Small Business News

As 2021 drew to a close, the average hourly wage at small businesses locked in at $30, according to the Paychex IHS Markit Small Business Employment Watch.

The December data shows hourly earnings growth improving to 4.27%, which is the highest level since Paychex began reporting 10 years ago.

Hiring at small businesses also closed 2021 on an optimistic stat, improving 7.31% from the prior year, according to the same report.

Hourly Wages at Small Businesses Hit Record Level in December

Paychex CEO Martin Mucci summed the stats.

“Employers are responding to the pressure of the tight labor market by raising wages, and workers are benefitting,” Mucci said.

Hourly earnings growth exceeded four percent in all regions of the U.S. The West overtook the South as the top region for small business growth. Texas kept top state honors for small business hiring, with Dallas the top metro area. Minneapolis holds second place and is up 12.33% from last year. Denver ranks last in the Metro areas.

Leisure and hospitality hit double-digit hourly earnings growth (10.69 percent) to lead all industry sectors.

The Small Business Jobs Index increased to 100.94 in December, its highest level since August 2014. The rate of growth, however, has slowed for the past two months (0.50 percent in October, 0.27 percent in November, and 0.22 percent in December.

Weekly earnings growth improved to 4.14 percent in December, joining hourly gains of 4.27 percent. Both measures were less than three percent as recently as June. While year-over-year growth remains slightly negative (0.16 percent), weekly hours worked have increased for three consecutive months.

The leisure and hospitality index (105.68) gained 1.39 percent in December and 21.36 percent during the past year.

Four industries decreased in December (construction, education and health services, manufacturing, and financial activities). Gains in Leisure and Hospitality pulled up the national increase.
Construction and financial activities ended 2021 with index levels below 99, recovering only a little more than one percent during the year.

Leisure and hospitality hit double-digit hourly earnings growth (10.69 percent) to lead all sectors. Trade, transportation, and utilities ranks second at 5.56 percent.

With education and health services improving to 3.00 percent in December, all sectors have hourly earnings growth at or above three percent.

Weekly earnings growth is just 2.18 percent in the education and health services industry, six times lower than the leisure and hospitality growth rate (13.29 percent).

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This article, "Hourly Wages at Small Businesses Hit Record Level in December" was first published on Small Business Trends

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/01/record-level-hourly-wages.html

When it comes to doing business, emails have completely changed the way we communicate on a daily basis. Today, we send several emails to employees, team members, customers and partners every day. But no one has the time or energy to send the same email to several people individually. This is especially true if you are a small business owner with enough things to manage anyway.

Luckily, there’s a simple way to address this challenge. Mailing lists in Outlook allow you to send the same mail to different people without having to add each recipient individually.

What’s more it takes very little time and effort to create a contact group in Outlook. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn how you can easily create mailing lists in Outlook web app and desktop.

How to Add Outlook Contacts to Your Mailing List

Before we start, let’s get some of the basics right. To begin with, let’s understand what constitutes as a mailing list. Mailing lists consist of email recipients addressed as a single recipient. Let’s take an example. Suppose you have 10 employees in your marketing division. To send out any communication they must receive as a group, you have two options. You either manually add each employee every time you send out an email. Or you can create a contact group and use that as a recipient to send communication. The second option will save you time and effort. It will also help ensure your communication always reaches intended recipients.

Here’s how you can add members to your mailing list in Outlook.

Step 1: Open your Home tab.

Before you start sending emails to multiple recipients, you must create your contact group. Outlook allows you to create multiple contact groups to help you save time.

By creating multiple contact groups, you’ll be able to better organize your communication. Here’s how. If you are a business owner, you most likely send group emails to different people for different communication purposes. One group may consist of your sales team while another may include your marketing partners. Instead of adding these contacts manually, you can create two specific groups. This will streamline your communication and make it easier for you to manage emails.

To create a new contact group tag, you need to follow a few steps.

Step 1: On the home page, select the People option at the bottom.

Step 4: Click “add members” and select “from Outlook contacts” from the drop down menu.

Once you have created your own distribution list and added members to it, you can start using it to send communication. The benefit is the amount of time you can save to send the same message to multiple recipients at the same time. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to start using the global address list in Outlook.

Step 1: Go to Home Page and select “New Email.”

Step 2: Select “To.”

Step 3: In the search box, type your distribution list and select.

Note: In Outlook, you can not only add new email contact to your distribution list, but also remove past members with a few clicks. To do this, you need to open your distribution list first. Go to the “People” tab and find the contact list you wish to modify.

Once you have found your contact group, double click to open it. When you do this, you will see the names of all members within that distribution list. Select the names you wish to remove from the contact group and click on the “Remove Member” option. The next step is to press save and close.

As you can probably tell, creating distribution lists and contact group is fast and simple, especially when you need to send the same message to many people. And this option is available with other email clients, here is how to make a distribution list in Gmail.

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This article, "How to Make a Mailing List in Outlook" was first published on Small Business Trends

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/01/how-to-make-a-mailing-list-in-outlook.html

The latest in social media products uses audio to communicate. Like audio messaging and conversation rooms. That’s the quick definition of social audio.

This is a great new way for small businesses to engage new prospects and develop a brand. Consumers are expecting the human element when they interact with a small business. And the pandemic has forced these platforms to become the new normal.

Here’s what you need to know about this latest social media innovation.

Social audio integrates social media by adding premium audio experiences. Some of the social media sites that have launched have a built-in audience already.

Big players have jumped onboard. Facebook announced they are building tools to create audio snippets like Soundbites. Twitter has an audio conversation tool that includes up to 13 people at once.

The trend is important for marketing. The human voice is intimate and engaging. Still you need to watch for personal data concerns when you enter a room. The big names like Facebook tops many lists for collecting this info.

These platforms are gaining in popularity. They’re poised to be the next big thing. Check out the available stats for an industry leader in this social connection space, Clubhouse.

And then read on to find out how you can use this technology to get to the next level by increasing your social media ROI.

Understanding how to use these new social platforms is important. Here’s five methods and tools to build a much different experience in communication.

There are some big advantages for small businesses. They can use these tools to train people to dialog, communicate and present. It all adds up to more of the kind of engagement that drives sales and profits for yet another way of how to make money on social media.

Facebook offers one of these. You can select a time and invite speakers. You’re allowed 50 speakers but unlimited listeners. You need to be iOS users. Follow this link for more articles on other requirements.

This is a great way for small businesses to satisfy their marketing/engagement needs. Get connected with prospects from around the world. This innovation is designed to compete with Clubhouse.

Clubhouse understands how a live conversation at an online event makes a difference. This drop in audio chat tool offers excellent audio quality. And you can deliver personalized messages during big events. It’s a great way to engage target market audiences.

This app acts like a voice only news feed. Listen to voice messages that expire. Great for small business owners that need current info. Stay abreast of the current requirements in your niche .

Build a community around music. Host a radio station through a social audio app. Talk freely as people listen. Stationhead integrates with Spotify and Apple Music.

Small business owners looking for live conversations focusing on audio first take note. Slack huddles can have up to 50 participants. Users can turn on captions and screens. A great option for departments that need to brainstorm when facing deadlines. This is a great option when video marketing tools need a little extra push. Or when you’d rather go with the audio rather than the visual.

A social audio app is a social media tool that uses audio to let users communicate with each other. A live audio conversation is only one element of these new social innovations. Following are a few of the top app choices with a current version of each.

Get Clubhouse at the App Store and on Android too. This social audio platform provides roles for a moderator, speaker and listener. There are rules that cover certain topics. Like violating intellectual property rights.

The co founder of Clubhouse is Paul Davison. Rohan Seth is the other person who co founded the company. They are one of the biggest players in this quickly developing field.

Twitter Spaces is an excellent way to have audio conversations. You need to be a Twitter user with an account on the social network to get started. Keep in mind that for the time being all these spaces or conversations are public. Like Tweets. Anyone can listen in whether they log into a Twitter account or not. Use this when text doesn’t meet your needs. And video is too personal.

Got a large audience? Users here can monetize by getting access to what’s called a creator fund. Create recordings of conversations for use later with this platform. Sign up with a Spotify account. Select topics in advance and be notified about future discussions. This is a good tool when you want to get notified about marketing topics. And trends that make a difference to your target market.

The number of people consuming through this social online tool has no limits. But only 50 speakers at a time have access to this space. With no cap on the listeners, this type of room challenges Clubhouse. Allowing people who are listening to react with live captions is another bonus.

This social media/audio option is available for Android and iOS. You don’t need to worry about monetizing with annoying banner ads. There’s technology here whereby users can provide digital gifts. Get original live podcasts and more tools and channels for marketing through engagement. This app draws in more people through recorded snippets.

Attend virtual events with three other people. There are features for businesses here like Live Fund Raisers and Shopping.

The Live Camera option gives you access. You’ll be at the top of the screen until you add other creators. If you run into any issues, there’s a customer care page that can help.

Another one of the apps that gives you the ability to speak to people around the world. This platform is good for small businesses and marketing. Racket competes with industry leaders like Clubhouse with micro podcasts. Work by talking on your phone’s browser.

Remember, this is a quickly expanding field. For example, here’s a new tool that’s focusing on mentorship. Wisdom provides another great angle for entrepreneurs.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "What is Social Audio and How Can Your Small Business Use It?" was first published on Small Business Trends

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/01/social-audio.html

Knowing what to say is a big part of being successful at a networking event. Opening lines are important conversation starters. But that’s just one way to start an interesting conversation with a stranger. Here’s everything that you need to know that leads to a business connection.

An effective conversation starter establishes common ground with that other person. This is small talk that can lead to more B2B networking for you. If done right, a conversation can generate genuine interest in what you’ve got to sell.

The right conversation starters are sales techniques.

But you need to know how to start a conversation at one of these events. Following are 7 things that will lead to a good first impression.

Non verbal cues foster an engaging conversation. Research suggests stance is essential. Dont slouch. You’ll look tentative. Body language compliments your conversation.

Proximity is important for good conversations. You need to be close enough to talk but not crowd.

Getting over that first awkward silence is easier with some small talk. Talk shop with the other person to get started in your conversation.

An important part of any engaging conversation. If you maintain eye contact, it shows genuine interest. An important physical conversation starter.

Establish meaningful connections with great conversation starters. Then a further conversation includes follow up questions. Ask the other person about their experience and background.

An excellent conversation begins with mutual interest in each other.

Avoid a bad conversation starter. Like these topics that foster social anxiety.

Generally don’t talk about things you don’t like. Not a good way to jump into a conversation. Don’t jump in with deep topics right away. Leave those peer reviewed studies alone at first.

It makes sense to focus on the best conversation starters instead. Following are 8 ways to start a great conversation when you’re face to face.

This is a great conversation opener. The easiest way to get another person talking is to have a quick description ready. This is the beginning of a normal conversation.

Hi, I’m so and so. I’m from Chicago and my company is ACNE widgets.

Deep conversations start when people walk together. Especially on the way to the next panel or discussion. This is a great way to get to know the other person.

I’m on my way to the noon panel. Care to join me?

Comment on the decor on the way. It’s another way to start a conversation.

You’ll have one thing in common with every other party at an event. The food. It can make for excellent conversation.

Have you tried these sandwiches? They’re delicious.

Start a conversation on your other favorites.

A few tips for using this one. News about a sports team can work. Great conversation starters leave politics out.

Did you read about that game last night?

A positive current event is another great conversation starter.

These are great conversation openers. A sincere compliment works when it’s specific.

That coat looks really great on you.

A positive remark and/or positive comment about the event works. A new conversational partner might be a stranger. Except for the fact you belong to an entire group. Here’s how to get a conversation going.

That last speaker made some good points. What do you think?

Any conversation needs to include a handshake. Keep your right hand free when landing a new conversation partner.

Hello. It’s nice to meet you

Most people will admit they paid attention to someone starting conversations this way.

Pay attention to what’s going on outside. Real life situations like the weather are a great way to get a conversation started.

This rain is really something, isn’t it?

You can even reference a previous conversation.

I was just talking with someone about how cold it is.

A conversation flow naturally happens when two people are face to face with some help. But more and more people need good conversation starters as well as small talk and business networking tips for internet meetings. Here’s eight ways to start a conversation at an online event. These are digital small talk tips to engage a conversation partner.

A little research will help you start a conversation. Get a list of attendees to the virtual event before hand. Below is one of the best conversation starters.

“Hello—. I read your profile before the event and wondered if we could have a conversation. You did a great job on your recent project.

Flattery leads to a conversation.

Online events have discussions and even quizzes. Start a conversation by asking open ended questions like:

“What do others think of that last speaker? I’m interested to know.”

Starting a conversation can focus on what attendees do in their free time too. Remember, dont get them talking about controversial topics. Get the other person to talk about their hobbies.

What is everyone’s favorite tv show?

There’s room for talking and conversation with a person before a meeting starts. Ask a question to get a conversation started around personal information.

What family members do you respect the most?

A person’s family is a good conversation starter that works. Most people like to talk about the person closest to them.

A decent conversation can start around a favorite movie. Or get attendees talking about music.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been too?

The arts are excellent conversation starters. Especially if a person has a business that focuses in that area.

Digging into their expert knowledge comes later in the event. Asking new friends about their mood breaks the ice. A conversation starter works with them talking about their social life. Or sharing their own writing about how they feel on a Zoom whiteboard. Not really a conversation but an effective ice breaker.

“Who is in a good mood today? Take a deep breath and describe it.”

This conversation works wonders. It gets the other person to talk about themselves.

Find a new conversational partner to talk with before the event starts. A community board can lead to a personal text conversation. People also love “talking” through messaging on the boards too.

“I’m looking for some more tips on how to get the most from this event. Contact me at ….”

Put a notice up that you’ve registered for the event and are looking for a conversation partner. Look for someone to talk to on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook too.

Use real time messaging as topics are presented to get more details from another person. This way of starting a conversation builds trust. You show the other person you value their opinions. Mutual respect is a great conversation starter.

Now you have an overview on how to start a conversation. Talking with another person at an online or brick and mortar event can make a difference. Maybe you’re looking for a new job. Or have a person talk about their needs so you can make a sale.

Either way a conversation helps to further your goals. The more people at events talk, the more the conversations benefit your business. And if you have a hard time doing so, look into ways to help you, such as networking for introverts.

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This article, "How to Start a Conversation When Networking" was first published on Small Business Trends

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/01/how-to-start-a-conversation.html