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the local loop | January 2025 Official Monthly Newsletter | 50k+ Subscribers Welcome to the very first 2025 edition of the local loop—the official newsletter of ListedIn US! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our growing community. Here’s to a year full of progress, connection, and success! This edition is a bit more detailed than usual, designed to introduce you to the newsletter’s structure. We’ll walk you through each section and highlight the exciting content we’ve prepared for January 2025. So grab your favorite drink, cozy up in a comfortable chair, and get ready for the adventurous and informative read ahead. Embracing Opportunity This section sets the tone for the newsletter, energizing you for the journey ahead. It’s your gateway to possibility—where we share our dedication to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs like you, along with exciting updates and key statistics. Here’s what to expect: Motivational Insights: Stories and strategies to keep you inspired and ready to tackle challenges. A Roadmap for the Edition: A quick preview of what’s inside this newsletter, so you can easily navigate to the sections most relevant to you. Community-Focused Purpose: A reminder that you’re not alone—ListedIn US is your partner in growth, helping you connect with like-minded individuals who champion small businesses. This section is your first step into a world of opportunities, crafted to empower you and keep you focused on achieving your business goals. Dive in, and let’s make this your best year yet! As we embark on this new year together, we are thrilled to unveil a fresh and reimagined format for our newsletter. If you’ve been a subscriber for quite some time, you will notice that things look a little different. While we didn’t encounter specific challenges with the previous format, our team is always committed to innovation and improvement. At ListedIn US, we believe in constantly refining our efforts to bring you the most relevant, engaging, and actionable content possible. This new design is not just about aesthetics; it is about enhancing the way we connect, inspire, and equip our incredible community of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Expect even more curated tips, timely updates, and practical insights to help you drive growth, embrace opportunities, and overcome challenges in your business journey. With a renewed focus on empowering you, we will also spotlight critical trends, upcoming events, and resources designed to propel your business forward. Our goal is to make the local loop a trusted business resource—one that sparks ideas, fuels your vision, and keeps you plugged into a thriving network of like-minded innovators. Igniting Growth This section is your go-to for strategies that take your business to the next level. Here’s what you can expect each month: Marketing Mastery: Ready to make your brand stand out? We’ll share proven techniques to reach your audience—whether it’s through social media campaigns, email strategies, or creative content ideas. Branding Brilliance: Struggling to make your business unforgettable? Learn how to craft a brand that not only stands out but truly resonates with your customers. Networking Know-How: Wondering how to build the right connections? Get tips on growing your network, fostering meaningful relationships, and opening doors to new opportunities. Tools and Tech: Curious about the best tools to give your business an edge? Discover how SEO, social media, and the exclusive features of ListedIn US can amplify your visibility and customer engagement. Our goal is to equip you with strategies and tools that turn growth from a possibility into a reality. Let’s dive in—your next big success is just one smart move away! Ready to take your business to new heights? This month’s Igniting Growth section is packed with actionable strategies and tools to help you amplify your brand, connect with your audience, and unlock your full potential. Marketing Mastery Did you know that 82% of consumers trust a brand more when it has a strong social media presence? This month, we’re diving into 5 Social Media Campaign Ideas that drive engagement and convert followers into loyal customers. Branding Brilliance. Your brand is more than a logo—it’s the promise you make to your customers. Learn how to craft an unforgettable story that speaks to your audience and makes your business a top choice in their minds. Connections matter. Explore key networking strategies for building partnerships that fuel growth. Plus, check out these networking strategies to set you up for meeting other passionate entrepreneurs like you! Tools and Tech. SEO doesn’t have to be a mystery. We’re breaking down SEO tools and tactics for small businesses, so you can boost your visibility and attract more customers. Success is all about the right tools, strategies, and connections. This month, commit to making just one bold move—and watch how it sets the stage for your next big breakthrough. Setting Schedules This section helps you stay ahead by highlighting the key dates and events that matter most to your business. Here’s what you can expect each month: Important Dates: Wondering what’s coming up? We’ll share tax filing deadlines, key holidays, and other must-know dates to keep your business on track. Event Spotlights: Looking for ways to grow? Discover webinars, expos, and networking events designed to connect you with new opportunities and fresh ideas. Promotion Ideas: Need inspiration? Learn how to turn upcoming dates into opportunities for marketing campaigns and meaningful customer engagement. No more scrambling at the last minute—this section is your guide to staying organized, prepared, and ahead of the game. Let’s help you make the most of every opportunity. Stay organized and ahead of the curve with this month’s key dates and events that matter most to your business. Let’s plan for success together: Important Dates 15 January 2025: Quarterly Estimated Tax Payment Due – Ensure your Q4 taxes are filed on time to avoid penalties. 31 January 2025: W-2 and 1099 Filing Deadline – Don’t miss the deadline to send out required forms to employees and contractors. Event Spotlights 8 January 2025 (9:30am-10:30am EST): Ten Steps to Start Your Business. Presented by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and LaGuardia Community College Small Business Development Center. Register in advance for information and access. Topics to include Personal Assessment; Writing a Business Plan, Choosing Your Business Structure: Pros and Cons of Sole proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, and LLC; Procedure to Register a Business; Responsibilities as an Employer; Business Insurance; Franchise Opportunities; Home Based Business Regulations; and Resources and Assistance. Presented by: Ms. Man-Li Lin, SBA New York District Office 31 January 2025 (2:00pm-3:00pm EST): Expand your network nationwide through a Zoom Business Networking Mixer sponsored by Networked Live. Register to receive advance information and the Zoom link. Promotion Ideas New Year’s Sales: Start 2025 right by offering limited-time promotions. Highlight products or services with a fresh-year focus. Valentine’s Day Prep: Begin planning your February campaigns now—customers are already searching for thoughtful gifts and services! Be the conduit through which to ignite love in a world that badly needs it. This month is brimming with opportunities to get ahead, stay compliant, and drive growth. If you are aware of events that have especially been helpful to you or show promise, please share them with us so we can share it with the ListedIn US community. Know of a workshop, networking opportunity, grand opening, or celebration of a milestone that the community should know about? Send it our way and your submission might be featured in our upcoming newsletter! Fueling Vision This section is all about helping you secure the financial resources and strategies you need to grow and sustain your business. Here’s what you can expect each month: Funding Opportunities: Looking to boost your cash flow? We’ll highlight grants, loans, and financing programs designed for small businesses, along with tips to strengthen your applications. Financial Tools: Wondering how to manage your money more effectively? Explore apps and software that make budgeting, tracking expenses, and forecasting easier than ever. Planning for Growth: Unsure how to align your finances with your goals? Learn how to build a solid financial strategy, from planning for expansion to preparing for the unexpected. Economic Shifts: With interest rates fluctuating, small businesses are rethinking financing strategies. Now is the time to explore low-interest loan programs like the SBA 7(a) to stay prepared. Your business dreams deserve a solid financial foundation. We’re here to help you take control of your funding strategy and bring your vision to life. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloans The SBA Microloan Program offers loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and non-profit childcare centers start and grow. With an average loan amount of $13,000, microloans can be used for purposes like working capital, inventory and supplies, furniture and fixtures, and machinery and equipment (no real estate or funds to be used to pay existing debts). Microloans are provided through SBA-approved nonprofit intermediaries. Each lender sets its own eligibility and credit requirements, typically requiring collateral and a personal guarantee. For more information and to find an intermediary lender near you, visit the SBA Microloan Program page. Accion Opportunity Fund The Accion Opportunity Fund provides flexible small business loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, coupled with financial education and support. This program is designed to empower underserved entrepreneurs, including women, people of color, and low-to-moderate-income business owners. Loan features include competitive rates, customized repayment terms, and no hidden fees. Additional support is given by way of access to resources like financial coaching, educational tools, and networking opportunities. The Fund is open to a wide range of industries and business types, with an emphasis on helping entrepreneurs overcome financial barriers. Take this opportunity to learn more and apply. Making Momentum This section is all about helping you stay productive and efficient while keeping your business on track. Here’s what you can expect each month: Top Tools: Struggling to keep up with your to-do list? Discover software and apps that save time, improve teamwork, and make your daily tasks more manageable. Efficiency Hacks: Feeling overwhelmed? We’ll share quick, practical tips to streamline your workflows, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters. Work Smarter: Looking to find balance while growing your business? Learn strategies to prioritize effectively, stay organized, and scale sustainably. Every small improvement adds up to big results. Let’s help you find the tools and techniques to keep your momentum going strong. This month, we’re here to help you stay productive, organized, and stress-free as you grow your business. Let’s focus on building momentum with tools and strategies that make a big difference! Top Tools Trello: Simplify project management with this user-friendly tool. Create boards, assign tasks, and track progress in real time. Perfect for staying on top of your to-do list. Clockify: A free time-tracking app that helps you monitor productivity and ensure every minute counts. Efficiency Hacks Batch Your Tasks: Group similar tasks together, like responding to emails or scheduling social media posts, to maximize efficiency. This is especially helpful around the holidays. Declutter Your Workspace: Take 10 minutes at the start of each day to organize your desk—clear space, clear mind! This is especially important in telework situations where workspaces and personal spaces may more easily bleed. Work Smarter The 2-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately to prevent small jobs from piling up. Set Weekly Priorities: At the start of the week, list three key goals to focus on. This keeps you aligned with what matters most. Momentum is built one step at a time. Incorporate these tools and tips to make your workflow smoother, your day less hectic, and your results more impactful. Let’s keep the energy going and set the stage for a productive month ahead! Pulsing Progress This section keeps you ahead of the game with the latest trends and advancements shaping the small business world. Here’s what you can expect each month: Emerging Technologies: Curious about tools that can transform your business? From AI to automation, we’ll explore the innovations redefining how small businesses operate. Customer Trends: Wondering what your customers want next? Learn how shifts in behavior and preferences can influence your strategies—and how to adapt to stay ahead. Industry Updates: Trying to spot new opportunities or challenges? We’ll share key insights into market changes to help you navigate what’s coming. In an ever-changing landscape, staying informed is key to staying competitive. This section is your guide to embracing innovation and making smarter moves for the future. Here’s what’s making waves this month: Emerging Technologies AI for Small Businesses: Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper AI are revolutionizing customer interactions and content creation. Learn how these technologies can help you automate responses, craft marketing copy, and provide personalized customer experiences. Automation Simplified: Explore platforms like Zapier to connect your favorite apps and automate repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time for growth. Customer Trends Sustainable Shopping: Customers are increasingly prioritizing businesses with eco-friendly practices. Consider showcasing your sustainability efforts through transparent product sourcing or green packaging options. Mobile-First Experiences: With 74% of consumers shopping from their phones, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for fast, seamless browsing. Industry Updates E-commerce Boom Continues: The online retail market is projected to grow another 12% this year. Investing in your digital storefront could be your next big opportunity. Innovation is the key to thriving in a dynamic marketplace. This month, take a closer look at the tools, trends, and updates that can give your business a competitive edge. Let’s embrace progress and build the foundation for a brighter future! Minding Manners This section helps you stay on top of the legal and regulatory updates that impact your business. Here’s what you can expect each month: Upcoming Deadlines: Worried about missing key dates? We’ll remind you of important deadlines like license renewals and compliance submissions to keep you on track. Regulatory Updates: Wondering how new laws or policies might affect your operations? We’ll break down the latest changes so you can prepare with confidence. Compliance Tips: Unsure how to navigate complex requirements? Get simple, actionable advice to help you meet obligations and avoid costly mistakes. Keeping up with regulations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This section is your resource for staying informed, compliant, and in control—so you can focus on running your business. Stay informed and compliant with this month’s essential legal and regulatory updates. Here’s what you need to know: Regulatory Updates New Overtime Rules for 2025: The Department of Labor has updated overtime pay thresholds for salaried employees. Review these changes to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. State-Level Minimum Wage Increases: Many states are increasing their minimum wage starting January 2025. Check your state’s updated rates to adjust payroll accordingly. For general information, you may begin by looking to the US Department of Labor, National Conference of State Legislatures, and the Economic Policy Institute. Compliance Tips Stay Audit-Ready: Begin the year by organizing critical documents like payroll records, tax filings, and licenses to ensure a smooth compliance process if audits arise. If you do not have a trusted accountant or financial advisor, ListedIn US has many from which to choose with a variety of specialties to meet your unique industry and business needs. Annual Review of Contracts: Take time to revisit vendor, employee, and client contracts to ensure they align with updated regulations and reflect your current business needs. It may also be a good idea to have a business attorney take a look at some of your weightier contracts and business relationships to determine what changes, if any, should be kept in mind for either current or future action. Staying on top of these updates now can save you time, money, and stress later. Use these tips and reminders to keep your business running smoothly and confidently. Let’s tackle 2025 with compliance and success! Spotlighting Stars This section is all about celebrating the incredible success stories within the ListedIn US community. Here’s what you can look forward to each month: Member Spotlights: Curious how others are achieving their goals? Get inspired by real stories of small business owners who’ve turned challenges into opportunities and found success through innovation and determination. Success Strategies: Wondering how to apply their lessons to your own journey? We’ll share actionable insights from these stories to help you grow your business. Your Moment to Shine: Ready to share your success? Submit your story, and you could be featured in an upcoming edition—because your achievements deserve to be celebrated! Every success story adds to the strength of our community. This section is your reminder that together, we’re building something extraordinary. Let’s celebrate what makes your business unique. This month, we celebrate the resilience and creativity of small business owners within the ListedIn US community. Let’s shine a light on their incredible journeys and inspire one another with stories of success. From Manufacturing to Experience Management: A Journey of Transformation Mark has always been a hands-on leader. As the co-owner of a family-run manufacturing business, he took pride in creating high-quality products that met customer needs. Yet, over time, he realized something was missing. Despite steady business (even during some economic downturns of the late 2000s), customer feedback was inconsistent, and employee turnover was rising. Mark began to wonder: what if the product isn’t the only thing that matters? The Spark of Change It was during these early-career experience that Mark wanted to use the tools of science and psychology to unlock organizations' potentials. Was it possible that business challenges could be solved by improving experiences rather than just tweaking processes? A Learning Journey Mark dove into psychology and further refined his interest to industrial-organizational psychology – the psychology of work. In his coursework and applying those principles to his business, Mark learned how to design experiences that delight stakeholders at every touchpoint. For customers, this meant more than just delivering a product—it was about ensuring a seamless journey from the first inquiry to post-purchase support. For employees, it was about fostering engagement, growth, and satisfaction. Mark began implementing these principles in his manufacturing business, collecting feedback from customers and employees alike. The results were transformative. Customer loyalty surged, and employees began recommending friends to join the company. Pivoting to a Newfound Passion As Mark’s business flourished, so did their reputation as someone who “just gets it.” Other small business owners began seeking advice. One question kept coming up: how do I make my business more human-centered? Realizing his newfound passion, Mark made a bold decision: they would transition from running a manufacturing business to helping others harness the power of XM. Today, Mark is an organizational consultant specializing in Experience Management. By collecting and analyzing feedback, he guides organizations in designing experiences that foster loyalty, engagement, and growth. Mark’s consulting practice, XMscience, focuses on creating measurable impact: Customer Experience (CX): Crafting journeys that lead to repeat business and referrals. Employee Experience (EX): Building workplaces where employees thrive. Product Experience (PX): Ensuring products delight at every stage of interaction. Brand Experience (BX): Making brands unforgettable through consistent and meaningful interactions. Making a Difference Mark’s journey from manufacturing to consulting reflects the power of transformation—not just for businesses, but for individuals. He knows firsthand the challenges small business owners face and brings that understanding into his consulting. With each project, Mark helps companies see that success isn’t just about what they sell; it’s about the experiences they create. Mark gives back to the community of scholars and practitioners that set him up for the impact he is now having by serving as a dissertation committee member and, as opportunities present themselves, guest lecturing in colleges and universities in psychology, research, and statistics. Mark’s story is a testament to the idea that anyone can pivot to pursue their passion and make a lasting impact. From a small business owner to an expert in XM, Mark proves that great experiences don’t just happen—they’re designed. Know of a story that absolutely must be shared? We'd love to hear from you! Whether it’s a major milestone, a clever strategy, or a lesson learned, your journey can inspire and empower others. Inspiring Togetherness This section is your final dose of motivation and connection, bringing everything together to energize you for the month ahead. Here’s what you can look forward to each month: Motivational Insights: Feeling stuck or needing a boost? We’ll share uplifting messages to help you refocus, recharge, and tackle the challenges ahead with confidence. Community Connection: Wondering how to stay involved? Find opportunities to participate, share ideas, and collaborate with fellow small business owners and entrepreneurs. Stay in the Loop: Want to discover more? Use the links in our footer to connect with us on social media, explore additional resources, or reach out directly. You’re never in this alone. This section is here to inspire you, strengthen your ties to our community, and remind you that every step forward is a step toward something greater. Let’s move forward together. As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, let’s take a moment to refocus, recharge, and celebrate the power of community. Together, we’re creating something remarkable. Motivational Insights “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This month, embrace resilience and see every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Progress is built one step at a time, and every effort you make is moving you closer to your goals. Looking for ways to connect and collaborate? There are so many ways to get involved. Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in our online forums and social media groups (see connection links in the newsletter footer). Your voice strengthens our community. Upcoming Events: Don’t miss the great events shared in the Setting Schedules section of this newsletter. Stay in the Loop Explore more resources and connect with us on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and Threads for daily tips and updates (click on the icons in the newsletter footer to be taken directly there). Together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. Let’s keep moving forward, inspiring one another, and turning dreams into reality. Here’s to another month of growth, connection, and success! Taking Action This month, it’s all about transforming ideas into impactful steps that drive your business forward. And we’ve given you many ideas to get started – from joining online webinars and networking activities to exploring and securing new sources of funding to engaging financial and legal experts to help you adjust practices to help you be more competitive for the new year! There’s no time like the present to get started. But for good measure, here’s some more options for immediate and impactful action. Create and schedule a Social Media Content Calendar: Save time and stay consistent by planning your posts in advance. Tools like Vista Social can be an amazing partner for planning and scheduling social media content across the most popular to even up-and-coming social media platforms, simplifying the ways in which brands connect with their champions. Level Up Your Website and Social Content: Looking to create engaging content quickly and effortlessly? WordHero is an AI-powered writing tool designed to help businesses and individuals generate high-quality content in seconds. With monthly and lifetime options, you can make as much use of tools to help you perfect your blog posts, emails, social media posts and replies, stories, and more. Need just artwork? DrawThis, with their own monthly and lifetime options, helps you turn your ideas into visuals that accentuate your content. Now it’s your turn! Take the first step today—whether it’s signing up for an event, trying a new tool, or implementing a strategy shared here. Every small action builds momentum toward your bigger goals. Let’s make this month one of growth and progress. Together, we’re unstoppable!
– Winston Churchill
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