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A Must-have Small Business Templates

Sneha Hull | January 4, 2022 | 311 views

Small_Business_Templates
Are you considering starting a small business, planning growth, or in need of strategic direction? Small business templates can assist you in creating your business plan and achieving your business objectives.

With so much to accomplish and so many minor but critical daily activities associated with operating your own business, small business templates can assist in automating some of their most critical procedures. From tight budgets and scant resources to a lack of direction and leadership, all of these factors may begin to weigh hard on you. However, this blog will highlight free templates that can assist you in streamlining your workflow, saving time, and accomplishing more.


The Advantages of Using Templates in your Small Businesses

Templates are pre-formatted documents that may be used to create a range of different types of common documents, including letters, fax forms, and envelopes. Business templates that are simple to use help you save time and increase productivity. The business document templates assist you in planning your business, financial planning and budgeting, and inventory management, among other tasks. Following a template that resonates with your brand plays a pivotal role in brand recall.

Other advantages of using a template are as follows:
  • Templates streamline the document development process
  • Templates can help us manage our workloads and reduce our stress levels while also increasing our efficiency
  • Templates focus the audience's attention
  • They assist in time and money savings
  • Templates facilitate communication and increase client satisfaction


Must-have Small Business Templates


Business Plan Template

When you decide to start a business, you already have a modest business plan in mind. However, it is critical to memorialize that notion to assist you in navigating the route to achievement. An excellent one-page business plan template can assist you in organizing your thoughts and addressing the organization's primary concerns, including business possibilities, industry analysis, target market, company description, marketing plan, financial summary, and funding requirements.

A personalized startup business plan template, on the other hand, enables you to establish new company plans, respond to internal and external circumstances, and stay well ahead of your competitors. By contrast, a business plan executive summary template organizes, clarifies, and simplifies the process of communicating with prospective investors about the critical facts of your firm, product, or concept. With an executive summary, your business plan will immediately capture the reader's attention.

Often, in the case of business plan templates, a free version is widely available and in high demand as well.


Template for Basic Bookkeeping

It is not a common practice among corporates to employ a bookkeeper or accountant to manage its financial records. Numerous paid templates are available to assist business owners with this process. While investing in paid invoicing software is an excellent method to keep your payments organized for bigger organizations, paying for a solution is not always an option for small-to mid-sized firms.

Here, we'll explain free small business templates that meet your needs. The Excel bookkeeping template is one of the most widely used free small-business basic bookkeeping templates. Additionally, is easy to use and completely free.

From calculating VAT returns to creating a profit and loss statement, if you want to handle your finances more precisely, you must use these small-business basic bookkeeping templates.


Template for Company Newsletter

An informative newsletter is one of the best ways to communicate in the business world due to its wide range of uses. Send a note to your existing and potential customers at regular intervals on your company letterhead to keep them informed about your business and also to keep them engaged.

A simple business newsletter template created by Microsoft makes it easy for you to share information about updates, achievements, awards, and upcoming events with your community. The free editable company newsletter template created by Microsoft comes with a pre-formatted newsletter layout.


Social Media Graphics

Social media has become a necessity for growing your small business. They play a key role in informing the customers about your product or service and increasing customer engagement as well. As a result, the appearance of your social media page is critical. Here comes the need for social media graphic-ready templates.

Canva is quite popular among the masses who wish to create an impressive layout. You can create striking social media templates for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and more.

From saving time to ease of use, these templates come in handy as they meet all your design requirements. Additionally, Canva is easy to update on regular basis. Social media graphic templates dramatically enhance the aesthetics, thereby, increasing the post engagement.


Templates for Business Emails

Email marketing is one of the most preferred means of communication in various businesses. However, sending email can be a time-consuming task. Therefore, having a small business template is essential to save time and resources.

An email template enables you to easily promote email campaigns. All you need to do is customize the template by changing the photos, text, fonts, and other aspects. A decent email template is appropriate for all types of businesses working in various sectors.

The business email template helps to streamline all aspects of marketing and sales, from public relations and blog outreach to customer reference emails. Emails are classified into three types: transactional, relational, and promotional. As a result, business email templates for each category are accessible to assist you in launching your first campaign or optimizing an existing one.


Template for Business Inventory

Keeping track of your inventory and orders help you lower costs and improve efficiency. Creating a business inventory requires time and effort since one must know what the essential details are needed to include. Considering the number of things that go into tracking the inventory, making use of business inventory templates makes your life easier.

Business inventory templates are designed to fit the specific needs of the business. These templates focus on the specific needs of small business inventory control, asset tracking, stock inventory management, warehouse inventory management, simple inventory spreadsheets, and excel inventory templates. Mentioned templates are a few most important small business templates that can be utilized to keep a track of their inventory.


Epilogue

There is a wide selection of free business templates available, such as dashboard templates, marketing templates, project management templates, proposal templates, sales templates, and more. The templates mentioned in the blog will help you save time and money.


Frequently Asked Questions


What templates do you need for a business?

There are many different templates available targeting specific needs. Here are a few of them:
  • Dashboard templates
  • Business plan
  • Marketing templates
  • Project management templates
  • Proposal templates
  • Sales templates
  • Employee scheduling small business template
  • Job descriptions


What is a business plan template?

A business plan template is a standardized document that enables you to rapidly create a company plan. A business plan template can assist you in organizing your thoughts and addressing the organization's primary concerns, including business possibilities, industry analysis, target market, company description, marketing plan, financial summary, and funding requirements.

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Technology

Embrace Business Process Management Essentials with Best BPM Books

Article | May 16, 2022

Dive into the world of Business Process Management (BPM) with handpicked must-read BPM books. Gain insights from industry experts and discover proven techniques that will propel your business forward. The discipline of business process management (BPM) has emerged as a crucial strategic approach to adapting to the ever-changing market conditions in the current dynamic business landscape. However, to navigate the vast landscape of BPM and gain a deep understanding of its principles and practices, professionals, researchers, and students need comprehensive resources that provide insights into various facets of BPM. This article aims to present a curated list of best books on business process management, showcasing their relevance, value, and potential impact on enhancing BPM expertise. The selected BPM books featured in this article bring forth a unique perspective, offering practical guidance, case studies, and real-world examples that illustrate the application of BPM principles in diverse industries and contexts. By studying these resources, professionals can develop a solid foundation in BPM, acquire the necessary skills to optimize and automate processes and contribute to organizational success. 1.Business Process Management: Concepts, Languages, Architectures Author: Mathias Weske 'Business Process Management: Concepts, Languages, Architectures' by Mathias Weske serves as a comprehensive and indispensable guide, delving deep into the world of business process management (BPM). Unlike other resources that often focus on either business administration or computer science, Weske advocates for a unified understanding across all involved communities. By presenting a holistic view, this BPM book equips readers with the knowledge to navigate various aspects of the discipline. Weske lays a strong foundation by exploring the fundamental principles of BPM, enabling readers to effectively manage complex business processes. Through lucid explanations and practical examples, the book also demystifies prominent process modeling languages such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and BPEL (Business Process Execution Language). Furthermore, it delves into the architectural facets of BPM systems, discussing crucial concepts like process engines, process choreographies, and service-oriented architectures. By offering a comprehensive approach, the book not only enlightens on theoretical aspects but also provide valuable strategies for successfully applying BPM in real-world scenarios. 2.Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment Editors: Arthur H. M. ter Hofstede, Wil M. P. van der Aalst, Michael Adams, Nick Russell The 'Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment' offers readers a comprehensive and authoritative exploration of YAWL (Yet Another Workflow Language) and its support environment. This edition brings together a team of distinguished editors and contributors who delve into modern business process automation concepts, techniques, and tools. The book covers a wide range of topics and provides readers with a timeless and vendor-independent understanding of the essential components of business process automation. While the field of BPM is subject to constant change with the proposal of new standards and the introduction of new tools and technologies, this book equips readers with a solid foundation in the fundamentals that remain relatively stable. It empowers readers to better understand, assess, and leverage new developments in the evolving BPM landscape. 'Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment' is a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and students interested in business process automation. 3.Handbook on Business Process Management 1: Introduction, Methods, and Information Systems (International Handbooks on Information Systems) Editors: Jan vom Brocke, Michael Rosemann The 'Handbook on Business Process Management 1: Introduction, Methods, and Information Systems' is an invaluable reference guide that explores all aspects of business process management (BPM). With its two volumes and contributions from leading experts in the field, this handbook presents the contemporary body of knowledge on BPM. It starts by offering readers a comprehensive introduction to BPM, ensuring a solid understanding of its fundamental concepts. The book then delves into BPM methods and process-aware information systems, providing valuable guidance on integrating BPM into corporate methodologies and information systems. To enrich the reader's understanding, selected case studies are included, showcasing real-world applications of BPM, ensuring a comprehensive summary of BPM expertise, and covering critical success factors in the field. With its extensive coverage and expert insights, the 'Handbook on Business Process Management 1' serves as an indispensable resource and presents a holistic view of BPM methodologies, information systems, and their practical application across various industries. 4.Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes Author: Wil M. P. van der Aalst 'Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes' focuses on the emerging field of process mining and its applications in business process management. It provides readers with a thorough overview of process mining and guides readers through its practical use techniques, including process discovery, conformance checking, and process enhancement. The book explores various process discovery algorithms and their applications across different domains, offering readers a broad understanding of the topic. The next focus is on conformance checking, where the book demonstrates how discovered process models can be compared with predefined models or business rules. It then dives into process enhancement, showcasing how process mining insights can be leveraged to optimize and improve existing business processes. 'Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes' equips readers with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply process mining techniques, leading to better process understanding, compliance, and optimization. 5.Enabling Flexibility in Process-Aware Information Systems: Challenges, Methods, Technologies Authors: Manfred Reichert, Barbara Weber 'Enabling Flexibility in Process-Aware Information Systems: Challenges, Methods, Technologies' by Manfred Reichert and Barbara Weber explores the concept of flexibility in process-aware information systems (PAIS). This BPM book offers valuable insights into the challenges, methodologies, and technologies that empower organizations to achieve adaptable and flexible process management. The book primarily focuses on flexibility support for pre-specified processes, the prevailing paradigm in business process management (BPM). It delves into the methodologies and approaches that facilitate flexibility within this framework. Additionally, the authors emphasize the technologies and tools that enable flexibility in PAIS, including workflow management systems, rule engines, and service-oriented architectures. In addition, the book provides practical examples, case studies, and exercises to clarify concepts and demonstrate the application of flexible process management in real-world scenarios. This helps readers grasp the practical implications and benefits of embracing flexibility in PAIS. 6.Fundamentals of Business Process Management Authors: Marlon Dumas, Marcello La Rosa, Jan Mendling, Hajo A. Reijers 'Fundamentals of Business Process Management' is a comprehensive textbook that thoroughly explains the core concepts and principles of business process management (BPM). The book begins by introducing readers to the basics of business processes, emphasizing their characteristics and the significance of effective management. It covers the entire BPM lifecycle, starting from process identification and extending to process monitoring. Key topics addressed include process modeling, analysis, redesign, and automation. To ensure a holistic approach, concepts, methods, and tools from business management, computer science, and industrial engineering are integrated into a cohesive and interdisciplinary framework. The book enhances the learning experience by including numerous real-world examples, case studies, and exercises. These practical elements reinforce the concepts and enable hands-on learning, promoting a deeper understanding of BPM principles in action. It balances theoretical foundations and practical applications, making it suitable for academic study and professional reference. 7.Conformance Checking: Relating Processes and Models Authors: Boudewijn van Dongen, Josep Carmona, Andreas Solti and Matthias Weidlich 'Conformance Checking: Relating Processes and Models' is a book that focuses on the crucial field of conformance checking in business process management. It offers valuable insights into the techniques and methodologies used to compare real-world process executions with their corresponding process models. The book starts by introducing the concept of conformance checking and highlighting its significance in assessing the compliance and alignment of actual process executions with intended models. The book explores different perspectives of conformance, including control flow, data, and resource perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The authors discuss various approaches for evaluating conformance, enabling organizations to assess the adherence of executed processes to the expected behavior as defined by process models. Real-world examples, case studies, and illustrations are provided throughout the book to understand the application of conformance-checking techniques in different industries and domains. Additionally, the authors discuss the limitations and challenges associated with conformance checking, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the field. 8.Business Process Change: A Business Process Management Guide for Managers and Process Professionals Author: Paul Harmon 'Business Process Change: A Business Process Management Guide for Managers and Process Professionals' offers practical insights and guidance on managing and implementing business process change. This book on business process management serves as a valuable resource for managers and process professionals seeking to improve organizational performance through effective business process management (BPM). Harmon provides a step-by-step approach to understanding, analyzing, and redesigning business processes to drive operational excellence and strategic agility. The book covers a wide range of topics related to business process change, including process identification, analysis, redesign, implementation, and monitoring. The author introduces various methodologies and tools used in BPM, such as process modeling, Six Sigma, Lean, and workflow automation. Harmon's practical approach ensures that the book is accessible to both business professionals and process specialists. Furthermore, the book addresses the human side of process change by discussing change management strategies, stakeholder engagement, and fostering a process-centric culture. 9.High Performance Through Business Process Management: Strategy Execution in a Digital World Author: Mathias Kirchmer 'High Performance Through Business Process Management: Strategy Execution in a Digital World' by Mathias Kirchmer explores the effective utilization of business process management (BPM) to achieve high-performance results. With a focus on aligning BPM with digital transformation initiatives, Kirchmer offers valuable insights into driving strategy execution in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. The book underscores the critical role of BPM in enabling organizations to navigate the challenges posed by the digital age. Readers are provided with practical guidance on developing a BPM strategy that aligns with the overall business strategy. Furthermore, the book delves into BPM's cultural and organizational aspects, recognizing the significance of change management, leadership, and employee engagement. By addressing these crucial factors, organizations can foster a supportive environment for BPM implementation and drive successful strategy execution. Real-world case studies and examples are drawn throughout the book, illustrating how organizations have leveraged BPM to achieve high performance. These practical insights showcase the tangible benefits of implementing BPM in various industries and highlight best practices for success. 10.BPM CBOK Version 4.0: Guide to the Business Process Management Common Body Of Knowledge Authors: Tony Benedict, Mathias Kirchmer, Marc Scarsig, Pater Frantz, Raju Saxena, Dan Morris, Jack Hilty The 'BPM CBOK Version 4.0: Guide to the Business Process Management Common Body Of Knowledge' provides a holistic overview of the common body of knowledge in the field of business process management (BPM). The book aims to establish a shared understanding and framework for BPM by consolidating the collective knowledge and expertise of the authors. The book covers various aspects of BPM and provides insights into the essential concepts, methodologies, techniques, and best practices. Starting with the foundational principles of BPM, including process modeling, analysis, design, and optimization, the authors lay a solid groundwork for readers to grasp the core elements of effective process management. The book also highlights the critical role of technology in BPM and delves into emerging trends in BPM, including the influence of digital transformation, customer experience management, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) in process management practices. By addressing these trends, the authors ensure that readers are equipped with insights into the evolving landscape of BPM. Conclusion These featured business process management books in the article serve as invaluable resources for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of BPM and leverage its power to drive organizational success. By studying these BPM books, professionals can gain a competitive edge, contribute to process improvement initiatives, and make informed decisions that propel their organizations forward. The practical examples, case studies, and real-world applications shared in these books equip readers with the tools and insights to optimize processes, improve productivity, and achieve operational excellence. As BPM continues to shape the business landscape, these books will remain indispensable references, providing guidance and inspiration for future advancements in the field.

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Technology

Building Successful E-commerce Businesses for SMBs

Article | July 17, 2023

Small businesses can greatly boost sales and revenue by adopting an analytical approach and successfully implementing relevant e-commerce strategies to establish a strong presence in the digital realm. Contents 1 Importance of E-commerce for SMBs 2 E-commerce Business Development 2.1 Grow a Core Niche 2.2 Choose the Right Platform 2.3 Optimize Product Listings and Pricing 2.4 Target Mobile Audiences 2.5 Integrated Systems 2.6 Develop Effective Marketing Strategy 2.7 Provide Excellent Customer Service 3 Final Thoughts 1. Importance of E-commerce for SMBs The e-commerce market is expected to reach a market valuation of $58.74 trillion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 26.55%. (Source: SkyQuest). The transformative potential of e-commerce business models has allowed Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) to expand their sales in both standardized and niche products by leveraging improved website design to connect with consumers remotely, establish brand identity, and tailor products to specific demands. As the e-commerce industry continues to flourish globally, SMBs have unprecedented opportunities to enter the online marketspace. However, it is imperative that aspiring enterprises recognize that a thriving e-commerce small business entails more than just a digital storefront and requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. As noted by the World Development Report 2020 Trading for Development, MSME participation in e-commerce and other digital platforms - such as service delivery in food services, accommodation, and other sectors – can make it easier to sell goods and services, lower costs of entry to markets and costs of doing business, and boost MSME productivity and profits. (Source: World Bank) 2. E-commerce Business Development E-commerce is now essential to modern business operations, particularly for SMBs, who can significantly increase their customer base and revenue with the right tools and strategies. By implementing the discussed steps and insights, SMBs can unlock the full potential of e-commerce and establish themselves as successful players in the digital realm. Thus, SMBS must recognize the vast benefits of e-commerce and equip themselves with the knowledge and resources required to succeed in this competitive landscape. 2.1 Grow a Core Niche A comprehensive understanding of the target customers is fundamental to starting a lucrative small e-commerce business. This necessitates meticulous market research and customer base analysis to discern gaps and potential acquisition opportunities. It is also indispensable to establish a genuine and committed core audience that values exclusive or personalized products. Given the intense competition, it is vital to pinpoint a distinctive product offering and a robust core audience that is enthusiastic about procuring and steadfast in their loyalty. As per a report, there were 2.14 billion online shoppers in 2021, which went up from 1.52 billion in 2016, a 28% increase in just over five years. (Source: SkyQuest) 2.2 Choosethe Right Platform To build a successful online business, choosing the right e-commerce platform and tools is critical. Starting e-commerce businesses must carefully evaluate each option, comparing features, pricing, and usability to make an informed decision that suits their needs and budget. In addition, it's recommended to refrain from reinventing the wheel by creating products that already exist as services, especially if there is a lack of technical expertise. For instance, when targeting consumers, it's better to use available platforms rather than build an e-commerce website from scratch unless there are compelling reasons to do so. 2.3 Optimize Product Listings and Pricing The optimization of product listings and pricing is undeniably critical to the success of small e-commerce businesses. A robust approach that includes clear and informative product descriptions, high-quality images, and videos is essential to attract potential customers. To ensure the seamless discovery of products on the website, it is crucial to utilize clear titles, relevant keywords, and detailed categories & filters. Pricing, on the other hand, requires a meticulous balance between profitability and competitiveness. Therefore, conducting thorough research on competitors' prices is imperative while also considering production, shipping, and overhead costs. Furthermore, dynamic pricing strategies, including seasonal discounts, flash sales, and personalized pricing, can stimulate sales and foster customer loyalty. 2.4 Target Mobile Audiences In order to thrive in the current landscape, small e-commerce businesses must prioritize mobile accessibility, personalization, and engagement. Although several tools are available to assist in achieving these goals, mastering them is crucial to success.Moreover, businesses should ensure their mobile shopping experience is intuitive and user-friendly. This involves having a mobile-responsive e-commerce website, streamlined navigation, and a seamless checkout process. By implementing these measures, businesses can reduce cart abandonment rates and increase revenue. 30% of mobile shoppers abandon a transaction if the shopping experience is not optimized for mobile. (Source: MoPowered) 2.5 Integrated Systems Integrated systems play a crucial role in the success of SMB e-commerce ventures, enabling inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer relationship management through a unified platform. However, conventional tools such as CMS, ERP systems, and e-commerce platforms must be improved for managing product data as businesses grow. Hence, investing in a product information management solution is imperative to ensure seamless product information management across various internal and external channels such as online stores, product catalogs, and ERP systems. 2.6 Develop Effective Marketing Strategy Crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy is paramount to effectively promoting an e-commerce business and reaching its target audience. A robust marketing strategy can be achieved by adopting a multi-faceted approach that entails developing a content marketing plan, launching email marketing campaigns, and leveraging social media marketing to expand the reach and drive traffic to the website. Only 12% of businesses feel that they are using social media effectively. (Source: Harvard Business Review) 2.7 Provide Excellent Customer Service SMB e-commerce businesses' success heavily depends on their ability to provide excellent customer service. To achieve this, organizations must offer multiple communication channels, prioritize customer needs and concerns, and personalize the customer experience. By doing so, they can establish customer loyalty and generate positive word-of-mouth. In addition, regularly evaluating and improving customer service processes is essential to meet customer expectations and needs. 89% of shoppers have stopped buying from online stores after they experienced poor customer service. (Source: RightNow) 3. Final Thoughts The emergence of e-commerce has presented a unique opportunity for SMBs to grow their sales and engage with customers remotely. However, achieving success in the online marketplace requires a strategic approach that enables businesses to compete effectively. To that end, SMBs must formulate and execute a comprehensive plan that encompasses essential aspects of e-commerce, such as creating a user-friendly website, developing a targeted marketing strategy, and streamlining the order fulfillment process. By following these steps and leveraging industry insights, SMBs can leverage the full potential of e-commerce and establish themselves as key players in the digital realm. As e-commerce grows globally, SMBs have an unprecedented opportunity to enter the online marketplace and boost their productivity and profits.

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Technology

Leverage the Benefits for SMBs with Top BPM Events to Attend

Article | July 16, 2022

Connect with industry leaders, learn about latest trends, and gain valuable insights. Stay ahead of the competition, enhance efficiency, and maximize the organization's potential with leading BPM events Organizations across industries constantly seek ways to streamline their operations, optimize efficiency, and deliver exceptional results in the current fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape. This pursuit has led to the rapid growth and increasing significance of Business Process Management (BPM). As more organizations recognize the transformative potential of effective BPM, they are actively engaging in a range of BPM conferences and events dedicated to this field. This article explores some of the top events in the field of BPM that professionals can attend to enhance their understanding of this field and accelerate their business process transformation journeys. These business process management events provide a platform for attendees to gain insights into topics such as process analysis, automation, change management, and integrating BPM into their overall business strategy. By participating in these events, professionals can uncover new possibilities, ignite their transformation journey, and gain a competitive edge in the market. 1.BPM 2023 conference (21st International Conference on Business Process Management) September 11 - 15, 2023 | Utrecht (The Netherlands) The 21st edition of BPM 2023, presented by Utrecht University and University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, stands as a premier conference in the field of Business Process Management. Over the last decade, this esteemed event has solidified its status by curating cutting-edge research and facilitating captivating talks, insightful tutorials, and thought-provoking discussions among leading thought leaders and innovators. This conference will act as a vibrant platform, fostering collaboration among experts from diverse fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems Engineering, and Management, creating a dynamic melting pot of knowledge and expertise. 2. Business Process Transformation Forum September 11 - 13, 2023 | Scottsdale (AZ) Organizations must be agile, innovative, and customer-centric to succeed in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Continuous adaptation and improvement of business processes are essential to drive growth and thrive in this environment. The Business Process Transformation Forum is the ideal platform for organizations seeking to accelerate their business process transformation journey and connect with peers, thought leaders, and market experts from across the Americas. At this forum, attendees can delve into a wide range of topics critical to driving business process transformation. These will include transforming business processes, leveraging process mining and analysis techniques, and exploring the steps and best practices necessary for continuous process improvement. By embracing these insights, organizations can outperform their competitors in the market and maintain a competitive edge. 3. All Access BPM 2023 September 19 - 20, 2023 | Online The importance of Business Process Management (BPM) cannot be overstated in today's fast-paced business landscape. However, despite the widespread adoption of BPM techniques, only a small fraction of organizations effectively leverage BPM to enhance their business performance. In light of this, the All Access BPM 2023 conference aims to address this gap by offering a comprehensive program focused on key areas such as business architecture, autonomous enterprise, process mining, process intelligence, change management, and workflow automation. By attending this event, participants will gain invaluable insights and innovative strategies directly from industry leaders. One of the primary objectives of All Access BPM 2023 is to guide attendees on integrating BPM into their overall business strategy. This conference will serve as a platform for professionals to stay updated with the latest insights, learn best practices, and discover innovative approaches to maximize the benefits of BPM within their respective organizations. 4.ICBPMPA 2023: 17. International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis October 09 - 10, 2023 | New York (United States) The International Research Conference is an esteemed federated organization that strives to unite diverse scholarly events for presentation within its comprehensive conference program. With its commitment to delivering high-quality content, the conference provides exceptional value for students, academics, and industry researchers alike. One notable event within the International Research Conference is the International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. This conference aims to gather leading academic scientists, researchers, and scholars to foster the exchange and sharing of experiences and research findings related to all aspects of Business Process Management and processes Analysis. Furthermore, this conference will serve as a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to showcase and discuss the latest innovations, emerging trends, and concerns in the fields of Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. 5. Enterprise Architecture & Business Process Management Conference Europe October 09 – 12, 2023 | London (UK) The Enterprise Architecture & Business Process Management Conference presents a comprehensive program of four conference tracks, encompassing over 45 sessions and insightful case studies from esteemed organizations. Prominent entities like APG, Bank of England, British Army Recruiting Group in partnership with Capita, Cambridge University Press and Assessment, Department of National Defence, Canada, IBM, IKEA Group, KPMG, and many more contribute their expertise, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights. This BPM event will offer attendees the opportunity to broaden their knowledge through a diverse range of half-day workshops led by world-class instructors. By joining the conference, attendees can learn how to effectively address the challenges organizations face today and in the future, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in a dynamic business environment. 6.ICBPMS 2024: 18. International Conference on Business Process Management Systems January 28 - 29, 2024 | New York (United States) The International Research Conference is dedicated to bringing together a diverse array of scholarly events within its comprehensive conference program. These events are scheduled over a span of time, which may vary based on the number and duration of presentations. One of the noteworthy events within the International Research Conference is the International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. This conference aims to foster collaboration among leading academic scientists, researchers, and research scholars, providing them with a platform to exchange and share their experiences and research findings encompassing all aspects of Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. The conference will allow attendees to engage in fruitful discussions, gain valuable insights, and establish meaningful connections with experts in their respective fields. 7.BPM 2024 (22nd Business Process Management Conference 2024) September 1 - 6, 2024 | Krakow (Poland) The BPM 2024 is the leading conference for researchers and practitioners in Business Process Management. Over the years, it has earned the reputation of being the go-to gathering for international BPM enthusiasts, attracting a substantial number of attendees annually. Structured across three tracks, namely foundation, engineering, and management, this conference encompasses a comprehensive program. Additionally, it will feature various co-located events, including the doctoral consortium, workshops, forums, demos, and tutorials. As the foremost forum in Business Process Management, this conference will offer a prestigious platform for researchers and practitioners to convene. It will serves as a melting pot, bringing together experts from a range of disciplines, including computer science, information systems engineering, and management. Conclusion The world of Business Process Management (BPM) offers a plethora of opportunities for organizations. As highlighted by the diverse range of BPM events and conferences discussed in this article, professionals in the field have numerous platforms to connect, learn, and share their expertise. These gatherings serve as melting pots for thought leaders, researchers, practitioners, and industry experts. Attendees have the chance to explore cutting-edge research, exchange experiences, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in BPM. By participating in these BPM events, professionals can broaden their knowledge, strengthen their skill set, and build a strong network of peers. These connections and learnings can contribute to the continuous improvement of business processes within their organizations, leading to increased efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced overall performance.

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TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS STRATEGY

Top Tools SMBs Can Leverage to Maximize Their E-commerce Potential

Article | July 11, 2023

Leverage the top e-commerce tools that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can utilize to boost profitability. Maximize your potential with these powerful e-commerce solutions. In today's dynamic business environment, e-commerce presents significant opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to expand their reach and drive profitability. With global e-commerce sales projected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026 (Statista), SMBs have a tremendous growth potential. However, resource limitations compared to larger businesses can pose challenges in competing effectively. To overcome these challenges and maximize their potential, SMBs need to leverage cutting-edge e-commerce tools. These tools can enhance their operations and drive accelerated growth. This article will explore the top e-commerce tools that SMBs can strategically utilize to boost profitability and propel their business forward. By harnessing their power, SMBs can optimize their online presence, streamline operations, and achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving e-commerce industry. 1.WooCommerce WooCommerce is a powerful e-commerce solution built on WordPress, a popular content management system. It enables small and medium businesses to create and manage their online stores effectively. As an open-source platform, it offers extensive customization options and flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their online stores to their specific requirements and branding. It is important to note that the platform is not a standalone website builder but a plugin that integrates seamlessly with WordPress. The platform also provides a wide range of extensions and add-ons to enhance store functionality and meet specific business needs. With WooCommerce, businesses can manage products, set up payment gateways, handle shipping options, and customize the design and layout of their stores. 2.Semrush Semrush is a leading online visibility management SaaS platform that helps businesses improve their search engine ranking, website traffic, and online visibility. It offers a wide range of features, including keyword research, competitor analysis, and website auditing. Semrush simplifies the process of running online marketing campaigns with its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools. It enables users to easily build, manage, and measure campaigns across various channels, freeing up time for marketing professionals to focus on creativity and content creation while Semrush handles the data and analytics. The platform also includes link building and auditing tools that can improve website visibility and generate organic traffic, helping businesses identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective SEO strategies. 3.Ahrefs Ahrefs is an all-in-one SEO toolset that provides businesses with a comprehensive set of features to optimize their websites and increase search traffic. Its keyword research capabilities allow users to discover relevant keywords, assess their search volume and difficulty, and identify new opportunities. The backlink analysis features provide insights into a website's backlink profile, helping businesses understand the quality and quantity of their backlinks. Ahrefs also offers tools for rank tracking, site audits, content analysis, and competitor analysis, enabling businesses to monitor their search engine rankings, identify technical issues, analyze content performance, and gain insights into competitors' strategies. 4.NAKIVO NAKIVO Backup & Replication is a powerful data protection solution designed for SMBs and enterprises. It offers seamless backup and replication for virtual, physical, and cloud environments, supporting platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV, and AWS. With advanced features such as incremental backups, global deduplication, and network acceleration, NAKIVO optimizes storage space and reduces backup windows. Its instant granular recovery ensures quick retrieval of files, application objects, and VMs, minimizing downtime. The solution also provides flexible recovery options and seamless integration with cloud storage for offsite protection. NAKIVO Backup & Replication is a user-friendly and comprehensive solution that enables organizations to securely protect their data and ensure business continuity. 5.Omnisend Omnisend is an all-in-one platform that combines email marketing and SMS capabilities, to help businesses effectively engage and communicate with their customers. It enables businesses to create personalized and targeted campaigns, generate client engagement and reach their audience at the right time and through their preferred channel. The platform offers a wide range of features, including customizable templates, automation workflows, segmentation, and A/B testing, allowing businesses to create compelling and engaging marketing messages. In addition, it provides robust analytics and reporting tools to track campaign performance and measure the impact of marketing efforts. With its user-friendly interface and productive tools, Omnisend empowers businesses to increase conversions and revenue. 6.Veeqo Veeqo is a free shipping and inventory management platform designed to streamline e-commerce operations for businesses of all sizes. Its comprehensive features simplify the process of managing stock levels, automating order fulfillment, and integrating with various sales channels. Veeqo provides real-time visibility into inventory, allowing businesses to efficiently track and manage their products across multiple platforms. The platform also offers reporting and analytics tools to help businesses gain insights into their performance and make data-driven decisions. With its user-friendly interface and powerful functionality, Veeqo empowers e-commerce businesses to optimize their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive profitability. Final Thoughts The world of e-commerce offers a plethora of powerful tools that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can leverage to significantly increase their profitability. By adopting the right tools and technologies, SMBs can streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately drive revenue growth. The tools discussed in this article, such as Veeqo, Omnisend, and NAKIVO Backup & Replication, offer robust features and functionalities tailored to the unique needs of SMBs. Whether it's efficient inventory management, effective email marketing, or reliable data backup and recovery, these tools provide the necessary capabilities to optimize e-commerce operations and achieve sustainable profitability. It is essential for SMBs to carefully evaluate their specific requirements, explore the available options, and invest in the tools that align with their business goals. By harnessing the power of these top e-commerce tools, SMBs can gain a competitive edge, attract more customers, and ultimately thrive in the digital marketplace.

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Technology

5 DIY strategies for marketers at small businesses

Article | May 16, 2022

Dive into the world of Business Process Management (BPM) with handpicked must-read BPM books. Gain insights from industry experts and discover proven techniques that will propel your business forward. The discipline of business process management (BPM) has emerged as a crucial strategic approach to adapting to the ever-changing market conditions in the current dynamic business landscape. However, to navigate the vast landscape of BPM and gain a deep understanding of its principles and practices, professionals, researchers, and students need comprehensive resources that provide insights into various facets of BPM. This article aims to present a curated list of best books on business process management, showcasing their relevance, value, and potential impact on enhancing BPM expertise. The selected BPM books featured in this article bring forth a unique perspective, offering practical guidance, case studies, and real-world examples that illustrate the application of BPM principles in diverse industries and contexts. By studying these resources, professionals can develop a solid foundation in BPM, acquire the necessary skills to optimize and automate processes and contribute to organizational success. 1.Business Process Management: Concepts, Languages, Architectures Author: Mathias Weske 'Business Process Management: Concepts, Languages, Architectures' by Mathias Weske serves as a comprehensive and indispensable guide, delving deep into the world of business process management (BPM). Unlike other resources that often focus on either business administration or computer science, Weske advocates for a unified understanding across all involved communities. By presenting a holistic view, this BPM book equips readers with the knowledge to navigate various aspects of the discipline. Weske lays a strong foundation by exploring the fundamental principles of BPM, enabling readers to effectively manage complex business processes. Through lucid explanations and practical examples, the book also demystifies prominent process modeling languages such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and BPEL (Business Process Execution Language). Furthermore, it delves into the architectural facets of BPM systems, discussing crucial concepts like process engines, process choreographies, and service-oriented architectures. By offering a comprehensive approach, the book not only enlightens on theoretical aspects but also provide valuable strategies for successfully applying BPM in real-world scenarios. 2.Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment Editors: Arthur H. M. ter Hofstede, Wil M. P. van der Aalst, Michael Adams, Nick Russell The 'Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment' offers readers a comprehensive and authoritative exploration of YAWL (Yet Another Workflow Language) and its support environment. This edition brings together a team of distinguished editors and contributors who delve into modern business process automation concepts, techniques, and tools. The book covers a wide range of topics and provides readers with a timeless and vendor-independent understanding of the essential components of business process automation. While the field of BPM is subject to constant change with the proposal of new standards and the introduction of new tools and technologies, this book equips readers with a solid foundation in the fundamentals that remain relatively stable. It empowers readers to better understand, assess, and leverage new developments in the evolving BPM landscape. 'Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment' is a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and students interested in business process automation. 3.Handbook on Business Process Management 1: Introduction, Methods, and Information Systems (International Handbooks on Information Systems) Editors: Jan vom Brocke, Michael Rosemann The 'Handbook on Business Process Management 1: Introduction, Methods, and Information Systems' is an invaluable reference guide that explores all aspects of business process management (BPM). With its two volumes and contributions from leading experts in the field, this handbook presents the contemporary body of knowledge on BPM. It starts by offering readers a comprehensive introduction to BPM, ensuring a solid understanding of its fundamental concepts. The book then delves into BPM methods and process-aware information systems, providing valuable guidance on integrating BPM into corporate methodologies and information systems. To enrich the reader's understanding, selected case studies are included, showcasing real-world applications of BPM, ensuring a comprehensive summary of BPM expertise, and covering critical success factors in the field. With its extensive coverage and expert insights, the 'Handbook on Business Process Management 1' serves as an indispensable resource and presents a holistic view of BPM methodologies, information systems, and their practical application across various industries. 4.Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes Author: Wil M. P. van der Aalst 'Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes' focuses on the emerging field of process mining and its applications in business process management. It provides readers with a thorough overview of process mining and guides readers through its practical use techniques, including process discovery, conformance checking, and process enhancement. The book explores various process discovery algorithms and their applications across different domains, offering readers a broad understanding of the topic. The next focus is on conformance checking, where the book demonstrates how discovered process models can be compared with predefined models or business rules. It then dives into process enhancement, showcasing how process mining insights can be leveraged to optimize and improve existing business processes. 'Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes' equips readers with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply process mining techniques, leading to better process understanding, compliance, and optimization. 5.Enabling Flexibility in Process-Aware Information Systems: Challenges, Methods, Technologies Authors: Manfred Reichert, Barbara Weber 'Enabling Flexibility in Process-Aware Information Systems: Challenges, Methods, Technologies' by Manfred Reichert and Barbara Weber explores the concept of flexibility in process-aware information systems (PAIS). This BPM book offers valuable insights into the challenges, methodologies, and technologies that empower organizations to achieve adaptable and flexible process management. The book primarily focuses on flexibility support for pre-specified processes, the prevailing paradigm in business process management (BPM). It delves into the methodologies and approaches that facilitate flexibility within this framework. Additionally, the authors emphasize the technologies and tools that enable flexibility in PAIS, including workflow management systems, rule engines, and service-oriented architectures. In addition, the book provides practical examples, case studies, and exercises to clarify concepts and demonstrate the application of flexible process management in real-world scenarios. This helps readers grasp the practical implications and benefits of embracing flexibility in PAIS. 6.Fundamentals of Business Process Management Authors: Marlon Dumas, Marcello La Rosa, Jan Mendling, Hajo A. Reijers 'Fundamentals of Business Process Management' is a comprehensive textbook that thoroughly explains the core concepts and principles of business process management (BPM). The book begins by introducing readers to the basics of business processes, emphasizing their characteristics and the significance of effective management. It covers the entire BPM lifecycle, starting from process identification and extending to process monitoring. Key topics addressed include process modeling, analysis, redesign, and automation. To ensure a holistic approach, concepts, methods, and tools from business management, computer science, and industrial engineering are integrated into a cohesive and interdisciplinary framework. The book enhances the learning experience by including numerous real-world examples, case studies, and exercises. These practical elements reinforce the concepts and enable hands-on learning, promoting a deeper understanding of BPM principles in action. It balances theoretical foundations and practical applications, making it suitable for academic study and professional reference. 7.Conformance Checking: Relating Processes and Models Authors: Boudewijn van Dongen, Josep Carmona, Andreas Solti and Matthias Weidlich 'Conformance Checking: Relating Processes and Models' is a book that focuses on the crucial field of conformance checking in business process management. It offers valuable insights into the techniques and methodologies used to compare real-world process executions with their corresponding process models. The book starts by introducing the concept of conformance checking and highlighting its significance in assessing the compliance and alignment of actual process executions with intended models. The book explores different perspectives of conformance, including control flow, data, and resource perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The authors discuss various approaches for evaluating conformance, enabling organizations to assess the adherence of executed processes to the expected behavior as defined by process models. Real-world examples, case studies, and illustrations are provided throughout the book to understand the application of conformance-checking techniques in different industries and domains. Additionally, the authors discuss the limitations and challenges associated with conformance checking, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the field. 8.Business Process Change: A Business Process Management Guide for Managers and Process Professionals Author: Paul Harmon 'Business Process Change: A Business Process Management Guide for Managers and Process Professionals' offers practical insights and guidance on managing and implementing business process change. This book on business process management serves as a valuable resource for managers and process professionals seeking to improve organizational performance through effective business process management (BPM). Harmon provides a step-by-step approach to understanding, analyzing, and redesigning business processes to drive operational excellence and strategic agility. The book covers a wide range of topics related to business process change, including process identification, analysis, redesign, implementation, and monitoring. The author introduces various methodologies and tools used in BPM, such as process modeling, Six Sigma, Lean, and workflow automation. Harmon's practical approach ensures that the book is accessible to both business professionals and process specialists. Furthermore, the book addresses the human side of process change by discussing change management strategies, stakeholder engagement, and fostering a process-centric culture. 9.High Performance Through Business Process Management: Strategy Execution in a Digital World Author: Mathias Kirchmer 'High Performance Through Business Process Management: Strategy Execution in a Digital World' by Mathias Kirchmer explores the effective utilization of business process management (BPM) to achieve high-performance results. With a focus on aligning BPM with digital transformation initiatives, Kirchmer offers valuable insights into driving strategy execution in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. The book underscores the critical role of BPM in enabling organizations to navigate the challenges posed by the digital age. Readers are provided with practical guidance on developing a BPM strategy that aligns with the overall business strategy. Furthermore, the book delves into BPM's cultural and organizational aspects, recognizing the significance of change management, leadership, and employee engagement. By addressing these crucial factors, organizations can foster a supportive environment for BPM implementation and drive successful strategy execution. Real-world case studies and examples are drawn throughout the book, illustrating how organizations have leveraged BPM to achieve high performance. These practical insights showcase the tangible benefits of implementing BPM in various industries and highlight best practices for success. 10.BPM CBOK Version 4.0: Guide to the Business Process Management Common Body Of Knowledge Authors: Tony Benedict, Mathias Kirchmer, Marc Scarsig, Pater Frantz, Raju Saxena, Dan Morris, Jack Hilty The 'BPM CBOK Version 4.0: Guide to the Business Process Management Common Body Of Knowledge' provides a holistic overview of the common body of knowledge in the field of business process management (BPM). The book aims to establish a shared understanding and framework for BPM by consolidating the collective knowledge and expertise of the authors. The book covers various aspects of BPM and provides insights into the essential concepts, methodologies, techniques, and best practices. Starting with the foundational principles of BPM, including process modeling, analysis, design, and optimization, the authors lay a solid groundwork for readers to grasp the core elements of effective process management. The book also highlights the critical role of technology in BPM and delves into emerging trends in BPM, including the influence of digital transformation, customer experience management, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) in process management practices. By addressing these trends, the authors ensure that readers are equipped with insights into the evolving landscape of BPM. Conclusion These featured business process management books in the article serve as invaluable resources for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of BPM and leverage its power to drive organizational success. By studying these BPM books, professionals can gain a competitive edge, contribute to process improvement initiatives, and make informed decisions that propel their organizations forward. The practical examples, case studies, and real-world applications shared in these books equip readers with the tools and insights to optimize processes, improve productivity, and achieve operational excellence. As BPM continues to shape the business landscape, these books will remain indispensable references, providing guidance and inspiration for future advancements in the field.

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Technology

Building Successful E-commerce Businesses for SMBs

Article | July 17, 2023

Small businesses can greatly boost sales and revenue by adopting an analytical approach and successfully implementing relevant e-commerce strategies to establish a strong presence in the digital realm. Contents 1 Importance of E-commerce for SMBs 2 E-commerce Business Development 2.1 Grow a Core Niche 2.2 Choose the Right Platform 2.3 Optimize Product Listings and Pricing 2.4 Target Mobile Audiences 2.5 Integrated Systems 2.6 Develop Effective Marketing Strategy 2.7 Provide Excellent Customer Service 3 Final Thoughts 1. Importance of E-commerce for SMBs The e-commerce market is expected to reach a market valuation of $58.74 trillion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 26.55%. (Source: SkyQuest). The transformative potential of e-commerce business models has allowed Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) to expand their sales in both standardized and niche products by leveraging improved website design to connect with consumers remotely, establish brand identity, and tailor products to specific demands. As the e-commerce industry continues to flourish globally, SMBs have unprecedented opportunities to enter the online marketspace. However, it is imperative that aspiring enterprises recognize that a thriving e-commerce small business entails more than just a digital storefront and requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. As noted by the World Development Report 2020 Trading for Development, MSME participation in e-commerce and other digital platforms - such as service delivery in food services, accommodation, and other sectors – can make it easier to sell goods and services, lower costs of entry to markets and costs of doing business, and boost MSME productivity and profits. (Source: World Bank) 2. E-commerce Business Development E-commerce is now essential to modern business operations, particularly for SMBs, who can significantly increase their customer base and revenue with the right tools and strategies. By implementing the discussed steps and insights, SMBs can unlock the full potential of e-commerce and establish themselves as successful players in the digital realm. Thus, SMBS must recognize the vast benefits of e-commerce and equip themselves with the knowledge and resources required to succeed in this competitive landscape. 2.1 Grow a Core Niche A comprehensive understanding of the target customers is fundamental to starting a lucrative small e-commerce business. This necessitates meticulous market research and customer base analysis to discern gaps and potential acquisition opportunities. It is also indispensable to establish a genuine and committed core audience that values exclusive or personalized products. Given the intense competition, it is vital to pinpoint a distinctive product offering and a robust core audience that is enthusiastic about procuring and steadfast in their loyalty. As per a report, there were 2.14 billion online shoppers in 2021, which went up from 1.52 billion in 2016, a 28% increase in just over five years. (Source: SkyQuest) 2.2 Choosethe Right Platform To build a successful online business, choosing the right e-commerce platform and tools is critical. Starting e-commerce businesses must carefully evaluate each option, comparing features, pricing, and usability to make an informed decision that suits their needs and budget. In addition, it's recommended to refrain from reinventing the wheel by creating products that already exist as services, especially if there is a lack of technical expertise. For instance, when targeting consumers, it's better to use available platforms rather than build an e-commerce website from scratch unless there are compelling reasons to do so. 2.3 Optimize Product Listings and Pricing The optimization of product listings and pricing is undeniably critical to the success of small e-commerce businesses. A robust approach that includes clear and informative product descriptions, high-quality images, and videos is essential to attract potential customers. To ensure the seamless discovery of products on the website, it is crucial to utilize clear titles, relevant keywords, and detailed categories & filters. Pricing, on the other hand, requires a meticulous balance between profitability and competitiveness. Therefore, conducting thorough research on competitors' prices is imperative while also considering production, shipping, and overhead costs. Furthermore, dynamic pricing strategies, including seasonal discounts, flash sales, and personalized pricing, can stimulate sales and foster customer loyalty. 2.4 Target Mobile Audiences In order to thrive in the current landscape, small e-commerce businesses must prioritize mobile accessibility, personalization, and engagement. Although several tools are available to assist in achieving these goals, mastering them is crucial to success.Moreover, businesses should ensure their mobile shopping experience is intuitive and user-friendly. This involves having a mobile-responsive e-commerce website, streamlined navigation, and a seamless checkout process. By implementing these measures, businesses can reduce cart abandonment rates and increase revenue. 30% of mobile shoppers abandon a transaction if the shopping experience is not optimized for mobile. (Source: MoPowered) 2.5 Integrated Systems Integrated systems play a crucial role in the success of SMB e-commerce ventures, enabling inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer relationship management through a unified platform. However, conventional tools such as CMS, ERP systems, and e-commerce platforms must be improved for managing product data as businesses grow. Hence, investing in a product information management solution is imperative to ensure seamless product information management across various internal and external channels such as online stores, product catalogs, and ERP systems. 2.6 Develop Effective Marketing Strategy Crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy is paramount to effectively promoting an e-commerce business and reaching its target audience. A robust marketing strategy can be achieved by adopting a multi-faceted approach that entails developing a content marketing plan, launching email marketing campaigns, and leveraging social media marketing to expand the reach and drive traffic to the website. Only 12% of businesses feel that they are using social media effectively. (Source: Harvard Business Review) 2.7 Provide Excellent Customer Service SMB e-commerce businesses' success heavily depends on their ability to provide excellent customer service. To achieve this, organizations must offer multiple communication channels, prioritize customer needs and concerns, and personalize the customer experience. By doing so, they can establish customer loyalty and generate positive word-of-mouth. In addition, regularly evaluating and improving customer service processes is essential to meet customer expectations and needs. 89% of shoppers have stopped buying from online stores after they experienced poor customer service. (Source: RightNow) 3. Final Thoughts The emergence of e-commerce has presented a unique opportunity for SMBs to grow their sales and engage with customers remotely. However, achieving success in the online marketplace requires a strategic approach that enables businesses to compete effectively. To that end, SMBs must formulate and execute a comprehensive plan that encompasses essential aspects of e-commerce, such as creating a user-friendly website, developing a targeted marketing strategy, and streamlining the order fulfillment process. By following these steps and leveraging industry insights, SMBs can leverage the full potential of e-commerce and establish themselves as key players in the digital realm. As e-commerce grows globally, SMBs have an unprecedented opportunity to enter the online marketplace and boost their productivity and profits.

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Technology

Emergence of 5G Presents a World of Opportunity to Small Businesses

Article | July 16, 2022

Connect with industry leaders, learn about latest trends, and gain valuable insights. Stay ahead of the competition, enhance efficiency, and maximize the organization's potential with leading BPM events Organizations across industries constantly seek ways to streamline their operations, optimize efficiency, and deliver exceptional results in the current fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape. This pursuit has led to the rapid growth and increasing significance of Business Process Management (BPM). As more organizations recognize the transformative potential of effective BPM, they are actively engaging in a range of BPM conferences and events dedicated to this field. This article explores some of the top events in the field of BPM that professionals can attend to enhance their understanding of this field and accelerate their business process transformation journeys. These business process management events provide a platform for attendees to gain insights into topics such as process analysis, automation, change management, and integrating BPM into their overall business strategy. By participating in these events, professionals can uncover new possibilities, ignite their transformation journey, and gain a competitive edge in the market. 1.BPM 2023 conference (21st International Conference on Business Process Management) September 11 - 15, 2023 | Utrecht (The Netherlands) The 21st edition of BPM 2023, presented by Utrecht University and University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, stands as a premier conference in the field of Business Process Management. Over the last decade, this esteemed event has solidified its status by curating cutting-edge research and facilitating captivating talks, insightful tutorials, and thought-provoking discussions among leading thought leaders and innovators. This conference will act as a vibrant platform, fostering collaboration among experts from diverse fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems Engineering, and Management, creating a dynamic melting pot of knowledge and expertise. 2. Business Process Transformation Forum September 11 - 13, 2023 | Scottsdale (AZ) Organizations must be agile, innovative, and customer-centric to succeed in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Continuous adaptation and improvement of business processes are essential to drive growth and thrive in this environment. The Business Process Transformation Forum is the ideal platform for organizations seeking to accelerate their business process transformation journey and connect with peers, thought leaders, and market experts from across the Americas. At this forum, attendees can delve into a wide range of topics critical to driving business process transformation. These will include transforming business processes, leveraging process mining and analysis techniques, and exploring the steps and best practices necessary for continuous process improvement. By embracing these insights, organizations can outperform their competitors in the market and maintain a competitive edge. 3. All Access BPM 2023 September 19 - 20, 2023 | Online The importance of Business Process Management (BPM) cannot be overstated in today's fast-paced business landscape. However, despite the widespread adoption of BPM techniques, only a small fraction of organizations effectively leverage BPM to enhance their business performance. In light of this, the All Access BPM 2023 conference aims to address this gap by offering a comprehensive program focused on key areas such as business architecture, autonomous enterprise, process mining, process intelligence, change management, and workflow automation. By attending this event, participants will gain invaluable insights and innovative strategies directly from industry leaders. One of the primary objectives of All Access BPM 2023 is to guide attendees on integrating BPM into their overall business strategy. This conference will serve as a platform for professionals to stay updated with the latest insights, learn best practices, and discover innovative approaches to maximize the benefits of BPM within their respective organizations. 4.ICBPMPA 2023: 17. International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis October 09 - 10, 2023 | New York (United States) The International Research Conference is an esteemed federated organization that strives to unite diverse scholarly events for presentation within its comprehensive conference program. With its commitment to delivering high-quality content, the conference provides exceptional value for students, academics, and industry researchers alike. One notable event within the International Research Conference is the International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. This conference aims to gather leading academic scientists, researchers, and scholars to foster the exchange and sharing of experiences and research findings related to all aspects of Business Process Management and processes Analysis. Furthermore, this conference will serve as a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to showcase and discuss the latest innovations, emerging trends, and concerns in the fields of Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. 5. Enterprise Architecture & Business Process Management Conference Europe October 09 – 12, 2023 | London (UK) The Enterprise Architecture & Business Process Management Conference presents a comprehensive program of four conference tracks, encompassing over 45 sessions and insightful case studies from esteemed organizations. Prominent entities like APG, Bank of England, British Army Recruiting Group in partnership with Capita, Cambridge University Press and Assessment, Department of National Defence, Canada, IBM, IKEA Group, KPMG, and many more contribute their expertise, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights. This BPM event will offer attendees the opportunity to broaden their knowledge through a diverse range of half-day workshops led by world-class instructors. By joining the conference, attendees can learn how to effectively address the challenges organizations face today and in the future, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in a dynamic business environment. 6.ICBPMS 2024: 18. International Conference on Business Process Management Systems January 28 - 29, 2024 | New York (United States) The International Research Conference is dedicated to bringing together a diverse array of scholarly events within its comprehensive conference program. These events are scheduled over a span of time, which may vary based on the number and duration of presentations. One of the noteworthy events within the International Research Conference is the International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. This conference aims to foster collaboration among leading academic scientists, researchers, and research scholars, providing them with a platform to exchange and share their experiences and research findings encompassing all aspects of Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. The conference will allow attendees to engage in fruitful discussions, gain valuable insights, and establish meaningful connections with experts in their respective fields. 7.BPM 2024 (22nd Business Process Management Conference 2024) September 1 - 6, 2024 | Krakow (Poland) The BPM 2024 is the leading conference for researchers and practitioners in Business Process Management. Over the years, it has earned the reputation of being the go-to gathering for international BPM enthusiasts, attracting a substantial number of attendees annually. Structured across three tracks, namely foundation, engineering, and management, this conference encompasses a comprehensive program. Additionally, it will feature various co-located events, including the doctoral consortium, workshops, forums, demos, and tutorials. As the foremost forum in Business Process Management, this conference will offer a prestigious platform for researchers and practitioners to convene. It will serves as a melting pot, bringing together experts from a range of disciplines, including computer science, information systems engineering, and management. Conclusion The world of Business Process Management (BPM) offers a plethora of opportunities for organizations. As highlighted by the diverse range of BPM events and conferences discussed in this article, professionals in the field have numerous platforms to connect, learn, and share their expertise. These gatherings serve as melting pots for thought leaders, researchers, practitioners, and industry experts. Attendees have the chance to explore cutting-edge research, exchange experiences, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in BPM. By participating in these BPM events, professionals can broaden their knowledge, strengthen their skill set, and build a strong network of peers. These connections and learnings can contribute to the continuous improvement of business processes within their organizations, leading to increased efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced overall performance.

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TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS STRATEGY

Top Tools SMBs Can Leverage to Maximize Their E-commerce Potential

Article | July 11, 2023

Leverage the top e-commerce tools that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can utilize to boost profitability. Maximize your potential with these powerful e-commerce solutions. In today's dynamic business environment, e-commerce presents significant opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to expand their reach and drive profitability. With global e-commerce sales projected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026 (Statista), SMBs have a tremendous growth potential. However, resource limitations compared to larger businesses can pose challenges in competing effectively. To overcome these challenges and maximize their potential, SMBs need to leverage cutting-edge e-commerce tools. These tools can enhance their operations and drive accelerated growth. This article will explore the top e-commerce tools that SMBs can strategically utilize to boost profitability and propel their business forward. By harnessing their power, SMBs can optimize their online presence, streamline operations, and achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving e-commerce industry. 1.WooCommerce WooCommerce is a powerful e-commerce solution built on WordPress, a popular content management system. It enables small and medium businesses to create and manage their online stores effectively. As an open-source platform, it offers extensive customization options and flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their online stores to their specific requirements and branding. It is important to note that the platform is not a standalone website builder but a plugin that integrates seamlessly with WordPress. The platform also provides a wide range of extensions and add-ons to enhance store functionality and meet specific business needs. With WooCommerce, businesses can manage products, set up payment gateways, handle shipping options, and customize the design and layout of their stores. 2.Semrush Semrush is a leading online visibility management SaaS platform that helps businesses improve their search engine ranking, website traffic, and online visibility. It offers a wide range of features, including keyword research, competitor analysis, and website auditing. Semrush simplifies the process of running online marketing campaigns with its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools. It enables users to easily build, manage, and measure campaigns across various channels, freeing up time for marketing professionals to focus on creativity and content creation while Semrush handles the data and analytics. The platform also includes link building and auditing tools that can improve website visibility and generate organic traffic, helping businesses identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective SEO strategies. 3.Ahrefs Ahrefs is an all-in-one SEO toolset that provides businesses with a comprehensive set of features to optimize their websites and increase search traffic. Its keyword research capabilities allow users to discover relevant keywords, assess their search volume and difficulty, and identify new opportunities. The backlink analysis features provide insights into a website's backlink profile, helping businesses understand the quality and quantity of their backlinks. Ahrefs also offers tools for rank tracking, site audits, content analysis, and competitor analysis, enabling businesses to monitor their search engine rankings, identify technical issues, analyze content performance, and gain insights into competitors' strategies. 4.NAKIVO NAKIVO Backup & Replication is a powerful data protection solution designed for SMBs and enterprises. It offers seamless backup and replication for virtual, physical, and cloud environments, supporting platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV, and AWS. With advanced features such as incremental backups, global deduplication, and network acceleration, NAKIVO optimizes storage space and reduces backup windows. Its instant granular recovery ensures quick retrieval of files, application objects, and VMs, minimizing downtime. The solution also provides flexible recovery options and seamless integration with cloud storage for offsite protection. NAKIVO Backup & Replication is a user-friendly and comprehensive solution that enables organizations to securely protect their data and ensure business continuity. 5.Omnisend Omnisend is an all-in-one platform that combines email marketing and SMS capabilities, to help businesses effectively engage and communicate with their customers. It enables businesses to create personalized and targeted campaigns, generate client engagement and reach their audience at the right time and through their preferred channel. The platform offers a wide range of features, including customizable templates, automation workflows, segmentation, and A/B testing, allowing businesses to create compelling and engaging marketing messages. In addition, it provides robust analytics and reporting tools to track campaign performance and measure the impact of marketing efforts. With its user-friendly interface and productive tools, Omnisend empowers businesses to increase conversions and revenue. 6.Veeqo Veeqo is a free shipping and inventory management platform designed to streamline e-commerce operations for businesses of all sizes. Its comprehensive features simplify the process of managing stock levels, automating order fulfillment, and integrating with various sales channels. Veeqo provides real-time visibility into inventory, allowing businesses to efficiently track and manage their products across multiple platforms. The platform also offers reporting and analytics tools to help businesses gain insights into their performance and make data-driven decisions. With its user-friendly interface and powerful functionality, Veeqo empowers e-commerce businesses to optimize their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive profitability. Final Thoughts The world of e-commerce offers a plethora of powerful tools that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can leverage to significantly increase their profitability. By adopting the right tools and technologies, SMBs can streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately drive revenue growth. The tools discussed in this article, such as Veeqo, Omnisend, and NAKIVO Backup & Replication, offer robust features and functionalities tailored to the unique needs of SMBs. Whether it's efficient inventory management, effective email marketing, or reliable data backup and recovery, these tools provide the necessary capabilities to optimize e-commerce operations and achieve sustainable profitability. It is essential for SMBs to carefully evaluate their specific requirements, explore the available options, and invest in the tools that align with their business goals. By harnessing the power of these top e-commerce tools, SMBs can gain a competitive edge, attract more customers, and ultimately thrive in the digital marketplace.

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TECHNOLOGY

Instacart Unveils Enhanced Omnichannel and AI Solutions for Grocers

Instacart | September 08, 2023

• Instacart is introducing numerous major enhancements to Instacart Storefront, the platform that fuels e-commerce storefronts for over 550 retail brands. • The latest Instacart Storefront shares its core infrastructure with the Instacart App, offering retailers quicker access to a host of innovations driven by Instacart’s collection of 150 proprietary AI models. • Instacart is also unveiling a new ‘In-Store’ mode, which transforms retailers' apps into helpful companions for customers shopping in physical stores. Instacart, an industry leader in online grocery and one of the fastest-growing companies in e-commerce, has announced the introduction of several major enhancements to Instacart Storefront, the platform that fuels e-commerce storefronts for numerous retail brands. Additionally, these updates extend to Caper Carts, Instacart's intelligent shopping carts. These improvements are designed to assist retailers in advancing their e-commerce capabilities, digitizing their physical stores, and creating AI-driven omnichannel experiences for their customers. The new Instacart Storefront shares its core infrastructure with the Instacart App, offering retailers quicker access to a host of innovations, some of which are driven by Instacart's extensive collection of 150 proprietary AI models. Instacart evaluates novel features within its app and brings the most successful ones into retailers' storefronts. This approach ensures that retailers gain access to the most effective elements of the company's e-commerce technology, as highlighted by Instacart. Asha Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, said, "We know that omnichannel customers in particular are more valuable to retailers, which is why Instacart is developing more solutions that assist retailers to serve their customers no matter how they purhcase. And, good data is the foundation for good AI solutions for retailers. Our operational advantage is built around our dynamic grocery catalog—which is one of the largest in the industry and includes 1.4 Bn items and over 6,000 item updates per second—paired with over a decade of knowledge about how people shop for groceries online." [Source – Drug Store News] For ex., Instacart is introducing AI-driven conversational search functionality to the updated Instacart Storefront. This empowers customers to ask open-ended questions like "What ingredients are required for fish tacos?" or "Can you suggest a healthy lunch for kids?" directly within the search bar on retailers' storefronts. Instacart handles millions of search queries daily, including hundreds per second during peak hours. This feature leverages OpenAI's ChatGPT models in combination with Instacart's proprietary product data and AI models. Instacart is introducing an innovative ‘In-Store’ mode designed to enhance the shopping experience for customers within physical stores. This mode transforms retailers' apps into invaluable companions, enabling customers to access real-time information about item availability and important details like nutrition facts or EBT SNAP eligibility, receive product recommendations, organize their shopping lists by aisle, and take advantage of in-store promotions and discounts. Additionally, it provides retailers with valuable insights into their customers' preferences, whether they shop online, in stores, or both. Initially, the in-store mode will be available in select regions via retailers' Instacart Storefront-powered apps, including Food Bazaar, Gelson's, and Stew Leonards. It is also undergoing testing within the Instacart App itself. Ed Suh, Executive Vice President at Food Bazaar, said, "Our partnership with Instacart has played a crucial role in advancing our omnichannel e-commerce strategy, enabling seamless online shopping for our customers irrespective of device." [Source – Drug Store News]

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TECHNOLOGY

Norton Introduces New Small Business Solution with 24/7 Triple-Lock Cybersecurity for Small Teams

PR Newswire | September 29, 2023

Norton, a leading consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), today announced Norton Small Business, the all-in-one cybersecurity solution to help entrepreneurs and small business owners protect their financial futures. While nearly 90%1 of businesses globally are small businesses - 99.9% in the US2 - many lack the means to protect their digital environments. Norton Small Business makes triple-lock protection accessible for small businesses to safeguard their team's online activities, devices and customer data in an easy, all-in-one cybersecurity solution. "Owning a very small business often means each member of the team wears different hats, and usually cybersecurity expert isn't one of them," said Massimo Rapparini, General Manager & Head of Small Business Safety at Gen. "Unfortunately, cybercriminals are aware of this and often target such businesses – more than half (57%) of small businesses experienced a security, data breach or both in 20223. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, falling for just one phishing email can have a devastating impact." Scams Taking Down Small Businesses Small businesses face a barrage of scams and phishing threats, just like consumers. In fact, they are targeted more than large companies. Companies with fewer than 100 employees face an average of 350% more social engineering attacks than larger enterprises4, and according to data from Gen, cyber threats that rely on manipulating people account for 85% of attacks on small businesses in the US. Of these threats, phishing – for example, emails trying to trick you into clicking a link or transferring money – is the most common way cybercriminals try to access small business systems, private data, financials and intellectual property. Businesses with under 10 employees often lack IT support, putting companies at great risk if cybercriminal attacks are successful – and many are. In 2020 alone, there were more than 700,000 attacks against small businesses totaling $2.8 billion in damages5. Norton Small Business helps small businesses disaster-proof their critical data to minimize the risk of financial loss. Entrepreneurs Pursue Financial Freedom Entrepreneurs often start their own businesses in pursuit of financial freedom and invest significant time, energy and personal savings to build their business. In fact, 61% of Gen Z small business owners believe entrepreneurship will lead them to retirement earlier than if they had gone straight to the corporate world6. Yet, small businesses are being heavily targeted by cybercriminals, leaving them at much higher risk of collapsing compared to larger firms when hit by a cyberattack. With heightened risk and so much at stake, it's surprising that about half of businesses with under 50 employees have no cybersecurity budget at all7. The effects of a cyberattack extend beyond financial consequences, and it's time cybersecurity is pushed to the forefront of small business priorities. Setting Up Your One-Person IT Department Norton is your go-to partner to make small business cybersecurity simple with an all-in-one solution that provides 24/7 cybersecurity protection and a variety of features, including: Secure Browser, Password Manager and VPN (virtual private network) to help secure day-to-day online activities Automated PC cleaning and optimization to keep healthier PCs for longer Secure Cloud Backup for PCs to help reduce the risk of loss of business data Software and driver updaters to help keep software up to date, so there are fewer vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit IT coverage and maintenance for up to 20 devices A 100% Virus Protection Promise8 "We've built our small business products and services with the same approach in mind as we do with our consumer portfolio, so entrepreneurs don't need to worry about becoming cybersecurity experts," said Rapparini. "Norton is here to make cybersecurity accessible and easy so they can focus on building thriving businesses." Norton recommends these top 10 tips to protect your small business: Learn tospot signs of phishing andteach your employees Only click links or download attachments from known sources Avoid sharing personal information or private company data over email Alwayskeep your operating system, applications and drivers up-to-date Make sure yourWiFi network is protected with a strong password Regularlyback up your data Require employees to use aVPN when doing company work on a public WiFi network (think airports and coffee shops) Alwaysuse multi-factor-authenticationfor an extra layer of protection Don't neglect mobile devices – make sure they are password protected and use security software Invest in a cybersecurity solution such as Norton Small Business About Norton Norton is a leading Cyber Safety brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its family of trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately, and confidently today and for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy and identity protection to more than 500 million users in more than 150 countries.

Read More

FINANCE

BMO Expands Minority Small Business Lending to 22 States with Zero Barriers to Business Program

PR Newswire | September 27, 2023

BMO today announced the expansion of its Zero Barriers to Business program for Black, Latino, Native, and Women-owned businesses across the bank's expanded footprint. The program aims to break down barriers for historically underserved and marginalized groups through inclusive banking products, services, and resources as part of BMO EMpower 2.0 – the bank's more than $40 billion community benefits plan. As part of the expansion, BMO has committed $200 million in lending to support the progress of minority-owned businesses. BMO's Zero Barriers to Business now helps business owners in 22 states – including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. "Helping our clients, colleagues and communities make real financial progress is at the core of our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life," said Niamh Kristufek, Head of U.S. Business Banking at BMO. "The launch of BMO's Zero Barriers to Business to our expanded footprint brings us one step closer to a more inclusive society – especially for groups facing systemic barriers – by ensuring our clients have access to capital and financial tools and education." According to BMO's Real Financial Progress Index, more minority business owners report they have started a business this year or plan to compared to non-minorities, with 16 percent of Black respondents starting a business, 9 percent of Latino, and 7 percent of Asian-Americans. Nearly 20 percent of U.S. small business owners are minority-owned, according to Forbes' Small Business Statistics of 2023 – but according to Fed Small Business' 2022 Report on Firms Owned by People of Color, borrowers of color were about half as likely as white-owned applicant firms to receive all of the financing they sought. Specifically, BMO's Zero Barriers to Business includes: Better access to capital:Business owners receive access to working capital with expanded credit criteria and competitive interest rates. Small businesses can get a revolving line of credit and/or business credit card that will allow them to pay interest on what they borrow. They can also qualify for rate discounts when setting up automatic payments from a BMO Business Checking account and get improved access to funding with specialized credit criteria. Access to education:Free access to practical tools such as business plan templates, profit improvement calculators, podcasts, webinars, and coaching to help business owners make real financial progress. Access to partnerships:BMO is continually forming new partnerships with organizations that give business owners access to meaningful networks, additional coaching, educational resources, and alternative funding sources. Since launching the program in late 2020, the bank has helped minority small businesses make real financial progress by: Approving$80 millionsmall business loans. Funding more than 3,400 small businesses. Providing more than 800 hours of educational webinars and business literacy workshops supporting 5,000 business owners in collaboration with organizations such as Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Urban League, Sunshine Enterprises, and Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation. Graduating 45 clients fromZero Barriers to Businessto qualify for traditional lending programs under standard lending criteria. Securing 40 non-profit Community Development Financial Institutions Funds (CDFI) partnerships to support access to capital, education, and networking opportunities for diverse small business owners. The expansion also comes during Hispanic Heritage Month along with a $500,000 commitment by BMO to support the creation of a Latino Business Loan Program with Colorado Enterprise Fund. The fund aims to eliminate barriers and support inclusive economic opportunity for small businesses across Colorado. Ceyl Prinster, CEO, Colorado Enterprise Fund said, Colorado Enterprise Fund's mission has always been to provide access to capital to underserved communities including minority-owned small businesses. With the funding from BMO, CEF will focus even more economic and educational resources toward Latino small business entrepreneurs throughout Colorado. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.25 trillion as of July 31, 2023. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to over 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

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TECHNOLOGY

Instacart Unveils Enhanced Omnichannel and AI Solutions for Grocers

Instacart | September 08, 2023

• Instacart is introducing numerous major enhancements to Instacart Storefront, the platform that fuels e-commerce storefronts for over 550 retail brands. • The latest Instacart Storefront shares its core infrastructure with the Instacart App, offering retailers quicker access to a host of innovations driven by Instacart’s collection of 150 proprietary AI models. • Instacart is also unveiling a new ‘In-Store’ mode, which transforms retailers' apps into helpful companions for customers shopping in physical stores. Instacart, an industry leader in online grocery and one of the fastest-growing companies in e-commerce, has announced the introduction of several major enhancements to Instacart Storefront, the platform that fuels e-commerce storefronts for numerous retail brands. Additionally, these updates extend to Caper Carts, Instacart's intelligent shopping carts. These improvements are designed to assist retailers in advancing their e-commerce capabilities, digitizing their physical stores, and creating AI-driven omnichannel experiences for their customers. The new Instacart Storefront shares its core infrastructure with the Instacart App, offering retailers quicker access to a host of innovations, some of which are driven by Instacart's extensive collection of 150 proprietary AI models. Instacart evaluates novel features within its app and brings the most successful ones into retailers' storefronts. This approach ensures that retailers gain access to the most effective elements of the company's e-commerce technology, as highlighted by Instacart. Asha Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, said, "We know that omnichannel customers in particular are more valuable to retailers, which is why Instacart is developing more solutions that assist retailers to serve their customers no matter how they purhcase. And, good data is the foundation for good AI solutions for retailers. Our operational advantage is built around our dynamic grocery catalog—which is one of the largest in the industry and includes 1.4 Bn items and over 6,000 item updates per second—paired with over a decade of knowledge about how people shop for groceries online." [Source – Drug Store News] For ex., Instacart is introducing AI-driven conversational search functionality to the updated Instacart Storefront. This empowers customers to ask open-ended questions like "What ingredients are required for fish tacos?" or "Can you suggest a healthy lunch for kids?" directly within the search bar on retailers' storefronts. Instacart handles millions of search queries daily, including hundreds per second during peak hours. This feature leverages OpenAI's ChatGPT models in combination with Instacart's proprietary product data and AI models. Instacart is introducing an innovative ‘In-Store’ mode designed to enhance the shopping experience for customers within physical stores. This mode transforms retailers' apps into invaluable companions, enabling customers to access real-time information about item availability and important details like nutrition facts or EBT SNAP eligibility, receive product recommendations, organize their shopping lists by aisle, and take advantage of in-store promotions and discounts. Additionally, it provides retailers with valuable insights into their customers' preferences, whether they shop online, in stores, or both. Initially, the in-store mode will be available in select regions via retailers' Instacart Storefront-powered apps, including Food Bazaar, Gelson's, and Stew Leonards. It is also undergoing testing within the Instacart App itself. Ed Suh, Executive Vice President at Food Bazaar, said, "Our partnership with Instacart has played a crucial role in advancing our omnichannel e-commerce strategy, enabling seamless online shopping for our customers irrespective of device." [Source – Drug Store News]

Read More

TECHNOLOGY

Norton Introduces New Small Business Solution with 24/7 Triple-Lock Cybersecurity for Small Teams

PR Newswire | September 29, 2023

Norton, a leading consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), today announced Norton Small Business, the all-in-one cybersecurity solution to help entrepreneurs and small business owners protect their financial futures. While nearly 90%1 of businesses globally are small businesses - 99.9% in the US2 - many lack the means to protect their digital environments. Norton Small Business makes triple-lock protection accessible for small businesses to safeguard their team's online activities, devices and customer data in an easy, all-in-one cybersecurity solution. "Owning a very small business often means each member of the team wears different hats, and usually cybersecurity expert isn't one of them," said Massimo Rapparini, General Manager & Head of Small Business Safety at Gen. "Unfortunately, cybercriminals are aware of this and often target such businesses – more than half (57%) of small businesses experienced a security, data breach or both in 20223. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, falling for just one phishing email can have a devastating impact." Scams Taking Down Small Businesses Small businesses face a barrage of scams and phishing threats, just like consumers. In fact, they are targeted more than large companies. Companies with fewer than 100 employees face an average of 350% more social engineering attacks than larger enterprises4, and according to data from Gen, cyber threats that rely on manipulating people account for 85% of attacks on small businesses in the US. Of these threats, phishing – for example, emails trying to trick you into clicking a link or transferring money – is the most common way cybercriminals try to access small business systems, private data, financials and intellectual property. Businesses with under 10 employees often lack IT support, putting companies at great risk if cybercriminal attacks are successful – and many are. In 2020 alone, there were more than 700,000 attacks against small businesses totaling $2.8 billion in damages5. Norton Small Business helps small businesses disaster-proof their critical data to minimize the risk of financial loss. Entrepreneurs Pursue Financial Freedom Entrepreneurs often start their own businesses in pursuit of financial freedom and invest significant time, energy and personal savings to build their business. In fact, 61% of Gen Z small business owners believe entrepreneurship will lead them to retirement earlier than if they had gone straight to the corporate world6. Yet, small businesses are being heavily targeted by cybercriminals, leaving them at much higher risk of collapsing compared to larger firms when hit by a cyberattack. With heightened risk and so much at stake, it's surprising that about half of businesses with under 50 employees have no cybersecurity budget at all7. The effects of a cyberattack extend beyond financial consequences, and it's time cybersecurity is pushed to the forefront of small business priorities. Setting Up Your One-Person IT Department Norton is your go-to partner to make small business cybersecurity simple with an all-in-one solution that provides 24/7 cybersecurity protection and a variety of features, including: Secure Browser, Password Manager and VPN (virtual private network) to help secure day-to-day online activities Automated PC cleaning and optimization to keep healthier PCs for longer Secure Cloud Backup for PCs to help reduce the risk of loss of business data Software and driver updaters to help keep software up to date, so there are fewer vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit IT coverage and maintenance for up to 20 devices A 100% Virus Protection Promise8 "We've built our small business products and services with the same approach in mind as we do with our consumer portfolio, so entrepreneurs don't need to worry about becoming cybersecurity experts," said Rapparini. "Norton is here to make cybersecurity accessible and easy so they can focus on building thriving businesses." Norton recommends these top 10 tips to protect your small business: Learn tospot signs of phishing andteach your employees Only click links or download attachments from known sources Avoid sharing personal information or private company data over email Alwayskeep your operating system, applications and drivers up-to-date Make sure yourWiFi network is protected with a strong password Regularlyback up your data Require employees to use aVPN when doing company work on a public WiFi network (think airports and coffee shops) Alwaysuse multi-factor-authenticationfor an extra layer of protection Don't neglect mobile devices – make sure they are password protected and use security software Invest in a cybersecurity solution such as Norton Small Business About Norton Norton is a leading Cyber Safety brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its family of trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately, and confidently today and for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy and identity protection to more than 500 million users in more than 150 countries.

Read More

FINANCE

BMO Expands Minority Small Business Lending to 22 States with Zero Barriers to Business Program

PR Newswire | September 27, 2023

BMO today announced the expansion of its Zero Barriers to Business program for Black, Latino, Native, and Women-owned businesses across the bank's expanded footprint. The program aims to break down barriers for historically underserved and marginalized groups through inclusive banking products, services, and resources as part of BMO EMpower 2.0 – the bank's more than $40 billion community benefits plan. As part of the expansion, BMO has committed $200 million in lending to support the progress of minority-owned businesses. BMO's Zero Barriers to Business now helps business owners in 22 states – including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. "Helping our clients, colleagues and communities make real financial progress is at the core of our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life," said Niamh Kristufek, Head of U.S. Business Banking at BMO. "The launch of BMO's Zero Barriers to Business to our expanded footprint brings us one step closer to a more inclusive society – especially for groups facing systemic barriers – by ensuring our clients have access to capital and financial tools and education." According to BMO's Real Financial Progress Index, more minority business owners report they have started a business this year or plan to compared to non-minorities, with 16 percent of Black respondents starting a business, 9 percent of Latino, and 7 percent of Asian-Americans. Nearly 20 percent of U.S. small business owners are minority-owned, according to Forbes' Small Business Statistics of 2023 – but according to Fed Small Business' 2022 Report on Firms Owned by People of Color, borrowers of color were about half as likely as white-owned applicant firms to receive all of the financing they sought. Specifically, BMO's Zero Barriers to Business includes: Better access to capital:Business owners receive access to working capital with expanded credit criteria and competitive interest rates. Small businesses can get a revolving line of credit and/or business credit card that will allow them to pay interest on what they borrow. They can also qualify for rate discounts when setting up automatic payments from a BMO Business Checking account and get improved access to funding with specialized credit criteria. Access to education:Free access to practical tools such as business plan templates, profit improvement calculators, podcasts, webinars, and coaching to help business owners make real financial progress. Access to partnerships:BMO is continually forming new partnerships with organizations that give business owners access to meaningful networks, additional coaching, educational resources, and alternative funding sources. Since launching the program in late 2020, the bank has helped minority small businesses make real financial progress by: Approving$80 millionsmall business loans. Funding more than 3,400 small businesses. Providing more than 800 hours of educational webinars and business literacy workshops supporting 5,000 business owners in collaboration with organizations such as Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Urban League, Sunshine Enterprises, and Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation. Graduating 45 clients fromZero Barriers to Businessto qualify for traditional lending programs under standard lending criteria. Securing 40 non-profit Community Development Financial Institutions Funds (CDFI) partnerships to support access to capital, education, and networking opportunities for diverse small business owners. The expansion also comes during Hispanic Heritage Month along with a $500,000 commitment by BMO to support the creation of a Latino Business Loan Program with Colorado Enterprise Fund. The fund aims to eliminate barriers and support inclusive economic opportunity for small businesses across Colorado. Ceyl Prinster, CEO, Colorado Enterprise Fund said, Colorado Enterprise Fund's mission has always been to provide access to capital to underserved communities including minority-owned small businesses. With the funding from BMO, CEF will focus even more economic and educational resources toward Latino small business entrepreneurs throughout Colorado. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.25 trillion as of July 31, 2023. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to over 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

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