Author: Admin

US Economic Forecast – Predictions

US Economic Outlook Investors await the FED’s next rate announcement next week, making it the ideal time to discuss the US economic outlook. There experts who don’t like the 6 month forecast believing the lagging effects of the high rates are now kicking in and will persist. Whether that weighs on the stock market or…

Hiring a Travel Content Strategist

Why Hire a Travel Content Strategist? Most travel agencies I find through my research have limited web traffic, especially traffic from Google search. That’s a big missed opportunity. Even their PPC ads, social media posts, and more are disconnected and lack the cohesive power of a more thorough content strategy.  It could be they haven’t…

Honesty in the workplace is critical to almost all U.S. job seekers, as 96% say it’s at least somewhat important they can be honest with new managers, while 36% believe open communication is absolutely essential.

Additionally, more than two-thirds of job seekers (69%) agree that employees should feel comfortable discussing personal issues with their manager if it impacts their day-to-day work.    

This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

Job seekers recognize specific benefits of honesty in the workplace with 89% agreeing that fostering a work environment where employees and managers can be honest with each other is crucial for a company’s success.

Similarly, 87% believe that employees being honest with their managers is crucial for a productive workforce. Companies may also stand to gain from lower employee turnover and increased retention of key personnel by promoting honesty in the workplace.

A significant majority of job seekers (82%) expressed they would be more loyal to a company if they felt they could be candid with their manager. 

Impact on Morale, Productivity and Loyalty
American hiring managers agree that honesty plays a vital role in the workplace — more than half believe employee morale increases (58%), productivity increases (53%) and employees are loyal to the company (51%) when employees can speak honestly at work.  

Forty-five percent feel there are fewer conflicts/disagreements, more accountability (45%) and employee turnover decreases (43%) when employees can be honest.

Yet, perhaps unsurprisingly, when employees are not able to speak openly, many believe the opposite occurs in the workplace — employee morale decreases (58%), employee turnover increases (49%), productivity decreases (48%) and employee burnout increases (48%).   

Honesty is also a key component in manager-employee relationships, with around 3 in 5 hiring managers (61%) reporting employees’ ability to be honest with them is absolutely essential to their ability to be a good manager.

Specifically, around 9 in 10 hiring managers say employees who feel like they can be honest with their leader are more loyal to their employer (90%) and is a critical part of having a productive workforce (89%). Around 2 in 5 strongly agree with these sentiments (41% and 39%, respectively).   

Equipping Leaders with Relevant Training
Recognizing the importance of honesty in the workplace, job seekers appreciate companies that offer resources to managers and employees to support this value.

Ninety-one percent believe that it is at least somewhat important for companies to provide managers with resources/training on how to manage their direct reports’ personal issues if brought up by the employee, with nearly a quarter (24%) feeling it is absolutely essential.

In addition, the vast majority of job seekers (86%) believe it is at least somewhat important that companies provide employees with resources/training on how to manage personal issues so it doesn’t impact their work. 

Overwhelmingly, companies feel they have created a space for honesty among their employees and report their company has created a safe and trusting environment that encourages honest communication (86%) and has the right systems/tools in place to allow for constructive criticism to be received well (80%).

In fact, 95% of hiring managers feel employees can speak honestly with anyone at the company regarding their concerns/issues — most commonly their manager/supervisor (68%) and/or peers/colleagues (57%).  

“The foundation of any good relationship is trust, which is no different in the workplace,” said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. “Similar to other leadership training, managers can significantly benefit from structured programs that emphasize healthy communication and the ability to handle challenging conversations.”

The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Engineer of the Year Awards. These prestigious awards honor the remarkable contributions of engineers and organizations who have demonstrated excellence in their profession and community. Nominations are being accepted through September 27, 2024.

The awards recognize outstanding achievements in various categories, celebrating both seasoned professionals and emerging talent in the engineering field. GSPE encourages nominations from peers, employers, and educators across Georgia.

“This is an exciting time for the engineering community in Georgia, as we take a moment to celebrate and honor those who continue to push boundaries and make significant contributions to our profession,” said Amanda Hendley, Executive Director of GSPE. “We encourage everyone to nominate deserving candidates and join us in recognizing the best of the best.”

Award Categories:

–          GSPE Lifetime Achievement in Engineering: Celebrating a lifetime of dedication and contribution to the engineering profession.

–          GSPE Engineer of the Year in Various Sectors: Recognizing exceptional engineers in Construction, Education, Government, Industry, and Private Practice

–          GSPE Young Engineer of the Year: Honoring a young professional under 35 years old for outstanding early career achievements and contributions to the field.

–          GSPE Engineering Student of the Year and Engineering Technology Student of the Year: Acknowledging outstanding students in engineering disciplines.

–          GSPE Engineering Employer of the Year: Recognizing organizations that support and foster engineering excellence.

–          Engineering Organization Volunteer of the Year: Celebrating individuals who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to advance the engineering profession.

Winners will be announced March 7, 2025 at the Georgia Engineering Awards, a fun-filled, black-tie awards event celebrating exceptional engineers, engineering projects, and the achievements of the industry!

To submit a nomination, please visit https://gspe.org/engineer-of-the-year-awards-2/ for the nomination forms and detailed award criteria. The nomination and application period is open now through  September 27, 2024 , so don’t miss this opportunity to honor the achievements of Georgia’s engineers.

In addition to encouraging nominations, GSPE welcomes sponsorships for the awards banquet. Sponsors will gain exposure to a diverse audience of engineering professionals and industry leaders while supporting excellence in the engineering community. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Amanda at amanda@gspe.org.

 

• Financial expert Nicole Jensen, CPA, sheds light on the financial jargon Americans are searching for the most, as identified by a new study.

• Georgia was found to be making the seventh-most finance-related searches – while Maryland ranks top, followed by Virginia and New York, rounding out the top three states.

• Data finds that there are over 3.38 million searches for FAFSA made per month – which is more than one search every second of every day.  

NOW OPEN! Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 National Small Business Week Awards, which recognize the achievements of small businesses and their contributions to America’s economy. The deadline to submit nomination packages is Thursday, Dec. 5 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Register for our webinar on Friday, September 20 at 12 p.m. to learn about the eligibility requirements, guidelines, and various award categories. RSVP here.

*All nominated small businesses must have received some form of SBA assistance such as counseling through SBA Resource Partners, financial assistance, exporting assistance, THRIVE participant, 8a participant, etc.*

The GA Veterans Business Outreach Center is hiring! 

The Georgia Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), an SBA Resource Partner that provides small business counseling services for veteran entrepreneurs, is hiring a full-time instructor. The position is responsible for classroom instruction and evaluating students’ progress in attaining goals and objectives for Boots to Business/Reboot courses throughout the state of Georgia.

For more information about major responsibilities, qualifications, salary, and benefits, visit the Central Georgia Technical College job announcement here.

Upcoming Small Business Training Events

UGA Morehouse College Small Business Development Center – Federal Contracting Summit
Small Business Development Center

From becoming a subcontractor for the federal government to harnessing the potential of AI and forming strategic alliances, this summit is your gateway to winning lucrative procurement opportunities and achieving sustainable growth.

Friday, September 13, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

Putting It All Together – The Business Plan
SCORE North Metro Atlanta

Think of a Business Plan as your checklist for managing an enterprise successfully. It is the roadmap that sets the destination and the path to get there.

Friday, September 13, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

Leveraging the Power of LinkedIn to Grow Your Business
Small Business Development Center

Although it’s the “grandfather” of social media, LinkedIn may be one of the most underutilized social networks when it comes to digital marketing. When it comes to building business relationships and targeting a specific professional group, LinkedIn offers very powerful options.

Monday, September 16, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

Winning in Business Series: Part 3 – From Data to Dollars, Planning for Growth
SBA Georgia District Office and SCORE Georgia

This session will help you gain confidence in your financial planning. Level up with a plan: gain new market territory, offer new products and expand your services, and create new partnerships to help your small business succeed.

Monday, September 16, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

SBA Overview – Webinar  
SBA Georgia District Office

We will cover the (4) pillars of the SBA which includes, access to capital, federal contracting, counseling, and disaster assistance.

Tuesday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET REGISTER HERE

 

SBAC and CCCS Present: Credit Building Workshop for Entrepreneurs
Small Business Assistance Corporation

Gain valuable insights on how to establish strong credit and achieve your business goals. Learn how to pull, read, and repair your credit score and qualify for a $1,000 small business loan. 

Tuesday, September 17, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program
SBA Georgia District

Before you can participate in the women’s federal contracting program, you must either use SBA FREE online application or an approved third-party certifier.  Both methods will require you to use the WOSB.Certify.sba.gov new portal.

Tuesday, September 17, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

Transform Customers Into Brand Ambassadors
Small Business Development Center

In this class, you’ll learn how to harness the power of data-driven customer-centric marketing to acquire and retain customers, set marketing goals that make sense for your business, create engaging marketing collateral tailored to each stage of the buyer’s journey, and track and optimize your marketing campaigns for maximum impact. 

Wednesday, September 18, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

Unlocking Your Business Potential: A Guide to Using Business Coaching and Consulting
SCORE North Metro Atlanta

This Live Online Workshop is a comprehensive guide designed to walk you through the fundamentals of business coaching and consultation. It will help you determine if your business could benefit from these services and what to expect. You will learn how to select the right coach or consultant tailored to your specific needs.

Wednesday, September 18, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

From Risky to Resilient: Strategic Growth for Entrepreneurs
Small Business Development Center

Explore what growth means for your business, identify the internal and external obstacles that can derail that growth, and develop a proactive (not reactive!) strategy to mitigate the risk that will come your way. Connect with a panel of industry experts who specialize in helping businesses prepare for threats and uncertainty.

Wednesday, September 18, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE

Introduction to Intellectual Property Fundamentals  
Small Business Development Center

New to patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets? Get a solid foundation in intellectual property (IP) and learn how to safeguard your innovations as you move from concept to creation.

Wednesday, September 18, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

Mitos y Realidades del Financiamiento 
Small Business Development Center

Pensar en el financiamiento de su pequeño negocio puede convertirse en un dolor de cabeza por eso estamos aquí para ayudarle. Acompáñenos a participar de nuestra clase gratuita Mitos y Realidades del Financiamiento para Pequeños Negocios donde compartiremos información relevante de como para aplicar a los préstamos de la nueva iniciativa SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Iniative) por sus siglas en ingles en todo el estado de Georgia.

Thursday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE

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Never Fire on a Friday: Termination Best Practices 
Small Business Development Center

The process of terminating an employee can be one of the most difficult aspects of being a manager/employee. This two-hour webinar will teach business owners and managers how to apply the four types of termination techniques commonly used by Human Resource Managers.

Friday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE

Boost Your Small Business With AI-Powered Digital Marketing
Small Business Development Center

We’re in the middle of an Artificial Intelligence boom. AI has emerged as a game-changing technology that can revolutionize the way businesses approach marketing. Learn about the technology behind AI, which tools are helpful, and how your business can get started using AI for marketing.

Friday, September 20, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
 

 

 

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Submitting an Award-Winning 2025 NSBW Nomination  
SBA Georgia District Office 

The SBA is NOW ACCEPTING nominations for the 2025 Small Business Week Awards!

 

Join this online event to learn about the SBA Georgia District Office’s nomination categories, eligibility, submission documents, and tips for writing an award-winning nomination package.

Friday, September 20, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE

 

 

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Small Business Take Off: Warner Robins Townhall with Mayor Patrick and SBA  
SBA Georgia District Office and the City of Warner Robins

Join Mayor LaRhonda Patrick on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the Aviation Museum for a Small Business Take Off Townhall. This event is designed for small business owners in the Warner Robins area to learn about resources and procurement assistance to help take their companies to the next level of growth.

Tuesday, September 24, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE

Lower mortgage rates and rising inventory are giving home buyers a window of opportunity at an unusual time of year, according to the latest market report¹ from Zillow®. Affordability has improved substantially for home buyers, and competition among them could extend into the fall instead of fading away as is typical at this time of year.

“Late summer may be an opportunity for buyers who have been waiting in the wings for a monthly mortgage payment they can qualify for,” said Skylar Olsen, Zillow chief economist. “Buyers have more options to choose from for two reasons. For one, it’s easier to qualify for more of the homes on the market now that mortgage rates are a bit lower. Beyond that, more inventory is becoming available — enough to improve buyer negotiating power. Attractive properties in hot markets are still selling quickly, but some metros — or neighborhoods within them — have flipped further in favor of buyers.”

Mortgage rate declines have made buying a home roughly affordable again at the national level (meaning monthly payments generally take less than one-third of median household income), assuming a buyer puts 20% down and before taxes and insurance are accounted for. Nationwide, the monthly payment on a typical home purchase has fallen by more than $100 since a peak in May. That drop is more than $300 a month in the ultraexpensive San Francisco metro area. 

Beyond lower costs, a number of metrics are moving in buyers’ favor. The Zillow market heat index shifted from being in favor of sellers into neutral territory in July. For the past two years, sellers held their edge nationally until October. 

Homes are taking longer to sell than in recent history, but shorter than in pre-pandemic times. Homes that sold in August took 20 days to go pending, two more than in July, but about six days faster than at this time of year before the pandemic. And while inventory growth has slowed, nearly 1.18 million homes are on the market, more than any month since September 2020. 

Lower rates could stall or slow a normal autumn cooldown, because right now buyers are more likely to be motivated by lower rates than sellers are. 

Some signals are already pointing to an altered trajectory in the housing market. The share of listings on Zillow with a price cut ticked down from July to August, reversing an upward trend of rising every month since March. Just under 26% of homes on the market had a price cut in August. That’s relatively high for this time of year, but not a record, as seen in recent months. 

Opportunities for buyers

• Lower rates mean improved affordability: Purchasing power is greater, and buying a house may now fit into buyers’ monthly budgets. 
• Homes are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more time to decide and more leverage in negotiations.
• Inventory continues to slowly recover from a years-long shortfall, giving buyers more options.

Opportunities for sellers

• Well-priced and -marketed homes are still selling relatively quickly, in 20 days, almost a week faster than at this time of year before the pandemic.
• Lower mortgage rates could raise buyer competition in the fall. The share of homes with a price cut dropped in August. 
• One-third of homes that sold in July — the most recent data available — went for more than asking price.
• Seventy percent of sellers turn around and buy — the benefits to buyers given above apply to their next home.