The relentless pace of change is accelerating. Just keeping up with technology, systems, processes, laws, regulations and trends can be positively draining for corporations. Every time we blink, some other aspect of business has evolved and requires updating. With the arrival of 2018, companies big and small are reviewing, revisiting and restructuring their legal and operational organizations to maximize the financial and tax benefits. There is so much that will need to be overhauled in just those areas alone. It is easy to overlook sales and marketing when everything else needs attention, and that would be a mistake.
It is also important to review and revamp a company’s brand to keep up not only with big changes in design but also to ensure that the company’s identity has the portability to be viewed across a multitude of devices and outlets. Companies of all sizes are streamlining and optimizing their brands to ensure they resonate across a wide array of mediums, audiences and platforms. To tear a page off Nike’s playbook, it is key to build a brand with ongoing appeal to every demographic and across every medium worldwide. Indeed, when it comes to universal brand appeal that is continually evolving, Nike is King. But actually all savvy brands understand that a brand’s identity – the look, feel, voice, attitude and personality — is not something that is created and done. It must evolve with the times and trends. To that end, what should corporations be considering as they look to update their brand to today’s design trends? Continue reading →

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in the U.S. is holding at 4.1%, the lowest it’s been since December 2000. In fact, for the first time on record, there has been job growth for 86 consecutive months. This is considered by most economists to be close to or at “full employment.” The stock market has also been setting records seemingly every month. Greg Ip, a writer for Dow Jones Newswires, reported last July on Fox Business that “the economic expansion is now entering its ninth year and in two years will be the longest on record.” That is now a year and a half away and economic expansion continues. By all accounts, this is the hottest economy the U.S. has had in a very long time.
Current tax reform is expected to further spur economic expansion and business growth. Companies are poised to take advantage of the myriad of tax benefits. Many businesses are already making plans for capital improvements, equipment updates and new technology purchases. Armed with updated systems, businesses are expected to expand their geographic reach and/or product lines. A surge in the creation of small businesses is also anticipated given the tax benefits for pass-through companies. By all accounts, if there was ever a time to start or grow a business, it is now. All of this business growth will likely spur increased hiring, which will likely push the unemployment rate even lower. How will a heated labor market affect employee turnover given the U.S.’s current labor force? Continue reading →