No. 1: Ohio’s minimum wage on the increase
Here’s how much Ohio’s minimum wage will be increasing for 2018—and why.
No. 2: Recharge without having to restart
Your business takes up a lot of your time, but you can still manage to break away to recharge your batteries without everything going to pieces at your company. Check out these steps to effectively making work-life balance a priority in 2018.
No. 3: Make meetings great again
Were you involved in a lot of unproductive, unstructured and boring meetings this year? The first in a two-part series, this article can help ensure you don’t make the same mistakes in 2018. Turn your company’s meetings into one of the most enjoyable parts of your day. Honest!
No. 4: Underrated social platforms
Facebook Shmacebook: 4 Under-the-Radar Social Channels You Need to Start Using Now
It’s possible you’ve never even heard of these social media platforms, but they could be just what your company needs to build a better, more effective social presence in the New Year. Check out these four options that may not carry the fame of Facebook, but that are sure to make it easier for your business to stand out.
And for more social media best practices, swing on by our social hub.
No. 5: Health is the best wealth
Companies need to be proactive in establishing a culture of wellness and safety at their facilities. This includes offering incentives to increase buy-in, holding “walking meetings” and more. Here’s a summary of some of the things your company can do to promote wellbeing. Make it your New Year’s resolution!
No. 6: Double the fun?
It might not seem like a huge deal at first, but Twitter doubling its character limit on tweets could have some ramifications for your business. Be clear, concise and creative in 2018.
No. 7: Show me the money
You’ve heard a lot from us this year about the economic sense it makes to audit your building to find areas where you can make your facility more energy efficient. Now, let us show you a real-life example of a local Cleveland company and COSE member that went through this process and the real money the company received as a result. It just might be the inspiration you need to take energy efficiency action this year.
Speaking of your energy financials, our Energy Team can also help you decipher the often confusing language in your energy contract.
No. 8: More time in the day: Priceless
Wish you had more time in the day? From simplifying your inbox and creating routines to going paperless and waking up an hour earlier…here are a dozen life hacks that will add time back to your day. Your wish is our command!
No. 9: Read anything good lately?
And if you haven’t, here’s another idea for a New Year’s resolution. With so many business books out there, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which ones will help you accomplish the goals you have set for you and your business. To help you narrow down your choices, here’s a list of quality reading material we ran last spring. Well, what are you waiting for?
No. 10: Do the side hustle
Here’s another New Year’s resolution for you: Are you resolving to finally putting that great skill or idea in place? Side hustles are becoming an increasingly popular option for individuals who want to pursue entrepreneurship without giving up full-time jobs. At JumpStart’s 2017 Startup Scaleup event, we learned tips for growing side hustles while holding down day jobs at the Mastering the Side Hustle panel.
No. 11: Turn customers into devoted fans
You don’t want customers. You want a loyal base of individuals who are going to stick with your business no matter what. Check out these six ways to make customers feel better about you and your company brand than they do about your competitors. Your success in 2018 just might rely on it.
No. 12: Passing the personality test
This year we took a moment to sit down with Maia Ballard of RWJ Wiring, a recent graduate of the COSE Strategic Planning Course, to discuss takeaways from the course. Ballard shared with us how personality tests can help your business focus in on making the right hire.
No. 13: Effective delegation is a win-win
Here’s how entrepreneurs like you can greatly benefit from effective delegation—and so can the staff members picking up those tasks. It’s a true win-win!
No. 14: Less kvetching, more kibbitzing
Networking is often thought of as one of those dirty words that can make you cringe. But is it all in the way you look at these opportunities to connect that influences what you get out of them? Don’t kvetch about your upcoming networking functions. Make 2018 the year of kibbitzing instead!
No. 15: Don’t let your data be held hostage
How to Protect Yourself from a Ransomware Attack
In 2017 we heard a lot about ransomware attacks. These types of invasions can be scary, and even devastating, to a small business. In this brief video, Steve Giordano from Team Logic IT shares how you can protect yourself and your business from a ransomware attack.
Want a deeper dive on this topic? Check out these 11 ways to keep your company safe from digital threats.
No. 16: FAQs about COSE’s MEWA
We took a deeper dive into nine of the most frequent questions we receive from members about how the COSE MEWA works and how it may be a good benefit option for small businesses. Get your questions answered here or email COSEbenefits@medmutual.com.
No. 17: How to hire and keep the best
To help you alleviate the challenge of finding and keeping talented workers, members of COSE’s Strategic Planning Course took part in a roundtable discussion on some of the things entrepreneurs should keep in mind as they dip into the talent pool and also try to retain the staff they already have.
What was your favorite Mind Your Business article from 2017? Let us know on Twitter!