A strong network connection is only as strong as its cybersecurity plan

Small business owners might assume that their business is not noteworthy enough to be hit by a cyberattack – but that is not the reality. In fact, it is often easier (and more profitable) for cybersecurity attackers to breach dozens of small, unprotected business networks than it is for them to breach one big company with a cybersecurity program. A... Read More

Five considerations for donor recognition

Many donors will say they aren’t motivated by recognition, but despite their claim their gifts can be influenced by it.  I’ve worked in various forms of fundraising for a couple of decades and have experienced nearly every form of recognition. ... Read More

Grow your business: Maximize the work week

The hybrid work week is here to stay. In the largest study to date, Harvard Business School researchers concluded that the post-COVID hybrid work week is not only here to stay, it might indeed be an optimal solution for the employer and the employee.... Read More

We took a long, hard look at the early childhood education crisis locally; Here’s how you can help

300. That’s the astonishing number of children on waitlists at just a handful of childcare centers in Muncie, Indiana. While there may very well be some duplication within that number (some families may put their children on multiple waitlists to better compete for an open spot), it’s a sobering indication of just how bad the national early childhood education crisis is, even at just the local level. ... Read More

IPOs & SPACs: Where did they go?

One of the fascinating developments during the COVID-19 pandemic was Wall Street’s short-lived obsession with IPOs and SPACs.  What are they, why did they become so popular, and why did they drop off so quickly?... Read More

Lessons from rock quarries to the speed of light

How did a rural telephone company linking quarries together survive – even thrive – over a century to reach speed-of-light communication services through fiber business and residential internet, backhaul for digital cell phones, and increasingly multi-dimensional experiences through the online metaverse?... Read More

FAFSA: The first step in college financial aid

It's that time of year! If you have a student entering or returning to college in the fall of 2023, the financial aid application process begins soon. An hour of your time could mean thousands of dollars for tuition and expenses. ... Read More

Customer service: It’s the secret sauce

How are we doing? Have you asked your customers that question recently. It can feel daunting since you might not always hear rave reviews. This year our company marks its fifth year in business, so we decided to ask customers.... Read More

Where are you putting all that cash?

For the past decade, it has been incredibly difficult for savers to earn much on their cash savings. However, this is changing as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to battle inflation. As a result, yields on various cash vehicles are now becoming more interesting.  ... Read More

Marketing and sales don’t have to be enemies

I’ve long found it amusing (and amazingly frustrating) that the two departments focused on driving most companies’ revenues are rarely in sync with one another. Often, their conflicts rise to the level of sworn enemies. Instead of taking a symbiotic approach, both departments avoid and sidestep each other, impairing their success and that of their employers.... Read More

Your worst marketing mistake when facing uncertainty

If you’ve never operated your business during a recession, the news stories you’re reading and trends you’re seeing may have you extremely concerned … maybe even terrified. As someone who’s old enough to have helped clients endure several economic setbacks, the best advice I can offer when it comes to marketing is to stay the course.... Read More