Retailers find purpose and share it with customers

(BPT) – Ninety-six percent of Americans are now shopping online, according to a recent study from CPC Strategy. Building meaningful connections with local communities is one way to captivate today’s consumer, says Etienne Veber, president of Field Trip Factory, a firm that helps design, schedule and promotes interactive learning experiences within retail environments. “Technology provides greater convenience and lower prices,” Veber says, “but it is not a replacement for human interactions.” The value of purpose When companies express a sense of purpose to their customers, it has a profound effect on confidence in the brand. Eighty-five percent of companies with …

Now that the taxes are files, give your small business a checkup

(BPT) – A challenge for any entrepreneur is getting access to capital. If you’re like many, you’re constantly looking for ways to reduce expenses and free up cash flow so you can be ready for anything, whether it’s a slow season or an opportunity to expand. When tax season rolls around, you’re already taking a deep dive into your expenses and income for the past year. Don’t stop when you file. With all that information at your fingertips (and fresh in your mind), it’s a great opportunity to take a big-picture look at the health of your business and make …

Why small businesses need to think big this summer hiring season

(BPT) – Finding great employees hasn’t been easy for small businesses lately. And this summer, the competition could heat up even more. Thanks to a healthy economy, unemployment levels are low across the country. Many companies will be adding even more jobs as the weather warms up — especially those in seasonal industries such as tourism and hospitality, and other professions that are weather-dependent. While some of these positions may be filled by new graduates, this year employers can expect a fight for top candidates in any role. Small businesses, in particular, will feel the brunt of the hiring squeeze, …

5 Important qualities to look for when purchasing paper

Which copy paper is best? (BPT) – Buying paper and office supplies can seem routine, however, these simple choices matter. Choosing the right paper can help save time and money, as well as ensure the quality of documents. So, what exactly should you look for in copy paper? “There are many different performance attributes and categories of paper,” said Sarah Yedlick, Boise Paper office expert. “It’s important to consider all factors of your paper before making a purchase to avoid unwanted paper jams, reprints, ink smears and just downright low-quality.” Here are the five qualities to look for in paper …