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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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09.17.2025

Exploring Online Sports Betting Taxes by State: Understanding Your Stakes

Update The Rising Landscape of Online Sports Betting Taxes The legalization of sports betting has surged almost miraculously since the Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. NCAA in 2018. With this ruling, states across the U.S. gained the power to establish their own legal sports betting markets. Now, nearly 40 states and Washington, D.C., have some form of sports betting, showcasing a drastic shift in public policy towards this popular pastime. Understanding Tax Structures Across States While consumers can place bets in many states, online sports betting is accessible only in 30 states and D.C., revealing significant disparities in how states approach taxing this activity. The tax rates for sportsbook operators differ wildly, ranging from a high of 51% in states like New York and New Hampshire to a mere 6.75% in states like Nevada and Iowa. This divergence raises questions about the long-term sustainability of sports betting markets. Gross Gaming Revenues vs. Handle Taxation Several states opt to tax sportsbooks based on gross gaming revenues (GGR), which estimates profitability before operational expenses are deducted. Others, like Tennessee, have introduced a more unique approach by taxing the gross handle—the total amount wagered—prior to any deductions. Illinois has also opted for an additional ad quantum fee per bet, further complicating the taxation landscape for bettors and operators alike. The Impact of Promotional Wagers Recently, it has become increasingly essential to understand how promotional wagers affect GGR and thereby influence tax bases. Policymakers are scrutinizing the tax implications of these promotional strategies on profits, indicating that regulations may evolve as the industry matures. Future Implications for Sports Betting As states continue to refine their tax structures, the balance between generating state revenue and fostering a healthy competitive marketplace will be pivotal. States like Oregon, which granted DraftKings a monopoly in exchange for a 51% tax on proceeds, serve as a model showcasing the potential for both lucrative tax revenues and restricted market access. The evolving landscape of sports betting taxes encapsulates both opportunity and complexity. Understanding these varying tax structures not only aids stakeholders in making informed decisions but also provides insight into the future of gambling legislation in the U.S.

09.16.2025

Elevate Your Career: Inspiring Examples of Upskilling Strategies

Update Unlocking Career Potential Through Upskilling In today’s ever-evolving job market, upskilling has become imperative for professionals aiming to advance their careers. As industries shift towards technology-driven solutions, organizations are recognizing the need for agile learning environments that foster employee growth. Companies like AlphaSights, Murex, ConnectWise, Supportworks, and Mastercard exemplify innovative approaches to upskilling, demonstrating how a focus on continuous learning can lead to significant productivity gains. Real-World Training Successes Case studies from leading companies show various methods for implementing useful training programs. For instance, AlphaSights has engaged 27% of its workforce in creating course content. This strategy enhances engagement and knowledge sharing, resulting in an impressive 95% course completion rate. By leveraging internal expertise, they promoted a culture of interactive learning rather than passive absorption, transforming traditional training into an engaging experience. Murex: Collaborative Learning at Its Core Murex has taken collaboration to the next level by integrating project management tools with its learning platform. Their approach includes weekly trainings led by over 400 internal experts, and the publication of more than 350 courses. This not only caters to diverse learning needs but also encourages continuous feedback among employees, fostering a supportive learning culture. Integrating Learning into Daily Routines ConnectWise offers another model for success with its innovative teaching methods. Their streamlined training approach minimizes disruption to daily workflows, empowering employees to learn in the flow of work. This method not only reduces course delivery time but also fits seamlessly into the schedules of busy professionals, making learning more accessible and relevant. Supportworks: A Focus on Leadership Skills With its ManagementU program, Supportworks emphasizes the importance of leadership training. By blending various learning techniques, this initiative helps enhance employee retention rates while offering clear pathways for career development. Such investment in leadership skills is crucial, considering that strong leadership is often a defining factor in organizational success. Mastercard’s Commitment to Continuous Learning Lastly, Mastercard’s upskilling platform boasts participation from 90% of its employees, showcasing a company-wide commitment to continuous development in an increasingly tech-centric world. Their initiatives not only elevate individual performance but also contribute significantly to overall organizational productivity. These insights underscore a critical message for career development: upskilling is not merely an option—it is essential. Embracing a culture of continuous learning allows individuals and organizations to stay competitive and innovative in their industries. As the demand for skilled workers rises, professionals are encouraged to seek out training opportunities within their organizations and advocate for resources that facilitate personal and professional growth. This proactive approach to developing new skills can lead to rewarding advancements in your career.

09.15.2025

Unlocking Success with New Hire Orientation Best Practices

Update SEO Keyword: New Hire Orientation Best Practices Crafting an Engaging New Hire Orientation Experience For businesses aiming for success, the importance of a robust new hire orientation cannot be overstated. This fundamental process launches employees into their new roles and sets the tone for their future within the organization. Given the current emphasis on employee engagement and retention, companies must adopt high-impact practices that ease new hires into the workplace while integrating them into corporate culture. Establishing Clear Objectives for a Seamless Transition To achieve effective onboarding, breaking the process down into clear, measurable objectives is crucial. Establishing goals not only helps clarify expectations for new employees but also enhances their engagement significantly. Research indicates that employees with clear role expectations are 2.5 times more likely to be immersed in their work. As such, firms should lay out specific targets for the first week, month, and up to 90 days. This structured strategy positions new hires for successful integration into teams and aligns their roles with the organization's overarching objectives. The Importance of Personalization in Onboarding With the diverse backgrounds that new hires bring, personalizing the onboarding experience becomes essential. Tailored training materials ensure that each new employee feels recognized and valued, fostering stronger connections with the company. Utilizing platforms designed for workforce communication enhances this personalization by aiding the delivery of role-specific content. Additionally, storytelling elements aligned with the values of the newly hired create an emotional anchor, enabling a deeper connection with the organization and promoting long-term engagement. Creating an Inviting First-Day Atmosphere The first day for a new employee can set the stage for their entire journey at the company. Companies should strive to create a warm and welcoming environment featuring leadership involvement and assigned buddies for support. As outlined in current best practices, providing easy access to essential resources on their first day is paramount. This initiative not only lessens anxiety but also allows new hires to feel empowered and ready to contribute from day one. Utilizing Technology to Enhance Orientation Efficiency In today's technology-driven world, leveraging advanced tools to streamline onboarding processes is essential. From scheduling orientation tasks to ensuring IT setups are in place, technology can help reduce the administrative burden on HR teams. Implementing engaging software solutions can transform traditional onboarding sessions into interactive experiences, thus enhancing knowledge retention. This innovation lays the groundwork for a seamless transition while modernizing the onboarding experience. The Value of Ongoing Feedback and Celebrating Milestones A successful onboarding process doesn't culminate at the end of the orientation period. Instead, companies should continually gather feedback from new hires to improve their practices further. By celebrating milestones throughout the employees’ early months, organizations show that they value their ongoing contribution. This culture of recognition fosters lasting loyalty and commitment, ultimately leading to improved performance and lowered turnover rates. As organizations navigate the complexities of integrating new employees, it is imperative they prioritize effective orientation strategies. By establishing clear objectives, personalizing experiences, fostering an inviting environment, utilizing technological advancements, and focusing on feedback, businesses can build a strong foundation for engaged, productive employees from the start.

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