Women are more likely than men to view charitable giving as the most satisfying aspect of wealth, and are more likely to value their wealth as a way to create positive change, according to recent reports.

A recent OnePoll survey of Americans between 18 and 35 years old found that more than half (54) have strongly considered changing their careers in the past six months. Another 52% said they would love to have a job where they could work with their hands, and more than 40% said they weren’t currently working in a field related to their degree.

As a business owner – and THE leader of your company – I have a question for you. Does your leadership style multiply or diminish?

Having done all the work to create a sale, the next question is: What is that customer’s experience like? Is it different? Is it remarkable? Does it reflect what makes your brand unique?

Early in my career, I worked for a software company for whom one of my responsibilities was responding to requests for proposals. These documents comprised answers to dozens and dozens of feature-functionality questions, as well as information on installation, service, upgrades and pricing.

There’s nothing like a shutdown to make you realize how dependent we all are on the services and products small businesses provide. Those hot and spicy wings at your favorite restaurant, the day care for your young child, a plumber to fix the leaky faucet in your kitchen or a dentist to make your tooth stop hurting.

Companies I work with are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to fill roles at any level. Entry level talent is as difficult to recruit as PHDs. The best employees are receiving offers that are eye popping to leave their current positions and move to a new opportunity. Poaching is in full swing.

Both the U.S. and Europe already have some experience with this kind of aggressive transition away from traditional fuels toward more renewable power. And the results are troubling.

My advice for all small businesses is to truly evaluate the relationship with your financial institution. The dividends will push into perpetuity when fostered well. 

In 2020 banks took on new challenges, such as declining interest rates, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating the Paycheck Protection Program and working with community businesses to help them stay afloat in any way possible during government shutdowns and restrictions.