Selecting core technology begins with mapping workflows and defining the desired client experience, according to Peter Worn of Finura Group. Worn advises prioritizing tools that staff are already familiar with, such as Microsoft 365 for productivity and Xero for accounting, to ensure quick adoption and ease of training. Additionally, opting for software that easily integrates with other essential tools, like document management and e-signing, can help streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Walmart Business is helping small and medium-sized businesses manage time-consuming administrative tasks through its suite of solutions designed for SMBs, says Ashley Hubka, senior vice president and general manager. These include automated ordering and subscription services for essential supplies, advanced procurement tools that allow for custom purchasing lists and spending controls, communities of practice for peer learning and rapid delivery options thanks to Walmart's extensive store network.

Spectrum Reach's partnership with Waymark, initiated in early 2023, has enabled clients of the Charter Communications ad sales unit to produce over 15,000 TV ads using Waymark's AI-driven platform,. This collaboration is designed to make high-quality commercial creation more accessible and affordable for small businesses.

Poor vision among leaders can prevent them from recognizing how managers are treating employees, which may lead to organizational problems such as eroded confidence and a lack of prompt, aligned action, says S. Chris Edmonds, an executive consultant with The Purposeful Culture Group. Edmonds highlights the importance of proactive observation and feedback systems, sharing an example of a client who uses a simple online feedback form to stay informed about employee and customer experiences.

A survey by Bluevine finds that 39% of small businesses have less than a month's worth of cash on hand, highlighting challenges such as unstable sales, rising expenses and unpredictable payments. More than half of surveyed small business owners say they would tap into their emergency reserves within 48 hours if payroll was at risk, even before other urgent needs such as tax deadlines or large customer deposits.

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara called for carriers to support policyholders affected by the federal government shutdown by implementing measures such as a moratorium on cancellations, grace periods for premium payments, waiver of late fees, and deferrals of deadlines for underwriting and claims. The request is expected to cover about 160,000 civilian workers as well as small businesses facing potential loss of coverage due to nonpayment.

Workers' compensation claims for mental injuries present unique challenges due to their subjective nature, unlike physical injuries. States such as New York, Alaska and Wisconsin have expanded definitions of certain disorders to include stress-related conditions, reflecting a legislative trend toward expanding mental health coverage, although such efforts have seen mixed results recently.

A previously unpublished short story by Jack Kerouac, titled 'The Holy, Beat, and Crazy Next Thing,' was discovered among the possessions of the late crime boss Paul Castellano. The story, which shares characters with Kerouac's famous novel 'On the Road,' was found in Castellano's archive and has been acquired by Your Own Museum for $8,500. The origins of how Castellano obtained the story remain a mystery, adding an intriguing twist to the literary find.