How businesses with luxury products and brands create an experience
When your company sells a luxury product or service, it changes how you should approach the sale. Selling these items is less about price and more about the experience surrounding a luxury purchase. “Customers at the highest luxury levels are more interested in having fun and enjoying spending their money while acquiring something they want, […]
How to protect yourself in the booming Bay Area marketplace
At least in the San Francisco Bay Area, it’s as if the nation’s real estate crisis never occurred. “It’s an anomaly. Primarily, it’s due to the location. This corridor is unique because of the jobs in Silicon Valley, the biotech companies and the job base in San Francisco. Salaries are competitive and that increases values […]
The changing SOX landscape
A subtle, but very significant, change is underway in the world of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, specifically audits of Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR). As a result of this change, many public companies will face additional compliance burdens and new exposures, even if they believe they have a well-established and stable system of internal control. “Some […]
How to fuel business growth by selecting the right strategy
Most companies want to grow — the issue is just how and when. However, determining an advantageous growth strategy can be challenging. Less than 1 percent of companies reach $250 million in annual revenue and fewer still eclipse $1 billion. “Some companies boost revenue through organic growth, while others diversify their products/services or build strategic […]
How to address social media use in the workplace
Today, social media surrounds almost every facet of our lives, including the workplace. While sites like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook offer many opportunities for companies to connect with customers and clients, they also can damage reputations when not addressed properly. “Most companies see value in having a social media presence, but it is important to […]
How to preserve wealth through the 2013 tax season
Reducing your above-the-line income is a smart strategy this year as higher tax brackets go into effect. Monic Ramirez, CPA and senior tax manager at Sensiba San Filippo LLP, says there are several income thresholds that should be managed, and planning should start now in order to avoid costly financial errors at the end […]
How the market has improved for growing companies
The recession no longer seems to be affecting the technology market, as growth opportunities abound for tech companies. “We’re seeing a very healthy environment for technology,” says Dick Sweeney, senior vice president and manager of the Northeast Market Technology Banking Division at Bridge Bank. “Within our portfolio of clients, we’ve had a number that in […]
Montage Insurance: How employers should approach employer shared responsibility
The biggest employer piece of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been delayed until 2015. Unfortunately, it looks like some of the transitional relief rules for the 2013 year went by the wayside with it, so it is incredibly important for employers to know that, as of now, the government is expecting you to use […]
How franchisees can overcome their unique succession challenges
Franchise owners have some particular obstacles to overcome when thinking about succession. Each one has a manufacturer or headquarters that has conditions for ownership and succession, so it’s critical to plan ahead. “You can’t forget about dealing with developing bench strength, even when facing an uncertain future,” says Ricci M. Victorio, CSP, CPCC, ACC, managing […]
Roy Lipski: To successfully find funds, know your goals and be open with potential investors
By Roy Lipski No matter how large or small, no matter its business focus, sooner or later every company is going to need to raise funds. The Oxford Catalysts Group — a science and technology-based company formed by the 2008 merger of the U.K.-based catalyst development company Oxford Catalysts Ltd. and Velocys Inc., a company […]