Perspectives

Setting the record straight: Payday loans are debt traps

In a recent Perspectives article, the president of A-1 Cash Advance – a payday lender with several storefronts in Indiana - questioned both the intent of advocacy by Hoosiers for Responsible Lending and our assertions about the impact that high-cost payday loans have on Hoosiers. We are writing to set the record straight on several key points.... Read More

FTC safeguard rules: Nine required standards

In June 2023, the Federal Trade Commission put new standards in place for any non-banking entity that handles customer financial data. Think mortgage brokers, CPA firms, registered investment advisors and car dealerships. In an era when data breaches make headlines regularly, it’s critical for a business to protect a customer’s private data not only from a service perspective but also from a legal perspective.... Read More

The auto premium surge

The other day, I got a notice from my auto insurance provider stating that my premium would rise starting on my renewal date next month. When I took a closer look, I discovered it was close to a 30% increase! After some frantic research, I quickly realized that I wasn’t alone. ... Read More

Indiana needs more and better supported entrepreneurs

The names of Hoosier entrepreneurs—Eli Lilly, Clessie Cummins, James Allison—continue to live on through companies that employ thousands. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem frequently receives national attention. Yet, at the same time, various measures of startup activity indicate room for improvement to bolster Indiana’s entrepreneurial landscape.... Read More

To thrive, your company needs more than organic growth

Running a business literally has its ups and downs, as in how revenues and other critical figures can fluctuate from month to month. That’s why you’ll often hear owners sigh and happily report, “We’re doing just fine where we are.” If you’ve been saying things like that, don’t get too comfortable.... Read More

Business growth: Approaches to leadership

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change,” Charles Darwin is known to have said. One thing is constant; that one thing is change. How you, as a leader, adapt, adjust and re-align your approach is critical for the growth of your firm.... Read More

Helping Indiana high schools tackle the loneliness epidemic 

As administrators and teachers tackle another post-pandemic school year, they are concerned about the overall wellbeing of their students. They see firsthand what U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy calls an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” and they want more resources to help them meet this moment. ... Read More

Strategic steps to take before you sell your company

Before initiating the sale process, it's crucial to evaluate the financial health of your business. Prospective buyers will closely examine financial statements, profit margins, cash flow, and growth potential. Engaging a professional accountant or financial advisor can provide valuable insights to ensure your financial records are accurate and well-organized.... Read More

We must not fund our own destruction

If the headline sounds ominous, that’s by design. This is not hyperbole. The United States is funding numerous Chinese companies—many with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese military. This is the very country which, by all accounts, is posing the most serious threat to our national security in our lifetime.... Read More

The power of resilience and the need for Black blood donors during Sickle Cell Awareness Month

In my nearly 20-year tenure as a nurse at Riley Hospital for Children, I found myself repeatedly astonished and humbled, not only by the kids and young adults battling a monstrous adversary like sickle cell disease but more so by their enormous tenacity and resilience. Despite draining hospital stays and distressing procedures, these young ones always shone bright, their resilient spirits undeniably inspiring.... Read More

Next vehicle – lease or buy?

If you enjoy having a new vehicle, drive 15,000 or fewer miles per year, and want a nice car with a lower payment, then you could be a good candidate for leasing. While leasing has benefits, it's important to understand the disadvantages before making your decision.... Read More

Decoding the need for an HR professional: When and what level to hire

In today's fast-paced business landscape, the importance of human resources and its role in leading, hiring, coaching, engaging, and retaining employees cannot be overstated. HR professionals are the driving force behind an organization's success. However, determining when to hire an HR person and at what level can be a daunting task for businesses.... Read More

Proud to have a new gas meter

No, you didn’t read it wrong. Nor was the headline a rare typo by the nimble Inside INdiana Business crew. I have a new gas meter … and I’m kind of proud.... Read More

Eli Lilly’s tremendous year leaves investors with big decisions

Eli Lilly and Co. is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world and is headquartered in Indianapolis. Many Hoosiers, especially those employed by the pharmaceutical giant, which often distributes stock grants as compensation, have been fortunate enough to accumulate sizeable stock positions. ... Read More

How Indiana businesses can benefit from digital marketing

The state of Indiana boasts a booming business landscape, with it being home to numerous Fortune 500 companies while also being focused on growing the tech sector and providing endless opportunities to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship. However, even with a strong business ecosystem, companies in Indiana and nationwide are fighting for market share, putting increased pressure on marketers to prove marketing ROI.... Read More