A point-of-sale (POS) system combines hardware like touch-screen displays and credit card terminals with software tailored to accept payments and track sales. The POS hardware you need is dependent on the software you use, so it’s important to choose a suitable software system before purchasing any devices. But it’s equally important to know that your…
Ultimate Guide
AI in Accounting: Trends & Uses [+ Examples]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly reshaping the landscape of the accountancy profession and accounting industry. AI pushes accountants to embrace a more strategic and data-driven role in business management, rather than the traditional routine and mundane tasks. Though AI poses a threat to job security in other fields, accounting professionals have nothing to worry about…
AI Call Centers: What You Need to Know
An artificial intelligence (AI) call center is a customer service platform that uses AI technology to streamline voice interactions, enhance agent productivity, and generate real-time insights. Service providers are using AI models to offer capabilities like live transcription, chatbots, and sentiment analysis. From reducing long wait times to managing high call volumes, an AI call…
Virginia Small Business Insurance Guide
Whether starting a new restaurant in Richmond, running an ice cream food cart at Virginia Beach, or operating a bed and breakfast in the Shenandoah Valley, small business insurance will be a critical part of your business plan. Virginia business insurance requirements are workers’ compensation and commercial auto. Some industries require general liability, too, for…
What Is SBA Form 159 & How to Fill It Out
The purpose of SBA Form 159 is to identify the fees that were paid to an individual or company that meets the SBA’s definition of an Agent. The form also informs applicants that hiring an Agent to assist with an SBA loan is not required. However, if you hire someone to help with your SBA…
How CD Ladders Can Benefit Your Business & How to Build Them
A CD ladder is a series of four or more CDs ranging from a three-month term to a five-year term—imagine one CD on each rung of a literal ladder constantly moving up and earning interest when it reaches the top at maturity. CD laddering provides more liquidity than putting all your savings in a single-term…
Startup Business Loans: 7 Best Ways to Fund Your Startup
Getting funding as a startup business can be difficult, largely because lenders are aware of the high failure rate of newer companies. As a result, many will not offer funding unless you have a track record of two or more years of performing well. Even if you can find a lender willing to offer funding…
What Is Event Marketing & How to Develop a Winning Strategy
Event marketing involves promoting events and attending or holding them to advance your broader marketing objectives. Leveraging events such as seminars, webinars, and tradeshows creates exciting opportunities for branding, sales, and relationship-building before, during, and after events. However, events can be a significant investment for a small business, so choosing the right ones and making…