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 Kozi Checks & Balances TaxTactics News 
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January 18.2025
2 Minutes Read

Surge in AI Adoption Among Small Businesses Shows Hope Amid Economic Woes

AI Adoption in Small Business Trends logo with blue circle.

Uncovering the Rise of AI in Small Business

The latest Verizon Business survey reveals an impressive trend: the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in the United States has skyrocketed. With 39% of surveyed businesses utilizing AI in 2024—up from a mere 14% in 2023—it's clear that the potential of AI is being recognized and embraced. This transition is largely due to a growing familiarity with AI tools and their remarkable capacity to automate tedious tasks, allowing entrepreneurs to redirect their energy toward expanding their core operations.

Why Technology is Essential for Survival

Given today's economic landscape marked by inflation and uncertainty, it's no surprise that technology is seen as a lifeline for many businesses. The survey conducted by Morning Consult highlighted that 38% of small businesses have added digital components to their offerings over the past year. Likewise, 66% have seen fit to upgrade their internet bandwidth to satisfy increasing online operational demands. Technology investments are no longer an option; they are now fundamental to maintaining a competitive edge.

Social Media—The New Marketplace

As SMBs navigate this challenging environment, they are turning to social media to interact with customers and increase sales. A staggering 84% of respondents use Facebook for promotion, while platforms like Instagram and TikTok are also becoming indispensable. This pivot towards social media is not merely for trend-following; it reflects a strategic response to changing consumer behavior, especially as online presence becomes critical in reaching wider audiences.

A Bright Outlook Despite Challenges

Despite challenges like rising inflation and financial uncertainties—83% of respondents expressed concerns about inflation—optimism prevails among small business owners. More than half of the surveyed businesses believe their financial situations will improve in the coming months, showing that a proactive approach in leveraging technology is a key to resilience. In particular, brick-and-mortar businesses are refreshing their strategies, with many preparing for a strong holiday season.

Investing in the Future

To further support these efforts, Verizon Business is offering a free “tech check” during their Small Business Days, allowing entrepreneurs to assess their technology needs. The push is also reflected in Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform, providing essential digital skill training. This comprehensive approach aims not only to enhance immediate operational capabilities but to prepare small businesses for future growth and stability.

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01.28.2026

Maximizing Customer Insight: How to Improve User Satisfaction Surveys

Update Unlocking User Experience: The Importance of Feedback User satisfaction surveys have become indispensable tools for businesses seeking to enhance their offerings and improve customer relationships. Understanding how well your products and services meet customer expectations is paramount, and employing effective survey techniques can provide actionable insights. Getting to Know User Satisfaction Surveys User satisfaction surveys are structured questionnaires designed to measure customer experiences and sentiments. They can significantly influence strategic decisions within companies, as they utilize key metrics like the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS) to assess satisfaction and loyalty, respectively. Incorporating a blend of quantitative and qualitative questions will allow businesses to capture metrics and deeper insights about customer needs. Key Components of Effective Surveys Designing effective surveys involves crafting clear, straightforward questions that align with the primary objectives of the research. According to Micah Solomon, a customer experience consultant, there are critical best practices to keep in mind. For instance, it’s essential to limit the number of questions to maintain engagement and ensure valid responses. Furthermore, presenting a limited rating scale—preferably between one to five—facilitates better clarity and response rates. Techniques and Examples for Better Responses When creating your user satisfaction survey, consider these examples of effective question types: **Likert Scale Questions**: “How satisfied are you with our product on a scale of 1 to 5?” This method quantifies user satisfaction effectively. **Open-Ended Questions**: “What features would you like to see improved?” These questions allow customers to voice their thoughts freely, revealing critical aspects that may not surface through structured queries. **Close-Ended Questions**: Questions like “Would you recommend our service to a friend? Yes/No” can quickly gauge customer loyalty. **Demographic Questions**: Asking respondents about their age or profession can help segment feedback, allowing for targeted improvements. Implementing Best Practices for Survey Success Utilizing best practices such as implementing skip logic can enhance participant experience by allowing respondents to answer only relevant questions, thus increasing completion rates. Also, analyzing results methodically helps uncover trends in user feedback, which is essential for improving user satisfaction. Timing is also crucial; surveys conducted shortly after customer interactions tend to yield the most relevant insights. Continuous Improvement Through Feedback Gathering feedback is not merely a one-time exercise. Continuous feedback collection through user satisfaction surveys is critical for businesses aiming to stay relevant in a competitive landscape. According to research, approximately 70% of consumers are more likely to remain loyal to brands that actively seek and act on their input. By leveraging insights from surveys, companies can make informed decisions that lead to significant enhancements in customer satisfaction. Frequently Asked Questions About User Satisfaction What Are Good Survey Questions for Feedback?Good survey questions should be clear and specific. Incorporating a mix of question types ensures a rounded understanding of user sentiment. For example, you might ask respondents to rate their satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 10 or probe on particular aspects, such as ease of use of a website. Can You Give an Example of Improving Customer Satisfaction?A company might implement a CSAT survey immediately after a service interaction to gather examples of specific pain points. By analyzing feedback, they can streamline processes related to dissatisfaction and ultimately enhance customer experience. ConclusionIn summary, user satisfaction surveys are powerful tools for gathering valuable insights that help inform companies about their customers' needs and experiences. By combining a thoughtful mix of question types and adhering to best practices in design and analysis, businesses can significantly improve customer satisfaction and, in turn, their bottom line.

01.27.2026

The Rise of Individualized Experience: A Key to Customer Loyalty

Update Understanding Individualized Experience in Today's Market In today's fast-paced, digital-first world, businesses are realizing that generic interactions simply do not cut it. The individualized experience, a form of personalized customer engagement, refers to the tailored communications and services brands create tailored to each customer's unique needs. This approach enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing businesses with a significant competitive edge. Why Individualized Experiences Matter With a remarkable 72% of consumers expressing expectations for personalized interactions, it’s clear that customers are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all solutions. They desire recognition as individuals, which in turn fuels their engagement and loyalty. Companies that excel in delivering these tailored experiences see a staggering 40% increase in revenue, according to recent reports. The takeaway? Investing in personalized communication isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term business success. Building Brand Loyalty Through Personalization The importance of personalization extends beyond transactions; it solidifies brand loyalty. A study highlights that 81% of customers are more inclined to favor companies that provide customized interactions. For instance, brands like Amazon leverage their customer data to present tailored suggestions, resulting in higher conversion rates. In contrast, businesses that fail to meet customer expectations regarding personalization risk creating frustration, with over 76% of consumers reporting dissatisfaction when their preferences are overlooked. Technological Innovations Driving Personalized Experiences The role of technology cannot be understated in this landscape. Tools such as AI enable businesses to analyze customer data and automate personalized interactions. Whether through chatbots or data-driven recommendations, personalization can now follow customers through multiple channels, ensuring seamless support across platforms. This evolution signifies a shift in customer service dynamics where brands must prioritize authentic and straightforward engagement. Overcoming the Challenges of Personalization While the benefits of personalized customer experiences are clear, implementing effective personalization strategies can pose challenges. Privacy concerns are paramount, as consumers demand that their data be handled ethically and transparently. Moreover, integrating various data sources to create a unified view of the customer remains a significant hurdle for many organizations. Addressing these issues head-on through best practices can transform potential roadblocks into springboards for innovation. Actionable Insights for Implementing Individualized Experiences To succeed in creating individualized experiences, businesses should focus on several key strategies: Data-Driven Insights: Leverage customer data effectively to gain insights into their preferences and behaviors. Seamless Communication: Offer support across multiple channels, making it easy for customers to engage with your brand. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly assess your personalization efforts and adapt strategies based on customer feedback. This structured approach ensures that businesses not only meet but exceed customer expectations in today’s dynamic market. The Future: Trends in Personalization Looking ahead, businesses must remain agile and adept in their customization efforts. As customer expectations evolve, the trend toward hyper-personalization is expected to escalate. Applying technologies like AI will continuously refine customization processes, ensuring businesses remain at the forefront of their industries. In conclusion, mastering the art of personalized engagement is synonymous with achieving long-term success. For businesses looking to thrive in a competitive landscape, embracing individualized experiences is not just beneficial; it’s vital. Start prioritizing and implementing these strategies today to enhance customer loyalty and drive your revenue growth.

01.26.2026

Unlock Trust with the Best Background Check Sites in 2026

Update Understanding the Importance of Background Checks In a world where trust is paramount, especially in hiring, conducting a background check is essential for both employers and individuals. Background checks provide insights into a person's history, including criminal records, credit information, and employment history. Understanding the right tools to use for these checks can save time, enhance security, and ensure compliance with legal standards. The Best Sites for Personal Background Checks When individuals need to conduct background checks on themselves or others, several platforms stand out. Services like TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate offer detailed reports that can include everything from criminal records to social media profiles. TruthFinder: Known for in-depth results into criminal records, employment history, and more, it is ideal for comprehensive searches. Instant Checkmate: Particularly popular for its user-friendly interface, it allows for easy access to public records. Spokeo: A budget-friendly option that enables searches across various public records and social media, making it useful for casual users. FCRA-Compliant Options for Employers For employers looking to maintain compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), selecting the right background check service is crucial. Platforms like GoodHire and Checkr are notable for their robust compliance features, ensuring that employers can avoid legal pitfalls while obtaining necessary information. GoodHire offers customizable screening packages and integrated compliance tools. Meanwhile, Checkr utilizes AI technology for faster processing times, albeit with some limits on customization compared to its competitors. Both services emphasize transparency and accuracy, which are increasingly prioritized in HR processes. Choosing the Best Option for Different Needs When selecting a background check site, it’s important to assess what features align with your needs. Individual users may prefer personalized reporting, while businesses often require batch processing capabilities and regulatory compliance. Key considerations include: Turnaround Time: Businesses need fast results; platforms like Checkr boast AI-driven speeds. Compliance Features: FCRA compliance is a must for businesses, and GoodHire provides built-in tools to assist with this. Pricing Structure: Budget constraints dictate choices for many users; services like Spokeo provide an economical route without compromising critical features. Addressing Common Concerns The process of conducting background checks can raise various concerns. For individuals, privacy matters are often at the forefront, while employers may worry about potential liabilities if checks are inadequately performed. Understanding FCRA requirements not only protects candidates but also safeguards employers from legal issues. Moreover, as technology evolves, the integration of AI within these platforms can streamline processes but also ignite concerns over data accuracy. Businesses must ensure that their chosen vendor provides reliable data management practices. Future Considerations for Background Check Services As background check technology continues to advance, emerging trends will likely reshape how these services operate. Innovations in AI may lead to more accurate, swift background checks while global regulatory frameworks become more stringent, increasing the need for compliance. Keeping abreast of these changes will help both individuals and companies navigate the complexities of background checks effectively. In conclusion, whether for personal inquiries or business applications, understanding how to utilize background check services can have profound implications on trust and safety in various environments. Choosing the right platform tailored to individual or organizational needs is vital for successful outcomes in the background check process.

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