Month: January 2024

Home Business Magazine Online

By Ibi Montesino – Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff, Herbalife

Businesses today understand that doing good is just as important as doing well. That’s why more organizations than ever before are implementing some form of philanthropy program. Some attribute this change as a realization that there is a corporate obligation to give back to the communities that foster them. Others would say that companies have made philanthropy a priority in order to compete in the modern marketplace, because that is what their employees and their customers demand.

Regardless of the reason for the change, one thing we can all agree on is that community engagement and charitable giving can improve the lives of those in need and cultivate a society that is stronger and more inclusive. We are more aware than ever of the gaps and systemic failings in our society that prevent people from reaching their full potential and, in some cases, even deprive them of their fundamental needs. And while many of us and the organizations we work for want to make a difference and establish strategies to help these big issues, it’s important to focus on the issues where you will have the most impact. In other words, where is your wheelhouse?

How should a company proceed when determining which philanthropies it will support? Among the most essential considerations is ensuring that your giving program complements your overall brand. This purpose driven decision making will create authenticity and engagement throughout the program.

Connecting Corporate Philanthropy and Mission Creates a Solid Basis for Success

The combination of corporate philanthropy and a company’s mission creates a firm foundation for success. By aligning your corporate giving programs more closely with your company’s mission and purpose, you can make a real impact in the community while also bolstering your company’s bottom line. Since charitable giving can improve financial performance and is not merely a distribution of profits, it may be correlated with your company’s future revenue growth. Further, a corporate-giving program can increase the value of a company in the following ways:

• Encouraging employee retention and satisfaction.

According to the Academy to Innovate HR, nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers acknowledge the pandemic has altered their priorities, and 82% believe that that a company’s purpose is essential. So, aligning your giving with your purpose may generate new value and enhance your company’s competitive advantage, particularly in unexpected areas such as employee recruitment.

• Promotes growth by fostering customer loyalty, establishing trust, and expanding your customer base.

Customers prefer to purchase from charitable organizations because doing so makes them feel good. They are aware that they are a part of something greater than themselves and that their purchase is affecting global change. In fact, 81% of millennials indicate a desire to support brands that demonstrate corporate citizenship.

• It’s the right thing to do.

You do not need to undergo a life-altering event to create a situation where giving back is essential to you or your business. It could be because it makes you and those around you feel good, or it could be because it is vital and could save a life.

Why Giving Is Essential to Global Corporations

Companies can and should have a larger impact on charitable giving than individuals. Businesses are integral components of the communities in which they reside. They are contributors to national, and even international causes, and supporters of local organizations. This participation can affect anything from innovative research to community endeavors and even neighborhood initiatives.

All actions, regardless of size, have the potential to move the needle in a positive direction. Businesses that engage in philanthropic endeavors can garner tangible short- and long-term benefits. Further, giving encourages businesses to go beyond meeting KPIs and generating profits in order to foster a more generous and positive work environment.

By establishing a partnership with a charity, businesses can also increase their awareness of a particular issue and use it as the foundation for a training program or initiative that provides tangible benefits to their employees.

How Being a Good Corporate Citizen Can Be a Key Pillar for Global Corporations

This is all well and good, but how does it look in the real world?

As a leading brand in health and wellness, Herbalife is committed to operating its business in a socially responsible manner, incorporating community outreach and environmental stewardship. So, when faced with deciding on the type of philanthropic work we should do, we look inward at our wheelhouse, helping people live healthy active lifestyles so that they can live their best life.

We recognized that good nutrition is necessary for all children. In the developing world, 66 million primary school-aged children attend classes hungry. Chronic malnutrition in early childhood is associated with lower educational attainment, inferior cognitive skills, lower earnings, and an increased likelihood of living in poverty. Our Casa Herbalife Nutrition program seeks to improve the lives of children in need by partnering with existing charities to provide healthy meals and nutrition education to children around the world. Through the generous support of the company’s independent distributors and employees, the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation (HNF) continues to provide the proper nutrition and education necessary for the wellness of children and communities, and in 2022, granted $5.12 million to 178 local organizations, benefiting 229,000 children in more than 59 countries.

Herbalife recognizes that by extending beyond financial support, we can play a much more significant role in community development and addressing social issues. We built upon our purpose-driven philanthropy by fostering more than 20 programs and partnerships with nonprofit organizations focused on health, wellness, and nutrition worldwide, including World Food Program USA, Global FoodBanking Network, and Feed the Children among others.

In conclusion, corporate giving should be an intrinsic part of any business. Entrepreneurs who discover what people need and want and provide it reap substantial rewards in today’s society. It is acknowledged that community development and social responsibility go hand in hand with business growth and success. Corporate giving is personally satisfying, can strengthen employee relationships, and can result in a positive return on investment for a company.

The post Global Corporations Can Do Well by Aligning Their Giving to Their Mission appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/success-tips/global-corporations-do-well-aligning-giving-mission/

Home Business Magazine Online

As we stand at the cusp of significant changes, it’s essential to consider how we can craft a future that is both sustainable and beneficial for all involved. This article delves into the innovative trends and approaches shaping the future of real estate. Make sure to consult with a real estate lawyer if you have legal questions before making an investment.

Embracing Technology

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, technology is not just an enhancer. It’s a game-changer. Let’s explore how various technological advancements are redefining the way we interact.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies have transformed property showcasing. Potential buyers or tenants can now take virtual tours of properties from anywhere in the world. This innovation is particularly beneficial for international investors or buyers relocating from distant places. AR adds another layer, allowing users to visualize unfurnished spaces with their choice of decor and furniture, making it easier to envision as a future home or office space.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are reshaping property market analysis and predictive modeling. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to forecast market trends, assess values, and even predict future hotspots for real estate development. For professionals and investors, this means more informed decision-making backed by data-driven insights.

Blockchain and Real Estate Transactions

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing property transactions by making them more secure and transparent. Smart contracts on blockchain platforms can automate various aspects of the buying and selling process, reducing the need for intermediaries and lowering transaction costs. Moreover, blockchain ensures the integrity of records, making fraud and discrepancies a thing of the past.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Homes

IoT technology is at the forefront of creating innovative, connected homes. From energy management systems to security solutions, IoT devices offer homeowners increased convenience, efficiency, and safety. This technology not only enhances the living experience but also adds value to properties, making them more attractive to tech-savvy buyers.

Big Data Analytics

Big data analytics play a crucial role in understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior. By analyzing large sets of data, real estate lawyer Toronto companies can gain insights into customer preferences, optimal pricing strategies, and practical marketing approaches. This data-driven approach leads to more targeted and successful transactions.

The Growing Role

Online real estate platforms are changing the way properties are bought, sold, and rented. These platforms offer a more streamlined, user-friendly experience, providing vast listings, virtual tours, and detailed property information at the click of a button. They also facilitate direct communication between buyers, sellers, and agents, making the process faster and more efficient.

Sustainable Developments

Sustainability in real estate goes beyond just being a trend. It’s a vital approach to building a future that respects our environment while meeting human needs. Here’s a closer look at the critical elements of sustainable development:

• The choice of construction materials has a significant impact on the environment. Sustainable real estate focuses on using materials that are environmentally friendly and resource-efficient throughout their life cycle;
• Energy efficiency is at the heart of sustainable real estate. This involves designing buildings that make the best use of natural light and air to reduce dependency on artificial heating and cooling;
• Sustainable developments place a strong emphasis on conserving water. This includes the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, efficient wastewater management, and the use of water-efficient fixtures;
• Integrating green spaces into real estate developments improves air quality, enhances biodiversity, and provides aesthetic and psychological benefits to residents. Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into the built environment, is gaining traction;
• Intelligent building technologies play a pivotal role in sustainable development. These include systems for monitoring and managing energy usage, water consumption, and waste management;
• Sustainable real estate also considers the location and accessibility of developments. Proximity to public transportation, walkability, and bike-friendly amenities reduce reliance on personal vehicles, thereby lowering the carbon footprint of residents;
• Sustainable development isn’t just about environmental factors. It also includes creating spaces that foster community and social interactions. This involves designing inclusive and diverse areas that meet the needs of various demographics, promoting a sense of community, and supporting local economies.

Sustainable developments in real estate represent a holistic approach to building and living. By focusing on eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, and community building, these developments are not just creating structures. They’re crafting a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Role of Real Estate Lawyers

Transactions are often complex and involve significant financial investments. Lawyers are essential in navigating these complexities, ensuring legal compliance, and protecting the interests of their clients.

Legal Guidance and Due Diligence

Real estate lawyers provide crucial legal guidance throughout the buying, selling, or leasing process. They conduct due diligence, reviewing all documents related to the property, such as title deeds, zoning laws, and assessments. This thorough review helps identify any legal issues or potential risks associated, thereby protecting clients from future legal disputes.

Contract Negotiation and Drafting

Negotiating and drafting property agreements is a complex task that requires legal expertise. Real estate lawyers ensure that contracts are fair and legally binding, protecting their client’s interests. They negotiate terms and conditions and handle the drafting of purchase agreements, lease contracts, and other legal documents, making sure they comply with local laws and regulations.

Title Search and Insurance

A critical function of real estate lawyers is conducting a title search to confirm the legal ownership of the property and identify any encumbrances or liens against it. They also assist in obtaining title insurance, which protects the buyer from future legal claims against the title.

Community-Centric Developments

The future of real estate lawyer Toronto isn’t just about buildings; it’s about people. Creating spaces that foster community interaction and support local economies is critical. Developments that include communal areas support local businesses and are accessible to various modes of transportation, contributing significantly to community well-being.

Innovative Financing Options

The traditional mortgage isn’t the only way to finance a property anymore. Innovative financing options, like crowdfunding and rent-to-own schemes, are opening doors for more people to own or invest in real estate. These alternatives offer flexibility and can be more inclusive, catering to a broader range of financial situations.

The Final Word

The future of real estate is vibrant and full of possibilities. By embracing technology, sustainability, community-focused developments, and innovative financing, we are paving the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and environmentally conscious real estate market. The expertise of professionals, such as real estate lawyer Toronto, further enriches this landscape, ensuring that as we move forward, we do so with confidence and clarity.

The post Crafting the Future of Real Estate appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/real-estate/crafting-future-real-estate/

Home Business Magazine Online

By Tony Anscombe, Chief Security Evangelist, ESET

We have closed out 2023, and cybercrimes of all types continue to rise at an exponential rate. One type that is no exception and can be extremely devastating to victims is Work From Home (WFH) job scams. Even as more people have returned to the office following the COVID pandemic, the sheer volume of WFH job fraud attempts on the internet is staggering. For example, according the U.S. Better Business Bureau (BBB), the amount of money lost to job scams rose 250% during the first three months of 2023.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you are too savvy to be duped by fraudsters. The BBB also found that 36% of job scam complaints involved a fake check. Likewise, in just the last two years fake check losses absorbed by banks rose 40% to top $1.3 billion.

As we head further into a new year and many are looking to start new jobs or careers, it is especially important that individuals who are either currently or plan to be working from home on a regular basis are aware of these fraud attempts and can protect themselves from becoming victims.

Here are three top WFH job scams to be on the lookout for in 2024.

Scam #1: Phony professional jobs with well-known companies

WFH and other employment scams targeting laid-off tech professionals are on the rise.

Sophisticated fraudsters are increasingly contacting job-seeking professionals on LinkedIn and other social platforms or job boards. They pose as recruiters looking to fill nonexistent jobs, often claiming to represent, or actually be from legitimate companies. But their real goal is to steal personal data and/or dupe victims into advancing money, supposedly for IT equipment or other goods.

As such, job seekers should never give their personal data or money to hiring organizations without proper investigation. And any potential “employer” seeking to conduct a job interview using a messaging app or text messages should be regarded with suspicion. Criminals favor these tactics to shield their identities and make themselves harder to track.

Fraud of this type often starts with a direct message on a job search site, with a “recruiter” reaching out to tell you that you have an in-demand skill set. The fake recruiter then sends an authentic looking invitation for a virtual interview and may also send details about the job, including benefits.

After the interview comes the offer letter, and then requests for personal information and money. For example, you may get an invoice for a computer that the company will supposedly order. Only you have to pay for it first, often using a cash app. The promised reimbursement or equipment will never come.

Scam #2: Unsolicited fraudulent WFH job offers

Another scam targeting WFH job seekers is the unsolicited offer. If a “too good to be true” WFH job offer comes your way seemingly by chance or because you were “selected,” be extremely wary—especially if the position requires no training or experience.

Many bogus job emails or online ads are basically phishing attacks. The “hiring” process often leads to theft of personal data, fake check scams, and/or payment for worthless goods, useless certifications, etc.

Some of the WFH job types most frequently used as bait for these fraud attempts include virtual assistant, medical billing services, data entry, home assembly work or so-called rebate processing.

A common scamming pattern goes like this:

1. The victim responds to an unsolicited offer for a virtual assistant or other computer-based job.
2. After quickly “hiring” them, the fraudulent employer sends the victim a payment, usually in the form of a paper check that eventually bounces. The victim is told to deposit the payment and use it to cover some job-related purchases.
3. The payment turns out to be significantly larger than is needed for the purchases. The victim is then told to return some of the payment by wire transfer or a cash app.
4. The payment bounces, there is no job, and the victim is out whatever money they sent back to the scammers plus whatever personal data they divulged.

Scam #3: Fake “start your own WFH business” schemes

“Start your own business” cons often include a fraudulent recruiter or bogus business coach. They may ask you to buy training materials, buy or sell “starter kits,” and/or recruit other would-be business owners.

If you fall for the fraud, you will be left with worthless or nonexistent goods, and any money you are paid will come only from scamming other people like yourself.

Tipoffs for these types of fraud include:

• Alleged business experts requiring you to pay upfront for a “guaranteed” or “get rich quick” money-making system. There is no such thing. Running a solo business is hard work and offers no guarantees.
• Illegitimate multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes offering high-paying jobs or guaranteed income. Genuine MLM success takes just as much effort as any other business opportunity. Plus, due to the nature of MLM these companies employ very few people directly.

A common MLM or pyramid business scam is “envelope stuffing.” Victims must make an upfront payment to get started. The “job” is to package and send materials to lure others into the bottom of the pyramid. No payments ever come through.

Another popular “start your own business” ploy is investment fraud. Scammers convince their victims that, after paying for trading guidance and possibly investment services, they can beat the stock market. The offerings are bogus and investment wins to offset the payouts never materialize.

Here’s how to stay safe from WFH scams

This list of best practices for WFH job seekers will help you sidestep scammers:

• Don’t respond to unsolicited requests for contact or click on links in unsolicited emails or text messages. These could be phishing attacks.
• Check out companies with the Better Business Bureau and search online using the employer’s official name followed by “scam” or “complaint.” Also look for fraud reports on national information sharing sites like BBB.org/scamtracker and reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Use contact information directly from a company’s website to authenticate job postings. Call the company at the phone number listed on their website and ask to speak to the person claiming to be from the company.
• Inform the company and the BBB of the attempted scam, allowing them to bring attention and warn other potential victims.
• Conduct thorough background research on any job ads or offers.
• Remember that online information can easily be faked. Look carefully for subtle inconsistencies in business email addresses or third-party websites. Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, etc. email addresses are cause for concern.
• Consider creating a special email address for your job search. If you find opportunities you didn’t solicit in your new inbox, be on high alert for fraud.
• Be very cautious about sharing personal data like your date of birth, physical address, financial data, Social Security number, or even your resume to unverified individuals.
• Vague job descriptions are a scam tipoff.
• Never send money to an unverified source using wire transfer or cash app.

Staying aware is your best defense

Within the chaos of WFH employment deceptions there are patterns you can spot to stay safe. Most employment fraud schemes rely on familiar social engineering practices, like exploiting a sense of urgency or making offers too good to be true.

As always, staying mindful and aware of scamming patterns is your best defense. Unemployment and job hunting are inherently stressful. Don’t let scammers exploit the situation.

The post 3 Top Work from Home Job Scams to Look Out for in 2024 & How to Avoid Them appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/business-start-up/scam-prevention/3-top-work-from-home-job-scams-2024-how-to-avoid/

If you have a Google Business Profile, it’s a good idea to frequently check and see how your it’s performing.

Just like your website’s analytics, checking your GBP’s performance helps you understand:

• How many calls you’re getting.
• How people are finding your listing.
• How many users are getting directions to your business.
• And more. 

Let’s look at how you can get these performance insights from your Google Business Profile to track how people interact with your listing.

How to access your Business Profile’s performance insights

On desktop, you can access performance insights directly from your Google Business Profile by clicking Performance. 

If you’re on a mobile device, open the Google Maps app and go to your Business Profile. Tap on Performance, then See More to expand.

You can select a date range from the past six months. 

Performance metrics for your Google Business Profile 

Let’s examine the specific metrics you can look at. Remember that some of these are category-specific, so you may not have all these options.

Overview

The Overview section measures all interactions on your Google Business Profile – like when people call, message, make bookings, ask for directions and more.

How people discovered you

In the Overview section, you scroll down to see two other important pieces of information: 

• How people viewed your profile.
• The keywords people used to get to your listing. 

Comparisons are only available for completed months.

Views show how many unique people saw your Business Profile on Google Search and Maps, with a breakdown between desktop and mobile. 

Users can be counted a limited number of times if they visit your Business Profile on multiple devices and platforms, like desktop or mobile and Google Maps or Google Search. 

A user can only be counted once a day per breakdown device and platform. Multiple daily visits aren’t counted.

It’s also interesting to look at the keywords people used to find your Google Business Profile.

The Searches metric is updated at the beginning of each month and shows the search terms people entered to show your Business Profile in search results. 

Updates can take five days to show up, according to Google.

Calls

Calls show all calls made from your Google Business Profile. This obviously would only measure those calls on mobile devices made by people using the click-to-call button on your profile.

This number would not include people on desktop devices who manually enter your phone number into their phone to call you.

One thing to remember is that the Call History feature was recently deprecated and suddenly turned back on a few months later.

Since then, the number of missed calls by weekday or time of day seems inaccurate. I’m not sure if this is something that Google is going to eventually fix or not.

Messages

The Messages section is for businesses that have turned on their GBP’s Messages/Chat feature. This metric shows how many messages have been sent from your Business Profile.

There’s also a section that shows how you are performing at responding to chat messages you receive. 

• The message response rate shows how many messages you responded to. 
• The average response time shows how quickly you responded to your messages.

Remember, you should strive to reply to messages you receive within 24 hours – or else Google could take the Messaging feature away from you!

Bookings

Bookings measure the number of completed bookings by customers.

To get data for this metric, you must set up bookings through a Google provider. You won’t get tracking data if you enter another booking software URL into your GBP listing (e.g., Calendly).

Restaurant booking is another quirky insight that can be inaccurate depending on how you have your bookings set up. 

For instance, if you’re using a booking app but require that people put a deposit down to reserve a table, GBP restaurant booking insights won’t track that reservation booking because the searcher is going outside of GBP to enter their credit card information. 

So, depending on your situation, the Booking insights may not be accurate.

Directions

The Directions performance metric shows everyone who used your Google Business Profile to get directions to your business location. 

Note that if you are a service area business (SAB) and do not show your physical location in your GBP listing, you will not see this option in the Performance section.

Menu

The Menu metric measures the number of people who viewed your restaurant’s menu content. Menu content includes detailed dish information, menu photos and the menu link on your Business Profile.

Food orders

The Food orders metric represents the number of orders placed for pickup or delivery directly from your Google Business Profile using an “Order with Google” provider. 

Food orders are only tracked if the restaurant has the menu items listed on their GBP listing and the person orders directly from one of the supported Google third-party providers. 

Other third-party apps like GrubHub or Doordash are not tracked here.

Website clicks

Website clicks are the number of times people click on your link to your website from your Google Business Profile. This number does not include clicks to a Google Business Profile website. 

Note: Google Business Profile websites will be turned off in March 2024.

Booking clicks

Booking clicks tell you how many clicks your free hotel booking link received.

Keep tabs on your GBP performance

Marketing is all about measuring your performance.

Check your Google Business Profile performance insights and see how you’re doing every month. 

Find ways to improve the engagement you have with visitors.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-business-profile-performance-insights-what-you-need-to-know-436468