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 Kozi Checks & Balances TaxTactics News 
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March 10.2025
2 Minutes Read

How Social-First, Tech-Driven Strategies Are Revolutionizing SMB Growth

Minimalist Small Business Trends graphic with blue circle.

The Rise of Social-First, Tech-Driven Small Businesses

A recent report from Constant Contact reveals a significant trend among new small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. These businesses, operating for five years or less, are increasingly leveraging social media and technology to ensure growth amid economic challenges. Surveying 1,600 such businesses, the findings showcase the adaptability and digital fluency that define today’s entrepreneurs.

Social Media: The Dominant Marketing Tool

According to the report, 63% of new SMBs rely primarily on social media as their marketing channel. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are not just venues for posts but have become crucial revenue drivers, with 73% of entrepreneurs indicating that a combination of paid and organic social media efforts constitutes their largest income source. This aligns with the findings in the Technology-Driven Marketing Strategy for SMBs, which highlights that digital marketing serves as a leveler, enabling smaller businesses to compete against larger corporations without the hefty price tag of traditional advertising.

The Shift Towards Diverse Marketing Strategies

While the emphasis is on social media, there is a notable desire among SMBs to diversify their marketing strategies. The report shows that 33% of them consider email marketing underutilized, and only 15% are tapping into the potential of SMS marketing. This reflects a broader understanding that a mixed approach can yield better results, as underscored in 6 Tech Strategies to Scale Your Business for Long-Term Success, which emphasizes the importance of varying marketing techniques for sustained growth.

AI: The Future of Business Operations

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is set to redefine how SMBs operate and market themselves. The Constant Contact report indicates that 72% of respondents plan to leverage AI in 2025 for tasks ranging from content creation to customer data analysis. AI isn’t just a futuristic tool; it’s already helping businesses understand customer behaviors and preferences, streamlining operations as per the recommendations from numerous tech-driven strategies.

Optimism Amid Challenges

Despite the technologies empowering these entrepreneurs, challenges persist. Nearly half (45%) of new SMB owners feel confident about growth in 2025, yet significant concerns linger regarding customer acquisition, rising costs, and changing consumer habits. This frankness mirrors insights from the broader business landscape, where optimism is met with a realistic appraisal of external pressures.

Conclusion: Braving the Future

Ultimately, the Constant Contact report illustrates that the spirit of entrepreneurship remains robust. With 95% of respondents stating they would choose small business ownership again, the combination of social media savviness and tech-driven strategies herald a promising era for small businesses. As they transform challenges into opportunities, they are not just adapting to survive but thriving through innovation and resilience.

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10.17.2025

Empowering Small Businesses: Square's New Bitcoin Tools Unveiled

Update The Future of Payments: Bitcoin Meets Small Business In a bold step forwarding the integration of cryptocurrency into everyday commerce, Square has rolled out new bitcoin tools designed to empower small businesses. This initiative arrives at a pivotal time when bitcoin is steadily gaining traction as a recognized form of payment and an investment asset. Miles Suter, the Head of Bitcoin Product at Block, highlighted the intent behind these tools, remarking that they cater to two essential needs: ensuring that sellers never miss a sale and providing them financial tools for enhanced management and growth. Transforming Bitcoin Into Everyday Money At the heart of this initiative is the Bitcoin Conversions service. This groundbreaking feature allows eligible US-based sellers to convert bitcoin into local currency instantly at the point of sale. This capability could vastly improve cash flow for small businesses, making bitcoin not just a speculative asset but a reliable payment method. With the official launch of Bitcoin Payments set for November 10, 2025, Square aims to make transactions as smooth as traditional credit card payments. Integration and Accessibility: A Game Changer The rollout of Square Bitcoin integrates various features including a self-custody wallet, Bitkey, and a range of bitcoin mining products under the Proto brand. This multifaceted approach ensures that small business owners have access to an array of services, often only available to larger corporations. Beyond handling transactions, these tools aim to simplify financial operations for enterprises of all sizes. Attracting a New Customer Base For many small businesses, the ability to accept bitcoin payments could open doors to new customers interested in cryptocurrency. As consumer preferences evolve towards digital transactions, offering this payment option might not only enhance customer engagement but also provide a competitive edge in a quickly changing market. According to Suter, the goal is to facilitate the transition of bitcoin into a medium of everyday exchange, breaking away from its current status as merely a store of value. Challenges Ahead: Navigating Volatility and Compliance However, the introduction of bitcoin tools for small businesses is not without challenges. The inherent volatility in bitcoin prices poses risks to pricing strategies and profit margins. Business owners need to develop effective strategies to navigate potential losses from price fluctuations. Additionally, the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency is complex and varies widely by location, necessitating that owners remain vigilant about compliance issues. Ready to Adopt? Understanding the Learning Curve For many small business owners, the thought of adopting cryptocurrency payment systems can be daunting. The technical aspects and the necessary updates to existing operations can require extensive training and adaptation. Business owners need to fully assess their readiness to embark on this innovation journey, including staff training and customer communication strategies. Conclusion: Embracing Change for Growth As small business owners look for new ways to streamline operations and engage customers, Square’s new bitcoin tools represent a significant opportunity. By facilitating seamless bitcoin transactions alongside robust financial management features, Square empowers businesses to fully leverage the potential of digital currency. For those interested in learning more, Square has created dedicated resources on their website. As the financial landscape evolves, small businesses that adapt could lead the charge in a future increasingly influenced by cryptocurrency.

10.17.2025

How EU Digital Services Taxes Will Impact Global Businesses

Update Understanding the European Union's Digital Services Tax The European Union’s (EU) Digital Services Tax (DST) is a significant shift in how digital businesses are taxed across member states. This tax primarily targets tech giants earning considerable revenues in the EU, imposing a 3% tax on their online advertising and data-related activities. Despite its aim to ensure that these multinational entities contribute a fair share to local economies, many fear that the burden will ultimately fall on consumers and smaller local businesses. The Impact on German Businesses and Beyond According to studies by Copenhagen Economics, the DST is poised to disproportionately affect smaller German businesses. Although large firms with over €750 million in global revenue fall under the DST’s umbrella, the implications stretch further into the market. The additional costs brought on by this tax may trickle down, leading to higher prices for digital services that these businesses rely on. This may stifle the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and create a ripple effect damaging to the German economy. Global Perspectives: Are Digital Services Taxes Here to Stay? As digital services taxes proliferate globally, it is essential to consider the broader implications of this tax policy. Countries outside of the EU, including India, Brazil, and various African nations, have proposed similar taxes reflecting a rising trend. The OECD's BEPS 2.0 initiative aims for a unified approach to tax regulation, yet individual countries continue to push forward with unilateral measures, complicating compliance for multinational companies. This evolving landscape raises questions about how businesses can prepare for future tax requirements and the potential consequences of a fragmented tax environment. What Businesses Need to Know Moving Forward For businesses, the key takeaway is-proactive preparation. Businesses should conduct thorough assessments of their exposure to digital services taxes now rather than reacting to regulatory changes as they occur. Incorporating tax modeling into financial planning will help companies gauge the potential impact of DSTs on their operations. As the U.S. continues to grapple with its stance on the digital economy, companies need to stay informed and engaged. Conclusion: Preparing for Uncertainty in Taxation With the digital economy flourishing globally, understanding the complexities of digital services taxes is critical. Businesses must adopt a proactive approach to ensure they are prepared for the evolving landscape. Keeping an eye on developments at the OECD, potential retaliatory measures from the U.S. government, and assessing internal operations will better equip companies for the uncertain tax environment ahead.

10.16.2025

Amazon's Pharmacy Kiosks: Revolutionizing Patient Access to Medications

Update Amazon's Pharmacy Kiosks: A New Era in Patient AccessAs healthcare continues to evolve, Amazon is leading the charge with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing patient experiences. The recent announcement to launch Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks within select One Medical offices in the Greater Los Angeles area marks a significant transformation in how prescriptions are filled and accessed. Beginning in December 2025, these kiosks will allow patients to retrieve their medications almost immediately following their medical consultations, addressing one of the major obstacles in prescription fulfillment.Why This Matters to PatientsWith statistics indicating that nearly one-third of prescriptions in the U.S. go unfilled, often due to the inconvenience of having to travel to separate pharmacy locations, the introduction of these kiosks could have an enormous impact on patient care. By placing medication retrieval at the point of care, Amazon aims to simplify the process, ultimately leading to better medication adherence. As Hannah McClellan, Vice President of Operations at Amazon Pharmacy, states, “We know that when patients have to make a separate stop after seeing their doctor, many prescriptions never get filled.”Understanding the Kiosk SystemThe functionality of the kiosks is designed to blend seamlessly with modern technology. Patients will create an Amazon Pharmacy account and schedule appointments through the Amazon app to have their prescriptions sent directly to a nearby kiosk. At the time of checkout, they'll generate a QR code, which will streamline the pickup process and ensure they receive their medications nearly instantaneously. Additionally, each kiosk will provide access to pharmacists via video consultations, ensuring that patients have the ability to ask questions just like they would at a traditional pharmacy.Implications for Small Business PharmaciesFor small business owners in the healthcare sector, particularly pharmacies, the Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks present both opportunities and challenges. Increased competition is an immediate concern, particularly in urban areas where traditional pharmacies may already be under stress. According to Dr. Andrew Diamond, One Medical’s Chief Medical Officer, “The ability to know a patient is leaving our office with their medication in hand can make a meaningful difference in their care journey.” As service speed and convenience become paramount, local businesses may need to reevaluate their business models, seeking innovative ways to retain clientele.Looking Ahead: Healthcare Technology TrendsThe launch of these pharmacy kiosks is part of a broader trend towards patient-centered healthcare solutions that use technology to simplify access to medical services. As Amazon explores this new avenue, healthcare providers are likely to feel the pressure to enhance their offerings. Many may consider integrating essential services like telehealth or urgent care into their practices, fueling a wave of innovation in how healthcare is delivered.ConclusionThe Amazon Pharmacy Kiosk initiative illustrates how the intersection of technology and healthcare can lead to improved patient outcomes. However, it also poses questions about the future roles of traditional pharmacies and how they will adapt to maintain relevance in an increasingly digital marketplace. Small businesses looking to survive and thrive in this shifting landscape must remain vigilant, embracing innovation to meet evolving consumer expectations.

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