Every startup business requires capital to fund the initial set up and operational needs. These needs include funding for product development, acquiring new inventory and equipment, and initial rollout efforts to pay your employees or fund general operations. Entrepreneurs need to know how to utilize and manage their business finances to run their new business smoothly.

Raising capital for a startup business can be challenging but not impossible. There are several ways to acquire startup capital, but they aren’t all necessarily reliable. If you have the perfect business idea but lack enough funds to start the business, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to abandon the business idea. There are several funding options you can opt to make your business a successful one.

The first thing you should do is develop a reliable and thorough business plan and figure out the finances needed to start and operate your new business. Once you have a clear idea of the costs to start and operate your business, you can look for ways to finance your business. Here are five smart ways to fund your startup business that is tried and true.

Fund the Business Yourself

Today it is estimated that over 90% of startups are self-funded. This type of funding is known as bootstrapping. Unless you have a windfall or substantial savings, this option can take time as it takes a long time to save a large sum of money. The major advantage of financing your business yourself is that you would not be required to give up any control of your business or its equity.

Pitch to Friends and Family

Once you have a solid business plan, you should develop a presentation to pitch your business idea in front of your family and friends. If they don’t believe in you, then do not expect that outsiders will support your idea. Outside of self-funding, friends or family buy-in is the second most common way that small business owners obtain capital to start their business.

Business Grants

Business grants are government or privately given funds that are completely free with no expectation of return or payback. Grants typically require your business plan, but you are expected to submit to a long application process. If you don’t need the money immediately to get started, these grants can come months after startup.

Angel Investors

Angel investors are similar to venture capitalists. Angel investors are generally wealthy individuals or firms with a heart for the startup business and don’t want to be involved in business operations or expect anything in return. This, like the grant, allows you to keep complete control of your business and equity. These can also be difficult or take time to get because angel investors are constant.

Venture Capitalist

While venture capitalists are similar to angel investors in that they invest in small or startup businesses with potential, they differ in that angel investors do not expect any return on their investment. Venture capitalists are in it for the potential business ideas that will give them the greatest possibility for high returns on their investment.

Startup Accelerator

While this is not actual startup or operational capital, startup acceleration offers free business and financial consulting, free office or business space, or other startup business needs such as equipment and materials. These free essentials for a startup business will help the business get started until they can fund their revenue.

Strategic Customer Partnership

Strategic customer partnership is when a customer or business that will use your goods or services funds your startup to start production and initial operations. Essentially they are prepaying for future products and services they will receive. These partners will hold no other control or equity in your business.

Trade Equity

Trade equity is just as it sounds. This is where you trade goods or services for essential startup goods and services. This type of trading has been a recognized way to start and operate a business. Bartering business needs with others who need what you have to offer or your skills can go a long way in getting the business up and running.

Small Business Loans

While many small business owners often go to this stream of startup capital first, it should be your last choice for several reasons. Getting a business loan approved in itself is a long process; moreover, you need to report to the bank where each penny of that loan will be spent. If you’re a first-time business owner, they might consider your business as a risk element, and in this case, your loan application will not be approved or will carry high-interest rates. This option also starts your business in debt.

Credit Cards

If you have an awesome credit score, then you can use it specifically designed for business use. However, using credit cards is a high-risk factor as non-payment can lead to expensive penalties and super high-interest rates compared to other loan options. This is another option that starts your business in debt and should be a last resort. The biggest advantage is that if you pay the balance off quickly, you can quickly build your new business credit.

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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 this article, you will learn how to use Facebook Messenger, the chat feature on the site, to increase your business’ sales. You will also be presented with the steps you must take to use Messenger as a channel to grow your customer base without an online marketing consultant’s assistance.

Social networks as sales channels

Today, Facebook Messenger has become an essential channel for communication between people. In fact, it has become a platform for automatic robots employed by companies to advertise their business and products. In this way, if someone enters the pop-up window and asks something, automatic responses are generated that are programmed through utilities that we will discuss later. The main objective of this “bot” is to improve your business’ sales.

In this article, we will discuss the following details that are part of effective Messenger management in order to grow awareness of your brand. Some of our talking points will include:

• How to use Messenger to get more customers.
• Messenger chat and customer satisfaction.
• What is a “bot,” what is it for, where to install it, and what are its’ functionalities?
• Tools to create a “bot” and how to measure the results it provides.

Get More Customers

Facebook is an extremely popular social network platform that can be utilized by your brand in order to generate more business for your company.

Facebook Messenger facilitates increasing sales by building a relationship with users. When it comes to your followers and your fans, communicating with them regularly allows you to attract, build loyalty, and convert more consumers into long-term customers.

Customer Satisfaction

Facebook is the virtual platform to grow your client base because customers can refer their friends and family to your page. There they can learn about your business while being assured by the recommendations of their social circles.

The platform serves as a channel to interact with consumers, thus humanizing your brand. Moreover, with more consumers using social media to conduct their business, capitalizing on this opportunity is essential.  

As a business owner, it is up to you to make your business stand out. Most experts believe that the best way to use social media platforms is to make your strategies customer-centric. This way, business owners can learn how their customer thinks and feels in order to devise their future strategies accordingly.

Everything you Must Know About a Bot

What is the Facebook bot?

A bot is a systematized program that combines several automatic tasks effectively in order to interact with users and give them more information about your brand. These bots can also be an effective solution to keep your consumers engaged.

Remember, every customer counts! So, if you want to expand your target market worldwide, employing a Facebook bot is an efficient way of doing so!

Advantages of using the Facebook bot?

With a bot, your customer service will improve remarkably. Through personalized interactions, you can retain more customers by ensuring they are satisfied and happy due to an open and direct communication channel. By having the knowledge of what your customers need and providing them with viable solutions to any issues, your website’s traffic will increase.

Where to install the Facebook bot?

You can install a Facebook bot directly onto your web page. This way, even if the client leaves the site, you can still contact them because you are already connected.

Also, by customizing the welcome message, your approach to customers will be more deliberate. This concrete strategy will allow your company to feel more connected with the end customer.

Functionalities of a bot

An important functionality that accompanies the chat on Facebook is to introduce ads. This will allow you to promote more products and services than costly campaigns. When you insert ads into a chat, you can personally reach a larger number of customers and generate more purchases.

All in all, Facebook is a social media platform that is continuously growing in the contemporary era. Moreover, ever since its affiliation with WhatsApp, more customers can be reached cost-effectively. Not to mention that it is now part of a bigger game: mobile-centric marketing.

As business owners desire to expand their horizons in this fast-paced business world, social media platforms can be a driving force for success.

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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.

Having a competent bookkeeper can make a world of difference to you and your business. Utilizing an effective bookkeeper can either steer your business towards new heights or allow it to spiral down and crash. It does not matter whether your bookkeeper is an accountant who worked for renowned financial organizations or a fresh graduate; they must perform well.

However, for business owners who have a lot on their minds, it’s hard to know whether your bookkeeper is performing well or not. So, let us highlight a few signs to help determine whether your bookkeeper is up to industry standards.

Fail to Provide Helpful Reports

One of the most important roles of a bookkeeper is to provide helpful reports that facilitate the streamlining of your transactions. An efficient bookkeeper prepares timely reports that help ensure that your business achieves growth.

Failing to Understand Basic Bookkeeping Terminologies

Avoid employing a bookkeeper who is scrambled at the end of the month. A good bookkeeper knows how to meet deadlines consistently. Failure to do so is a clear indicator that your bookkeeper is not equipped to handle your business’s demands.

They Keep their Books Hidden

Occasionally, bookkeepers can be very secretive about the work they do. This secrecy is an indicator of shady procedures regarding your books that you may not be aware of. A good bookkeeper will want you to see progress; he/she will prioritize delivering accurate and complete reports on time. A bad bookkeeper, on the other hand, will keep you in the dark!

Passing the Blame onto Someone Else

A good bookkeeper will like things to stay moving in the right direction and will accept their mistakes if they occur. On the other hand, if your bookkeeper is blaming other colleagues for consistently occurring mistakes, then you should consider finding someone who can take accountability for their mistakes and use them to grow.

They Don’t Ask Questions

Nobody is perfect! Even if your bookkeeper has two decades of experience, he or she must ask questions. You can never be too sure of how your transactions vary every month. Due to this, a good bookkeeper asks questions to understand your business further to cut costs extensively.

A Constant Hassle

Keep in mind, the reason you hired a bookkeeper is to avoid the extra hassle. Therefore, if you must deal with consistent mistakes month after month; then, what is the point of having one? In this scenario, it may be time to get a new one!

Lack of Input in Financial Reports

Your bookkeeper must provide feedback on your financial reports. Or they should at least give you some kind of comment on your business financials. Only an inexperienced bookkeeper will fail to provide you with their perspective on your financial reports.

Unresponsive on Emails

If you are running your business remotely, you want your bookkeepers to be always available to you. Even if you have outsourced your bookkeeping services, a lack of response to emails can be frustrating and could halt your business’ outcomes.

Knowledge of both Cash and Accrual

There are many bad bookkeepers out there. However, even some good ones fail to understand the concept between cash and accrual. Your bookkeeper should not only know about both concepts, but they should also know which one to use in what situations.

Lack of Time Management

One of the most important elements a bad bookkeeper lacks is time management. What makes this a serious problem is that bookkeeping requires precision since they usually must pay invoices and bills. Employing a bookkeeper who lacks time management skills can hurt a company – big time.

So, whether you have just started out in the business world or are looking to expand, a bookkeeper is a must. However, if you are willing to spend a hefty amount on hiring a bookkeeper, to care to ensure they do not have the aforementioned habits.

You can also outsource your services. There are many bookkeepers who work for lower rates and have a plethora of experience under their belt. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a bookkeeper today and make managing your finances easier for you and your business!

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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.

Winter has arrived! Have you planned to save money for your vacation? If not, here are some savings tips for you to enjoy your days off.

Every plan is based on solid objectives. When you intend to reach a goal, you must draw a road map. Set your goal to save this winter.

If you already know what the holidays are going to cost, for example, $2,000, then calculate how much money you need to reserve each week or month to reach that goal.

If you are looking to save on your vacation without sacrificing quality, the Trade Channel is for you. This service will allow you to enjoy different offers and discounts. We recommend registering to enjoy these advantages.

Winter Vacation Savings Tips

1. Reserve part of your salary to your savings

The best practice is to save first. As soon as you receive your paycheck, make a transfer that ranges between 5% and 10% of your overall salary into your savings account. The remainder should be used for your monthly expenses. Make your own budget plan and stick to it religiously. This way, you will never find yourself short on cash. This does not just apply to travel; you can follow this plan for many other saving purposes.   

Most of the time, we may feel that our monthly expenses are daunting. However, using certain strategies will allow you to save while also paying your bills on-time. You can even ask the Department of Human Resources at your job to deposit part of your paycheck into a savings account each month.

2. Analyze what your monthly expenses are

Identify what your essential expenses are, such as rent, utilities, and invoices. This will allow you to have an approximate idea at the end of each month about the expenses you can cut or do without.

Make sure you have a sound awareness of how much you are spending. If you are spending extra on things that you don’t quite need, try saving and adding that amount to your traveling budget.

3. Draw a budget

Compare the figures for your entertainment expenses with the essentials and establish a weekly budget. Be realistic and organize yourself in order to refine your plan towards your main purpose: SAVING.

With a solid budget, you will clearly see how much you spend on entertaining yourself each week and how many times you can afford to eat out, etc. This will allow you to optimize your standard of living, even beyond the holidays. This will ensure your money does not go to waste.

4. Start practicing saving right now

We suggest taking care to plan for situations that may arise that will consume your holiday funds.

Resolving these issues will allow you to become more efficient with your money. Addressing these small inconveniences now will ensure they do not interfere with your big plans.  

5. APPS to save

There are many apps to help you save money, particularly Let’s Bonus or Groupon. These apps will allow you to entertain yourself on a budget. As far as apps to compare prices between supermarkets, try Your Pantry or Carritus. With these, you can be sure you are getting the best deal with very little effort.  

If you want help to closely monitor your personal finances, as well as prioritize your expenses, utilize apps like Fintonic or Mooverang. These will give you a practical and efficient electronic hand.

All in All

This winter, figure out how much you need in order to travel and draw a savings map. We all deserve a time out; it is natural to get burnt out and take some time to recover. Hit the road, travel, and come back with a fresh and positive mindset. Notice how your productivity improves when you come back home and get back to your career.  

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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.

When forming a start-up, it is important to create a thoughtful financing concept in the early stages. Depending on the type of company, the self-employed entrepreneur must consider some key factors. Is it necessary to purchase new equipment? When it comes to company vehicles, which is better: leased or financed? How much money should be invested in marketing strategies? When are the first revenues expected?  The only way to minimize the risks involved with setting costs is to start low.  In this article, we mention a few aspects that you may consider to ensure your start-up success.
 

The financing concept: How much capital is needed?

Before forming a company, it is essential to become aware of how high the financing sum must be. In many cases, founders underestimate the actual costs of running a business and set the bar too low. This mistake can be detrimental to your start-up, as well as your personal finances. Rarely are founders able to generate enough income in the first few months to support themselves. It usually takes at least 6 months before a company starts earning profits. It is not hard to understand why most start-ups fail within the first three years. In most cases, not having sufficient capital is the culprit. Below are a few ways to self-finance your startup: 

Bank loans

Your own bank is often the first port of call when it comes to financing self-employment. The on-site advisor can provide information about the maximum loan amount available, the interest rates, and what repayment looks like for the borrower. Often, self-employed people, who do not have a regular income, cannot avoid depositing collateral. This is because not having a steady source of income poses a higher risk of default for banks.

Startup grant

The start-up funding is, for many, the root of self-employment. A start-up grant is designed to end unemployment and enable people to start a new career. In order to receive this grant, the application must be submitted to the Employment Agency before taking up self-employment. The person receiving the loan does not only need to have a start-up plan but must also provide proof of their qualifications. In short, the clerk must be fully persuaded of the start-up idea in order to grant a license. Because the start-up grant will not be awarded to just anyone, the employment office decides on a case-by-case basis. Just because a person allegedly meets all the criteria does not guarantee that the government support will be paid back. Although the start-up grant can be a lifeline to a fledgling business, it is a luxury that is not always attainable.  

Finance with the crowd

Crowdfunding/lending is a form of financing in which many investors, aka “the crowd,” take part in funding a business. This allows for the risks involved in any start-up venture to be spread across many shoulders, instead of just a core investor. This funding principle is as simple as it is ingenious: if everyone contributes a small part, big funding will be obtained. This method is typically presented via the internet. The founder presents their start-up idea, explains the required amount of funding needed, and outlines the time frame that they must obtain the funding. If an investor is impressed by the idea, they can contribute financially to the project. However, this does not mean that the investor is actively integrated into the business. The crowdfunding is divided into four different models:

• In classical crowdfunding, the investor receives consideration in the form of a present. In most cases, this is the product created with the money.
• In crowd investing, the lender acts as a micro-investor and is financially involved in the project.
• Crowdfunding by donation is typically relevant in non-profit organizations. The lender receives no consideration for his financial commitment. Some companies create a thank you certificate or send a small thank-you gift.
• Crowdlending is an alternative to a traditional bank loan. The founder receives a loan from the crowd, with a fixed term and an agreed interest.

Investments of Start-up angels and venture capitalists

In this form of funding, the founder specifically looks for one or more investors to fund his start-up idea.  Private persons with capital and an understanding of how start-ups function have more knowledge to fund and additionally offer support to the start-up with their skills. Being self-employed is ideal not only from a financial standpoint, but it also allows you to gain experience from relations with your investor. A common example for start-ups is the organization “Start-up Angels.”  Through this platform, donors usually participate with, on average, $60,000. However, depending on the start-up model, this number may go into millions.

Funding

It is not possible to finance your start-up through subsidies alone. Grants and profile-raising loans are usually only part of the overall funding. One reason for this is that many grant programs fix the amount of the grant in relation to the amount of your own contribution. If you desire to create a start-up, you must prepare the project so carefully that you are ready to assume the risks on your own. When applying for a loan, if the lender is not convinced of the start-up concept, it will be almost impossible to persuade a government agency to finance it.

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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.

While you are employed, you typically have taxes taken out every paycheck and then have to file at the end of the year to pay the remaining. If the amount you owe is less than the amount you paid, you will be entitled to a tax refund. There are many situations and circumstances that can affect how much you owe at the end of the year. These are four areas where you can increase your tax refund.

1. Rethink your filing status.

One of the most important decisions to make financially after marriage is how you will file your taxes. How you file can affect the amount of your refund significantly. Even if you are married, filing a joint tax return may not be the best option in terms of a refund.  one partner has high medical bills or more financial expenditures from which taxes are deducted, it may be better to file individually. Filing status can also affect tax credits, which we will look at later.

If you are unmarried and living alone and are a qualified dependent, you should file yourself as the head of the household, which always increases your standard deduction and lowers your tax rates.

Try calculating your taxes using both filing statuses if you qualify for more than one; that way, you can see the refund amount before you submit your return officially to the IRS. These are your options.

• Single
• Head of household
• Married, filing jointly
• Married, filing separately
• Qualifying widower

 

2. Itemized or Standard Deductions?

In most cases, itemized deductions will result in a higher tax refund.  However, it requires keeping a perfect track record of all of your expenses and turning in all of your receipts at the end of the year. It may be the best option if you make any or all of these tax-exempt purchases:

• Financing a home
• Charitable Donation
• State Property Taxes
• Medical Expenses
• Purchases for work

 

If you find that you don’t want to keep track of all of your receipts or that you won’t really benefit from itemized deductions, the standard tax deduction is a deduction that is set by the Internal Revenue Service and is based on a summary of your income and purchasing history that year.

 

3. Look carefully for tax credits.

A tax credit is motivation for the individuals to pay their taxes. It allows specific taxpayers to deduct the sum of the money they may have accumulated from the total sum of the money they owe the IRS.  You should pay extra careful attention when filing your taxes to any tax credit that you may be suitable for. Tax credits are sometimes considered more beneficial than tax reductions. Although tax deductions only decrease your tax bill infraction to your tax rate, tax deductions deduct straight from your tax bill total. Refundable tax credits are considered the most profitable as they can offer a refund in addition to deducting from the tax that you owe.

 

These are two of the most popular tax credits:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC helps those individuals or families that are self-employed or have average to low income. It is based on an individual’s reported income for the year.
• Child and Dependent Care Credit: This helps individuals carry for a child or elderly adult and is also based on income.

 

4. Hire a professional accountant if necessary.

Tax laws are confusing and complicated. You can try to find a professional tax accountant who can take care of your taxes’ complexities. A professional can also help you find the deductions and credits that can maximize your funds. Sometimes companies offer free tax help and just take a small percentage out of your refund. There are even free clinics and community resources available for people who meet certain income requirements.

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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.

Generic brands are less popular among most people due to their lack of commercial promotion. However, once you start using generic brands, you will be amazed at how much you save on groceries each month. Generic brands are often no different than the highly popular name-brand items you have been purchasing. You essentially are paying the extra money for the brand’s name. These brands often have the exact same ingredients; only they do not come with the well-known name. They are less costly than the other brands in the store. We all know that a barrier exists where some consumers say that name brands are better in every way, but if saving money is important to you, we ask you to reconsider. Start by comparing the ingredients of both the brands. In this way, you will see that there are no major differences, and it will become a habit to use them.

Why Generic Brands Are Cheaper: The companies that make these brands pay little or no amount for their marketing or advertising needs. Due to this reason, they are cheaper than the named brands. This is extremely attractive to all the penny-savers out there. The manufacturers of these items do want to provide their customers with a good quality product; the difference is all in the marketing. Less money spent on marketing means a cheaper price for the consumer. Some manufacturers also find it better to spread the word through the mouth rather than spending money on advertisements.

Why People Have Issues with Generic Brands: There are some generic brands that have bad quality products. There are also some manufacturers who do not pay attention to the safety issues of the products. Because of these reasons, consumers are skeptical to introduce generic products to their families. They find it better not to take risks at all. It is important to be educated on the products you are choosing. The best way to find a good generic brands’ is to compare the ingredients with the name-brand. If there is no major difference, give it a try! If it is not up to your liking, don’t buy it again. It’s that simple.  

How to Switch to Generic Brands: It may not be easy to completely switch up and use generic brands all at once, but you can do so gradually. Most people switch slowly and notice the differences. They get a different product each month that is from a generic brand and not from the one they typically use. Then they keep noticing the differences. As stated, it is good practice to compare both the brands’ ingredients for your own satisfaction. Sometimes you will find the generic may even be better than the name-brand, and sometimes the two are exactly the same. Then compare the price of both items and calculate the amount you are saving. Doing this every month with a bunch of products will be extremely helpful to your savings. In a short period of time, shopping generic will become a habit, and you will become more comfortable with the products. It is also a wonderful feeling when a large amount of money is being saved through this process.

So, if you are deciding to use generic products to save money, do it gradually. In a few months, you will most likely notice how much money you are saving with your wise decisions—Revaluate after three months. Decide if the savings are worth it and if the products are suiting you and your family.  Then, keep adjusting persistently.

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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.

People who want to increase their income faster need to find new ways to earn while holding on to the money they already have. However, that’s not enough. To grow money, a person needs to make smart investments. Being a smart investor, it is important to invest in things that will offer a reasonable return. A great investment can offer interest and dividends from savings, real estate, etc. To become a successful investor, a person must be fully devoted and focused. Thanks to advance investment options, now a person can start investing with a little as $10. Here are three things you should know about investing.

Why Should You Invest?

The main reason to invest is related to the growth of money. Investing allows a person to earn potential compound returns. Thanks to compounding, a person can earn a million-dollar by just investing one. People who make smart investments are often richer as compare to those who don’t.

Investing sounds a lot more intimidating than it is. Even though every kind of worthy investment has some risk, there is always a larger portion to gain. Investing can be scary, especially if the person is new. Below are a few smart ways to make money grow through investing.

Risk Vs. Reward

It’s no secret, investing comes with a risk. Everyone knows somebody who lost all of their money investing in the wrong places. Some people lost money due to bad decisions; others lost due to scams. However, if invest wisely, a person can reduce risk. The best part about investing young is that a young person will likely invest long-term, for example, in a retirement account. Such investments aren’t only less risky but also give bigger benefits. Investing can be risky and scary at times, but a person who never took a risk never did anything.

Where Should You Invest?

Choosing what to invest in can be tricky, especially if the investor is new. There are many investment options available in the market today. Below are a few worthy investing options that one can consider:

Mutual Funds: In this type of investment, an investor will pool a person’s money with other investors. The fund manager will utilize that amount to buy a security for the whole group. According to experts, new investors should invest in mutual funds rather than individual stocks due to the low-risk factor.

Mutual funds allow a person to invest in a huge portfolio regarding stocks rather than just relying on one stock. They aren’t only safer but also require fewer investments. Buying mutual funds through a fund company such as Fidelity will save a lot of money on trade commission; however, mutual funds can also be purchased through any brokerage account.

Retirement Accounts: To save for retirement, IRA gives a certain amount of tax-related advantages. The downside comes depending on how much a person can fund to that account yearly and when they can withdraw the money.

Traditional IRA: With such types of accounts, a person’s contributions can qualify for deductions on their tax returns. With, that there is a potential that those earning will also become tax-deferred until a person’s retirement age.

Real Estate: No doubt, investing in real estate can change a person’s life in days. Investing in real estate is a long-term process, and a person can also choose to rent their property for monthly rent. The best part about real estate is that the property’s value will only go up with the rent with time. However, just like any other investment option, real estate also has a few risks that a person should consider before investing.

Conclusion

There is no question that you should be investing your money. Investments are a way to secure your future and ensure that you can retire with ease. It is a matter of learning how and where to invest. If you aren’t comfortable making investment decisions on your own, you can always hire a professional to help you make the best investment choices for you.

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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.

Unlock Business Growth Through Effective Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking business growth happens when entrepreneurs harness their communication abilities to generate leads, build authority, and create strategic partnerships that directly impact revenue. The transformation occurs through mastering presentation skills, developing authentic confidence, and strategically positioning yourself as an industry thought leader who attracts ideal clients through speaking engagements.

I’ve watched countless business owners struggle with the same paradox I faced: knowing their expertise inside out yet freezing at the thought of sharing it publicly. After 20 years building Complete Controller and working with businesses across every industry, I’ve discovered that the difference between stagnant businesses and scaling ones often comes down to one factor—the owner’s willingness to speak up. This article reveals the exact strategies that transformed my speaking anxiety into our company’s greatest growth engine, including the psychological frameworks, ROI measurement techniques, and practical systems that turn speaking opportunities into sustainable business expansion.

What is public speaking business growth?

• Public speaking business growth combines strategic communication skills with business development to drive revenue through speaking engagements, presentations, and thought leadership
• Build brand authority by positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your industry
• Generate qualified leads through educational presentations that showcase your expertise
• Create strategic partnerships with other speakers, event organizers, and audience members
• Measure tangible ROI through tracking speaking-derived revenue and business opportunities

The Hidden Psychology Behind Speaking Success in Business

Speaking anxiety affects 75% of the population, creating a massive competitive advantage for those who overcome it. The fear stems from evolutionary survival mechanisms that interpret public exposure as physical danger, triggering fight-or-flight responses that sabotage performance.

Warren Buffett credits conquering his speaking fear as the single best investment of his career. Despite becoming one of history’s most successful investors, he initially couldn’t speak without physical symptoms of panic. His transformation required understanding that speaking confidence develops through systematic desensitization, not natural talent.

Breaking Through Mental Barriers:

• Separate your expertise from delivery anxiety—you already know your content
• Practice progressive exposure starting with small, friendly audiences
• Reframe nervousness as excitement using cognitive behavioral techniques
• Build psychological safety by accepting imperfection as part of growth
• Create pre-speaking rituals that trigger confidence states

Transforming fear into business opportunity

The businesses that scale fastest often have founders who speak publicly about their vision. This correlation exists because speaking forces clarity of message, builds market visibility, and attracts opportunities that passive marketing cannot create.

Successful business speakers report breakthrough moments when they stopped viewing speaking as performance and started seeing it as service. This mindset shift transforms anxiety into enthusiasm by focusing on audience value rather than personal judgment.

Strategic Communication Skills That Drive Business Results

Effective business communication requires mastering five core competencies that directly impact growth: active listening, clear messaging, persuasive speaking, nonverbal communication, and feedback integration. Teams with strong communication skills increase productivity by up to 25%, while poor communication costs US businesses $1.2 trillion annually.

Active listening transforms every interaction into market intelligence gathering. Strategic listeners uncover unspoken customer needs, identify partnership opportunities, and detect market shifts before competitors. This skill compounds when combined with public speaking because you understand audience concerns before crafting messages.

Crafting messages that convert

Business presentations must move beyond information delivery to action generation. The most effective structure follows the problem-agitation-solution framework:

Problem Identification:

• Articulate specific challenges your audience faces daily
• Use data and statistics to establish problem severity
• Connect problems to business impact and personal consequences

Strategic Agitation:

• Highlight the cost of inaction using relevant examples
• Create urgency without manipulation or false scarcity
• Paint vivid pictures of continued struggle versus transformation

Solution Positioning:

• Present your approach as the logical next step
• Provide frameworks audiences can implement immediately
• Demonstrate expertise through case studies and results

Measuring the Direct ROI of Public Speaking Investment

Contently’s executives tracked their 2015 speaking results meticulously. Participating in 42 events with $10,000 in travel costs generated three contracts worth $220,000—a 10.5x return on investment. This data proves speaking delivers measurable business results when approached strategically.

The speech coaching market reached $5.67 billion in 2024 and projects growth to $9.77 billion by 2033, demonstrating widespread recognition of communication’s business value. Smart businesses treat speaking skills as infrastructure investments rather than optional expenses.

Tracking your speaking ROI

Calculate speaking ROI using this comprehensive framework:

Direct Revenue Attribution

• Track leads generated from each speaking engagement
• Monitor conversion rates compared to other lead sources
• Calculate lifetime value of speaking-derived customers

Indirect Value Measurement

• Count media mentions and authority indicators
• Track partnership opportunities from speaking connections
• Measure employee morale improvements from leadership communication

Cost Accounting

• Include preparation time at hourly value
• Add travel, materials, and opportunity costs
• Factor in skill development investments

Compound Benefits

• Recognition that builds over multiple engagements
• Referrals from past speaking audiences
• Content repurposing opportunities from presentations

Building Your Authority Through Speaking Opportunities

Authority building requires consistent visibility combined with valuable insights that position you as the obvious expert choice. One in five business leaders reports losing deals directly due to poor communication, making speaking excellence a competitive differentiator.

Strategic speakers select opportunities based on audience alignment rather than ego gratification. Industry conferences attract decision-makers with budgets and immediate needs, while general networking events rarely generate qualified prospects.

Creating content that demonstrates expertise

Develop presentation content that teaches while subtly selling:

• Share proprietary frameworks that showcase your thinking process
• Include case studies that highlight transformation possibilities
• Provide actionable takeaways audiences can implement immediately
• Balance education with strategic gaps only you can fill

Speaking engagements create relationship-building opportunities beyond direct sales. Other speakers become referral partners, event organizers provide future platforms, and audience members transform into brand ambassadors when you deliver exceptional value.

Transforming Team Communication for Organizational Growth

Internal communication excellence directly correlates with business scalability. Organizations where employees understand strategy and feel heard achieve 47% higher returns to shareholders over five-year periods. Leaders who speak confidently create cultures of clarity that accelerate growth.

Leadership through communication mastery

Strong speaking skills naturally enhance every leadership interaction:

• Team meetings become inspiration sessions rather than information dumps
• One-on-ones transform into coaching conversations that develop talent
• Company updates create excitement instead of anxiety about change
• Difficult conversations happen productively rather than destructively

Building Scalable Communication Systems:

1. Document key messages for consistency across growing teams
2. Create communication templates that maintain quality standards
3. Establish feedback loops that surface problems early
4. Train emerging leaders in effective speaking techniques
5. Measure communication effectiveness through employee engagement

Conclusion

The path from speaking anxiety to business growth isn’t mysterious—it’s methodical. Every major milestone at Complete Controller traces back to moments when clear communication created breakthrough opportunities. The entrepreneurs who commit to developing these skills consistently outperform those who hide behind their expertise.

Your business growth potential often depends less on market conditions and more on your willingness to articulate value confidently. Start with internal presentations, progress to industry events, and watch how speaking transforms from your greatest fear into your strongest business asset. Ready to accelerate your business through strategic communication? Contact the experts at Complete Controller for guidance on building the financial systems that support your growing influence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Speaking Business Growth

How long before public speaking generates actual business results?

Most business speakers see increased inquiries within 3-6 months of regular speaking, with significant revenue impact typically emerging within 12-18 months of consistent engagement activity and strategic follow-up.

Should I speak for free or charge fees when building my business?

Prioritize audience quality over speaking fees initially. Free engagements at industry events with your target market often generate more business value than paid speeches to irrelevant audiences.

What topics generate the most business from speaking?

Focus on solving specific problems your ideal clients face, demonstrating unique methodologies, and sharing transformation stories that position your services as the natural solution without overt selling.

How do I overcome nervousness before important presentations?

Develop pre-speaking rituals including power poses, visualization exercises, and breathing techniques. Practice your opening until automatic, then trust your expertise to carry the rest naturally.

Can virtual speaking generate the same business results as in-person?

Virtual speaking offers broader reach with lower costs, though typically requires more follow-up to build relationships. Combine both channels strategically based on your business development goals.

Sources 

• APA.org. “Tips for Successful Public Speaking.” American Psychological Association. www.apa.org
• Business Research Insights. (2024). “Speech-Presentation Coaching Market Size Trends [2033].” www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/speech-presentation-coaching-market-117755
• Chanty. (2025). “Workplace Communication Statistics 2025+ Infographic.” www.chanty.com/blog/workplace-communication-statistics/
• Contently. Martinez, Carlos. (2016). “The Hidden ROI of Speaking Engagements.” contently.com/2016/03/30/hidden-roi-speaking-engagements/
• Crown Counseling. (2025). “30+ Revealing Fear of Public Speaking Statistics for 2025.” crowncounseling.com/statistics/fear-of-public-speaking-statistics/
• Edstellar. Williams, Jessica. (2024). “The 5 Communication Skills for Entrepreneurs to Develop.” www.edstellar.com/blog/communication-skills-for-entrepreneurs
• Harvard Business Review. “Effective Presentation Techniques.” hbr.org
• Pumble. (2025). “Workplace Communication Statistics (2025).” pumble.com/learn/communication/communication-statistics/
• RDT Content Marketing. Thompson, Rachel. (2020). “How to improve your ROI on public speaking.” www.rdtcontentmarketing.com/how-to-improve-your-roi-on-public-speaking/
• SCORE.org. Johnson, Michael. (2024). “How to Use Public Speaking to Grow Your Business.” www.score.org/resource/blog-post/how-use-public-speaking-grow-your-business
• Stevens-Tate. Stevens, Sarah. (2024). “The Benefits of Public Speaking: How it Increases Your Brand’s Visibility.” stevens-tate.com/articles/the-benefits-of-public-speaking-how-it-increases-your-brands-visibility/
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Chen, David. (2024). “Public Speaking Tips for Entrepreneurs.” www.uschamber.com/co/grow/thrive/public-speaking-tips-for-entrepreneurs
• Wikipedia. “Public Speaking.” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_speaking

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. Reviewed By: Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

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Often companies need to reduce the number of employees on the payroll. But why? This article explains the reasons behind downsizing and lists the positive and negative effects of downsizing.

Why do Companies Downsize?

Reducing Costs

Employee compensation and benefits are a liability for the company and reduce the owner’s equity. Every company incurs considerable costs of salaries and other benefits and expects the employees to help increase profitability. Therefore, if employees are not positively contributing to the company’s growth, it is better to let them go, thereby reducing costs.

Shift to Outsourcing

Keeping permanent employees is costly. The company must provide benefits along with the gross salary, annual salary increases, and more. If the company believes that outsourcing employees will reduce costs, bring in more skilled labor, and add to the company’s competitive edge, it may decide to downsize.

Mergers

Mergers are a key reason for downsizing. When two companies merge, they start working as one unit; therefore, they share resources. The chances are that multiple employees fulfill the same role, which causes redundancy in work and cost, so they must be downsized to maintain productivity and efficiency.

Positive Effects of Downsizing

1. Controls Costs

Downsizing allows companies to reduce costs by laying off employees who are either no longer needed in the company or have not been productive. The company is saved from paying employees who are not positively contributing and have been adding to undue expenses.

2. Emphasizes on Performance

After downsizing, the employees who remain in the company know that their survival depends on the performance and the quality of work they deliver. It naturally emphasizes the need to improve and maintain their performance and, as a result, enhances productivity in the company. Also, it differentiates hardworking employees from less productive ones, as those who are not willing to sharpen their skills and work in a competitive environment eventually leave or can be let go.

3. Makes Management Easier

A company is left with a smaller team once it has successfully undergone downsizing. This allows management to develop professional relationships within the company, understand employee challenges, and resolve their concerns while fostering employee satisfaction.

4. Retains Talent and Skills

Companies do not want to retain unproductive employees. More often, employee performance decreases with time as a secure job makes employees comfortable, and they do not try to learn new skills. Downsizing allows the company to enjoy a pool of talented and skilled workforce willing to learn and work productively.

Negative Effects of Downsizing

1. Increases Work Pressure

The employees who are left with the company are required to do some part of the work that the downsized employees were responsible for. This lays work pressure on the employees can leave them exhausted and frustrated by additional responsibilities and no pay increase.

2. May Raise Legal Issues

A major downsizing in the company can lead to legal risks and problems. There are several unions and agencies that work solely for employee rights.  The company may face discrimination lawsuits, which can take a lot of the company’s time and money.

3. Damages Company Reputation

Downsizing is a negative term for employees and the rest of the world. People do not like companies that let go of their employees, and prospective employees may avoid working in companies that have a history of downsizing.  This can have a long-lasting, negative impact on the company’s reputation.

4. Raises Job Insecurity

Downsizing means that all employees could be let go, and this raises employees’ concerns.  As a result, productive employees who would have been kept might start looking for employment opportunities elsewhere and leave. 

Downsizing is often necessary to keep the company profitable by reducing the costs of retaining unproductive employees. However, it must be carried out meticulously, and employees should know why they are asked to leave. Also, the retained employees must be motivated to work with the best of their skills and potential and be assured that their jobs are not in danger.

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-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure 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.