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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>ibcffms.info</title> <atom:link href="http://ibcffms.info/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://ibcffms.info</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 05:49:18 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3</generator> <item> <title>The Best Time to Sell Your Home and Why It Matters</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/the-best-time-to-sell-your-home-and-why-it-matters.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/the-best-time-to-sell-your-home-and-why-it-matters.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 05:49:18 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=59</guid> <description><![CDATA[Timing is everything—especially in real estate. Knowing the best time to list your home can lead to faster offers and higher sale prices. Let’s explore when and why timing matters when selling your home. Spring: The Prime Season Most real … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/the-best-time-to-sell-your-home-and-why-it-matters.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Timing is everything—especially in real estate. Knowing the best time to list your home can lead to faster offers and higher sale prices. Let’s explore when and why timing matters when selling your home.</p><p>Spring: The Prime Season<br />Most real estate experts agree: spring is the best time to sell. The weather improves, homes look brighter, and families want to move before the next school year. This high demand can lead to bidding wars and quicker sales.</p><p>Summer: Still a Strong Option<br />Summer also sees strong buyer interest, especially in early summer. Families are actively looking, and sellers can benefit from longer daylight hours and better curb appeal. However, the market may cool slightly as vacations begin in late summer.</p><p>Fall: A Window of Opportunity<br />Early fall can still be a good time to sell, especially for those looking to move before winter. The market slows after September, so act early if you’re selling in the fall.</p><p>Winter: Not Ideal, But Not Impossible<br />Winter is traditionally the slowest season. Cold weather, holidays, and school schedules make buyers less active. However, serious buyers are still out there—and less competition can work in your favor.</p><p>Conclusion<br />While spring and summer are peak times, the “best” time to sell ultimately depends on your situation. With the right preparation and agent, you can sell successfully in any season.</p><div class="mads-block"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/the-best-time-to-sell-your-home-and-why-it-matters.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/how-to-choose-the-right-real-estate-agent-to-sell-your-home.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/how-to-choose-the-right-real-estate-agent-to-sell-your-home.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 05:49:04 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=61</guid> <description><![CDATA[Your real estate agent can make or break your home sale. The right agent will market your home effectively, help you set the right price, and negotiate with confidence. Here’s how to find the best fit for your home sale. … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/how-to-choose-the-right-real-estate-agent-to-sell-your-home.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your real estate agent can make or break your home sale. The right agent will market your home effectively, help you set the right price, and negotiate with confidence. Here’s how to find the best fit for your home sale.</p><p>1. Look for Local Experience<br />Choose an agent who knows your neighborhood and has sold similar homes. Local knowledge means better pricing, marketing, and buyer connections.</p><p>2. Ask for a Marketing Plan<br />A good agent does more than list your home—they actively promote it. Ask how they’ll market your property. Look for high-quality photos, virtual tours, online listings, and social media strategies.</p><p>3. Check References and Reviews<br />Ask past clients about their experience. Were they satisfied with communication, pricing strategy, and final results? Online reviews on Google, Zillow, or Realtor.com can also provide insight.</p><p>4. Understand the Commission<br />Most real estate agents charge a 5–6% commission, split between buyer and seller agents. Understand what’s included in this fee and whether you’re getting value.</p><p>5. Trust Your Gut<br />Chemistry matters. Choose an agent who listens, communicates clearly, and seems genuinely invested in your goals.</p><p>Conclusion<br />Selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. Choosing the right real estate agent ensures you’re supported by a knowledgeable, professional partner from listing to closing.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/how-to-choose-the-right-real-estate-agent-to-sell-your-home.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>5 Home Selling Tips to Maximize Your Profit</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/5-home-selling-tips-to-maximize-your-profit.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/5-home-selling-tips-to-maximize-your-profit.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 05:48:47 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=58</guid> <description><![CDATA[Selling your home can be both exciting and stressful. But with a few strategic moves, you can increase your home’s value and attract serious buyers—fast. Here are five proven home selling tips to help you maximize your profit and reduce … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/5-home-selling-tips-to-maximize-your-profit.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Selling your home can be both exciting and stressful. But with a few strategic moves, you can increase your home’s value and attract serious buyers—fast. Here are five proven home selling tips to help you maximize your profit and reduce time on the market.</p><p>1. Price It Right from the Start<br />Overpricing your home can scare off potential buyers. If it sits too long, you might be forced to lower the price anyway. Work with a real estate agent to analyze comparable home sales (comps) and determine the sweet spot for your asking price.</p><p>2. Improve Curb Appeal<br />First impressions matter. Spruce up your landscaping, repaint the front door, and clean up any clutter around the entryway. A clean, welcoming exterior sets a positive tone before buyers even walk in.</p><p>3. Declutter and Depersonalize<br />Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the space. Remove family photos, excessive decor, and clutter. Keep rooms tidy and organized to highlight space and functionality.</p><p>4. Make Smart Repairs<br />Fix obvious issues like dripping faucets, cracked tiles, or scuffed paint. These small flaws can make buyers question how well the home has been maintained. A pre-sale home inspection can identify problems before they become deal breakers.</p><p>5. Stage for Success<br />Staging doesn’t have to be expensive. You can rearrange furniture to show off your home’s best features or hire a professional stager. Staged homes often sell faster and for more money.</p><p>Conclusion<br />Selling your home doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right pricing, presentation, and professional support, you can get top dollar—and maybe even spark a bidding war.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/5-home-selling-tips-to-maximize-your-profit.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>4 Mistakes Sellers Make That Can Cost Them Thousands</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/4-mistakes-sellers-make-that-can-cost-them-thousands.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/4-mistakes-sellers-make-that-can-cost-them-thousands.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 05:47:25 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=51</guid> <description><![CDATA[Selling a home is more than sticking a “For Sale” sign in the yard. If you’re not strategic, you could lose money or scare off potential buyers. Here are four common mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them. 1. … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/4-mistakes-sellers-make-that-can-cost-them-thousands.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Selling a home is more than sticking a “For Sale” sign in the yard. If you’re not strategic, you could lose money or scare off potential buyers. Here are four common mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them.</p><p>1. Overpricing the Home<br />It’s tempting to aim high, but overpriced homes sit longer and may require price cuts. A home that’s priced right from day one attracts more interest and offers.</p><p>Pro Tip: Review comparable sales (comps) with your agent before setting a price.</p><p>2. Ignoring Curb Appeal<br />First impressions matter. Peeling paint, untrimmed bushes, or a dirty front door can turn buyers away. Spend time improving your home’s exterior—it often pays off.</p><p>3. Not Staging the Home<br />A cluttered or overly personalized home can distract buyers. Staging highlights a home’s potential and helps buyers visualize living there.</p><p>4. Hiding Problems<br />Attempting to cover up issues like roof leaks or foundation cracks is a red flag. Be honest and consider making repairs before listing.</p><p>Conclusion<br />Selling your home is a business transaction. Avoid these mistakes to boost your chances of a fast sale and higher offers. Partner with a seasoned real estate agent to guide you through every step.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/4-mistakes-sellers-make-that-can-cost-them-thousands.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Is It Better to Rent or Buy in 2025? Here’s What You Should Know</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/is-it-better-to-rent-or-buy-in-2025-here%e2%80%99s-what-you-should-know.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/is-it-better-to-rent-or-buy-in-2025-here%e2%80%99s-what-you-should-know.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 05:47:12 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=52</guid> <description><![CDATA[The age-old question—should you rent or buy?—remains relevant, especially as the 2025 real estate market shifts. The answer depends on your finances, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right decision. Pros of Buying Equity … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/is-it-better-to-rent-or-buy-in-2025-here%e2%80%99s-what-you-should-know.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The age-old question—should you rent or buy?—remains relevant, especially as the 2025 real estate market shifts. The answer depends on your finances, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right decision.</p><p>Pros of Buying<br />Equity Building: Every mortgage payment increases your ownership stake.</p><p>Stable Costs: Fixed-rate mortgages offer predictable monthly payments.</p><p>Tax Benefits: Mortgage interest and property taxes may be deductible.</p><p>Creative Control: You can renovate, repaint, and personalize your space.</p><p>Pros of Renting<br />Flexibility: Easier to relocate for work or lifestyle changes.</p><p>Lower Upfront Costs: No down payment or closing costs.</p><p>No Maintenance Hassles: Landlords handle repairs and upkeep.</p><p>Financial Considerations<br />Buying is usually smarter if you plan to stay at least 5–7 years. Renting might make sense if you’re unsure about your job, family plans, or location. Use rent vs. buy calculators to weigh the long-term cost difference.</p><p>Market Outlook for 2025<br />With mortgage rates stabilizing and inventory improving, 2025 is shaping up to be a more balanced market. However, affordability remains a challenge in many urban areas.</p><p>Conclusion<br />There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Evaluate your lifestyle, job stability, and finances. Whether renting or buying, the right decision is the one that aligns with your goals.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/is-it-better-to-rent-or-buy-in-2025-here%e2%80%99s-what-you-should-know.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>5 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/5-essential-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/5-essential-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 05:46:58 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=53</guid> <description><![CDATA[Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between financing, finding the right property, and navigating inspections, there’s a lot to manage. To help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed choices, here are five essential … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/5-essential-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between financing, finding the right property, and navigating inspections, there’s a lot to manage. To help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed choices, here are five essential tips for first-time homebuyers.</p><p>1. Know Your Budget—And Stick to It<br />Before browsing listings, determine how much house you can truly afford. Consider not only the mortgage but also property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, and closing costs. A smart rule is to spend no more than 28–30% of your gross monthly income on housing.</p><p>2. Get Pre-Approved<br />A mortgage pre-approval strengthens your offer and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. It also gives you a realistic price range, helping to streamline your search.</p><p>3. Research the Neighborhood<br />Think beyond the house. Investigate school districts, crime rates, commute times, and local amenities. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day to get a full picture.</p><p>4. Don’t Skip the Inspection<br />A home may look perfect, but hidden issues like plumbing, electrical problems, or foundation cracks can cost thousands. Always hire a qualified inspector—and use their report to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.</p><p>5. Work with the Right Agent<br />A skilled real estate agent is a powerful asset. Choose one who understands your needs, knows the local market, and communicates clearly.</p><p>Conclusion<br />Buying your first home doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, the right team, and realistic expectations, you can find a place that fits your needs and budget.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/5-essential-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>WI Lemon Law and What Qualifies As a Lemon</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/wi-lemon-law-and-what-qualifies-as-a-lemon.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/wi-lemon-law-and-what-qualifies-as-a-lemon.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:33:49 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Law]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Law and Issues]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=44</guid> <description><![CDATA[If you want to know what the WI lemon law defines as a lemon, it’s a vehicle that has defects that are unfixable by any sort of permitted party, but is still less than a year old. If you can’t … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/wi-lemon-law-and-what-qualifies-as-a-lemon.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> If you want to know what the WI lemon law defines as a lemon, it’s a vehicle that has defects that are unfixable by any sort of permitted party, but is still less than a year old. If you can’t use your vehicle for more than a month due to its issues, it also qualifies as a lemon.Under WI lemon law, the defects to the vehicle have to bring its market value significantly down, or risk your safety, but still be under warranty. If your car just rattles a bit, it’s not a lemon; if it stalls, it probably is.Even if your car is registered in a different state, as long as it was bought or leased in Wisconsin is falls under WI lemon law if it breaks down. Though used trailers and hand-me-down vehicles don’t qualify, you can get official and executive vehicles covered under WI lemon law. .Your car can be a lemon as classified under WI lemon law if it fits these criteria:* You bought or leased it in Wisconsin itself.* Any car, truck or motorcycle bought in Wisconsin – any defects to the vehicle began while it was in its first year of warranty.* The vehicle’s ability to be used or maintain safety is diminished substantially by the defects.If any of these sounds like your vehicle, then WI lemon law will qualify your car or truck as a lemon.No matter if your repair shop does anything during each visit, get a repair order for each of these times they see the vehicle. You have to ensure that the dates you entered it for repair, plus its problem, are entered in the repair order. .If all this paperwork is in order – repair orders, purchase orders, and warranties – you’ll be able to verify your car as a lemon. Keep your repair orders in a safe place, so that they don’t risk getting destroyed and you lose you chance to register your car as a lemon. .There’s another solution for you if your car has problems that affect its operation and safety, and you return it to the manufacturer. If you appraise the defects at the manufacturer’s location, your car could be fixed in lieu of paying for a deduction for the car.The manufacturer’s arbitration program will help you in the event of needing to get a refund or replacement car from the manufacturer. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/wi-lemon-law-and-what-qualifies-as-a-lemon.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>5 Factors to Consider When Buying Life Insurance</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/5-factors-to-consider-when-buying-life-insurance.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/5-factors-to-consider-when-buying-life-insurance.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 22:18:43 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[life insurance]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=42</guid> <description><![CDATA[Life insurance is an important part of financial planning, but understanding insurance and purchasing the right product can be confusing. While you should rely on the expertise and recommendations of your insurance agent, it’s always a good idea to do … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/5-factors-to-consider-when-buying-life-insurance.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Life insurance is an important part of financial planning, but understanding insurance and purchasing the right product can be confusing. While you should rely on the expertise and recommendations of your insurance agent, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. Here are five factors to consider before you buy insurance:1. Why you need life insurance. We all want to plan for our family’s future and financial security. Part of this process includes ensuring that our loved ones are supported in the event of our death, a spouse’s death, or the death of a parent. Insurance can provide protection in many different ways, such as helping to fund your retirement or paying for mortgages and college educations. It is also a key component of estate planning.2. The amount of life insurance you need. There are many factors to consider when deciding how much insurance is right for you and your family, and they may change as you age. It’s important to understand the purpose, policies, premiums, benefits and, ultimately, the best insurance for your specific situation. Here are a few considerations when determining how much insurance is enough:*How much money your family will need to live comfortably if you pass away<br />*Whether your home is paid for or if you still have a mortgage<br />*If you have a business, how your passing will financially impact the company<br />*Whether your family has access to money to pay for your burial expenses<br />*The cost of financial and legal assistance to manage your estate<br />*Whether your passing will create an estate tax burden for your heirs3. The different types of insurance available. Once you decide how much insurance you need, the next step is deciding whether term insurance or whole life insurance is right for you. Here are the basics:*Term life insurance: As its name implies, term life provides protection for a specific period of years. If you pass away during this period, your beneficiaries are paid the value of your policy. Term life insurance is the most popular for a variety of reasons, including the fact that benefits can be used to pay off outstanding debts such as mortgages in the event of a premature death, and that premiums are generally inexpensive when you purchase it at an earlier age. Someone in their 20s, for instance, will pay far less than someone in their 80s for the same amount of insurance.*Whole life insurance: A whole life insurance policy remains in effect throughout your lifetime as long as you continue to pay the premiums. You can typically use whole life insurance policies as collateral for loans or even receive cash payments while you are still living. However, premiums for whole insurance are more costly than term insurance, so younger families are generally encouraged to buy term life, with the option of converting the term life policy to a whole life policy at a later date.*Universal Life: A universal life insurance policy also provides permanent life insurance protection, but differs from whole life in its flexibility that allows you to select the amount of protection that best fits you, your family, and/or your business. You can increase or decrease coverage as your insurance needs change, as well as control the frequency and amount of premium payments.4. Risks that impact insurance costs. Insurance premiums are based on many different risk factors, including age, overall health, and the use of tobacco. If you are still relatively young, are in good health, and don’t smoke, now’s the time to buy insurance!5. How to choose the right insurance agent. With so many variables, choosing the right amount and type of insurance should be discussed with a trusted independent insurance agent. Independent brokers have access to many more insurance products and are typically more invested in your financial future. Be sure to do your homework, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and know your policy inside and out before you sign on the dotted line.If you’re shopping for life insurance and want to learn more about the right type of policy for you and your family, visit http://www.KellyWilliamsIns.com or call 562.498.8661. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/5-factors-to-consider-when-buying-life-insurance.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Top Goal for Small Businesses: The Eight Most Important Checkup Questions for 2021</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/top-goal-for-small-businesses-the-eight-most-important-checkup-questions-for-2021.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/top-goal-for-small-businesses-the-eight-most-important-checkup-questions-for-2021.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:50:26 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Business Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Careers Employment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Consulting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Furnishings and Supplies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Industrial Mechanical]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Networking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sales Management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sales Training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Security]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=40</guid> <description><![CDATA[Are you happy with your business this year? What are you going to do differently? How can you hire the right people to support your vision? Sadly, many small business owners do not spend enough time planning for the future. … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/top-goal-for-small-businesses-the-eight-most-important-checkup-questions-for-2021.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Are you happy with your business this year? What are you going to do differently? How can you hire the right people to support your vision? Sadly, many small business owners do not spend enough time planning for the future. It’s quite understandable. Managers must keep pace with the daily demands of their businesses, including payroll, taxes, product/service delivery, and customer expectations.Fortunately, the end of the year is the perfect time for a comprehensive evaluation of your company. Your business needs a checkup. Most people can relate to a checkup with their local doctor, depending on their background and personality characteristics (age, sex, family medical history). The doctor will conduct a variety of tests, including blood, vision, heart, and hearing.In fact, one element like an individual’s weight is not the only indicator of overall good health. Likewise, small businesses could benefit from a good checkup too. Successful entrepreneurs think strategically when engaged in a hostile, global environment.After 27 years of managing projects and conducting over 100 organizational evaluations of business organizations, I realize that both large and small organizations struggle in implementing their operations effectively. This article examines how small businesses need to conduct an effective checkup of their organizations.Welcome to the New Normal! Yet, nearly a year after this pandemic, the full impact on the U.S. economy is unclear. According to recent studies, more than four million Americans have left the workforce, and nearly 10 million are now unemployed compared with last February.In fact, the number of unemployed people continues to rise. According to a business study conducted between March 28 and April 4, 2020, small businesses have been heavily damaged by the lockdowns due to Covid-19.In an analysis of more than 5,800 small businesses (reaching a network of 4.6 million small businesses), the research highlighted the damage caused by the pandemic. The results showed evident damage of the pandemic. At this juncture, 43% of businesses had temporarily closed, and nearly all of these closures were due to COVID-19.Respondents stated that they had temporarily closed, largely pointed to reductions in demand and employee health concerns as the reasons for closure. In fact, the businesses, on average, reported having reduced their active employment by 39% since January.All industries have been impacted. However, retail, arts and entertainment, personal services, food services, and hospitality businesses showed significant employment declines exceeding 50%. Some businesses hope for assistance from the government.According to a Babson’s Goldman Sachs report, 88% of U.S. small business owners have already exhausted their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan; the Small Business Association gave these loans specifically to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic. These loans were helpful.Yet, these successes do not diminish the fact that more than 32% of PPP loan recipients already have laid off employees or cut wages. In fact, Forty-three percent of Black small business owners reported that their businesses’ cash reserves would be depleted by year’s end due to Covid-19.Today’s small businesses and entrepreneurs must retool themselves, given the potential impacts of Covid-19 have the necessary capacity to change their way of thinking because of their passion. However, small businesses must be willing to evaluate their current operations and make the required changes.For example, customers have largely gone online to purchase services due to the lockdowns. If a business does not have an online presence now, this company does not exist. Internet pioneer and CEO of PSINet Bill Schrader explains the significant of online visibility: “Almost overnight, the Internet’s gone from a technical wonder to a business must.”With the appropriate diagnosis of an organization, a business can develop more sustainable success. Thus, the right checkup is critical.Below are some critical questions to help you conduct your own self-checkup:</p><p>Do you have a clear vision for your business? What is it?</p><p>Do you know why your customers buy from you and why others do not buy from you?</p><p>What results are you getting from your marketing? Do you have an effective online presence on the web?</p><p>Are you collecting data or the right kind of data on your customers and competitors?</p><p>Are you keeping pace with your industry trends? If so, what are the key trends?</p><p>How are you measuring results (i.e., key performance indicators like cash flow and revenue)?</p><p>What are your key competitors’ marketing strategies?</p><p>Have you evaluated your strengths and weaknesses (i.e., SWOT Analysis)?</p><p>In summary, successful global businesses, like IBM and Google, have continuous systems in place to evaluate their performance. Let’s call this process an organizational checkup.Small businesses that want to succeed in this global and technological climate must be able to conduct this self-evaluation or checkup. This article demonstrated the relevancy of a good checkup to help improve a business by asking probing questions. In many cases, small businesses do not have to take on this organizational checkup along.There are various organizations like the Small Business Administration and local universities that can assist in this process. Have you conducted a checkup for your business this year? It’s not too late. Start the new year with a healthy business checkup.© 2021 by D. D. Green </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/top-goal-for-small-businesses-the-eight-most-important-checkup-questions-for-2021.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Oak Entertainment Centers</title> <link>https://ibcffms.info/oak-entertainment-centers.html</link> <comments>https://ibcffms.info/oak-entertainment-centers.html#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 17:54:25 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Animation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Movies TV]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music Industry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Performing Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tattoos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Visual Graphic Arts]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ibcffms.info/?p=37</guid> <description><![CDATA[Home entertainment centers are fast gaining popularity because of their space saving capabilities and the advantage they provide in storing electronic equipment and components in a compact and a methodical manner.Ranging from the existing home entertainment centers to custom made … <a href="https://ibcffms.info/oak-entertainment-centers.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Home entertainment centers are fast gaining popularity because of their space saving capabilities and the advantage they provide in storing electronic equipment and components in a compact and a methodical manner.Ranging from the existing home entertainment centers to custom made ones, these centers are either made of wood or metal. While the metallic entertainment solutions are also in great demand, it is the wooden entertainment centers that attract consumers because of their aesthetic values.The wooden entertainment centers are made of oak, cherry, mahogany, hickory, pine, maple, and walnut. If you are buying a wooden entertainment center you must keep in mind that ‘all-wood’ furniture is not necessarily all solid wood.The companies manufacturing these wooden entertainment centers usually use solid board for their constructions, but they also use veneers and particleboard. This is because a veneer is more cost-effective and helps lower the cost of the entertainment center and can also help you achieve the desired look without the additional costs that would be involved with solid wood.While searching for wooden entertainment centers, you should have a keen eye for detail. First of all, look carefully at drawers and ensure that they open and close smoothly. Apart from moving freely, they should also have automatic stops.Also, check for support blocks at the bottom of the drawers. In fact the quality and construction of the drawers are an important indicator of the over all quality of the furniture. There should also be dust proofing between the drawers. The advantage of this is that this barrier prevents papers from passing between them.If you plan to opt for custom made wooden entertainment center, you can also think in terms of intricately carved wooden cabinets. You can also consider including overlay strips of wood or blocks to attach decorative rosettes.TV cabinets with foldaway pocket doors are another option. Also, keep in mind that the oak entertainment center should have glass-covered cabinets if the electronic equipment they store operates with a remote. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibcffms.info/oak-entertainment-centers.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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