Blue Collar Guides

7 Important Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Surveyor

Having your property lines accurately plotted can prevent neighbor disputes and other legal headaches later. Finding a surveyor that has the skills and experience you need is vital to avoid costly mistakes in the future.

Ask surveying companies for references from previous clients. This will give you an idea of how well they work with different types of properties.

1. License

The most important thing to ask is if the surveyor has a license. This will help ensure that they are a professional and have mastered the necessary skills to do their job well.

Many states have specific education requirements that need to be met before a person can become licensed as a land surveyor. This typically includes a college degree and an internship. Some states also require a written exam and an oral exam before a surveyor can be licensed.

Getting a survey from an unlicensed surveyor may save you some money upfront, but it could end up costing you more in the long run. This is because unlicensed surveyors may cut corners in order to save time and money, which can lead to incorrect results.

A licensed surveyor will make sure that the boundaries of your property are clearly established. This helps to minimize risk and disputes with neighbors and can even save you from having to pay for unforeseen construction costs. In addition, a surveyor can stake-out the location of proposed buildings or improvements on your property to be sure that you meet local setback requirements and zoning laws.

2. Experience

The more experienced a surveying firm is, the better service you can expect. Find out how long they’ve been in business and what kinds of projects they’ve worked on. It’s also important to know how much time it will take for them to complete your survey.

Different surveys require different methods and knowledge. Make sure the surveyor you choose has experience with your specific project type and industry. For instance, if you need an as-built survey to determine property lines for new construction, choose a firm that’s familiar with the latest technologies, like GPS, GIS, and laser scanning, which collect diverse spatial data for accurate design of construction plans.

A land surveyor should have extensive experience in determining property boundaries, mediating boundary disputes, and ensuring that construction projects comply with local regulations. They should also be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of their services, expected completion date, and cost. This will ensure that you don’t end up with any surprises down the road. A proactive approach to resolving discrepancies and open communication with clients are also important traits for a good surveyor, a trait possessed by the team at South West Surveys.

3. Equipment

As any professional knows, they’re only as good as their equipment. This is especially true for surveyors who rely on tools to accurately measure and map the environment around them. Surveying equipment ranges from ancient instruments like theodolites to modern GPS and 3D laser scanners. In addition to ensuring accurate measurements, the right equipment also helps streamline workflows for increased efficiency and cost effectiveness on the job.

When it comes to a land survey, it can be difficult to predict how long the project will take and what the results will look like. You want to hire a surveyor who provides clear and detailed estimates so you know what to expect before hiring them for the job.

A land survey is an important document that determines your property boundaries and dimensions. If you’re thinking about purchasing or building a new home, resolving boundary disputes, or planning construction work, a land survey is the best way to get accurate information. Asking surveyors about their experience, references, and insurance can help you find a reputable professional who will do the job right.

4. Insurance

Considering the vast amount of work required to accurately measure and outline property boundaries, pricing should not be the sole factor when choosing a land surveyor. It is important to talk about timelines and extra work contingencies with any potential surveyor before the project begins.

Depending on the type of survey, it may be necessary to bring in additional experts to perform fieldwork or research. This can increase the cost of the survey significantly.

Insurance is a crucial part of any business. It helps protect professionals from financial ruin when the unexpected happens. For example, if an uninsured surveyor accidentally makes a mistake that affects a client, they could be sued. However, insured surveyors know that mistakes are inevitable and don’t use them as a reason to charge more for their services.

Additionally, commercial auto insurance is a must for any surveying firm that utilizes company cars to transport employees to job sites. For instance, if one of your employees backs into a yellow van while traveling to a surveying site across town and causes damage, your commercial auto policy will provide financial protection.


5. Fees

The type of survey you require will dictate your budget. Look for a company with clear and transparent pricing. Find out if they have any hidden fees and how much they cost for things such as travel time, obtaining records, or meeting with experts to resolve complicated issues.

If you own a property, you need to know exactly what’s yours and what’s not. A property survey defines boundaries in an official, legal capacity and helps you avoid costly encroachments. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your real estate is properly defined and recorded.

Land surveying is an incredibly important service for both homeowners and developers. It’s crucial for construction or renovation projects, as well as resolving disputes over property lines. It’s even required for lenders’ title insurance policies. Moreover, the results of a property survey are permanent and can’t be changed – which is why it’s so important to choose the right surveyor to perform the work. Be sure to ask potential surveyors about their experience and how long they’ve been in business.

6. Referrals

If you are looking to build a structure on your property, or you are planning to purchase land, then you need a surveyor’s help. A property survey is a crucial step in determining your legal boundaries and avoiding disputes with neighbors later on.

To avoid a costly miscommunication, it is important that the surveyor you choose communicates openly and promptly with you about any potential delays or challenges that may arise. This will allow you to work around them and stay on schedule for the project.

It’s also worth asking how long they typically take to produce a survey. This will give you a good idea of how long it could be before your project begins, and whether their current workload might impact the delivery of your survey.

7. Training

When hiring a surveying firm, it’s important to understand your specific survey needs and to compare quotes. Be sure that each proposal includes all of the surveys you need for your project. This will help you save time and money by avoiding unnecessary or duplicate work.

It’s also a good idea to ask potential surveyors how long they expect their projects to take. This can vary based on the size of the project, the quality of the information available, weather conditions and other variables. Asking about their estimated timeline will allow you to determine if they are a good fit for your project.

Property surveys are a necessity for many homeowners, especially when purchasing real estate. They help define boundaries and can prevent costly fence or building encroachments. Having a professional perform these surveys is typically much cheaper than resolving property line disputes through litigation. Additionally, floodplain surveys are a common requirement for mortgage loan companies and can help home buyers avoid flooding issues. These types of surveys are typically performed by trained land surveyors who use their skills, education and specialized field equipment to create legally binding property surveys.

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A Guide to Securely Transport Goods in Shipping Containers 

Securely transporting cargo in shipping containers is vital. It impacts everything from business financial health to national security and the continuity of international trade.

Shipping container security is not an easy task, but a little preparation can reduce the risks of cargo loss and damage. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Container

Choosing the right container is crucial to secure transportation of your goods. There are many different container sizes to choose from, and the size you choose will depend on what kind of cargo you’re shipping and how much space it will take up in the container. Using the wrong container can result in damage to your cargo during transport. If you’re unsure what size container to use, consult with a professional transport and logistics company who can help you determine what size is best for your needs. There are also Shipping Containers for sale in Tulsa that you might be interested in.

Once you’ve determined what kind of container to use, it’s time to start packing your goods! This step can be tricky, as it’s important to ensure your goods are packed safely. Proper packing techniques will prevent your goods from becoming damaged during transit.

A common method of packing cargo in a container is using crates, which are usually created custom to the specific product being transported. Other containers are padded with dunnage, which is loose wood, matting, or other material used to cushion and protect cargo. Crates and dunnage are often used for fragile goods that need extra protection.

When packing a shipping container, it’s important to start with the largest and heaviest items first. This will allow you to pack in smaller and lighter items around them, which helps prevent shifting of the cargo during transportation.

It’s also important to note that every shipping container has a maximum weight capacity, so it’s important not to overfill the container. Overloading a container can cause damage to your goods during transport and may even lead to safety concerns.

When loading your goods, it’s also important to avoid storing any flammable or hazardous materials in your container. This is especially true for liquid chemicals, such as motor oil, propane tanks, paints, cleaning liquids, and aerosols. These materials can leak during transportation and cause damage to your goods, as well as pose a risk of fire. If you’re transporting flammable goods, make sure to package them in accordance with regulations and follow any special handling instructions provided by your freight company.

Pack Your Goods

When it comes to packing your shipment, quality matters. Taking your time and carefully packing items will ensure that your shipment is secure throughout the shipping process. This will also make it less likely that damage will occur during transit.

When packing, start by placing the heaviest items at the bottom of your container. This will prevent them from crushing lighter items during transport. Next, place in any additional padding needed to protect your goods. This can include bubble wrap, shredded paper, packaging peanuts, or air pillows. Make sure to wrap these around your goods and seal them securely with premium tape.

If you’re shipping liquids, ensure that they are properly sealed in their original container and then in a ziplock or poly bag. If your liquid is in a screw-top can or bottle, consider using those spring-steel lid retainer clips (3 or 4 work well) before sealing. Liquids that are in a glass bottle may need to be poured into another bottle before they are shipped to prevent spillage and leaking.

Avoid overpacking, which can add extra stress to the package and make it more prone to damage. This is especially important when shipping fragile or impressionable goods. Having too much pressure on your goods will cause them to break or change shape during transportation. It’s best to pack items until the box is full, but not so full that it can’t close.

If your goods are fragile, label them and include any necessary handling guidelines for the carrier. This will alert the carrier to handle the package with care and reduce the risk of damage. You should also reinforce the packaging with extra tape and a thick layer of cushioning to minimize damage during transit.

For oddly shaped goods, use dividers or cardboard partitions to separate the individual pieces. Foam inserts are another excellent cargo securing method for protecting your goods during transit. These are specially designed to fit the shapes of your goods, ensuring a tight fit. They also provide outstanding shock and vibration absorption while reducing the chance of movement during transport.

Secure Your Goods

If your shipping container has valuable goods inside, you want to ensure that they are secure during transportation. To do this, you can add extra security measures to the shipping container. These extra security features can make it harder for thieves to break in and steal the goods. For example, you can install a security system that will blare an alarm if a thief tries to break in. This can deter criminals from attempting to break in and will also notify authorities that the container has been tampered with.

Another way to secure your goods is by securing the container with lashing. Lashing is the process of fastening the shipping container to the vehicle that will transport it. Without proper lashing, your cargo could move around during transit, which can cause it to get damaged. To prevent this, you should always use a quality lashing jack and durable ropes and chains to fasten your shipping container.

You should also consider adding extra locks to your shipping container. It is important to invest in superior locks that are specifically designed for shipping containers. These types of locks have tempered steel shackles and anti-tamper characteristics, making it much more difficult for thieves to break into the container. You can also add extra safeguards to obstruct effortless entry to the locks, such as a lockbox or a security rod.

Finally, you should take the time to inspect your shipping container before you load it up with goods. You should be sure that the floor of the container is in good condition. If the floor is in poor condition, it can damage your belongings during transportation.

It is also a good idea to choose a route for your shipping container that has a good record of cargo security. Avoid routes that have a high risk of theft or tampering. Additionally, you should place your shipping container in a well-lit and conspicuous area with plenty of pedestrian traffic to help reduce the likelihood of it being targeted by thieves. Lastly, you should also install a tamper-evident seal on your shipping container to deter potential thieves from stealing your goods. These seals can be easily detected and will quickly alert authorities if there has been tampering or theft.

Transport Your Goods

Shipping containers are an essential piece of transport infrastructure. They are used to safely and reliably transfer cargo to ports worldwide, and they help keep world economies running smoothly. However, these containers need to be handled carefully and securely to ensure they remain intact during transit. The best way to do this is by working with a reputable container transport company that adheres to strict safety protocols and utilizes eco-friendly methods of transportation. In addition, you should be aware of the expected timelines for different types of transportation to ensure that your goods will be delivered on time and in good condition.

It is also important to properly secure your shipping container before you load it with cargo. This step is often overlooked, but it is crucial for ensuring that your cargo will not be damaged during transport. This includes making sure that your container is anchored to the vehicle it will be transported on. It is also recommended to use lashing to secure your container, as this will ensure that it doesn’t shift during transit. This will protect your cargo from damage, as well as the contents of other containers in transit.

Another important step is preparing the floor of your shipping container. This will ensure that your belongings are safe from water and dust damage. It is recommended to lay down a layer of plastic or cardboard on the floor before packing your goods in. Finally, it is also a good idea to pack your items with extra padding to prevent them from shifting during transport. This can be done by using strips of cardboard or other padding materials.

When loading your goods into a container, it is important to consider the weight of each item. Heavy items should be loaded towards the front of the container, while lighter items should be placed on top. It is also a good idea to place an empty box or padding between each item. This will reduce friction and shifting during transit, which can damage your goods.

Finally, before loading your cargo, it is a good idea to check for signs of tampering. This includes inspecting locks on each end of the container, as well as inside handles and hinges. If you find any signs of tampering, you should immediately report it to the authorities. It is also a good idea to inspect the outside of your container for any signs of rust or other damage.

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Navigating Housing Market Trends: Essential Strategies

The housing market is a complex landscape influenced by many factors. While price gains and limited inventory create a seller’s market nationwide, regional variations may offer buyers opportunities to purchase affordable properties.

Understanding local market trends is essential for homebuyers and investors alike. Whether expanding your family requires a move to a larger space or a job change necessitates downsizing, staying knowledgeable about key housing market trends can benefit your decision-making.

Supply and Demand

Typically, when demand for something is high, suppliers will respond by increasing production. This is a fundamental economic principle known as “the law of supply and demand.”

However, the housing market can be unique in this regard. Many areas have a low inventory of homes available for sale. This can cause bidding wars, and it also makes it harder for prospective buyers to find their ideal home quickly.

Low inventory is exacerbated by slow new construction. It can take up to 7.2 months to build a single-family home, and more than a year for apartment buildings, according to government statistics. This is because building requires a lot of materials and workers, which can be difficult to find during a pandemic.

This is why it’s important for homeowners to understand the latest housing market trends and how they impact their real estate investment strategy. A real estate professional can help them assess current conditions and develop an action plan to maximize their opportunities.

Interest Rates

Interest rates are a major factor that can have an impact on housing market trends. They determine how much homebuyers will pay to borrow money to purchase property, and they also influence the value of real estate. Low-interest rates tend to increase demand for property, which in turn drives up prices. Conversely, high-interest rates can have the opposite effect.

As interest rates rise, it becomes more difficult to afford a mortgage, which can dampen demand for housing. This can lead to slower growth in the housing market and reduced economic activity overall.

Increasing interest rates can also impact investors who hold equity stakes in real estate investment trusts (REITs). Rising mortgage rates mean higher expenses for these parties, which can lower cash returns.

Regional trends in housing prices are also important to consider when evaluating current market conditions. House price fluctuations can be driven by a variety of factors, including local economies, job markets, and population dynamics. Buyers should be aware of these regional trends when evaluating property listings, as they may need to adjust their budgets accordingly.

Despite these challenges, there are various strategies that can help homebuyers and sellers navigate today’s housing landscape. By staying informed, reassessing their financial situation, and exploring alternative options, individuals can make decisions that meet their immediate housing needs and align with long-term financial goals. This approach can also help them avoid costly mistakes that could derail their housing goals altogether.

Life’s Major Events

In addition to fluctuating mortgage rates, a wide range of life events influence housing market trends. The addition of a family member, changing careers, retirement, or other personal changes can drastically impact home buying and selling decisions. A real estate agent can help a client understand how these events and others affect their specific housing needs, as well as market trends.

A life-event is a demarcated change in an individual’s demographic, educational, employment or health status that occurs at a certain point in their lifetime and is associated with significant implications for the future. Common life-events include marriage, childbirth or adoption; death of a spouse, parent, sibling or other important person in a person’s life; moving to another city, state or country; returning to school for further education or training; and job changes.

Some of the major events that impact housing market trends are influenced by lifestyle and economic factors, such as the desire for suburban living or proximity to jobs in big cities. For example, a new baby often requires more living space and can drive demand for larger homes in family-friendly neighborhoods. Similarly, job changes may necessitate relocation, and a knowledge of local market trends in areas with fast job growth is vital for potential buyers.

Keeping up with these and other housing market trends is essential for both homebuyers and sellers. One valuable resource for staying informed about such trends is an At Home Realty Blog, where readers can find insightful articles and analyses on current market conditions, emerging trends, and expert advice for navigating the real estate landscape. This proactive approach not only benefits individuals in their real estate endeavors but also contributes to the overall health and stability of the housing market.


Technology

Across many markets, technology is an important driver for housing market trends. For agents and homebuyers, technological innovations in the mortgage sector help them streamline their processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs. They also empower them to provide better service to their clients. For investors, new tech solutions can facilitate a more diversified portfolio and increase financial stability.

Rising mortgage rates and soaring home prices present challenges for both buyers and sellers, but there are several strategies that can help them navigate these obstacles effectively. By staying informed, reassessing their financial situation, and exploring alternative options, buyers and sellers can make decisions that align with their long-term financial goals.

Regional trends in house prices are another critical factor for real estate professionals to consider. For example, in areas with high job growth, demand for homes is often high and can drive up prices. As a result, it can be challenging for first-time homebuyers to find a suitable property and compete with other potential buyers in bidding wars.

In addition, a rise in affordable housing initiatives can empower more people to invest in the real estate industry and promote social and economic justice. This can boost the overall health of the housing market and improve investor returns. However, implementing these initiatives is not always easy and may require government support and incentives.

Environmental Concerns

As climate change and housing go hand in hand, a growing number of real estate industry players are taking action. Investors are making net-zero commitments, companies are developing reporting standards for carbon emissions, governments are passing laws targeting pollution, and employees are demanding greener buildings.

However, many climate risks are still not being factored into property prices and insurance rates. Flaws in the market and largely invisible government subsidies are keeping costs artificially low, encouraging home buyers to gravitate toward areas that may be at risk from floods, wildfires, heat waves, and other climate threats.

A recent study found that homes in flood zones across the United States are overvalued by $44 billion based on differences between publicly available Federal flood maps and the realities of actual flooding risks. This mispricing issue is much larger within lower-income communities, where homeowners’ most valuable assets are their houses.

A combination of rising interest rates, elevated property values and a scarcity of inventory is squeezing housing affordability for many prospective homebuyers. This trend could be exacerbated by the 2024 presidential election, as political uncertainty often has a direct impact on mortgage rates and property prices. Moreover, a potential government shutdown could also impact the housing industry by depriving mortgage lenders and government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac of access to capital. As a result, new-home sales and construction could take a hit.

Demographic Shifts

Demographic shifts influence various aspects of a country’s economy, including real estate. Population growth, age, and household income directly impact demand for housing and property values. Understanding these demographic trends can help investors gain a competitive edge in the market.

The current generation is entering the prime home-buying years and will significantly impact housing market trends. However, mortgage rates are still historically high and affordable homes remain a challenge for many buyers. Many millennials are finding that buying a single-family starter home is not financially possible or in line with their lifestyles and arrangements. In addition, millennials are a large cohort and have different expectations and needs than previous generations.

Over the next decade, the US population will grow less robustly. The population of the 25-34 age group will increase by 438,000 people, which is a lower number than expected in 2022 and less than the gains made between 2009 and 2019. The population of those 35-44 will also increase, but much more slowly, growing by only 3.3 million between 2022 and 2032.

The overall effect of these demographic changes will be a decrease in the available supply of homes. This will push prices up, especially in major cities. As a result, developers and investors will have to focus on building types of housing that are in high demand. For example, some will develop senior housing and co-living properties to meet the demand of aging populations.

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Forging Your Path: Lessons from Entrepreneurial Pioneers

Founders play an increasingly important role in the economy, turning innovative ideas into real-world solutions. They must remain adaptable and be willing to experiment with new approaches.

Entrepreneurial pioneers are reshaping business and transforming societies. Their innovations offer glints of a new economic world order that puts social responsibility at the heart of capitalism.

Storytelling

There is no doubt that storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used for many different reasons, from teaching to marketing. Stories are a way to convey information in a memorable and meaningful way that is not only entertaining but also effective at increasing the amount of knowledge retained. A well-crafted story can help to explain difficult concepts, provide context and make learning more enjoyable.

However, it is important to remember that storytelling is not a magic bullet and should be used in conjunction with other marketing techniques. It is also important to think about the audience when telling a story as this can help to ensure that it resonates with them. In addition, it is important to set out an objective for the story, such as a donation of money, subscription to a newsletter or purchase of a product, so that you can measure its effectiveness.

Storytelling has been an essential part of human communication for thousands of years and is used by artists, journalists, educators and psychotherapists, among others. Businesses also use it as a way to connect with their audiences and demonstrate why they are different from the competition. With the increasing amount of information that consumers are exposed to, it is more important than ever for businesses to stand out from the crowd and communicate their purpose.

Using storytelling to establish an emotional connection with the audience is vital to building brand trust and ultimately generating sales. This can be achieved by highlighting the challenges that the business has overcome and how it came to be. By sharing this story, the audience will feel connected to the company and more inclined to buy its products or services.

Storytelling can take many forms, including written, audio and visual. The medium used will depend on the type of story being told, the audience and available resources. For example, a written story can be an article, blog post or book. In addition, audio and video are popular methods of storytelling as they can be used to create engaging videos or podcasts.

Inclusion

Although often used interchangeably with diversity, inclusion is a distinct concept that is focused on making people feel safe and respected in spaces where they are expected to contribute their best work. It aims to give marginalized groups, such as the Black mother of three in accounting or the non-binary employee in engineering, the opportunity to share their authentic selves without fear of being ostracized for it.

Many diversity pragmatists believe that workplaces are the ideal setting to practice inclusion, as they are where people spend a significant portion of their lives. They suggest that organizations can retrain leadership in unconscious bias and active listening techniques to ensure that all employees, no matter their demographic or background, are treated fairly and with respect. In addition, organizations should recruit passionate mid-level influencers who can act as conduits between upper management and rank and file employees. These individuals should form an inclusion council and play an active role in goal-setting, hiring, and retention.

It is crucial for businesses to recognize that the work of promoting inclusion may be met with resistance from those who benefit most from dominant systems. Taking the time to fully understand and address barriers to inclusion is necessary, even if it takes longer than expected. Attempting to be an inclusive space often requires the sacrifice of appearance, which can lead to frustration and burnout for all involved.

Practicing inclusion is a continuous journey, and it is important to remember that it is not just an individual’s responsibility; it is everyone’s responsibility. Organizations that prioritize inclusivity are more likely to see a boost in their bottom line, as those who feel included are more engaged and excited about their jobs than those who don’t. By making an effort to include more of the workforce, a business can ensure that its products are as innovative and effective as possible. To measure progress in this area, companies should conduct regular workforce surveys to assess the level of inclusion at their organization. Then, they should set specific, measurable goals to continue improving and addressing any barriers that arise.


Innovation

When we hear the term “pioneer,” we often think of early settlers crossing the plains in covered wagons, attempting to establish new territories and lay the foundation for future generations. However, pioneers can be found in every industry and walk of life. These individuals see a different way of doing things and work to bring that vision to fruition. Entrepreneurial pioneers have a strong desire to challenge the status quo and are willing to take risks in the pursuit of their goal. Those are traits that any successful businessperson should have.

In the business world, innovation is the process by which companies introduce new ideas and products to their customers and internal systems. It may involve modifying existing products to meet customer needs or developing entirely new products that have never been used before. Innovation is a key part of an organization’s strategy and can be used in any industry.

The best entrepreneurs are able to transform creative ideas into innovative solutions that drive growth and improve organizational efficiency. They also understand how to leverage the unique talents and skills of their team members and use collaboration to achieve success.

Entrepreneurial pioneers are a driving force in the development of new industries and can create a significant positive impact on society. They are willing to take risks in the name of their vision and are able to find ways around obstacles that may arise along the way. These individuals also have an understanding of how to make a difference in the lives of others, which is essential for building a strong company culture.

Whether they are using their business ventures to serve a particular geographic area or demographic, the most effective entrepreneurial pioneers recognize that their initiatives should have a positive effect on people’s lives and the planet. This is why they prioritize inclusion and seek to reach out to underserved groups in an authentic manner. These entrepreneurs know that by investing in the social well-being of their communities, they can help bring about long-term economic sustainability. This is why they are leading the way toward a new economic paradigm and showing us glints of a world where business growth and social responsibility go hand-in-hand.

For further inspiration and insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, consider exploring the website of Michael J. Mendes. Michael Mendes is based out of San Francisco and as the CEO of Just Desserts, he exemplifies the innovative mindset and drive to make a difference in both business and community. His leadership in the San Francisco Bay Area’s premium commercial bakery scene offers valuable lessons for aspiring pioneers in any industry.

Sustainability

The sustainability pioneers that have made the list of Green Market Oracle’s hottest businesses aren’t just interested in making money. They want their business endeavors to have a net positive impact on society and the world, especially in terms of creating jobs and providing opportunity. These pioneers are also concerned with environmental damage caused by unsustainable business practices and reducing carbon emissions. These are important goals and they can be achieved by making a commitment to sustainable living and by working with other companies that share the same vision.

While many large public companies have a corporate responsibility to support environmental protection and sustainability, they do not always prioritize these initiatives due to competing priorities and logistical challenges, such as revamping global supply chains. As a result, a number of entrepreneurial businesses with innovative business models centered on sustainability and social good are emerging to fill the gap.

Entrepreneurial pioneers often focus on serving underserved markets. This is especially true in the case of minority-targeted ventures. By reaching out to a more diverse group of customers, they are able to build brand loyalty and attract new consumers who may have been reluctant to try a new company or product. In addition, the pioneers who serve underserved markets can become industry leaders by setting a precedent that other companies will follow.

Whether they are addressing waste, GHG emissions, time savings, food insecurity or other social issues, the sustainable entrepreneurs in this study all created both social and environmental impacts (see Appendix B for detailed descriptions of each company’s story and current activities). This research confirms previous findings that entrepreneurial pioneers – particularly those with hybrid social/environmental business models – are best positioned to simultaneously address both environmental and social concerns and create new value in their market sectors.

The emergence of these new pioneers is part of a global consciousness movement that is rejecting the old industrial model and embracing one that is grounded in responsible business practice and social value creation. Their stories are inspiring and can be used by both students and educators to transform business education.

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10 Essential Accounting Services Every Business Needs

Using accounting services allows entrepreneurs to streamline bookkeeping tasks and gain real-time insight into their company’s financial health. They can also improve their decision-making by analyzing data.

Choose an accounting software with a seamless interface, a short learning curve, and convenient features like automated invoice reminders to boost collections. Some programs even let you track and record receipts digitally, eliminating stacks of paper.

1. Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping services help businesses keep their financial records organized and up to date. These services include everything from tracking daily sales to reconciling bank statements. They also track how much a business owes, which can indicate problems with cash flow or inventory management.

Bookkeepers record all of these transactions into general ledgers and other accounting records. They can also handle more advanced accounting tasks, such as analyzing data and preparing yearly statements for tax filings.

The process of preparing these reports involves consolidating and reviewing the information gathered through bookkeeping. It’s critical to the success of your business, and it requires a high level of accuracy to ensure your company’s financial health. Investing in a good bookkeeping service helps to streamline the process and save time and resources.

2. Payroll

Payroll is the compensation a company pays its employees for their work. This includes not only the employee’s base salary, but also their allowances and benefits. It also involves withholding federal, state and local taxes from each paycheck and submitting them to the appropriate tax agencies.

Small businesses may manage payroll internally, or they may outsource this function to a third-party provider. A specialized payroll service can help you calculate your employees’ paychecks and ensure that the proper taxes are withheld.

Choosing the right payroll service will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider the cost, the number of employees you have and how often you run payroll. Some services are available on a month-to-month basis while others require yearly contracts. It’s also important to understand the tax schedule and whether you want to file a single quarterly or annual return.

3. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are amounts owed to a company by its customers for goods or services provided on credit. Companies typically record accounts receivable on the balance sheet as current assets and expect to convert them into cash within a year. Depending on the size of a firm, the AR department might include a team that handles invoices, tracks payments, explains payment terms and discounts to customers, calls late payers to speed up payments, and maintains accurate records.

The best accounting software tools offer robust and streamlined accounts receivable processes. For instance, AI-based invoicing tools connect to sales channels and payments systems to automate the process of importing all transactions – sales, fees, and discounts – into accounting software for analysis and reporting. This also helps with reducing data entry errors and improves tracking of customer payments.

4. Accounts Payable

Accounts payable is an accounting sub-category that addresses the short-term debts owed by a company to vendors, suppliers and service providers. In most cases, a robust accounts payable process helps improve cash flow and builds credit, allowing businesses to negotiate better payment terms with suppliers and vendors.

A good accounts payable service enables companies to keep track of vendor invoices and payments while collecting crucial data for financial reporting. It also helps a business maintain a strong relationship with vendors and identify opportunities for cost savings.

Accounts payable departments must follow strict internal controls to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the financial statements. Fortunately, there are a number of automated tools that help businesses streamline the accounts payable process.

5. Taxes

Tax accounting involves ensuring compliance with local, state and federal regulations as well as leveraging tax breaks and laws to maximize financial benefits. This service may also include making tax payments and preparing year-end returns.

The right accounting and bookkeeping software can simplify your tax filings. It usually combines accounting, invoicing and project management into a single platform so you can track time spent on each client, automate overdue payment reminders, and send invoices via email or SMS.


6. Financial Reporting

Financial reporting is the documentation that reveals key accounting data to stakeholders like shareholders, regulators and creditors. These reports adhere to specific regulatory requirements, so they have to be accurate and consistent.

The information in a financial report outlines how much a business is making after expenses and how many assets it has versus its liabilities. This is a vital piece of information for making long-term decisions about the future direction of your business.

Choosing an accounting service that offers comprehensive financial reporting services can save your business time and money.

7. Budgeting

Accounting services include bookkeeping and financial accounting. Bookkeeping involves recording transactions and reporting them to help you understand your company’s current state, while financial accounting focuses on strategic finance and forecasting future growth.

A well-defined budget sets the goals and expectations for company expenses and revenues for a given period. It also helps management assess whether a company is on track to meet those objectives.

Documented budgetary information is valuable for companies seeking investment or loans. Investors value detailed information about a company’s past, current and predicted financial performance. Budgeting also enables better resource allocation. For example, it can help a company prioritize spending by focusing on line items that directly contribute to revenue or profit. This can make it easier to pivot when circumstances change. This flexibility translates to greater success. It also demonstrates responsible financial management to investors.

8. Cash Flow Management

Cash flow management involves tracking and optimizing how much money comes in and goes out of your business. The goal is to have positive cash flow where more money is coming in than is going out, which can then be used for new projects like hiring or geographic expansion.

A good accounting service will help you set cash flow goals and monitor them on a regular basis. They’ll also help you come up with strategies to improve your cash flow, like negotiating better payment terms with suppliers or offering early payment discounts to customers.

There are many online services that provide a variety of tools for managing your cash flow, including budgeting. Google Sheets is a free tool that provides basic spreadsheet functionality, and is a more sophisticated solution with features for accounting, invoicing, reconciliation and more.

9. Financial Analysis

Financial analysis involves examining historical financial data to assess performance and make predictions. It enables organizations to evaluate investment opportunities, manage risks, and enhance budgeting and decision-making processes.

Financial statements such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement provide key insight into a company’s profitability, liquidity, solvency, and efficiency. Analyzing these documents with the help of professional financial KPI tools allows businesses to examine trends, conduct benchmarking, and identify areas for improvement and growth.

Having an efficient system for gathering and organizing data helps to maintain the accuracy and consistency of financial analysis. This is crucial to providing stakeholders with an accurate, cohesive picture of a company’s financial health and stability. This includes investors, shareholders, and lenders who use this information to determine if an investment is a good fit for their portfolio.

10. Financial Planning

Financial planning services help a business plan for future growth. It encompasses many different functions and may include budgeting, forecasts, and financial reporting.

A FP&A team’s financial planning reports should show revenue projections (sales minus expenses and overhead) and cash flow forecasts. The latter is a crucial service, as it helps businesses understand their overall financial picture and whether they’re able to pay all of their invoices, expenses, and debts.

Savvy entrepreneurs seek strategic accounting services as well, including financial model builds, pro forma cap tables, and financial review meetings. All of these services are geared towards giving a business improved long-term visibility into fund allocation and empowers better decision making. For instance, an accounting software simplifies the process for businesses putting together their own financial plans. Its visual map lets you see the full data in a single dashboard.

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