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Does your business have a company car? If so, is it insured properly? 

If you own a company that has a company car or uses cars for work-related purposes, then you will need to purchase a commercial auto insurance policy. These insurance policies will keep your company covered in the event something happens to your company vehicle(s) or an accident occurs that requires medical coverage.  

What is Commercial Auto Insurance? 

Commercial auto insurance provides coverage for cars that your business owns and any cars that employees may drive while on the job. This includes both company-owned vehicles and personal employee vehicles. It can also include rental cars that are used for business purposes.  

Why Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance 

Many states require companies to have a commercial auto insurance plan if they use vehicles for their business. Any vehicles that hold a title under your company will be required to be listed under a commercial auto insurance policy. Depending on if your employees travel for business, there are policies that also include rental cars that are used for business purposes.  

Commercial auto insurance can provide coverage for a personal car that is used for work that a personal auto insurance plan won’t cover. It is also needed in the event that an employee gets injured while driving on the job, as it will help cover their medical bills. It will also cover non-employees that may get hurt while in an accident with a car owned or used for your business. If you don’t have this included in your insurance policy, you may be sued.  

Commercial Auto Insurance versus Personal Auto Insurance 

Commercial auto insurance has many similar aspects to personal auto insurance, but the main difference lies in liability risk. There is an increased liability risk driving for work, so the price for liability minimums with commercial auto insurance is higher. The bright side to this is that it can extend the liability coverage to any car that is already owned by the company or any car purchased by the company in the future. 

Different Kinds of Commercial Auto Insurance 

Basic commercial auto insurance usually provides collision coverage, medical/personal injury coverage, liability coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These policies will cover most of your company’s needs.  

If you need any additional coverage, you can add extra policies to your commercial auto insurance plan. For example, if you’re using a trailer that your company doesn’t own you will need trailer interchange coverage. There is an option to have rental car reimbursement in the event your company car needs repair and you need a rental. Sometimes you may need “hired vehicles” (U-Hauls) and can receive coverage for those, as well. Depending on your company’s needs, you may also require non-owned vehicle coverage, which will cover employees that use their personal cars for work (pizza delivery driver).  

Every company has different goals and needs. Reach out to your local independent insurance agent to discuss the best commercial auto insurance plan that will suit your company’s needs.  

Fact Check: Can Chocolate Actually Be Good for You? 

Chocolate, a Valentine’s Day staple for many people, has a long and rich history. Cocoa farming dates back nearly 2,500 years when the Olmec and Mayan people began cultivating the crop to infuse into a hot beverage called “Xocolatl.” These cocoa-based drinks, referred to as “the drink of the gods,” were believed to improve stamina and overall health. However, this beverage was a blend of cocoa beans, chili peppers, and water – this is a very different product from the candy chocolate we enjoy today. In this article, we will explore the myth: can chocolate actually be good for you? 

Chocolate: The Good 

While not all types of chocolate offer health benefits, there is solid evidence to suggest that there are indeed benefits to eating dark chocolate. The main ingredient of dark chocolate, cocoa, is believed to reduce risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, cocoa beans contain flavanols such as epicatechin and catechin, which may help improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and help protect your cells against inflammation. Dark chocolate also contains a good mix of minerals, including iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper. Lastly, dark chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is similar to caffeine that provides a boost of energy and mood improvement. 

Chocolate: The Bad 

While there are many health benefits that dark chocolate can offer, not all chocolate is the same. The primary health benefits that can be found in dark chocolate are due to its high cocoa content, meaning that milk chocolate offers significantly fewer health benefits, and white chocolate offers no known health benefits. Commercially produced chocolate contains added fats and sugars to sweeten the flavor, but these additives significantly increase the calories without adding substantial nutritional value. Excessive consumption of chocolate can result in problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Even dark chocolate should be enjoyed in moderation, as it still contains a fair amount of sugar and calories. To enjoy the most benefits from your dark chocolate, limit yourself to a maximum of three ounces per week. 

Possible Alternatives 

If you just can’t get enough chocolate in your life but you also want to limit your caloric intake, there are plenty of alternatives you could look to substitute for chocolate. Carob powder tastes very similar to cocoa while offering a low-fat, high fiber alternative. Additionally, you can add cocoa nibs (broken-up cocoa beans that are not fully processed into powder) into your morning cereal, yogurt, or trail mix to add a chocolatey flavor that is still low in calories. 

The Conclusion 

While visiting the dentist for routine cleanings is always important, this is especially true if you regularly eat chocolate. Chocolate consumption combined with poor oral health can result in cavities, which can lead to much bigger health concerns if left unaddressed. Ultimately, it seems that the rumored health benefits of chocolate are true but specific to dark chocolate. So, as long as you are eating it in moderation, keep enjoying your favorite sweet snack! 

Make sure to keep in touch with your local insurance agent and routinely go to the doctor and dentist to keep your health and wellness in check.  

How Does Boating Insurance Protect My Boat? 

If you’re like most boat owners, you want to do everything possible to protect your investment. And if you’re like most people, you may not know what boating insurance covers. That’s why we’re here to help! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of coverage that are available through boat insurance policies and what each one protects your boat from. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right policy for your needs. So read on to learn more about boating insurance and how it can protect your boat! 

What Is Boating Insurance? 

Boating insurance provides coverage for recreational boats used for fishing, sailing, and other water activities. One thing we’ve learned in our years as an insurance agency: no two boats are alike! That’s why it’s so important for us all to understand what type of policy might best suit each boat owner’s individual circumstances. Let’s take a look at some basic information about boat insurance coverage before moving on with other topics related specifically to those who own boats (or soon hope to). 

What Does Boat Insurance Cover? 

Boating insurance covers damage caused to your boat and its contents, as well as liability coverage in case you’re responsible for damage or injury to another person or their property.  

Types of Coverage:  

-Liability insurance: This provides protection if you are responsible for damage or injury to another person or their property.  

-Property damage insurance: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your boat and its contents after a covered incident.  

-Personal effects insurance: This reimburses you for any personal belongings that are damaged or lost while on board your boat.  

-Accidental death and dismemberment insurance: If something happens to you while boating, this policy pays out a lump sum benefit.  

How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost? 

If you’re new to the world of boating, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how much coverage will cost. The good news is that there are many different options available when it comes to boat insurance and most policies can be customized according to your needs. The cost of boat insurance will vary depending on the type and value of your boat, as well as the level of coverage you choose. That’s why it’s important to shop around and compare policies to find the best deal for you.  

Tips for Choosing Boat Insurance:  

Be sure to ask about discounts if you have a safety device like a personal flotation device (PFD) or an engine cutoff switch. Consider whether you need liability only coverage or comprehensive coverage that includes property damage, theft, and vandalism protection. Think about how much your boat is worth and make sure the policy has enough limits to cover it in case of a loss. Check to see if there are any additional fees that may apply such as deductibles or taxes on premiums. 

How to Get Boating Insurance? 

If you own a boat, it’s important to make sure you have the proper insurance in place before taking it out on the water. There are several different types of policies available and some cover only certain risks while others offer broader coverage for more protection against potential losses related to your vessel. You’ll need an agent who can help explain what type would be best suited for your needs so you can get started looking at options today! Reach out to your local independent insurance agent today to get started. 

Ice Damage & Homeowners Insurance: What You Need to Know 

Ice damage can be a major problem for homeowners. Not only is the damage itself costly to repair, but the insurance claims process can be complicated and frustrating. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions about homeowners insurance and ice damage. We will explain what kinds of ice damage are covered by homeowners insurance, and we will also discuss some of the exceptions. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us! 

What Kinds of Ice Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover? 

Homeowners insurance generally covers two types of ice damage:  

  • damage caused by an ice dam, and  
  • damage caused by hail. 

An Ice Dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, usually where the roof meets the gutter. This ridge blocks the flow of water from the roof to the gutter, which can cause water to back up and leak into the home. A severe ice dam can even cause your home’s roof to cave in, an event that is not only dangerous to your family but also can be incredibly costly to remedy. Will your homeowners insurance step in to cover the cost of ice dam removal? In most cases, no. However, most homeowners insurance policies will cover the damage caused by an ice dam, including water damage and repairs to your roof. 

Hail can also cause a lot of damage to your home. Hailstones can be as big as golf balls, and they can easily shatter windows or dent siding. A good homeowners insurance policy will usually cover hail damage, but typically you must meet a deductible first and there also may be some exceptions. For example, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, your policy may not cover hail damage caused by a storm. 

Is There Any Kind of Ice Damage That Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover? 

There are a few exceptions, but in general, homeowners insurance will cover most types of ice damage. One exception is damage caused by an avalanche or mudslide. These events may be covered by separate insurance policies but not by homeowners insurance.  

Another exception is damage caused by the weight of snow or ice on trees or power lines. This type of damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance, but it may be covered by a separate policy such as property insurance or windstorm coverage. 

What If Someone Slips and Falls on Ice at My Home? 

Slipping and falling on ice can cause serious injuries, and in some cases, a person may even die. If someone slips and falls on ice at your home, you could be held liable for their injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one. This is why it is important to carry liability coverage as part of your homeowners insurance policy.  

If someone slips and falls on ice at your home, you will need to report this incident to your insurance company immediately so that they can ensure that any potential claims get reported in a timely manner. Once the claim has been made against you by the injured party’s attorney, it will go through an evaluation process where both parties’ attorneys try to reach an amicable settlement without having to go through litigation (lawsuits). If the case does go to the courts, your personal liability coverage will take care of legal costs up to your policy’s limits.  

What Should I Do If My Home Has Ice Damage? 

If your home has ice damage, it is important to take action quickly. The first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. They can help you with the process of filing a claim and getting reimbursement for repairs or replacement costs associated with the incident at hand (if applicable). Your insurance agent may also be able to provide information about what kinds of coverage are included in their policies as well as any exclusions that may apply based on where you live. Get in touch with your local independent insurance agent to find out more about how your homeowners coverage covers ice-related incidents. 

Travel Insurance 101 

As you plan your trip, it is important to consider getting travel insurance, especially for more expensive vacations. To better understand what travel insurance offers, we will discuss the various ways to get travel insurance, the types of coverage travel insurance can offer, and why you should budget for travel insurance on your next big vacation. 

How to Get Travel Insurance 

Fortunately for any aspiring world traveler, travel insurance is easy to acquire. While there are basic travel insurance options you can obtain through booking your reservation, these policies are non-customizable and frequently leave you exposed to a much higher level of liability. If you want the best travel insurance coverage, contact your local insurance agent about acquiring a travel insurance policy. This option is the most customizable, allowing you to build a policy that provides you with the exact level of coverage you desire. Additionally, a professional insurance agent can help you understand the different types of coverage, providing you with the necessary guidance for choosing what type of protection best suits your vacation. While your agent will know what coverages are necessary for your trip, here are some of the types of travel insurance you might want to consider. 

Types of Travel Insurance 

Trip Cancellation, Interruption and Delay: Trip cancellation coverage will reimburse you for non-refundable expenses in the event of your illness, the death of a family member, natural disasters, or if the tour operator ceases operations. Trip interruption insurance reimburses the nonrefundable expenses for the remainder of your trip if the tour is canceled for a covered reason (be sure to check what your policy covers). Lastly, travel delay insurance will reimburse you for lodging and meals in the event of a delay during your travels. 

Rental Car Coverage

While this coverage is frequently bundled with the cost of renting your car, it protects you from liability in the event that the rental is damaged in a wreck, natural disaster, or vandalized. However, this does not cover liability insurance, meaning that you will be liable for damage to other vehicles or the other party’s medical expenses without supplemental coverage. See if your auto insurance covers you for international driving – most insurance providers in the US only cover driving in the US and Canada, so you want to be sure you are protected. 

Travel Medical Insurance

This type of insurance typically only covers emergency events, so routine checkups are not covered, and there may be exemptions for preexisting medical conditions – be sure to check the coverage limitations of your policy. These policies will normally cover you in the event of injury during recreational activities, more extreme sports like hang-gliding or skydiving are usually not covered by standard policies. Additionally, this type of coverage does not cover the cost of transportation to the hospital or back to your home 

country for medical treatment – look to add emergency medical assistance, evacuation, and repatriation coverage to your policy if you want to avoid this liability. 

Baggage and Personal Belongings

This type of coverage will reimburse you for personal belongings that are stolen, damaged, or lost during your travels. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover you even while you are traveling, so check with your agent to see if you already have this benefit. 

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

This type of coverage would pay a lump sum to a beneficiary if you were to die will on your trip. Additionally, it could pay you a lump sum if you are seriously injured or dismembered while on your vacation. Some policies only cover death resulting from a plane crash, so check your policy carefully. 

In conclusion, travel insurance can help provide peace of mind while exploring the world. It is very easy to get covered, with many options for tailoring a policy to meet all of your needs. Think about what type of protection is important to you, then build the perfect policy to protect you on your next trip. 

Four Tips to Safeguard Your Business Against Flood Damage 

There are plenty of things to worry about if you own a business – there are customers to attend to, employees to manage, transactions to record, and future plans to be made. With all of these things on your plate, the possibility of a flood may be the last thing on your mind, but flooding can cost thousands of dollars in damage and shut down your business for weeks. If you take the necessary precautions, you can stop worrying about flood damage and focus on the things that matter to you. Here are the best ways to protect your business against flood damage.  

Perform a Risk Assessment  

In order to protect your business from flood damage, the first step is to perform a thorough risk assessment. When assessing risks, assume that the absolute worst possibilities will happen and plan accordingly. Think about what materials or machinery may be susceptible to flood damage in their current placement. 

Create an Emergency Plan  

Once you have thoroughly analyzed the possible risks of a flood, begin creating an emergency plan that can be implemented by you and your employees. Consider the risks to your business outside of damage to your building – an emergency plan should include instructions for employees who cannot get to the office, possible solutions to supply chain problems, and maintaining other critical operations. Consider adopting a backup phone system in case your employees are unable to reach the office. Additionally, you may want to keep digital copies of your records stored on a cloud or keep copies of critical documents at an offsite location. Once you have developed an emergency plan, ensure that your employees are properly trained on their roles during times of crisis. When your team is thoroughly trained and ready, continually test and improve your emergency plan to further protect yourself in the future. 

Inspect and Prepare Your Building  

Now that you have assessed your risks and created an emergency plan, it is time to inspect and prepare your building. There are many ways to reduce the severity of flooding on your property, including extending downspouts, cleaning gutters regularly, sealing water entry points, and regrading the ground around your building so that water flows away from the structure. Additionally, consider using local plants for your landscaping, as native species will help reduce soil erosion and enable the water to drain into the ground more efficiently. It is important to remember that the lower floors of your building are at a higher risk of flooding, so consider storing essential equipment, electronics, or records on a higher level if possible. 

Purchase the Right Flood Protection Policy  

If you truly want peace of mind and quality protection from flood damage, getting adequate flood insurance is absolutely essential. Many mortgage lenders require flood insurance to qualify for a loan, but these policies do not always provide adequate coverage to fully protect you from financial damage in the event of a flood. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, the average commercial flood claim between 2011 and 2015 was $90,000 – are you prepared to pay that? 

While flooding is inevitable, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself from losses. Contact your insurance agent to discuss your current flood coverage to ensure that your policy completely covers your needs.  

Three Realistic Health Goals to Set for 2022 

As the ball drops on New Year’s Eve and we usher in 2022, many of us will consider goals and aspirations for the coming year. Often, we set unrealistic goals that are difficult to achieve, ultimately resulting in another year of failed resolutions. Instead of setting goals like losing twenty pounds, focus on goals that are trackable, achievable, and will help you make progress on those big goals. Here are three realistic health goals you should set for 2022. 

  1. Drink more water. 

Depending on how active you are, you should try to drink between half an ounce to an ounce for every pound you weigh. For instance, if you weigh 160 lbs., you should drink between 80 – 160 ounces of water every day. There are many ways to make drinking enough water easier, such as figuring out your favorite way to drink it. Do you prefer glass bottles, tumblers, or steel canisters? Find your favorite container, then calculate how many bottles you need to drink every day to hit your goal. It is very helpful to set smaller goals throughout the day, such as one full bottle before you start work, three bottles before lunch, or two bottles after dinner. Health benefits of this goal include:

  • Increased energy levels and alertness
  • Aids in weight loss
  • Promotes good digestive health
  1. Take five 30-minute walks a week.

Another great and relaxing way to improve your health in 2022 is to go for five 30-minute walks every week. Walking is a phenomenal way to get some low-impact cardio in, and a great overall way to stay in shape. These walks can be done at any time of day – early risers may enjoy a walk to start their day, whereas others may prefer to walk on their lunch break or take an evening stroll. Health benefits of this goal include:

  • Increased heart and lung fitness
  • Improved management of high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Reduced stress
  • Aids in weight loss
  1. Get 7-9 hours of sleep.

While it may be tempting to stay up late binging on your favorite shows, getting enough sleep is crucial for your overall health. Getting enough sleep gives your body time to repair your muscles and form memories from the day. You should shoot for 8-9 hours of sleep every night, but make sure to consistently get at least 7 hours. Building a bedtime routine can help you achieve this goal – you can meditate, complete your skincare routine, or read for 15 minutes. Just focus on creating a routine to cue your body that it is time to rest. Health benefits of this goal include:

  • Reduce stress and improve mood
  • Lowers risk of major health problems like diabetes and heart disease
  • Increased alertness and cognitive function

By setting the goals of drinking enough water, walking five days a week, and getting enough sleep, you can seriously improve your physical health and wellbeing in 2022. These goals are small and easily trackable, and by following this routine, you can reach even bigger goals like hitting a target weight or being a more focused and thoughtful person. Being healthy can also save you money by requiring fewer visits to the doctor, lower overall medical expenses, and maybe even a lower health insurance premium. 

Retire with Confidence: 3 Comforting Facts About Annuities 

It can be difficult planning for a future we cannot see. With the many financial products all aimed at fulfilling a financially “easy” retirement, how do we know which options are best? Will there be enough money to continue the same lifestyle or to at least pay the bills? Without a crystal ball, the financial anxiety is real and understandable. 

One product in particular isn’t reliant on mere hopes, parlor tricks, or a constantly changing economy: annuities. Annuities aren’t some loose and risky investment or prudish savings account – they are insurance for your retirement gap. Your retirement gap is that awkwardly large space between what you’ll get paid (or have saved) for retirement and what you’ll need to live a secure retirement. Here are 3 ways that annuities cover and close this gap, so that you can rest easy while planning for those seemingly dimly lit golden years: 

1) It’s guaranteed.  

Most people cannot live on social security alone or even with their pension combined. With annuities, you can rest assured that you will have the money you need to live comfortably through retirement. This legally binding, customizable contract between you and your insurance agency ensures that your premiums, or initial investment, will grow, tax-deferred, over the time allotted in your contract and that payday will arrive. 

2) You won’t outlive your annuity.  

Your annuity will continue to pay you for life, regardless if you choose immediate or deferred payments. In fact, your annuity can be passed onto a beneficiary, so it can actually outlive you. There are many types of annuities with different levels of risk and costs, so your insurance agent can best personalize this after discussing your situation and goals with you. 

3) There are tax incentives.  

One of the main advantages of annuities is that they are tax-deferred, meaning you won’t pay income tax on it until you withdraw or begin receiving payments. “This includes dividends, interest and capital gains, all of which may be fully reinvested while they remain in the annuity” (annuity.org). There are complex rules, though, that only your insurance agent or a tax professional should explain, so be sure to ask questions regarding taxes when shopping for the right annuity product. 

We all want to know that we will be safe and secure when we are our most vulnerable. Annuities are just the insurance we need to enjoy our senior years doing what we love and not worrying day-to-day about our finances that we worked so hard and long to build and protect. Annuities are the closest sure thing next to having a crystal ball. Call or email your insurance agent today 

to see how annuities can build your retirement to cover your needs and make your golden years a whole lot brighter and easier to see. 

How to Keep Your RV Protected in Winter 

With winter right around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for cold temperatures and snow. One of the things you may not have considered is what to do with your RV if it will be parked outdoors during these months. The good news is that there are a few easy steps you can take to prepare your RV for winter so that it stays in great condition through the cold weather season! 

This blog post will touch on the most important steps you need to take this winter season, including an overview of recreational insurance coverage and tips for how to keep your RV looking great despite the weather.  

Keep It Well Covered 

If you are using your RV more regularly around town in colder weather, it may be helpful to have a canopy or tarp that you can set up over your RV. To keep the snow out of the interior of your vehicle, attach these items on all sides so that they are secure and there is no way for snow to come inside. 

Keep It Clean 

One of the worst things that can happen during winter is for snow and ice to accumulate on your RV. This will make it difficult to see out of the windows and increase the chances of a breakdown or accident. Try to keep your RV clean by brushing off any snow or ice every time you use it and making sure there is no standing water anywhere on the vehicle. 

Disconnect and Store All Hoses  

When temperatures start to drop below freezing, water left in hoses can turn into ice and cause damage to your RV. Make sure you disconnect all of the hoses from your vehicle before winter sets in so that this does not happen. 

Check Your Insurance 

If you will not be using your RV during wintertime or if it is only used occasionally around town, then this step does not apply to you! However, if you plan on storing your RV outdoors rather than in a garage this winter season, make sure you contact an independent insurance agent at one of our locations near you today. A specialist will review your personal policy and advise whether any changes need to be made for the RV, such as increased recreational insurance coverage. 

The most important thing to remember is that you should always have a Recreational Vehicle policy in place. This type of insurance covers your RV when it’s being used for fun and pleasure, such as on vacation or during a road trip. Make sure your policy has the right coverage for your needs, including protection from damage caused by weather conditions like wind, hail and/or falling objects. 

If you need help finding recreational insurance coverage for your RV or other recreational vehicle, reach out to an independent agent today! They can search through a variety of options so that you can choose the one that fits best with your needs. To learn more about protecting your recreational vehicle before winter hits, visit our website. 

Five Goals for Your Small Business in Q1 2022 

As 2021 draws to a close, it is time to begin implementing a strategy for the first quarter of 2022. Due to the increasing economic turbulence, we have experienced over the past two years, successful businesses must embrace flexibility – setting quarterly goals can help keep you on track for your bigger long-term aspirations. Here are five goals you should set for your small business for Q1 2022. 

  1. Evaluate the Prior Year

Your first goal for Q1 should be to fully analyze your business’s performance over 2021. Review your prior year’s financial statements, assess your inventory, and review your current product or service mix. Additionally, review your marketing strategy and compare that to what you know about your customers. Based on the prior year, are buying behaviors changing or remaining consistent? 

  1. Determine How to Measure Success

Another essential goal for Q1 of 2022 should be to determine your criteria for business success. While you may have the goal of “growing your business,” but what does that actually look like? The best goals are both practical and specific. Some possible Q1 goals could include: 

  • Increase staff size from 12 to 15 
  • Increase conversion rate by 3% 
  • Reduce average hold time for incoming calls by 4 minutes 
  1. Create a Budget

Creating an annual budget is an essential activity for any business of any size. A well thought out budget can help you manage expenses and deal with unexpected costs. Additionally, having a budget in place can help secure funding from traditional and alternative lenders. Make it a goal to create this budget in the first week of 2022, then revisit it at the end of each month. Compare your total Q1 projections to the actual expenses incurred – how close was your estimate? While budgeting is not always fun, it can make a world of difference in your business’s performance and longevity. 

  1. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Another goal you should set for Q1 is to review your business insurance policy to ensure that you are adequately covered. There are many different types of insurance that different small businesses may need, such as: 

  • General Liability Insurance 
  • Professional Liability Insurance 
  • Business Income Coverage 
  • Worker’s Compensation Insurance 
  • Data Breach Insurance 
  • Employment Practices Liability Insurance 

Every business has different insurance needs – consult your local agent to ensure that your business is properly insured. Having the right insurance policy can give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus more on your business. 

  1. Improve Employee Morale

Your final goal for the first quarter of 2022 should be to find a way to improve the lives of your employees. Take the time to meet with your people and talk with them about their experiences working at your business – what goes well, what doesn’t, and what could be improved? While all business owners should continually strive to make their business a better place to work, begin systematically tracking how your employees feel on a quarterly basis and take the actions necessary to improve employee morale and retention. While everyone appreciates a raise, there are many ways to improve employee morale without increasing expenses. Depending on the nature of your business, you could: 

  • Offer remote work options 
  • Allow a more casual dress code 
  • Offer additional incentive-based PTO 
  • Make an effort to recognize employee contributions at least once a month for all of Q1 

There are many more goals you could set for your small business in 2022, but these five will help ensure that the year starts off smoothly. By evaluating the prior year, setting standards of success, creating a budget, reviewing your insurance policy, and improving employee morale, 2022 could be your business’s best year yet.