioning from buyer preference to baseline expectations in homes.
3. Blockchain is gradually reengineering the ownership journey.

How to stay ahead

For Sellers: Invest in smart thermostats or other upgrades. A seemingly small improvement could make thousands of dollars in resale difference.

For Buyers: Ask about a home’s green certifications or tech integrations—it’ll save you time and energy later.

For Pros: Make peace with new tools! Using data analytics tools to refine investment strategies goes beyond smart—it’s survival.

Conclusion

The housing market is ripe for transformation—and I’ve seen incredible results when people adopt these innovations. From smart home innovations to virtual reality tours, emerging trends and tech for the housing market aren’t just silver bullets in a competitive market—they’re necessities.

So, are you ready to stand out in your next deal? Don’t let what worked in the past tether you to outdated strategies. At Complete Controller, we’re your network for future-forward insights. Check out more revolutionary tools and trends on our blog at Complete Controller.

FAQ

What are the top housing market trends in 2023?

Smart home tech, AI tools, VR tours, sustainable housing, and blockchain are at the forefront.

How does AI help in real estate?

AI assists with predictive maintenance, faster tenant screening, accurate valuation, and personalized searches.

Why are virtual reality tours so popular?

They save time, attract out-of-area buyers, and give a realistic sense of living spaces.

What’s the significance of blockchain in housing?

Blockchain ensures security and transparency, reduces fraud, and speeds up closings.

What’s driving the sustainable housing movement?

Green building materials, energy-saving tech, and increasing environmental awareness are reshaping demand.

Sources

1. Exploding Topics. (2024). “50+ Smart Home Statistics (New 2024 Data)”.
2. Statista. (2023). “Average new home sales price in the U.S. 2023”.
3. Redfin. (2023). “2023 Housing Market Year In Review”.
4. LightNOW Blog. (2023). “Growth In Smart Homes & Key Trends”.
5. Complete Controller. (2023). Real Estate Technology Resources.
6. Smart Home Insights. (2023). Smart Home Market Research.
7. AI Analytics. (2023). Real Estate Technology Trends.
8. Green Building Advocates. (2023). Sustainable Housing Technologies.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.