We’re going to switch it up a bit today and explore a topic we think is simultaneously fun and informative. We know that you’ve probably heard of podcasts. The question is, which ones are you listening to? These podcasts are a few among many that we want to recommend for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Let’s start with the short list.
Learn about the power of story and how you can use it to connect with your customers. The shows, hosted by Park Howell, include guests who are leading storytellers across industries. Each episode also has at least one actionable tip to make your content stronger.
Independent restaurant owners can find motivation on how to run a restaurant, which we all know if no easy feat, but if you scale the mountain, well worth it. Hosted by Eric Cacciatore (yes, like the chicken as the website states), listen to restaurant owners who have been through the trenches and come out alive, and profitable, on the other side.
Entrepreneur On Fire is one of the hottest podcasts streaming right now. It was also recognized as the Best of iTunes in 2013. Its strength lies in the fact that it hosts a guest each and every day, seven days a week, a successful entrepreneur.
Hosted by Jonathan Michael and Peter Thorsson, learn what’s trending in marketing, sales and entrepreneurship, and tips for running your business. Get the education without the cost of an MBA to learn how to grow your business.
Small Business Advocate Radio has aired for more than two decades, since 1997, and runs everyday. Host Jim Blasingame interviews experts and thought leaders in small business and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs today.
Summary: Startup approaches starting from a business from a real point of view. The podcast began as a day-in-the-life of entrepreneur Alex Bloomberg as he started Gimlet Media. Now the podcast shares information about the stories of different entrepreneurs as they build their businesses. Startup is unique in its ability to follow a business owner from just the idea to its inception.
These are only six, but you can find even more here. What are your favorite podcasts at the moment? If you don’t have one, we hope one of these can be the start.
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COCARD has been notified that pcAmerica’s Cash Register Express/Restaurant Pro Express customers must upgrade to version 12.8033 as soon as possible. If your point of sale is not on version 12.8033 or higher, please contact your COCARD representative to avoid any payment processing interruptions.
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a protocol that provides privacy and data integrity between two communicating applications. It’s the most widely deployed security protocol used today, and is used for Web browsers and other applications that require data to be securely exchanged over a network. Several payment processors, including First Data/TSYS, are phasing out TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 by the end of February 2018 with only TLS 1.2 being supported. All PC America users processing with First Data / TSYS who do not have the updated version of PC America’s Cash Register Express 12.8033 will no longer be able to process credit cards through their point of sale system as of 2/28/2018. To ensure your system is compatible with this change, you must be using the latest version of Cash Register Express.
No action needed at this time if your POS
Immediate Action Required if
To check your version of Cash Register Express follow these steps:
Upgrade Your CRE/RPE Software to Version 12.8033 by calling 1-800-317-1819 Ext. 4360 or email support@cocard.info.
Please use the contact form provided below and one of our support team will give you a call ASAP!
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As a business owner, nothing is more rewarding than seeing your company grow and thrive. After all, you are the one putting it all on the line, calling the shots and making important decisions that will lead to your future success. Because business trends change there are times, you may have an abundance of income; others, you may be low on capital. If you find yourself short of cash and need to purchase key equipment like a new point of sale system, make necessary repairs or have a lucrative opportunity, you may want to explore funding options. One option – a merchant cash advance – offers rapid access to cash with minimal qualifications and formalities. Interested, contact our office today and let’s talk about what you need to keep your business growing in 2018!
1-800-317-1819 Ext 4360 and talk to one of our cash advance specialist
Read MoreRead MoreAs we find ourselves in the second month of 2018, we at COCARD would like to do a quick check in for any New Year’s resolutions you may have made this year, or things that you’d like to improve on for the upcoming year. From money management skills to planning, how have you been doing with these things since January 1st?
How do you manage the money that goes in and out of your business? Money is the lifeline that keeps your doors open, and your business running. Without it, you and your business will have a difficult time existing. Did you know that 82% of startups and small businesses fail because of a lack of cash flow, according to a study from U.S. Bank, a financial services company? So take stock of where your money is coming from, and if needed, take stock of tip #2, reviewing your rates.
It is one thing to charge one rate as you start, but another thing to keep the same rate as you’ve gained more experience and can prove the value that you bring to another business or company. So look at rates in your industry, and make sure that you are charging a rate that fits your experience and worth. Anything less would be criminal, and would hinder your ability to bring in the right amount of money for your business and livelihood. So do your research, and even write down the value that you’ve provided to customers. Then set new rates.
As a professional in your field, you should continue to learn. Learning doesn’t stop after you make a certain amount of money. It also doesn’t stop after you’ve reached a certain professional marker. To stay current and at the top of your game, you should read books, take courses, and attend events that will help you to keep developing your skills. In this way, your business will continue to evolve for the better, and can continue to compete in the marketplace.
If you come up against obstacles or questions, you should focus on the things that work for you. If something isn’t working, toss it aside, and continue moving forward. This method allows you to make room for something else in the future, something potentially much better than what you had before.
As the year progresses, it is important for us as business owners to take stock of the roads we are taking and how we will get there, to our destinations. For all of us, “there” often means profitability along with a strong bond with our customers.
What else have you taken stock of as a business owner since this year has started?
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I almost forgot, how could I forget??? It’s National Peanut Butter Day! Read the history of Peanut Butter because, just because!
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/a-chunky-history-of-peanut-butter
Read MoreRead MoreI have written before about my garden and passion for organic foods and organic restaurants. I found this article today and thought it worthy of sharing with our restaurant customers. Let me know what you think! Nelda
https://www.thebalance.com/restaurants-go-organic-2538365
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