Author: Complete Controller

Since the start of E-Commerce prospects, there has been a never-ending debate between retail brick-and-mortar and online sales. You cannot answer the argument simply by observing the behavior of a retail customer. 

To start a business, you must decide whether to launch a physical store or consider E-commerce. In some cases, you can use both. But how do you determine which option is better for you, as both industries are massive? While in-person shopping is still preferred, online shopping has grown three times faster. 

But what makes both these options stand out from each other?

Let us look at some key differences and statistics with the pros and cons of running both.

Key Difference

The first key difference between these two business options is the location. E-commerce stores host their businesses online, so customers can shop from anywhere. However, customers cannot touch a product and must see it through videos or pictures. Online sales have a better reach, as they cover a larger geographical area. Another added benefit for shoppers in online sales is that they avoid the hassle of going all the way to a store and back. Online is the best option for shoppers who do not want to do in-person shopping.

Brick-and-mortar retailers have a physical location to sell their products, and customers can see them in person. For in-person shopping, the customer must travel to that location personally. The experience of physical store shopping is entirely different from that of E-commerce shopping. Physical stores have storage spaces and do not need a shipping fee for delivery. Customers can decide whether to buy a product after having a close look. Businesses located physically can cater only to a particular area or locality. 

Online Shopping vs. In-store Statistics

There is a lot to consider when comparing both these business options. Research has helped us provide valuable statistics for both parts of the retail industry. Some significant numbers include:

• The consumer spent $861.02 billion in 2020 on online shopping, an incredible jump of 44% since 2019. Retail stores increased to $4.04 trillion, a 6.9% increase from last year.
• 67% of Millennials report a preference for e-commerce or online shopping.
• More than 55% reported visiting a store before making an online purchase decision.  
• Online spending among men is 30% higher than women.
• 35% of adults shop using their smartphones
• 40% of consumers prefer online shopping to save their time. 
• More than 5,500 brick-and-mortar stores closed down, and are expected to rise in coming years
• Online sales have grown by 300% since 2001.

Preferences of Both These Options

The customers you hope to attract will be a significant factor in choosing your business model. Here are some primary reasons for customers to consider their preferences.

Preferences for E-commerce or Online Sales

• They can buy from an online store anywhere and anytime
• Price matching is more accessible in online stores
• Online sales are more convenient for customers
• They do not have to wait in lines, and the service is faster
• Items are easier to find and more readily available online
• The free shipping option makes online sales more attractive

Preference for Brick-and-Mortar Stores

• Customers can physically interact with the products to make purchase decisions easier
• They do not have to wait for the product shipment if they buy in person
• They can speak personally to a customer service representative rather than online
• There are no shipping costs associated with in-store shopping
• Easy returning policy
• The experience of in-person shopping is more interactive

Why do Brick-and-Mortar Still Matter?

61% of customers still shop in physical stores, whereas 31% prefer online shopping. One of the most fundamental drivers of online shopping is the interaction and personal experience that a customer receives. Brick-and-mortar stores will continue to make their mark until e-commerce can find a solution for same-day or 1-day delivery. 

Another massive point for brick-and-mortar stores is that shoppers have a 40% chance of spending more when shopping in-store. At the same time, the likelihood of extra spending in the online store is only 25%. 

Which is Better?

E-commerce is a rapidly growing market, but the physical store will still dominate until the Internet can provide the benefits of in-store shopping. 

On the other hand, in-store shopping needs to evolve its experience to compete with the convenience of online stores. The biggest test for brands is creating an experience that incorporates online and in-person shopping. 

Both these options are helpful in their own way. The choice lies in the customer’s decision and preferences. 

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 car market is transforming more rapidly than ever. Manufacturers must reconsider building, producing, and selling cars if customer demands and technologies change.

But, amid the enormous riots on the world market, competition in the car industry remains embedded in the ideals of comfort, protection, and performance that have long been applied. Precisely, these three dimensions determine how technology shapes this industry’s potential and enables producers to deliver on their brand pledge.

Safety

Car manufacturers do not lack consumer and product information as in other sectors. However, through diligent study and implementation, companies will use this knowledge to better consumers’ lives. In this scenario, automakers can turn vast data into alerts and guidelines to drivers, thus increasing comfort and protection using sophisticated onboard platforms and automated navigational systems.

For example, a heads-up display, a type of augmented reality that can be used to show speed, increase vision, and validate stopping distances on the windshield glass, provides valuable information for drivers while ensuring they stay entirely centered on the lane. Similarly, enhanced GPS in smartphones and vehicles made the positioning of a car much more accurate and allowed emergency responders to track a driver in times of crisis. Finally, these in-vehicle features can be connected to other vehicles, allowing vehicles to interact, making driving safer and more effective.

Technology also provided increasing essential self-operating options, including auto-freighting, lane changing, and car parallel parking. Safety is the beginning of a truly self-driving vehicle, such as conventional automakers and technology enterprises do, an idea that can remove human-made issues, reduce common traffic problems, and reduce the number of accidents.

Convenience 

Digital disruption has caused significant changes in customer preferences – with a bit of exception for the car industry. Today, car manufacturers are not merely required to produce high-quality and durable cars; they can make the journey more accessible, convenient, and pleasant. Automakers have been responsible for the overall driving experience compared to only the vehicle or trunk by integrating significant safety and navigational features into cars.

For example, car manufacturers are experimenting with biometric technologies for entry to and monitoring cars, such as identical fingerprints and retina scans. Meanwhile, MIT develops tattoos connecting to mobile devices to adapt the vehicle’s features or share information through near-field technologies with other devices. With this embedded technology, drivers can seamlessly use the seats, weather conditions, music preferences, and previous destinations to reach their vehicles and automatically load preferences.

Connected automobiles may also offer drivers valuable statistics, including petrol rates, weather forecasts, station locations, and alternative roads. These features are secondary to the car’s construction and mechanics, but when buyers look for both uniqueness and customization, they help distinguish cars.

Efficiency

While vehicles for hybrid, plug-in, hybrid, battery, and fuel cell have long been launched, more technical advances have made these electricity sources even more common in recent years. A four-year MIT study found that today, electric vehicles will replace 90% of US vehicles and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent. According to the lobby organization Society of Electronic Vehicle Manufacturers, sales have increased by 37.5% in India, up to 22,000 units annually since March 2015 (SMEV). Lack of essential facilities such as charging stations and problems with bank credit for purchasing these vehicles are the barriers to the sector’s growth in most countries, such as India.

Although the feasibility and pace of the vehicles’ acceptance are determined by buyers’ understanding of driving preferences and ownership costs, car dealers are pressured to cut production and material costs, boost the charging system, and prolong the battery life. For example, fuel cells have resurfaced, as they have been used for water vapor as one potential solution to conventional vehicles. Fuel cell cars, including electric cars, have a cross-cutting infrastructure that requires gas refueling stations to be replaced with hydrogen – that means that at least part of the transition in the automotive industry is influenced least by the willingness and ability of other sectors to adapt.

Bottom line

The global automotive industry, driven by modern technologies, is ready for a big transition. Whereas automakers must face various new challenges, including constantly evolving consumer tastes and government demands, they can continue to concentrate on enhancing the driving experience through increased comfort, security, and productivity.

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.

In recent years, data-driven businesses have seen rapid growth, which is highly contingent upon data protection regulations. While business owners often claim that strict rules penalize firms, there is little evidence to validate this claim.

What are Data Confidentiality Regulations?

Data confidentiality regulations are the primary law regulating how companies protect their clients’ data and other shareholders. Organizations that fail to comply with these regulations face fines and stiff penalties.

Data confidentiality regulations are applied to countries, and the purpose behind this is to create more consistent protection of personal and consumer data across all business transactions. Here are some of the critical data and privacy protection requirements of these regulations:

• Safe handling of data transfer across borders
• You should collect data anonymously to protect the privacy
• It is essential to have the consent of the subjects before data processing
• Providing notifications in case of a data breach
• Appointing a data protection officer to oversee compliance with these regulations

Simply put, the purpose of data confidentiality regulations is to standardize how companies handle customer’s data better to safeguard the movement and processing of personal data.

Impact of Data Confidentiality Regulations on Commercial Procedures

Firms increasingly exploit data to optimize their processes and products and innovate new business models. Yet, the consumers’ data can conflict with the ethical standards and disregard consumers’ and employees’ expectations related to privacy.

Using confidential information for business benefits can create complex challenges for societies, groups, and individuals. Data protection laws are established to resolve these conflicts by defining the legal using that data.

Both data protection laws and individual privacy perceptions vary substantially across countries. For instance, Europe has more systematic data protection legislation than the United States. The EU has stringent guidelines regarding how firms should process data, what accounts are considered personal data, and who needs to be notified in case of a breach. One of the reasons why the EU “General Data Protection Regulation” (GDPR) is highly regarded worldwide is because it imposes dramatically higher fines for non-compliance. It has also expanded the personal data definition and elaborated the criteria for what counts as a user’s consent.

Data Privacy Regulations and Competitiveness in the Digital Era

Companies often claim that stricter regulations of data regulation put them at a disadvantage compared to those companies with laxer regulations. This highlighted the possible trade-offs between the protection of privacy and the promotion of competitiveness. On the other hand, some firms believe that the stricter the rules, the more trust consumers will have in the digital economy. Beyond the firm level, this is also a concern for policymakers and societies, given the possible effects on domestic firms’ global competitiveness. Therefore, a better understanding of how privacy regulations affect firms is essential for policymakers seeking to safeguard both firms’ competitiveness and individual privacy.

Data confidentiality regulations can also affect firm innovation to some extent. Data protection regulation is a type of social regulation similar to consumer protection. It aims to protect people from two kinds of threats. Firstly, from an irregular attack on an individual’s data from criminal outsiders. Secondly, from illegal processing of data by people by organizations acting by their internal (but illegal) objectives and rules.

Stricter Consent Conditions and Impact on Business Practices

As mentioned earlier, the conditions of obtaining consent are far stricter under the GDPR as the individual whose data is available must have the right to withdraw consent at any time and with a presumption that the license will not be valid until separate approvals are obtained for different processing activities.

The data confidentiality regulations have entirely changed how companies manage their sales prospects and marketing. They must review their business processes, forms, and applications to ensure compliance with the industry’s best practices. For instance, to sign up for communication prospects, the user must tick a box or fill out a form that confirms that it was their action to the action.

Final Word

There is no question that data is a valuable currency in today’s world. While the data confidentiality regulations create some barriers to commercial activities, they also create opportunities and foster stability. Companies that value customer privacy often earn their customers’ trust, bringing them a competitive edge in the market.

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 previous year, 2023, has shifted customer mindset, behavior, and tactics in various areas of life. Different industries, including the food industry, have felt the harms of these shifts.

This blog will discuss the top global food and beverages market trends from the previous year until 2024. Throughout this blog, you will evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced these trends. In a nutshell, you will also discuss the most available food products of the previous year and leave you with some data on selling beverages and food on different online platforms.

Transparency Triumphs

It will be more significant than ever for brands to upgrade their transparency game to fulfill customer demands. From a pure label ingredient to responsible and ethical sourcing, customer requests for a transparent supply chain and item labels have never been higher.

 In reality, according to the survey conducted by Innova Consumer, out of five, three global consumers say that they are willing to “learn more regarding how the food is made and from where it comes from.” which means the word “clean label” has gone from sense transparency regarding being additive fresh and organic to also represents how human and sustainable a product is.

Plant-based Food

Veganism and vegetarians are two growing trends. Most people transform their lifestyles for various reasons, including promoting wellness and health, abolishing animal cutlery, and ranking sustainability.

Beyond meat and impossible foods have been two more forces in this industry. They build meat alternatives from plant-based ingredients. Meat foods are replacing plant-based foods; one reason is COVID-19. The previous year was full of diseases that might occur because of the animal’s meat, so most people avoid it.

Consuming on Demand

One of the significant variations seen in response to the pandemic is a rise in omnichannel consumption. Currently, the customer has more access than ever to eat what they want, where and when they want it. Restaurant-branded and Suitable meal solutions have carried dine-in tastes to homemade food. It is not only when it drives to the meal but also to searching familiar flavors in snack products, such as Nashville Hot potato chips, that bring various flavors into customers’ homes in different ways. It is formally more significant than ever for food makers to address convenience, accessible indulgence, and richer experiences.

In Tune with the Immune

The pandemic also elevates your consumer’s attention to a healthy immune system. This trend is expected to continue throughout 2024, with ongoing concerns stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak. Out of 5, three customers shared that they are “gradually searching for beverage and food products that support immune health.”

Science and Nutrition

Technology addresses asked for beverages and food with higher nutritional value, ethical impact, and sustainability, “which is exactly what customers demand, with four in five global costumers approving with the statement I believe in enhancement in beverages and food through science” by Innova. Food manufacturers need to leverage the specialists available in the industry to meet customer needs, particularly when it comes to overcoming the queries related to creating great-tasting healthy foods.

Modern Nostalgia

Many people have experienced previous years; unrest, unease time, and doubt grab customers to pursue comfort in foods that repeat them of happier, less turbulent events. We expect the trend to continue as the world continues to fight the pandemic and, maybe, heal in 2024. Then, it is not as easy as customers returning to nostalgic, familiar comfort foods. Customers expect a trendy twist on their beloves classics. Food producers and manufacturers can ride this wave by counting and adding different ingredients and flavors to familiar products and utilizing global trends to affect local products.

Bottom Line

As 2024 begins, it will be crucial to keep an eye on food industry trends for 2024. Companies will dare food manufacturers and scientists to innovate to meet customer needs for tastier and healthier products—some experts at navigating product growth and challenges from meat-based to plant-based to diary-based product enhancement and development.

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.

Due to the unique nature of virtual currencies, there are some inherent advantages to transacting through Bitcoin over fiat currencies. Although over a decade old, the digital currency landscape is constantly changing. Most tokens are untested as a medium of exchange, and users should carefully weigh their benefits and risks.

That said, Bitcoin is designed to offer users a unique set of advantages over other payment methods. We’ll take a closer look at those below, but it will be helpful to explore what Bitcoin is before we do. By better understanding how Bitcoin was designed, it will be easier to see the advantages of using Bitcoin for payments.

What are Cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are decentralized digital payment systems based on encryption. This type of currency is not controlled by any state, government, or bank, and it allows for direct exchange among its users.

These digital currencies follow the principles of cryptography — but are applied to exchanging a product and service for a value. Compared with standard money, cryptocurrencies use complex encryption, making them very difficult to steal and counterfeit.

These transactions are based on blockchain technology, which consists of data being shared by users. This system contrasts with the traditional one in which data is controlled by a single participant — like a banking institution.

The Impact of the COVID Crisis on the Blockchain

The crisis caused by the global COVID pandemic has also affected cryptocurrencies, as many have seen their market value reduced — including Bitcoin, which fell 50% in just one day.

The crisis has also affected the population’s financial stability and trust in the established system, which could open the door to the development of alternatives like digital currencies. Without going into too much detail, after three months of hiatus, Facebook seems to have relaunched its digital currency project, formerly known as Libra and now called Novi.

According to a survey by bitFLyer, Europeans trust more in the future of cryptocurrencies because of the coronavirus crisis: 66% of those surveyed believe this will be a feasible alternative in the next ten years.

Benefits of Cryptocurrencies

Quick Transactions

While online purchases are instant, there must be a faster bank process for sending money. The blockchain is more direct for the person receiving the money.

Lower Fees

One of the biggest problems with eCommerce for sellers is the fees they must pay per transaction for credit cards and other payment methods. With cryptocurrencies, prices from third-party services are significantly lower.

Strengthened Security

Cryptocurrencies reduce the risk of fraud in digital transactions, as it is complicated to counterfeit and reuse each currency or cancel a transaction once it has been completed.

Broad Market

Cryptocurrencies can be used anywhere in the world without adapting prices and currencies to the area where the sale is taking place.

Better User Experience

The blockchain affects payment and the exchange of useful information for the buyer. For example, online clothing shops could use this system of tokens to create associations with garments and track inventory, the origin of the materials used, and where they were manufactured.

Mobile Payments

Like many online payment systems, bitcoin users can pay for their coins anywhere they have Internet access. Access means that purchasers never have to travel to a bank or a store to buy a product. However, unlike online payments made with U.S. bank accounts or credit cards, personal information is unnecessary to complete any transaction.

Accessibility

Because users can send and receive bitcoins with only a smartphone or computer, bitcoin is theoretically available to populations of users without access to traditional banking systems, credit cards, and other payment methods.

Conclusion

Meanwhile, eCommerce managers should closely monitor news about the blockchain and cryptocurrencies to know how to implement them quickly if they become popular. Even some industries, banks, and countries like China are starting to develop their digital currencies – which could pave the way for the rest of the world.

As with all technologies, you must be up to date with the current trends, which is essential to adapting your strategy quickly and gaining a competitive advantage.

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.

Financial stability is part of healthy financial habits. Perhaps you think there is never a reasonable time to start learning more about investments and your financial health. While it can initially sound difficult, taking a structured approach will help you develop behaviors that can support you in the long run.

Here are some habits to lead a financially healthy life this year.

Save Money

Unlocking the key to financial well-being involves addressing some common queries surrounding the importance of saving. Have you ever pondered the extent of your financial resources? The essence lies in preparing for both immediate needs and future essentials.

Embarking on the journey of saving, an aspiration easier spoken than executed stands as the most straightforward method of investing. The question then arises – where do you begin? Cultivating the habit of setting aside an average of 10-15% of your income is the linchpin for sustaining your lifestyle, even in the golden years of retirement.

The pivotal step is to allocate this portion promptly upon receiving your paycheck. Consider this sum not as a personal asset but as a commitment to securing your financial future. Every purchase or expense should be seen as contingent on the remaining paycheck, underscoring the need for prioritization.

Should an unforeseen expense or emergency dip into your savings, the strategy is clear – diligently replenish this amount each month, coupled with additional funds, ensuring that the habit of saving endures. By adhering to this approach, you fortify your financial resilience, allowing you to navigate unexpected challenges while steadfastly building a foundation for a secure future.

Keep Tabs on Your Spending

Recall the early stages of managing your finances – the inception of your career, where every expenditure was scrutinized. If, over the years, you’ve found yourself drifting from that disciplined routine, here’s a guide to regaining control.

The first step is to reacquaint yourself with your spending patterns, as discerning between essential and non-essential expenses can be elusive. With the increasing prevalence of electronic payments, tracking your transactions has become notably convenient for many. However, staying calm is crucial; even a monthly review informs you about your expenditures.

Leveraging a dedicated app can be a game-changer for those who find proactively managing this task challenging. Numerous applications monitor your costs and send transactional messages and emails, providing a comprehensive overview of your financial activity.

By diligently tracking your spending, you will better understand your financial landscape. This will empower you to make responsible choices and identify areas where savings can be optimized. Realizing the significant sums invested might surprise you, prompting a newfound financial mindfulness.

Set a Plan and Stick to it

Planning, not confining, is the fundamental point of a budget. If you want to make the best of your funds, which are essentially personal finances, you have to schedule things:

1. Plan how much you will spend per month based on your savings after setting aside your income. You must not exceed this budget.
2. Set up your schedule or your savings for significant expenditures to cover unforeseen costs such as a visit to the hospital or a punctured tire.

Don’t be Impulsive in Purchasing

Mastering impulse control is undoubtedly one of the most formidable tasks. Impulse doesn’t solely manifest in the spontaneous purchase of the latest gadget on payday; it extends to unnecessary expenditures driven by mere desire rather than necessity.

The key lies in making subtle concessions for the promise of greater rewards. It involves resisting the allure of immediate gratification and opting for discernment, ensuring that every expense aligns with genuine needs rather than fleeting wants. By making these minor concessions, you pave the way for more substantial financial rewards and foster a disciplined approach to spending.

Save Where You Can 

Trimming unnecessary expenses is a practical strategy for bolstering your savings. Opt for cooking at home, savoring leftovers, and extending the life of your wardrobe instead of frequently ordering food or seeking out new clothing items. Sometimes, the solution lies in appreciating what you already have. Small adjustments like these can significantly impact your overall financial health.

Strategize Your Financial Moves

When it comes to significant transactions, meticulous planning is your ally. Maintain a wishlist and regularly revisit it to discern your true desires. Doing so lets you assess the urgency and importance of each item on your list, enabling you to make informed decisions about your larger expenditures. This thoughtful approach ensures that your financial choices align with your priorities and long-term goals.

Embrace Zero-Cost Alternatives

Consider opting for solutions allowing zero-cost installment plans when engaging in significant transactions. This “buy now and pay later” approach helps distribute the financial burden of essential purchases, providing a secure means to adhere to your financial timetable.

It’s important to recognize that the money allocated for such transactions could have been invested elsewhere. Achieving financial prosperity hinges on prudent expenditure. While occasional indulgences are acceptable, succumbing to impulsive purchases should be the exception, not the rule. Exercising restraint in discretionary spending will pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous financial future.

Liberate Yourself from Debt

A crucial step toward a fresh financial start is shedding the weight of burdensome debts. Not all debts are created equal; they vary in nature and impact. For instance, credit card debt and high-interest loans differ from more manageable debts, such as student loans.

Maintain a vigilant record of your outstanding balances, ensuring timely and accurate deductions of what you owe. Prioritize repayment by addressing debts with the highest interest rates first, especially when dealing with mortgages.

Explore options to utilize any surplus collateral to eliminate loans. Living without the shackles of debt is an invaluable goal, and simplifying your financial landscape by settling high-interest debts first sets the stage for a more liberated and prosperous future.

Bottom Line

Taking the initial steps is pivotal for success in the financial planning journey. A well-defined personal financial preparation list not only sets the stage for a more organized approach but also ensures that your investments are poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It’s the foundation for a financially resilient and prepared future.

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.

Unless you have an existing wealth empire to build on, chances determine that you’ll require a financing resource to begin your business venture. Numerous financing options exist, including bank loans, crowdfunding, factoring services, and venture capital firms. 

To raise capital for business requirements, companies initially have two categories of financing options, including equity financing and debt financing. It can be challenging to anticipate which financing method will be feasible for your business. Most companies utilize a combination of both financing options, but they usually choose to select one of them for their business purposes. The selection depends on which funding source is more effortlessly accessible for the company. The debt-to-equity represents how much of a company’s finance is provided by debt and equity. 

Concept of Equity Financing

Equity financing includes selling a portion of a company’s equity in exchange for capital. For instance, the owner of ABC Company might need capital to raise the business capital. The owner decides to leave 10% of ownership in the company and sell it to a creditor for investment. That creditor now owns 10% of the company’s shares and has a right to raise voice in all the business decisions. 

Pros

The main benefit of equity financing is that there’s no requirement to repay the money acquired through it. Of course, business owners aim to provide equity investors with a fruitful return on their investment without required payments or interest rates. 

Cons

Equity financing does not add a financial burden to the potential company. Since no required payments are associated with equity financing, the company has excess capital to invest. However, this doesn’t justify the downfalls of equity financing. 

To gain funding for your business, you’ll have to give the investor a percentage of your company’s shares. For this purpose, you might have to share the profits and consult with them anytime you decide about the company. The only way to exclude the investors is to buy them out, which would probably be more expensive than the original amount they gave you. 

Concept of Debt Financing

Debt financing includes borrowing and paying the money back with an interest rate. The most common type of debt financing is a loan. Often, debt finance comes with restrictions on the business’s activities that might prevent it from taking benefit of opportunities from outside the empire of its core business. Creditors prefer a relatively lower debt-to-equity ratio, which benefits the company if it requires additional debt financing. 

Pros

There are numerous benefits of debt financing. Primarily, the lender will have no control over your business. Once you repay the loan, the relationship with your lender will end. Secondly, the interest rate you pay is tax-deductible. Additionally, it will be easy to forecast expenditures because debt payments don’t fluctuate. 

Cons

What if your company experiences financial crises? What if your business doesn’t progress as well as you want it to? Debt is a kind of expenditure, and you must pay the payments regularly. This can hinder your company’s ability to grow. 

Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing

Suppose ABC Company is striving to expand its business and determines that it requires $70 million to fund its growth.  

To obtain the amount, ABC Company opts for the combination of equity and debt financing. The equity financing sells a 20% equity stake in the business to the investor in exchange for $20 million in capital. However, for debt financing, the company borrows a business loan of $40 million from the bank, with an interest rate of 4%. You must pay the loan back in four years. 

There could be a diversified combination with the above example that would result in numerous outcomes. For instance, if ABC Company raises capital with only equity investment, the owners would have to lay off more ownership, diminishing their share of future profits and decision-making power. 

On the contrary, if the company decided to apply only debt financing, their monthly expenditures would be higher, leaving little cash for other purposes. A more significant debt amount must be paid back with interest. 

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 most considerable expense of any company or business is their payroll. Wages and salaries play a massive role in the outflows of a business, and a business should always have enough to cover this expense. A payroll document is created with all the details of the workers in a business to estimate their total pay. Usually, the HR department manages the payroll in big firms, and the owners typically manage small business payrolls. A proper payroll tracks the working hours of the employees for further calculations. As payroll is the most significant expense of a business, sometimes the business faces problems while processing a payroll due to a negative cash flow or a net loss. 

Small businesses struggle to survive, especially after the pandemic caused by COVID-19, and they struggle a lot with handling their expenses. Small companies are currently more likely to fail or go bankrupt. Some companies cannot make payroll due to no or very little revenue, bad debts, or sometimes inflation. But this doesn’t mean that you are free from the stress of paying the workers. It is the most significant expense and should be paid no matter what. 

Here’s what you should do when you’re unable to make payroll.

 Communicate With Your Employees

As the workers are also a part of the business and called the company’s stakeholders, they are also aware of the industry’s situation. But sometimes, business owners know way ahead that they will face payroll problems in the future and still don’t inform their employees to save themselves from the embarrassment.

At this point, reputation and ego should not be the reason behind miscommunication. The employers should realize that the employees are a part of the business and may understand and compromise with the situation. This will give the workers enough room to decide on their future. Some might leave and find new jobs for themselves, and some might choose to stay and support the business. Communication can solve problems and reduce expenses if few workers leave. 

 Seek an Accountant or an Analyst Advice

 A professional in accounting and finance can greatly help in these circumstances. These people know how to handle finances and face and solve liquidity problems. They can suggest ways to increase inflows and balance the cash flows to prevent low funds. They can also change and rearrange the budget to ensure that payments are being made appropriately without any hindrances. 

 Find Sources of Finance

 As the payroll is the most significant and foremost expense of a business, it needs a considerable amount, which you cannot draw out by saving some extra money. It would help if you considered financing. The most straightforward way of financing is getting a business credit card or credit line. You will have very little to lose and will be able to have access to a considerable sum. This way, you will be free from the most significant problem over your head, and you can ensure job security for your workers. 

 Liquidate Your Assets

 If you don’t want another debt over your head, you can utilize what is available, which is assets in the business. You can sell off an asset that was unimportant for operations or if the company can survive without it. For example, if your business has multiple motor vehicles for transportation, you can reduce them to two or maybe one. You can easily access a large amount through this without worrying about debt repayments or interest payments. 

Conclusion

It gets tough for small business owners to find resources to pay their employees, and they struggle to manage their finances to make ends meet. A considerable expense like payroll can hinder operations when the business has insufficient amounts to pay wages and salaries. Entrepreneurs are always worried due to tight budgets and cash flow problems, and they are sometimes unable to handle the circumstances. In these situations, they should think practically and form a plan to prevent the business from failing. 

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.

Highest Paying Freelance Jobs for Earning a Steady Income

If you plan your career as a freelancer, you must begin accurately in the career path that makes the highest income.

Numerous new freelancers think in that manner. And it makes sense.

However, it is a lot more complex than that. Just because a skill has more pay or demand than others does not necessarily mean that it is the best course of action.

There is a reason why some writers have paid $5 on freelancing platforms like Fiverr to write a 1000-word blog while others make $100 for a similar job on different media.

You are being paid well based on your skill set, quality of work, and experience. Understanding your industry and seeing which skills and jobs get paid the most is also significant when planning to start learning a new skill to begin a freelancing career.

For those of you willing to make a stable income or retire early. Here are some jobs that contain higher pay in the freelancing world.

Programming and Software Development

Programmer jobs, especially mobile application and software development, pay the most to freelancers. Because programming is quite a complex skill to master, there are not many good coders, so the requirement for good coders is very high.

Do not learn programming skills through free courses like Code Academy, Course, or Udemy. They will take you by the basics. You must invest time and money into practicing and learning excellent coding skills.

Of course, you are not capable of charging $1,000 per hour right away. You have to maintain your reputation slowly. If you have vital programming languages such as WebGL and iOS, you can begin charging around $150/hour or more. 

As per a current Upwork survey, bitcoin developers also contain extreme demand. Ans most of the bitcoin developers’ per hour income is $200. 

Social Media Marketing 

In a surprising turn of events, a new skill was created – social video marketing. The skill is listed at the third position of Upwork’s market and fastest-growing skills rank, and for a positive reason as well. 

A quick search on the channel platform showed that this skill pays approx. $150/ hour for marketers.

Unsurprisingly, this skill is highly demandable—particularly given the increase in video content marketing. The flourishing social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok will keep this skill applicable for years.

Suppose you are skilled at making video content, enhancing it for SEO, and apprehending the audience with new marketing strategies and ideas. In that case, this skill will help you land numerous gigs.

 Web Designing and Development 

According to the Upwork statistics report, PHP development was one of the most demanding skills in 2015. Web design ranked 7th. 

There is a good demand for a web designer, but its value is nothing. The freelance web design industry is much more crowded now because learning web development and coding websites is easy. Everyone can work on web design and start making their own agencies. That sounds like a spoiler alert. 

The best method is to search for a position in the field. For instance, Jonathan World makes over $5000 monthly by creating websites through WordPress with slight variations and customizations. You may earn more money if you offer suitable clients the correct sort of services. 

Content Marketing and Writing 

Thanks to the affluent online marketing trends and the growth of new practices, such as content writing, inbound marketing is now one of the hottest fields for freelancers. 

 You do not have to go anywhere to find proof of a freelancer writer’s performance. Some freelancers make $5000 per month by blogging for businesses, writing content, and doing marketing work.

However, not everyone has good writing skills. You must write a lot; more significantly, you will need a creative mind to write excellent blogs that pay well. 

Bottom line

Freelancing is now considered one of the most feasible jobs, as it can be done remotely anytime. So, the majority directly contribute to freelancing and want to earn through different platforms and skills. Some skills are highly demanded and highly payable in freelancing platforms. 

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.

Managing data can sometimes be challenging. It demands patience, effective organization, and management skills. Once you start organizing yourself, the data you want to organize starts to organize itself. 

Our world has evolved at its own pace. Since technical evolution has taken us by and large, operations in different fields developed to an extent. Data management tools must take the corporate world by storm, and it’s time now more than ever to benefit from them when considering stepping into the entrepreneurial world. Let’s discuss some ways to manage data in the long run. 

Outline Your Goals

Jumping straight into data management all at once won’t do you any good. Consider starting small. If anything, start by outlining your goals and the kind of data your company can need in the coming years. Once your data-management goals are aligned, you next want to stick to the most relevant data you need. This will help you prioritize data from most to least important. This way, your data management software will stay organized and not-so-crowded! 

Knowing what you plan to do with the data you collect can help you keep only the relevant information to your goal, ensuring that your data management software doesn’t get overcrowded and unorganized. Remember, you don’t want to be a hoarder when keeping a day. The less amount you have, the more it helps in managing your data. 

Ensure Data Protection and Security

As obvious as it gets, you should give this one utmost consideration. You don’t want your company to fall victim to poor data management techniques. Ensure that you keep your data protected at your maximum capacity. Companies have the most confidential data that demands protection at any cost. It is, therefore, imperative that you take adequate measures to keep them secured. It would be best to prioritize data security in data management for any business.  

For this, you can consider using data management software. Such software adheres to the regulations needed and complies with GDPR. Ensure you have a plan or course of action already sorted. Be sure to bring on board the people who have the skills to manage data so that it stays secure throughout. They should have the expertise to collect or organize data but the skills to maintain the data’s confidentiality. 

 Prioritize Data Quality 

As already outlined previously, limit your data to only the most relevant information your company needs to ensure it meets its long-term goals. This is a great strategy to improve your company’s data quality. 

Another strategy you can consider is regularly checking. Once you find anything irrelevant, delete it from your software. Check for data accuracy – find out if the data in your management software are stale or not. Otherwise, analytics and automation will be negatively impacted. The team that handles and collects data should be trained to utilize the tools efficiently. The better you train your data management staff to use such software, the better they will be in data management. All in all, ensure the data management team has the expertise and the skills to use data management tools so that all the features they provide are used to the utmost capacity. 

Remove Duplicate Data

There are plenty of ways any organization can receive data, like what it already has from its lead or consumer and customer. When this happens, your data management team should have the expertise to delete any redundancies that may or may not do you any good. If your leads return more than a regular basis, train your team to process all the necessary information proficiently. Everything should stay in place, and multiple lead magnets and leads should be catered to in your company’s utmost capacity.

One good strategy could be updating your company’s entire data management software. For example, the software should have features that enable data to be automatically updated every time someone makes a return purchase. 

Use Quality Data Management Software

Finally, finding good software is another crucial step that you should consider ensuring your data is managed correctly. However, before investing in any software, be sure to research well. Ensure you get your hands on the most efficient data-management software to eradicate as much information as it can get, and chances are the results will take you by surprise. 

Conclusion

There you have it, a complete guide to managing data correctly. Follow the tips and tricks mentioned in the blog to succeed in the industry.

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.