Vanda Stephens

Autonomy can drive higher engagement and productivity at work, but don’t confuse autonomy with flexibility. Companies that grant their employees autonomy — the flexibility to work at their own pace, and prioritize on their own — can have hidden financial benefits. Office cultures that value autonomy have higher morale, higher productivity, and less employee idleness … Read more

A business is nothing without its customers. That’s why establishing relationships with your customer base is crucial to your business’s success. Brands that thoughtfully build customer relationships find that consumers appreciate the added personal touch to their experience with your brand. Get to know your customers better with some of these practices. Social media is … Read more

You may view social media as a way to find new customers, but it can also be a great way to connect with other businesses. Building a strong business network can pay off in a number of ways. When you connect with another business owner, you begin building connections with their network. People like to … Read more

Research from the NSBA Small Business Access to Capital Study found that 20% of small business loans are denied due to business credit. When you need a loan to expand to a new location, buy equipment, or reach the next growth phase, your business credit will play a significant role. Likewise, your business credit can … Read more

Inflation remains elevated. Recession talk looms in headlines. Businesses and employees are worried. But the past few years have provided business owners with the lessons they need to prepare, says Amy Friedrich, president of Benefits and Protection at Principal®. These steps can help. Establish a crisis plan. “Business owners—small business owners in particular—are so often … Read more