LocalBiz Magazine Q1 2022

WORK SMARTER P. 40

Useful apps to maximize your time at the office

TIME HACKS P. 70

Productivity tips for extremely busy people

H I LTO N H E A D  B LU FF TO N  B E AU FO RT

EXPERT ADVICE P. 74

How a managed IT strategy can increase output

R ESULTS

PRODUC TIVITY

BE MORE PRODUCTIVE IN THE WORKPLACE: A GUIDE FOR GETTING THINGS DONE

Q1  2022

How Can Speed Help Your Business?

Time is money. Get high-speed internet at a price that won’t hurt your bottom line.

What can your business do with more Internet speed?

Download videos, large images, and reports instantly Process multiple customer transactions quickly Host video calls without latency or interruptions Run cloud-based apps, services, and backups

Call 843.891.5796 or visit hargray.com/bizbundle

Get a reliable

Business Internet & Phone Bundle for one low price

MAKERS

THE TEAM EDITORIAL & DESIGN Editor-in-Chief Lance Hanlin Editors Lucy Rosen, Laurie Laykish Art Director Jeremy Swartz Vice President Sales Lori Goodridge-Cribb Graphic Designer Charles Grace

ADVERTISING & AUDIENCE

For ideas and inspo, follow us on: Facebook @localbizsc Instagram @localbizsc Linked In @localbiz-b2b-media-group

Digital and Social Ashlan Saeger Audience Curation Bruce Wolf Sales Melissa Page, Rebecca Kerns, Wendy Murad

ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT Finance Leah Ortega

“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you will never get it done.”

— BRUCE LEE

LOCAL Biz and LOCAL Life are publications of Momentum Media Group Inc. The cover and contents may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of LOCAL Biz. Send any correspondence regarding editorial or subscriptions to info@localbizsc.com

omentum MEDIA GROUP 2

LocalBizSC.com + Q4 2021

EDITOR'S NOTE

Productive thinking

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

ACHIEVE YOUR BUSINESS GOALS

BY WORKING SMARTER, NOT Around 700 HARDER, IN 2022 pounds

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season makes it tough to keep workplace productivity high. Starting as early as Halloween on through New Year’s Day, there are just so many treats to eat, gifts to exchange, gatherings to attend and travel schedules to accommodate. It’s difficult to keep your team focused with so many competing personal and professional priorities.

But now that the Champagne bottles are empty and “Auld Lang Syne” has been sung, it’s time to refocus on the many tasks and challenges at hand. All successful business owners are constantly searching for ways to increase productivity in the workplace. The more productive a team becomes, the more opportunities come for new projects, improved business relationships and boosted profits.

In this Q1 issue you will learn several time-saving tips and get sound advice from local owners and leaders for being more productive in all aspects of your business — from automation to zero-based budgeting.

Take the junk out of junk mail. Better organize your books. Simplify your insurance. Increase your employee engagement. Discover new productivity apps and tools. Learn why meetings kill productivity (and what to do about it). Assess what assets are worth the effort. Uncover the power and potential of Mastermind groups. Find more flexibility by outsourcing your back-office services.

Inspirational success stories, hot business trends — you’ll find all of that and more inside this tidy and efficient Q1 issue of LOCAL Biz. We hope it helps boost your workplace productivity, allowing your business to reach new heights in 2022.

T

LANCE HANLIN Editor-in-Chief

Get Bizzy

Scan this QR code to subscribe to The Biz newsletter. Each week, receive information vital to running a successful small business here in the Lowcountry in your inbox. Learn more at localbizsc.com.

“Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else.”

— PETER DRUCKER, MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

LOCAL Biz in 2022

Q1: PRODUCTIVITY Jan, Feb, Mar

Q2: GROWTH Apr, May, June

Q3: COMMUNICATION July, Aug, Sept

Q4: TECHNOLOGY Oct, Nov, Dec

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

3

INSIDE

Q1 2022  PRODUCTIVITY

10

Start. Grow. Lead.

Inspiring stories for the three most important stages of your business.

Roundup P. 22

Top picks and news you can use

Marketing P. 44

Take the junk out of junk mail with EDDM

Sales P. 50

Ten sales tips to help you leave 2021 in the dust

HR P. 52

Five technology tools to empower your HR

Inspiration & Innovation Learn why meetings kill productivity (and what to do about it) and how practicing mindfulness can improve productivity in the workplace.

34

Money Matters P. 60 Assessing assets worth the effort

Ask the Experts P. 74

A managed IT strategy can increase productivity

Smart Stuff P. 86

Tactical tools, tips and resources

Links P. 91

Bonus content at LocalBizSC.com

Faces

After Hours P. 92

Meet three local business leaders who use effective productivity techniques to find success.

Have it all with healthier happy hours

Resource Directory P. 94 Good contacts for doing local business

18 4

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Last Word P. 96

Three easy steps for getting things done

A perfectly crafted menu.

Just for you.

Let The East Coast Chef® and her team create an experience to remember!

PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES Private events, Business Events, Retreats Corporate Dinners, Lunches, Breakfasts, Cocktail Parties At-home fine dining and cooking demos

ChefLynnMichelle.com • letseat@cheflynnmichelle.com

CONTRIBUTORS

LOCAL BIZ CONTRIBUTORS

BEHIND THE SCENES Kellie McCann Photographer With an eye for magical moments, ideal lighting and technical perfection, Kellie McCann (CPP, BFA) is more than a photographer. She's a portrait artist who puts her heart and talent into every photo session. With over 20 years of experience as a professional portrait artist, she has honed her craft, striving with each new image to create breathtaking heirlooms that will hang on her clients' walls for decades to come. She is one of the most sought-after beach photographers on Hilton Head and specializes in family, children and high school senior portrait photography.

Kellie is an active member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the Georgia Professional Photographers Association (GPPA) and the Professional Photographers of South Carolina (PPSC). kelliemccann.com

Don Harkey Writer Don Harkey is a dad, husband, recovering engineer and CEO of People Centric Consulting Group. How does an engineer move on to create a consulting company about people? The short answer is that in his career as a corporate engineer for ADM and 3M, he saw some teams that were incredibly successful and others that weren’t. He saw pockets of healthy and unhealthy cultures all within the same company created with the same pool of people. He became very interested in what creates a healthy culture and discovered that it’s all about implementing systems and processes that put people at the center of the organization; hence the name People Centric. “My first responsibility as CEO is to my team, and we have a great team,” Don said. “I also spend time evangelizing the idea that organizations that create empowerment and alignment end up being much more successful by speaking at conferences and associations across the country. I love it when business owners and organizational leaders learn how they can discover and unleash the talent right under their own noses. I also love to see employees start to realize their own potential.” He adds, “Go Huskers.”

Linda Klingman Writer Linda Klingman is owner of HRCoastal, a Human Resources consulting and outsourcing firm that provides solutions to businesses in North and South Carolina and Georgia. She is an HR generalist with expertise in strategic human resource planning, process improvement, organizational development, performance management and employee relations.

Klingman has worked in healthcare, banking, chemical and steel manufacturing, automotive, IT, education, retail and hospitality industries. She lives with her husband, David Balsley, and their terrier, Ginger, who runs the house. Linda has three adult daughters, Melissa, Jennifer and Rebecca; and two grandchildren, Maddie and Miles.

6

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

HELP DESK When you can’t afford downtime.

When your employees need IT help, our team of expert technicians can help.

You can consider our team part of your team and hold us accountable to your high standards.

24/7 • Consistent Team of IT Professionals • Real-Time Ticketing System

2 Westbury Park Way Suite 100, Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 715-9800 | kmlcs.com

START GROW LEAD

Veteran owned and operated

After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Veterans Meghan Zalich and her husband decided to start their next journey here in Bluffton with Meghan’s launch of The Wooden Loft.

Doing it herself A SUPPORTIVE FRANCHISE AND SUPPORT FROM THE DON RYAN CENTER FOR INNOVATION’S HEROES PROGRAM HELPS VETERAN STARTING A DIY BUSINESS DO IT HERSELF

BY ELLEN LINNEMANN Upon graduating from high school, Meghan Zalich knew two things: she wanted to explore options other than college, and she wanted to follow in the military footsteps of her father.

Noting that “my patriotism, family and love of this country gave me the courage to enlist,” she enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps right after high school. She grew up to be the “mini version” of her father — who was also in the Marine Corps — and proving to all who knew her, as well as herself, that she could do it.

U

8

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Three takeaways for pursuing a franchise opportunity

1

Do your research, and choose your franchise and location wisely. “I’ve learned a lot buying into a franchise that I wasn’t aware of before,” says Zalich. “It’s really important to research who the owners are and what their goals are for their other stores to make sure you have the right fit.”

2 3

Pay close attention to finances and your initial investment. “Have a budget – and hold yourself to it,” she stresses.

Preparation is key. “There is only so much you can prepare for, but the more you prepare for, the more successful you will be.”

“I came up with a list of what was important to me and what I wanted. The Wooden Loft has a huge support system and is very supportive to our first responders and military, which was extremely important to me.”

Signs of the times

Each workshop is an instructional hands-on experience where people can assemble their own custom project from raw materials, using different painting techniques and tools to customize it to their home.

Zalich served as a marksmanship instructor on Parris Island. After spending four years in the Marine Corps, she decided it was time for her next journey – and knew that she wanted to start her own business. The first question, Zalich recalls, was whether she wanted to start her own business on her own from the ground up or with the support of a franchise. And once she decided that a franchise was the right move for her, the question became how to find one that was the right fit for her – and what to look for when considering her options “I did a lot of research and I called around to explore a number of franchise opportunities with similar concepts, but it was The Wooden Loft, which is a DIY workshop where people can create home décor and signs from raw materials, that was the best fit for me,” she says. “I came up with a list of what was important to me and what I wanted.

The Wooden Loft has a huge support system and is very supportive to our first responders and military, which was extremely important to me,” she said. She was excited about becoming involved with the franchise because the projects that The Wooden Loft offers are “unique and one-of-akind,” and company owners Erica and Aaron Lovall

“take pride in their work and without a doubt will always be there if we have any questions.”

Zalich and her husband, whom she met while they were both Marines, said “it was fate ever since.” They fell in love with the Lowcountry and decided to open The Wooden Loft in Bluffton. In preparing to launch the business, it may have also been fate that the Don Ryan Center for Innovation had just launched its HEROES Initiative — a program created to help active duty, reserve, National Guard, veterans and first responders in South Carolina launch and grow a business — providing exactly the type of business support that Zalich and her idea needed.

“There is so much to know about starting and running a business of any kind, and you can’t do it alone,” says Zalich, who opened The Wooden Loft Bluffton in October. “Working with my mentors and the people at the DRCI has been incredibly helpful, and I would never be where I am now without them.”

With the support of a great franchise opportunity, the DRCI HEROES program, and a great team, this “do it yourself/DIY” franchise business owner is “doing it herself” — not only starting a business in Bluffton, but poised for growth ahead. ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

9

START GROW LEAD

Getting crafty CRAFTING SPIRITS AND EXPERIENCES FUELS GROWTH FOR HILTON HEAD DISTILLERY

BY LUCY ROSEN Joe Fenten first fell in love with craft spirits as a bartender while in college at Clemson University.

After graduating from Clemson with a bachelor’s of science in electrical engineering in 2007 and working as an engineer for a number of years, he left the field to pursue his passion for craft spirits – cutting his teeth with moonshine and whiskey back in 2010 and opening the first federally licensed craft whiskey distillery in South Carolina in 2011. The early growth of his company (which went on to

J

10

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Three takeaways

1 2 3

Have a morning routine - and stick with it.

“The early bird will always get the worm,” Fenten stresses.

Eat the frog first! “Prioritize and focus on completing one major task/goal per day,” he says, adding to also “make sure to invest in yourself, too, and make self-care a priority.”

Focus on energy management versus time management. “Time doesn’t stop or change pace for you,” he cautions. “You can’t manage it.”

“One of the biggest drivers of our growth has been focusing on the guest experience as much as the products we produce.”

That's the spirit As the first and only craft distillery on Hilton Head Island, everything at the Hilton Head Distillery is geared to engage, educate and excite guests.

produce the state's first-ever bourbon, gin and absinthe) continued in 2014 when his team saw an opportunity to replicate their success in Greenville, but with a focus on rum and vodka. Upon partnering with a Caribbean rum distillery to learn how to make rum and then bringing what they learned to Hilton Head Island in 2015, they were poised for even more growth. The rest, as they say, is history – and a perfect example of how a great idea, with the right team and the right “experience,” can fuel the growth of a business.

Celebrating its fifth year in business, Hilton Head Distillery (www.hiltonheaddistillery.com) is Hilton Head Island’s first and only craft, small-batch distillery — using a combination of age-old distillation techniques and modern technology to craft premium, small-batch rum and vodka by hand. Equally as important, the distillery is all about the experience – both the years of experience of its dedicated professional team and the experiences the distillery creates for its guests.

According to Fenten, who describes Hilton Head Distillery as a craft sprit company and experiential brand experience, it’s this focus on the guest experience that has been the biggest driver for their growth.

“One of the biggest drivers of our growth has been focusing on the guest experience as much as the products we produce,” says Fenten. “Everything we do is geared to engage, educate and excite our guests – from providing tastings and tours to teaching cocktail classes to hosting events.” Currently, Hilton Head Distillery offers a wide variety of ways for guests to be engaged and entertained, “from intimate, hands-on mixology classes to behind-the-scene

tours and everything in between.”

Noting the vital role that experiential offerings have played in the success and growth of Hilton Head Distillery and the appeal of these experiences to both locals and tourists alike, Fenten says that plans for continued growth include more experiential distillery offerings in the form of classes and events. He said other key drivers of Hilton Head Distillery’s growth over the past five years include effectively marketing to the Island’s captive audience year after year, fostering the sharing of stories and spirited drinking traditions and “taking care of our people: our team members, guests and the community.” He also attributes their success to “staying true to who we are” as well as the vital importance of taking pride in their craft and always choosing quality over quantity.

Along with plans for more experiential distillery offerings in the months and years to come, Fenten plans to expand their footprint with additional touch points on the Island, exploring bigger partnerships with other local island brands and businesses, and more investment in aged whiskeys and rums. With his goal of “becoming the drink of choice for anyone and everyone crossing the bridge onto the Island,” Fenten is thrilled to have had the opportunity to fuel Hilton Head Distillery’s growth over the past five years.

“One of the things that I’m most proud of with my business is having the grit to keep going,” he says. “I'm humbled and honored to be part of a team that has survived hurricanes, pandemics, and other major adversities. We're now thriving, stronger than ever and focused on the future.” ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

11

START GROW LEAD

Five generations strong

As Benny Hudson Seafood has continued to thrive through the decades, Tonya Hudson is excited for even more growth in the year ahead.

Keeping it fresh

BENNY HUDSON SEAFOOD BUILDS TRUST, AND BUSINESS, THROUGH FIVE GENERATIONS

BY ELLEN LINNEMANN

From the minute a customer walks in the door of Benny Hudson Seafood Market, the experience is unlike buying seafood anywhere else. The main reason, of course, is the quality and freshness of its products. After all, Benny Hudson Seafood is one of the last of its kind to unload boats daily from its docks to provide the freshest, right off-thedock seafood. But there’s something more that people get when they come to family-owned Benny Hudson’s – and it’s been driving customers to the popular seafood market for not only years, but decades.

That “something more” centers on the family behind Benny Hudson Seafood – which, for five generations, has been a leader in providing customers with the freshest local seafood on Hilton Head Island. And it’s the Hudson family’s longtime commitment to providing extraordinary customer service, and the trust that Benny Hudson Seafood has built both with fishermen and the community through the years, that truly set Benny Hudson Seafood apart in the local seafood arena.

“Most of the fishermen we work with have been with us for generations and have come to trust us and the Hudson name, based on such positive working relationships with us through so many years,” said Tonya Hudson, owner of Benny Hudson Seafood, noting that many of the fishermen she works with grew up knowing her father, Benny Hudson Jr. “In addition, our customers also have complete confidence that we consistently provide

F

Three takeaways from Benny Hudson Seafood

12

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

1 2 3

Focus on team training and team building. “At Benny Hudson Seafood, we’re all about the team – whether it’s our employees or our vendors,” said Tonya. “Making sure that every team member is well trained to fully understand the company’s products, services and business philosophy not only builds strong teams, but helps to build business.”

Make customer service a priority. “Customer service is, and always has been, so important to the success of our business,” said Tonya. “Always go above and beyond when it comes to customer service because it truly will help you gain customers for life.”

The back of the house is just as important as the front of the house. “Since we’ve spent five generations developing relationships with our fishermen and vendors, we know we can count on them,” she said. “Business people just starting out sometimes focus on the fact that their customer is key, but forget that so are their vendors.”

“Most of the fishermen we work with have been with us for generations, and have come to trust us and the Hudson name, based on our positive working relationships with us through so many years.” them with the highest quality of fresh seafood unloaded from boats right at our dock, and have grown to value our expertise in all aspects of seafood.”

Once she talks to customers about the differences and benefits of Benny Hudson’s seafood, she finds she has “customers for life.”

Benny Hudson Seafood began as an oyster-shucking facility in 1890. Today Benny Hudson Seafood Market, located at 175 Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head Island, is a thriving retail market offering the highest quality of fresh local, domestic and imported seafood.

Tonya Hudson and her mother, Barbara Hudson, took over the seafood market when Benny Hudson Jr. died in 1997. Tonya said it’s their commitment to providing attentive, personalized customer service to each and every person who comes to Benny Hudson Seafood Market that keeps the market thriving and customers flocking to the market year after year.

Instilling that mission across the team is an integral part of the longtime success of the business.

“From product knowledge to customer service, we provide our entire team with the extensive training need-

Honoring and growing a family legacy Tonya Hudson and her mother, Barbara Hudson, who together took over the seafood market when Benny Hudson Jr. passed away in 1997, stress the company's longstanding commitment to honoring the family's history and heritage in the seafood industry.

ed to best serve our customers, and I know that when I’m not here, we are all representing the Hudson family name in a way that makes our family proud,” notes Tonya. “Customers come to us for our knowledgeable, personalized service and our Lowcountry hospitality.

Sometimes it’s just eye contact and a smile or a call to a longtime customer telling her that her favorite fish is here.”

This passion for providing quality seafood, and the Hudson family’s longtime expertise in the seafood arena, also have made Tonya a sought-after speaker at many local organizations and events where she provides insight into the importance of buying local and the negative impact and safety hazards of buying imported seafood.

Hudson also speaks on the health benefits of being a “sulfite-free” facility. Benny Hudson Seafood Market doesn’t apply any chemicals to any of its seafood, further differentiating it from other seafood in the area.

Business at the market surged during the pandemic when more people were eating at home “and saw how really simple it is to prepare fresh seafood at home using our products and some great recipes we offer,”

Tonya said.

To meet continuous growth, plans are underway to build a 2,300-square-foot Benny Hudson Seafood Market across the street from its current location. The new market will allow for more products out front and more room for additional employees in the back. Construction is expected to begin during first quarter of 2022, with the new market scheduled to open in early 2023.

Hudson said after the new market is open, they plan to upgrade the dock so people can stroll down to enjoy the spectacular sunsets visible from the Hudson Seafood Market dock.

“For five generations our family has been committed to leading the way in providing the freshest seafood that people know they can trust when they buy from Benny Hudson Seafood,” said Tonya, who adds that her favorite part of her job is talking to her customers every day. “As we move forward with plans for our expanded new market, our goals are to honor our history and heritage in the seafood industry here on Hilton Head Island while leading the business toward continued and future growth.” ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

13

FACES

14

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Faces of productivity MEET THREE LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS WHO USE EFFECTIVE PRODUCTIVITY TECHNIQUES TO FIND SUCCESS. They are some of the most well-known faces of success here in the Lowcountry. In addition, the three local business leaders featured on the following pages are also perfect examples of how effective productivity techniques can positively impact success throughout a career – and why productivity is a key factor for the growth of so many businesses today.

This issue’s Faces section includes profiles of leaders sharing their stories, their successes and their insight into how professionals in all areas of business can maximize productivity. From SERG Restaurant Group President Alan Wolf’s story of his decades-long career at SERG and the role that his strong work ethic played in his success, to Sophia Schade’s rise to her groundbreaking position as Home Depot’s first-ever female vice president of merchandising, to Jess O’Brien’s role in helping technology startups as the executive director of the Beaufort Digital Corridor, their stories are inspirational to professionals throughout all industries. In addition, their tips and “takeaways” underscore the vital importance that productivity plays in today’s workplace – and offer specific ways that professionals can enhance their own productivity.

Read on to learn more about these three Faces of business success and some of their “productivity hacks” that can help you maximize productivity – helping to grow both your own career and your business. ■

T

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

15

FACES

Jess O’Brien A PASSION FOR HELPING STARTUPS AND WATCHING LEGACIES BE BUILT

BY ELLEN LINNEMANN With a background in marketing, Jess O’Brien has worked with companies of all sizes – from small businesses to national franchises. But it was her experience of being part of the Atlanta Tech Village, a co-working technology incubator village, while working at a small marketing agency that perhaps had one of the biggest impacts on her career path. That history is now an instrumental role in growing this type of ecosystem here in Beaufort.

In May, O’Brien was named the executive director of the Beaufort Digital Corridor, a nonprofit tech incubator servicing start-up entrepreneurs working on unique tech products, SaaS, IOT and tech service providers and venture capitalists. At the BDC she’s responsible for all day-to-day operations required to keep the nonprofit running and thriving. O’Brien, 33, is also part of the demographic that the BDC seeks to attract and nurture here in Beaufort, giving her a keen eye for what it takes to bring tech talent to the region and help them continue to grow.

The BDC currently serves just under 50 members and, O’Brien notes, has played a critical role in a number of recent success stories for tech entrepreneurs – including Rooler.

“Restaurant owner and tech startup founder Gary Lang had launched a third-party, add-on program for restaurant point-of-sale systems that greatly enhanced the dynamics of reporting, analytics and forecasting for independent restaurateurs,” she said. “Lang heard about the BDC via word of mouth and was pleasantly surprised that his startup qualified for the incubation program and its subsequent success despite building a tech startup around the restaurant industry during a pandemic.”

W

16

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Three takeaways from Jess O'Brien

1

No Risk, No Reward. “Don’t leave yourself with ‘what-ifs.’ If you don’t act on it, someone else will for sure, and they’ll get paid for it,” she cautions.

When it comes to getting paid, O’Brien notes that if the financial risk is what is stopping you from running your own business, check out the CLIMB Fund.

“They are a not-for-profit state and federally certified Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) based in Charleston. In 2020 it wrote 42 new smallbusiness loans valued at $5.4 million, including the first ever in Beaufort.”

2 3

Invest in yourself. Investing in a good support team is instrumental in your success, she notes. “Even if you aren’t a tech startup, there are many local organizations focused on mentoring and providing assistance to small business owners, such as your local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary or related professional association groups.”

Be an agent of change. “Without change there can be no growth,” stresses O’Brien. “At the BDC, we’re continually working to engage entrepreneurs and professionals with new and exciting opportunities.

Sometimes this means adding a fun theme to an otherwise generic networking event. If you feel stuck in a rut with the same old ideas, find a few fellow brainstorming partners to get the creative juices flowing.”

Lang said Covid nearly killed his business, and if it weren’t for being in the incubator program, he would have dropped this project. Instead, as part of the BDC, Rooler now has a completed business plan and is primed for investor funding.

Before being named director, O’Brien served on the inaugural BDC Board of Directors from 20182020. “There is nothing more gratifying than watching legacies be built,” she said. And when it comes to her favorite productivity “hack,” she said investing in a great project management software is the ultimate time-saver – quickly pointing out that the secret is that it doesn’t really matter which software you use, the key is how you use it.

“My philosophy is the simpler, the better – I prefer to set up three lists labeled “To Do,” “Doing” and “Done” and sort tasks accordingly.” O’Brien also notes that one can create a free account with Trello, which has template project boards to get you started.

“My 2022 growth plan for the BDC includes expanding opportunities for women, minorities and diverse individuals, advancing on-mission programs, the addition of new member benefits and the expansion of space, staffing and talent development,” she said. Her personal growth plan entails mastering a new artistic endeavor, spending quality time with family and traveling abroad.

With her commitment to attracting, nurturing and promoting Beaufort’s technology entrepreneurs, and her passion for helping startups succeed, 2022 is sure to be the start of more great things ahead for technology here in the Lowcountry. ■

WE W EB BRING R I NG YOUR YOU R IDEAS I DE A S TO T O LIFE! L I F E!

G rill at X-Golf

Hilton

Head

G OF F TE EINle Starters reab

G rill at X-Golf

BR EA

Hilton

Sha A 11 chips. & SALS CHIPS tortilla salsa with OLE WITH GUACAM & fire roasted S 11 de guac chips. & CHIP tortilla QUESO ies. o dip with 12 fresh vegg white ques pita & VEGGIES Creamy PITA & , with toasted WITH HUMMUS a dollop of pesto ER* 14 with chips. topped APPETIZ & wonton E dip POK chickpea with soy TUNA e chips Smooth 13 Ahi tuna i-grade se, & pickl SLIDERS RGER Raw sush rican chee CHEESEBU onions, Ame ed diced ed white bun.

12 mayo.

PS with steam on a steam spicy rs WRA and slide LETTUCE ts, radish, 3 beef SHRIMP p, carro PICKLED pickled shrim Thai Chili 9 Sweet with GS (6) e: BBQ, s filled S WIN of sauc & Celery. ce wrap BONELES with choice h 2 lettu se or Ranc tossed crackers. st meat with Blue Chee se and RD 17 of brea ed SE BOA pimiento chee chunks lo & serv & CHEE Crispy or Buffa cheeses, TERIE se.

CHARCU o plus 2 hard melty chee ciutt 13 a, and & pros i, HOS crem , NAC a salam enos i, Geno gallo, jalap beef +2.5 Pepperon pico de ground of chips with chicken or sprinkle S 8 tortilla Add with a I ROLL Fresh i, topped PEPPERON pepperon marinara with ed with rolls stuff parm, served baked 5 fresh garlic & House-ma

Head

BA LL KF AS T

t, r day righ Start you le anytime! ilab but ava

9 ed PROTEIN s, Plant-bas . , Date cinnamon Strawberry a dash of with Banana, powder protein IE 9 SMOOTH -protein ENERGY Banana, High er. o, , Mang in powd Pineapple ns and prote gree S 6 OF BALL powdered BASKET with donuts r. hot mini mon suga Fresh, or cinna sugar

tors that -edge simula

cutting world’s elite your game on PLAY Hone the tee box at some of the 15 years of

THE LOWCOUNTRY’S NEWEST HOME FOR INDOOR GOLF

on than put you right ork of more on a framew other. Play with courses. Built golf experience unlike any on to 6, or join in R&D, it’s a virtual me, with a group of up the area fourso t the best in your family, a your mettle agains league play testing . and the nation ely precis a with TRAIN Along own of your swing engineered breakd technology, you tary through proprie from our expert advice can receive you a true Pro to give X-Golf’s on-staff Golf on the links. golfers competitive edge hundreds of their Pro has helped swing and crush dial in their handicap. your latest birdie n rounds, toast at The Turn Betwee eked out a bogey) wide range ENTERTAIN a friend who just favorites and (and razz your club of any sports bar, a full menu Grill, offering ils. Better than than 20 TVs or wine and cockta of craft beer, action on more on simulator catch the latest here you can of tv sports events ings, special action fe than-li , large gather enjoy largert for small groups t stop at 18 holes. screens. Perfec gs, at X-Golf the fun doesn’ events and meetin tor? X-Golf you hit the simula pro shop gear up before SHOP Need to a state-of-the-game, full-servicethe newest and gear from to hit the proudly offers of equipment ing you need with a full line everyth with club fitting Along offers custom names in golf.

Headyou’re swing When ready totary take your game to the X-Golf Hilton proprie ’s style, in X-Golf links based on d for you next level, or just have some fun with friends expertly tailore logy. analysis techno

DLE THE MID DOWN ice of side RIGHT fare with a cho rty

SID ES

NO NA

INK LIC DR LCO HO E

Hea .

CH 13 se, mayo SANDWI to, sliced chee CLUB TURKEY Romaine, Toma 14 n, WRAP cheddar, y, baco CHICKEN e with romaine, roast turke FRIED sauc BUFFALO d in buffalo dressing. . tosse or ranch chicken spicy mayo 17 cheese WRAP & blue mint, with SHRIMP cucumber & FRIED onions, SPICY y h. crisp P 15 and ranc Romaine, O WRA Swiss, p with AVOCAD onion, carrot, fried shrim cheese TURKEY red Crispy tomato, American GER 14 romaine, , pickle, SE BUR t onion avocado, CLUBHOU tomato, swee Turkey, e. ouse sauc romaine, enos. es with e made clubh 17 er patti ed jalap BURGER & hous h burg & pickl PIMIENTO nto cheese, Two smas relish, JALAPENO bacon, pimie tomato, 11 es with DOG mustard, er patti STYLE bun with h burg .

CHICAGO poppyseed y seed Two smas a , & celer dog on ard, eef hot ers, onion up, must na all-b e, sport pepp 9 al Vien from ketch pickl Tradition HOT DOG er dog: pick se. eef Kosh eno, chee an all-b , jalap ings to bread. t, onion own topp relish, krau d on rye CH 14 your grille DWI Add SAN sing ian dres REUBEN and Russ 14 r sauce.

Swiss, t, tarta ROLL & , rkrau SHRIMP ine, red onion beef, saue FRIED roma Corned 12 ed with p topp BASKET ard.

TENDER honey must fried shrim Crispy with CHICKEN tenders 14 e. y fried BASKET tail sauc 4 crisp SHRIMP or cock FRIED r sauce 12 with tarta KET e. shrimp 8 large FISH BAS with tartar sauc r, FRIED ed cucumbe ock serv 19 hadd carrots, BOWL* Fillet of edamame, POKE TUNA , avocado, side item) Ahi tuna (no . de mayo sushi-gra & spicy with raw, green onion, Sushi rice Sliced

FRIES CHIPS TORTILLA DAY OF THE VEGGIE D +2 SIDE SALA AR +2 SIDE CAES +4 FRIES LOADED e ask n, pleas made vega sides n can be All sides server for vega your

fried Crispy

S

COK E DIET COK ZERO COKE BEER ROOT MR. PIBB DE LEMONA SPRITE

CH ICAL PUN E TROP POWERAD ALE GINGER RED BULL TROPICAL RED BULL FREE SUGAR RED BULL

and family, experience X-Golf, Hilton Head’s professional indoor golf and dining venue

located in Tanger 2. Featuring six state-of-the-art golf simulator bays, a PGA Golf Pro, The Turn Grill, and an extensive pro shop,

nhead.com fhiltocountry is.xgol an entire club under one roof. | www 44 X-Golf

843-815-94 GAME AN CLUB-FI ALYSIS • LE SSONS TTINGS • PRO SHOP

s, ed meat undercook ase raw or may incre uming or eggs * Cons shellfish, s seafood, orne illnes poultry, of foodb your risk

Tanger 2 Island Rd. 1414 Fording Bluffton, SC 29910

FR A P R O FE N K O ’C C CO S S IO N O N N EL L A N D TR A L LE S S O N S A IN IN G

Do you

843-81

5-9444

| www. xg

olfhilton

head.co

m

Tan 1414 For ger 2 ding Bluffton, Island Rd. SC 299 10

have a relentles golf gam s drive e? Do you to improv potential? e your want to To develo develop your full p talent you nee in today’s d a ble nd of hum environ progre ment, an und ssive tec erstandin hnolog g and y you can further!

Shoot low lean on. er scores Look no and hav , hit bet e more ter sho Frank O’C fun. PG ts A Golf Pro onnell wil fes l sio ana inefficien nal lyze you cies. He r game will tak to find find the e out the your root cau comple se that xity and inconsiste makes nt. With a player techno the ble so logy and nding edg video ana e of X-G the too lys olf is, the ls to jum player p ahead will hav and ach e ieve the ir goals.

BEAUFORT • BLUFFTON • HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

17

FACES

Sophia Schade FROM HOME DEPOT’S FIRST-EVER WOMAN VICE PRESIDENT OF MERCHANDISING TO ONE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY’S TOP WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS.

BY ELLEN LINNEMANN Sophia Schade’s rise to become Home Depot’s first-ever female vice president of merchandising in 2001 is a true testament to her talent, tenacity – and take charge/”get it done” attitude. These attributes, as well as her passion for productivity, are just some of the things that have fueled her successful, high-profile career through the decades — and just some of the first things you’ll notice about Schade upon meeting her as she enjoys, and certainly makes the most of, retired life in the Lowcountry.

First recruited as a buyer by Home Depot’s Southwest division in Dallas in 1996, Schade was quickly promoted and, a year later, given responsibility of the Northeast region – Home Depot’s largest division. In 2001, she was promoted to VP of paint and décor for the entire company – Home Depot’s first-ever female VP, and a position that garnered attention both within the industry and throughout the country. Not only did a 2003 New York Times article refer to her as the “princess of paint” and highlight her role as “the world’s largest purchaser of paint,” but the article noted her leadership in the industry, writing “she can force whole companies to change their palettes; she just persuaded Disney to come out with a new line of paint aimed at children.”

Today Schade follows many of the same business leadership strategies that she used throughout her groundbreaking career at Home Depot (where she was responsible for $7 billion in sales), and later as a vice president at Sam’s Club (where

S

18

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Productivity tips from Sophia Schade

1

Maintain a sense of urgency.

“Get things done on time – and right the first time,” she says. “Make sure to level out your workload though, and don’t burn out.

And most importantly, stick to the ‘sundown rule’ – always call people back on the same day.”

2

Strive for excellence. “Add value to the organization by growing others who understand the work, live the philosophy and are happy to teach others. Be inclusive and embrace diversity.”

3

Don’t be afraid to take risks.

“Use reflection for both successes and failures, and create a counter measure to avoid the same mistakes again.”

she was known as the “fix it” VP.) Retired for the past seven years and now a resident of the picture-perfect Lowcountry, she has quickly put her passion and talents to work by engulfing herself in the world of nature photography. In less than four years she has gone from a beginner in the Sun City Photo Club to expert – sweeping the monthly competition programs faster than you can blink.

She is a regular contributor to the Bluffton Sun with her wildlife photos and accompanying stories. She also serves as a mentor at the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, where she is helping a new company get started.

Whether running multibillion-dollar corporate divisions, or advancing quickly in the world of wildlife photography, Schade points to the productivity techniques that have helped her throughout all phases of her career – and what she believes makes for a productive person.

“Have a road map and a plan, and stick to it,” she says. “Be open to make adjustments as necessary and focus on finishing the most important projects first. Equally as important, be able to anticipate roadblocks and have solutions for each scenario.” When it comes to how to hold productive meetings, Schade points out the importance of always having an agenda – and making sure everyone has it in advance so they can come to the meeting prepared. “Don’t allow anyone to railroad the meeting,” she stresses. “It’s okay to put things in the parking lot and come back to them. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say so and get the answer later.”

Schade also points out the important role delegation plays in being a good leader and offers some tips for being a good delegator. “First of all, the leader must love to teach others in order to be successful – and don’t delegate something if you have not done it yourself,” she says. “Make sure to allow enough time for the task to be done – and always have a check-in point so you can see the progress and give feedback.” And once you have taught them how to do something and they are great at it, she advises, “Let them go, let them fly, and let them surprise you.”

With her many notable achievements at Home Depot (including having initiated and orchestrated a strategy to enhance paint quality, resulting in #1 consumer paint rating by Consumer Reports magazine in 2003) and her trademark “get-it-done” attitude, Schade is the picture of a truly successful woman in business – and continues to paint a picture of productivity in everything she does. ■

Let ForeShore Manage Your Rental Property.

ForeShore is committed to helping local and out-of-area owners manage their property and get the best return on their investment.

MAXIMIZE RENTAL REVENUE THROUGH RENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE. Property management is perfect for busy business owners searching for qualified tenants and professional oversight of your property. Residential rentals mean dependable revenue, efficient rent collection, shorter vacancies, reliable maintenance repairs and less headaches for the property owner.

COMMERCIAL SERVICE ForeShore focuses on delivering tailored management and leasing solutions to help our clients create optimum and measurable outcomes. ForeShore’s boutique commercial business includes: • Commercial rental property marketing & leasing • Negotiating lease terms • Small Commercial Association Management • Commercial Space Management

843.815.2838

www.foreshorerentals.com Brian J. Tierney, PropertyQ1Manager in Charge 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

19

FACES

Alan Wolf FROM SUMMER JOB TO SPEARHEADING THE SERG RESTAURANT GROUP’S CONTINUED GROWTH

BY ELLEN LINNEMANN What started as a summer restaurant job on Hilton Head Island while a student at Miami University of Ohio turned into something far more over the past 22 years than Alan Wolf probably would have imagined.

As president of the SERG Restaurant Group, Wolf credits his success not only to his longtime love of the restaurant industry and commitment to providing the Lowcountry with “quality cuisine, exceptional service and genuine hospitality,” but to a strong work ethic gained in those early years of employment – including working at his very first job as a summer custodian with the local school system.

“As summer custodians, our job was to refinish classroom floors, scrape gum off the bottoms of desks, clean lights and other maintenance tasks to get the schools ready for the next year,” he recalls.

“I was working with union guys who took breaks twice as long as they were supposed to, and when I went back to work and left them in the breakroom, I remember getting in trouble for working too hard.”

That initial experience of being singled out for his hard work helped take him from early roles managing some of SERG’s restaurants (including general manager at Marley’s in 2003 and Frankie Bones in 2004) to key leadership positions throughout his decades-long career at SERG. Wolf oversees the group’s 16 locally owned and operated restaurants – which includes Nectar Farm Kitchen, Frankie Bones, Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta, Marley’s Shrimp & Burger Shack, The Black Marlin Bayside Grill, Holy Tequila Mexican Kitchen, One Hot Mama’s American Grill, Skull Creek Dockside, Poseidon, Charbar Co, Skull Creek Boathouse, The Rooftop and WiseGuys – as well as its to-go business with SERG Takeout Kitchen.

With 33 local partners across these restaurants, and more than 1,200 employees, SERG is one of Hilton Head’s largest employers and continues to grow at a strong pace.

W

20

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Alan Wolf’s tips for success

1 2 3

Prioritize what needs to be done and try not to over-promise on tight timelines. “I prefer to plan items into my calendar and spread out the timing of deliverables.”

Take care of any issues or problems immediately, before they turn into crises. “Keep a close eye out for any and all issues that can later turn into a bigger problem or crisis, from staffing issues to technology problems to anything affecting your particular industry, to prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.”

Treat your employees well — and show them how much they are appreciated. “As a manager at Marleys in 2003, I saw the partners Steve Carb, Tim Onorato and Rob Jordan buy Executive Chef Nick Unangst a Ford Expedition. It was a gesture of appreciation and thanks to him for getting Marleys on the right track – and I was amazed by the sincere appreciation that Chef Nick showed and the fact that I was working for a group of people who cared that much about taking care of their employees. Chef Nick went on to become a partner in nine restaurants and the backbone of our culinary program.

If it wasn’t for that day, he might have ended up going somewhere else rather than being an important part of our growth.”

Help make dreams come true.

The Wolf Pack

Alan Wolf and his wife, Laura, have six children ranging in ages from 3 to 12.

Wolf uses a Google calendar, and stays productive all day by “executing what is on the calendar for the day, addressing the emergencies that come up and planning for the future each day.” When it comes to making lists, he’s got a three-level system: Evernote online for longer term topics and initiatives, a spiral notebook for intermediate issues and a Field Notes pocket guide to take notes in the moment. He also points to delegation as being an important part of SERG’s success – as well as his own career growth. “We have leaders in every store with whom I work and trust to execute and a tremendous executive team and group of partners at the next level,” he notes. The father of six children ranging in ages from 3 to12, Wolf also notes that participating as a parent in all activities is “only possible with a truly amazing wife who keeps us all in our lanes.”

When he’s not working, Wolf’s hobbies include fishing, coaching kids in baseball and family time. And when it comes to what he might be doing if he hadn’t entered the restaurant industry more than 20 years ago, Wolf notes that “it would probably involve lots of variation and different business disciplines, as that is what I love about the restaurant business.” As for what he wanted to be growing up, Wolf recalls wanting to be president of the United States because “I felt like common sense, decency and hard work are the types of things citizens would appreciate.”

With his passion for the restaurant industry, proven leadership and longtime commitment to hard work, Wolf is certainly appreciated by both locals and visitors to our area – bringing great food, innovative dining experiences – and successful businesses – to life here in the Lowcountry. ■

Share your expertise in: Entrepreneurship • Accounting IT • Marketing Operations • HR Non-profit • Sales SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 270 chapters.

Entrepreneurs who work with a mentor are 5X more likely to start a business.

Small business owners who have three plus hours of mentoring report higher revenue.

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS NEED YOUR EXPERTISE.

VOLUNTEER TODAY!

www.sclowcountry.score.org FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR BUSINESS

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

21

ROUNDUP

Ready. Set. Goal!

HOW ORGANIZING AND PRODUCTIVITY GO HAND IN HAND

BY ELLEN FAYE

CLEAR YOUR SPACE Less is more: When you have too much stuff, you can’t find what’s important. Less is easier to handle. People keep things to make themselves feel better. It actually makes them feel worse.

A place for everything: The greatest benefit of having a place for everything is NOT that you know where to find something when you need it (though that is lovely), it’s so you have a place to put things so they are not cluttering up your physical and emotional space.

Start with a clean slate: When you start fresh, it’s much easier to make decisions. Start working each day with a clear desk, start cooking dinner with a clean kitchen, start figuring out what you need for your fall wardrobe by organizing your closet. Having old stuff makes everything harder.

22

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

TAKE TIME TO PLAN Ellen Faye is an ICF-certified coach, productivity leadership coach, professional organizer and entrepreneur who has had her own organizing and productivity company since 2001. Ellen is a NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) past national president and the NAPO 2019 Founder’s Award recipient.

Goals and intentions: What matters in your work and life? Take a few minutes and consider what goals you have for how you wish to live. Say yes to what supports you and no to everything else.

Weekly planning: Start your week by refreshing your to-do list. Prioritize your tasks into categories: Critical – must be done today, Hot – must be done this week, and Sooner and Later – because if it doesn’t need to be done this week, you can delay it to sooner or later.

Plan today’s work: Start each day with five minutes focused on determining your most important work for the day. Write it down on a sticky note and place it in your workspace so you can refer to it frequently.

This will keep you from going off task and help you recenter after interruptions.

The most important thing to remember, in both organizing and productivity, is that if everything is important, nothing is important. ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

23

ROUNDUP

Three productivity books worth reading There is no shortage of good books about productivity, so in the spirit of being productive, we have narrowed down your reading list to just three classics, for three completely different reasons.

GETTING THINGS DONE

By Dave Allen TIME magazine heralded it as “the defining self-help book of its time.” Getting Things Done® had become a work-life management system that enables greater performance, capacity and innovation and helps change that feeling of being overwhelmed to one of clarity and confidence.

SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

By Stephen Covey It has been over 25 years since this “bible of productivity” took the world by storm. Its terms “Be Proactive,” “Put First Things First,” “Think Win-Win,” “Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood,” “Synergize” and “Sharpen the Saw” have become so effective that they are registered trademarks.

Why we like it: This classic is not about being more productive at work, it is about being more effective at life. Our favorite habit is “Begin With the End in Mind.” What’s yours?

24

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Why we like it: Allen’s advice is not theoretical or aspirational, it is a system that works.

THE 4-HOUR WORK WEEK

By Timothy Ferriss The author gives the exact blueprint for creating a productivity and time management plan to create the lifestyle of your dreams and achieve financial freedom. He famously gave up the 9-5, 80-hour work weeks for a 4-hour work week and a significant pay raise.

Why we like it: We aren’t sure if a 4-hour work week is really achievable (we have yet to meet anyone who has done it, though millions have read the book,) but we find it aspirational. It’s all right to dream!

CAG Local Life Biz 121621.qxp_Layout 1 12/17/21 11:03 AM Page 1

D E S I G N E D T O I N S P I R E A N E W G E N E R AT I O N O F L E A R N I N G .

2021 Lighthouse Award Winner Light Commercial Category

A concourse of classrooms and common areas that connect without traditional hallways. Two levels of contemporary lighting, three-dimensional ceiling features and expansive windows. Plus a bright, natural interior palette with innovative Eagle-gold accents.

The sum of these design elements is collaborative learning and unlimited discovery.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN

| HILTON HEAD • BLUFFTON • SAVANNAH

courtatkins.com | 843.815.2557

ROUNDUP

Focus on productivity

CEO SECRETS TO SUCCESS

BY LESLIE T. SNADOWSKY

Striving to be productive takes more than just hanging a Vince Lombardi motivational poster in your office. You need to focus on how best to focus, and these five CEOs have cornered the market in finding ways to make their productivity soar. From reinvention to employee empathy to getting enough sleep, these tips can help reenergize your business and leadership and inspire your employees to reach new productive heights.

S

Unconventional Tips PUPPY LOVE A Virginia Commonwealth University study found going to work with your dog leads to less stress, more job satisfaction and the belief that your employer is the cat’s meow. The study finds furry friends at work are a “low cost wellness benefit.”

SATYA NADELLA CEO of Microsoft Corp.

KATHRYN MINSHEW CEO and co-founder of The Muse

Tip: “Reinvent productivity to empower every person and every organization on the planet to do more and achieve more.”

Takeaway: Nadella oversees more than 180,000 employees and $160 billion in revenue, so he may be on to something here. His vision of reinventing productivity is to increase efficiency, simplify operations and improve customer interactions by streamlining applications and creating seamless user experiences. Unifying systems across your business will let efficient employees spend less time aggregating and organizing data and more time focusing on resourceful company growth and customer engagement.

Tip: “Understanding your employee’s perspective can go a long way towards increasing productivity and happiness.”

Takeaway: Minshew’s career platform has more than 75 million users, and her business was named one of Fast Company’s 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World. Her advice to invest in finding out how your employees think about your company, what they want from their job and how they feel about working for you can help you engage in strategies to keep your workforce focused, impassioned and success-oriented.

26

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

CHOCOLATE BREAK Forget sneaking out of your cubicle to take a coffee or a smoke break. Munching on dark chocolate at the office can give your gray matter a boost. You can blame the phenomenon on its flavonoids that facilitate blood flow to your brain.

MELLOW YELLOW? Don’t fall prey to the blues or the mean reds at work. Instead, paint your office a bright shade of yellow. Several studies show the cheery hue suppresses melatonin, a.k.a. the sleep hormone, and basking in its golden glow gives you energy that helps you stay productive longer.

NAKED FRIDAYS Your HR department will probably frown upon baring it all, but according to a business psychologist in England, stripping down on the job has positive effects on employees. An executive exposé revealed working in the buff bred honesty and encouraged unclad coworkers to be more trusting of one another.

T c r h

Ca

JACK DORSEY CEO of Twitter and Square

ROSALIND BREWER CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA)

Tip: “On Monday I focus on management….

Tuesday is focused on product.

Wednesday is marketing and communication and growth.

Thursday is focused on developers and partnerships, and Friday is the company and culture and recruiting.

Saturday I take off. I hike. Sunday is reflection, feedback and strategy.”

Takeaway: Perfecting and practicing a winning routine can keep a leader and a workforce focused on productivity. Managing more than $13 billion in assets and keeping up with more than a billion Twitter account holders means creating innovative ways to micromanage time schedules, assigning tasks of winning themes, staying organized and diminishing distractions. If you can keep on track, it clears a faster path to reach a goal.

Tip: “I’m so much more productive when I get sleep.”

Takeaway: Brewer, who manages 450,000 employees at the Walgreens conglomerate and is the third Black woman to run a Fortune 500 company, said pre-COVID she slept only four hours a night. But an unintended benefit of the pandemic meant more control of her schedule and more time to catch up on zzzz’s. According to The Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation causes neurons to work overtime, impairs thinking and slows your reflexes, which makes it easier to make mistakes, become forgetful, stressed out and unproductive.

KEVIN SYSTROM Co-Founder and former CEO of Instagram Tip: “If you don’t want to do something, make a deal with yourself to do at least five minutes of it. After five minutes, you’ll end up doing the whole thing.”

Takeaway: Procrastination is the root of all business evil, especially when your business is projected to have 1.2 billion monthly users by 2023. Focusing on taking instant action is the first step to achieving productivity. Think of procrastination as self-sabotage, and use the proclivity to stir you to action.

Next time you procrastinate, think about famed artist Pablo Picasso who said, “Only put off until tomorrow what you’re willing to die having left undone.”

Take your conference room to a higher level Since 1996 Custom Audio Video has been the best choice in quality, design, and service for reliable audio-video, lighting and shades for conference meeting rooms. Contact us about tech solutions for your business or organization, and overcome your AV challenges.

Call. Click. Or Come In.

YEARS

OF EXCELLENCE

www.custom-audio-video.com (843) 815-5130 48 Pennington Dr, Suite B+ |LocalBizSC.com Bluffton, SC27 Q1 2022

ROUNDUP

The problem with busy culture in the workplace IT REALLY ONLY WORSENS THE PROBLEM THAT IT PROMISES TO SOLVE

BY HANNAH MASSEN

Once upon a time, the reward for hard work was time off. People would strive to maximize their leisure time, whether that meant setting work aside on the weekends or earning more vacation days. But the tables turned somewhere along the way. Ask anyone how they are, and more often than not you’ll hear some variation of “I’m so busy,” almost as if busy is a synonym for good or fine.

If it seems like the people in your office don’t just work to live but live to work, you’re not alone.

Business is seen as prestigious across most fields and industries, partially because the media portrays those who hustle as successful. We place a higher value on those who have demonstrated motivation, endurance and drive, especially in the business world. So it’s no wonder you (or your employees) feel like you need to be in an executive position, have a side hustle, and head up the PTA just to keep pace. It suggests that you’re in demand.

But in reality, busy culture only worsens the problems that it promises to solve. When workers spread themselves too thin, it actually decreases their overall productivity. They might be so caught up in answering emails and commuting between committee meetings that they go another day without tackling that major project. And it’s the always-on mentality that leads to burnout.

So, what’s the solution?

Like most corporate cultures, busy culture starts at the top – but the opposite also can be true. There’s no overnight fix, but these three strategies can help leaders improve their productivity, retention and employee-satisfaction rates.

O

28

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

1

MAKE A WORK-LIFE BALANCE POSSIBLE Many people feel like they don’t have the means or ability to get away from the office, but some employers are looking to change that. Wellness programs are gaining in popularity, and many companies are ready and willing to sign their employees up for gym subscriptions, set them up with a standing desk, or subsidize programs that can help them address less-than-stellar health habits.

Some even offer rewards ranging from $10 to $500 for completing “healthy tasks,” like getting a flu shot or competing in a triathlon. Others compensate their workers for attending professional development programs, off-site training or pursuing higher education. Some companies go so far as to offer unlimited vacation days or four-day workweeks, giving people the time and space they need to take breaks and come back to work refreshed and ready to hit the ground running.

2

ALLOW YOUR EMPLOYEES TO FOCUS ON THEIR CORE COMPETENCIES We all need a favor every once in a while, but if you continually ask your social media manager to assist with event planning, copywriting or reviewing monthly sales reports, your Instagram feed will start to look sparse.

Employees are typically more productive when they’re allowed to focus on their responsibilities rather than taking on tasks that are out of their purview, but they feel like they can’t say no. If your employees are struggling to keep up with their core contributions because of other projects, then it might be time to make some new hires.

3

REWARD RESULTS INSTEAD OF WORKLOAD

“Busy culture only worsens the problems that it promises to solve.

When workers spread themselves too thin, it actually decreases their overall productivity.”

There also will be times when your team needs to come in on the weekend to meet a tight deadline (provided that coffee and bagels are provided, of course). But incentivizing working overtime will cause your staff to drive themselves to exhaustion. Instead of offering overtime pay, encourage your employees to set clear boundaries by rewarding results over workload. For example, if an employee makes a major sale or lands a new partnership for your business, go ahead and give them a bonus. But if you imply that it’s ok – if not encouraged – to be answering emails at 8 o’clock at night with overtime pay, that discourages employees from taking the time they need to recharge.

The thought of eliminating busyness from your company culture may seem counterintuitive when your goal is to build a high-performing team. But when you focus on effectiveness over efficiency and balance over workload, your business will ultimately be more productive. ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

29

ROUNDUP

Tools of the trade

OFFICE ALTERATIONS AND INNOVATIONS

BY LESLIE T. SNADOWSKY

How did we ever function at the office before email and Zoom?

We did, for centuries, but now we just do things better. Modernday technological advances have increased productivity and security at offices around the globe, and it seems like every day we have to learn more (to do less) to keep up and keep going faster. Here’s a throwback flashback of what life was like when hardware like mail, landline phones, faxes, rolodexes and file cabinets were king and why we’re better off without them today.

H

MAIL VS. EMAIL The United States Post Office traces its roots back to 1775.

The Pony Express delivered mail in 10 days from New York to San Francisco back in 1860; and Fed-Ex became the ultimate game-changer in 1971 by making overnight delivery in the U.S. a reality. But it was electronic mail that revolutionized communications forever, enabling large amounts of information to be sent immediately, in or out of the office, at any time of day.

In 2020 more than 306 billion business emails were sent daily, and according to HubSpot, the top free email service providers include Gmail, AOL, Outlook, Yahoo! Mail, iCloud Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird and Yandex Mail.

30

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

PHONE VS. ZOOM If you’re still hung up on the switch from rotary to push-button phones, you’ve got to dial in to modern video teleconference tools.

Imagine what Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone and placed the first call on March 10, 1876, would say about Zoom, which became a billion-dollar unicorn company in 2017. It sure makes the old three-way call seem like sending smoke signals.

DGI Communications ranks the top software platforms that bring efficiency and transparency to video teleconferencing and includes Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, Skype for Business, ezTalks Meetings, StarLeaf and Cisco Webex.

FILE CABINETS VS. CYBERSECURITY SOFTWARE

ROLODEX VS. CONTACT APPS These rolling indexes reached their heyday in the 1980s where some were kept under lock and key in fear of disgruntled associates physically swiping them to profit off your hard-earned contacts.

Now you can keep all your contact information (and all the extras you used to pencil in) all in one place on your Android or iOS phone. Tom’s Guide says you can spend less time looking for contacts and more time connecting when using Contacts+, Covve, Cloze Relationship Management, Groups, Sync.Me, Cardhop, Contacts Sync Pro, A2Z Contacts, CircleBack and CamCard.

They weighed a ton and guarded your most sensitive office data. And if someone wanted to steal your info, they had to break into your office and dig into your file cabinet drawers.

Now that most sensitive business information is stored online, a cybersecurity system is integral for any growing office vulnerable to hackers from all around the globe. Software World advocates encryption and says to invest in security software and tools from SiteLock, Heimdal CORP, WebTitan, Teramind and AppTrana.

FAX VS. ONLINE FAX Whether you called it facsimile, telecopying or telefax, who didn’t marvel when sending their first fax, watching a bulky machine transmit your printed info to a receiver’s device at a page a minute? Fast-forward to today, and you can ditch the fax, scanner and printer in favor of online fax services accessed through a web portal, your email or a mobile or desktop app. They can handle graphics-heavy information and offer digital signature tools. PCMag recommends Fax. Plus, HelloFax, RingCentral, SRFax, eFax, FaxZero, iFax, mFax, MyFax, MetroFax, Biscom 1-2-3 and Nextiva vFAX. ■

Tiny tools, big impact Paper clips have become an indispensable office staple since their debut in the 1870s. The world’s largest paper clip can be found in Miass, Russia, and measures more than 30 feet, 5 inches long and 8 feet, 11 inches wide. It was unveiled in May 2010 and weighs 1,168.45 pounds.

Rubber band balls are proudly displayed on many desks around the nation, except the world’s largest one that’s comprised of 700,000 rubber bands of all sizes and weighs 9,032 pounds. It was created in Lauderhill, Florida, in November 2008 and has been dubbed the “Megaton.”

Old-school office workers still keep sharpened pencils in their top drawers. But this one won’t fit. Showcased in Samer, France, in October 2017, the 3,582-foot, 7.73-inch pencil was made out of graphite and recycled polystyrene, which made it bendable.

For those who like to sign their contracts with fancy, schmancy pens, this stylus makes a stylish impression. The world’s most expensive pen, “La Modernista Diamonds,” was crafted in Geneva and was on sale in Harrods in London in 1999 for $265,000. The rhodium-coated solid silver pen is pave-set with 5,072 diamonds and has an 18-karat gold pen point.

Source: Guinness World Records.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

31

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

Why meetings kill productivity (and what to do about it)

BY HANNAH MASSEN

Have you ever left a meeting and thought, “What a waste of time. I could have been getting my work done!”

If the answer is yes, you’re certainly not alone. A study from MIT Sloan Management Review found that while meetings take up an ever-increasing amount of employees’ and executives’ time, only 50 percent of meeting time is effective, wellused and engaging. That number is even lower for remote meetings.

And get this: An ineffective meeting can derail productivity even after it’s over. The same article details something called “meeting recovery syndrome,” in which attendees lose work time while they mentally recover from a bad meeting.

While meetings are useful for collaborating on projects and getting everyone on the same page, excessive and poorly run meetings can have significantly negative effects on your coworkers’ productivity and motivation. So if your attendees are visibly daydreaming during your 2 o’clock check-ins, try these strategies for running more productive meetings.

H

KNOW WHEN IT CAN BE SENT IN AN EMAIL The first step to holding more productive meetings is knowing when you don’t need to have one at all. Before you send out an invitation, ask yourself:

An ineffective meeting can derail productivity even after it’s over.

32

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Is the matter urgent or time-sensitive?

Am I looking for discussion, ideas or input from multiple sources?

Are we meeting about a project that hasn’t been kicked off yet?

Does the meeting have a clear agenda?

Is there enough time to prepare for this meeting?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, schedule a meeting. If not, send it in an email. Yes, it’s that simple.

HAVE AN AGENDA AND STICK TO IT Few things are more irksome than meetings that get wildily off track, ending with the creative and sales teams locked in a roundabout argument that takes up time allotted for your presentation. Or worse, meeting invitations that are sent without a clear title or agenda, leaving attendees wondering why they were invited at all.

Don’t be the person who schedules these meetings. Include your agenda in the invitation so people can determine whether they really need to be there and, if not, decline the meeting or suggest someone else. Your agenda might only have one item, and that’s fine! Just make sure you stick to your list of action-items or topics so the people who do attend know what to expect and when to chime in.

MAKE IT HARD TO ZONE OUT Meetings aren’t only more productive when participants are engaged, but they’re more memorable too. People are less likely to forget what their coworkers talked about when they’re part of the dialogue instead of scrolling through Facebook.

Laptops and phones should be off the table, except for the person who’s taking notes. For every screen in the room, there’s at least one other person glancing at it while their neighbor shops online. Actively facilitate the meeting by asking different people to share their thoughts. At first, you might feel like that teacher who calls on the kids in the back row, but the more perspectives you bring to the table, the better your conversation will be.

END ON A HIGH NOTE If you see people shifting in their seats or glancing at the clock every minute, that’s your cue to wrap things up. The goal is to make it through your most important agenda items, then end before everyone checks out. Take a moment to recap the highlights of the meeting, remind people of upcoming deadlines, then pause for any last questions and comments. Make sure that Q&A time is built into your schedule so your last “Oh, and one more thing” doesn’t cut into people’s lunch break. ■

Looking for a Sign?

Take advantage of the opportunity to be part of one of our Business Growth Programs!

To see which of our programs can help you, call us today 843-540-0405 Or Visit: www.donryancenter.com

.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

33

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

Mindfulness over matter

HOW PRACTICING MINDFULNESS CAN IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE

BY CANDACE BLAIR

34

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Imagine arriving at work clear-headed, focused and full of energy, overflowing with creative ideas and inspiration.

It is a beautiful concept, especially at a time when we are faced with so many additional, external challenges, repetitive activities and exceedingly long work days, giving ourselves only limited time for self-care and personal wellness. However, if you’re like most people, it’s likely that you prioritize your own well-being far below the demands of work and home life, which can result in heightened stress levels, lack of clarity, sluggish energy and, far too often, lower than hoped for productivity.

There is a direct link between mental well-being and productivity in the workplace. Mindfulness meditation is increasingly seen as a way to improve a number of

I

factors associated with productivity. The best, and easiest, part? Setting aside time, even if only two or three minutes a day, can completely change your perspective and attitude and boost productivity both in the workplace and in your everyday life.

The most common comment I hear when I discuss the power of meditation is, “I have tried, but I can’t meditate” or “I can’t shut off my mind, there is too much to think about,” or simply, “meditation doesn't work for me.” Believe me, I understand. And trust me, it’s time to change your mindset – and discover the benefits of mindfulness.

In my case, bringing a short daily practice into my life not only energized my spirit, but made me 100 percent better at my job, more present in my relationships and more conscious of my personal health. It can do the same for you.

■ Connect with nature/grounding: Take a silent mindful walk on the beach or thorough a park, taking note of each foot connecting with the earth and matching your breath with your movement.

■ Intention setting: On waking up, sit for two or three minutes and simply close your eyes and set an intention for the day. Then breathe long and deep, in and out through your nose. Your intention can be anything: Clarity, Patience, Love, Joy, Strength, Power, Victory, Success, Commitment, whatever inspires you on the day.

Here are my top 7 Quick Meditation Options to use mindfulness to enhance both your productivity and your overall quality of life.

■ Quick de-stress: Sit in a chair, feet on the floor and spine straight, close your eyes and simply breath in, in two segments through your nose (one breath, two distinct parts), exhale out the nose in four segments (one breath, four distinct parts.)

■ Heart opener: Sit comfortably, eyes closed with a straight spine, and simply inhale deeply through your nose. As you exhale, chant La-La-La-La until all the air is gone. Repeat 5-10 times. Hold your hands over your chest to feel your own healing vibration.

■ Connect above & below: Sit comfortably, floor or chair, straight spine and close your eyes. Visualize sending a root down from the base of the spine and connecting it to Mother Earth. Then visualize a tree sprouting branches from the crown of the head, reaching up to the heavens. Visualize pulling energy up from the earth and down from source and then let those energies meet and mix at the heart.

Keep in mind that meditation doesn’t have to be silent, sitting down for extended periods of time to be beneficial – and you don’t have to escape to the top of a mountain to shift the brain waves from Beta (thinking mind) to Theta (dreamlike, meditative) state necessary for calming, clearing and integration. There are a multitude of ways one can meditate using words (mantra), finger movements (mudra), breath work (pranayama), movement and music (sound healing). ■

■ Quick energy boost or quick calm down: Right nostril breathing: Sit comfortably, close your eyes and close off your left nostril. Breathe in and out deeply from right nostril for two or three minutes. This will bring in powerful “sun energy.”

It’s best in the morning or when you need a quick energy boost.

Left nostril breathing: Sit comfortably, close your eyes and close off the right nostril. Breathe in and out deeply from the left nostril for two or three minutes. This will quickly calm the nervous system.

Best right before bed or after a fiery encounter.

■ Sound healing: Come to a local Sound Healing session where all you have to do is lie back and receive the healing vibrations of ancient bowls, bells and gongs. It is incredibly relaxing and can take you from beta to theta in 30-60 seconds, improving circulation and helping you to release blocked or stale energy.

CANDACE BLAIR is the founder of Soul Fire Social, a platform for sharing experiences about the ancient teachings of Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Vibrational Sound Healing, Shamanic Reiki and Ceremonial Cacao with the community. For more information about how to use mindfulness meditation to enhance workplace productivity, visit soulfiresocial.com

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

35

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

Outsourcing can have negative connotations such as jobs moving offshore, leaving Americans out of work or trying to communicate complex issues with people who are not fluent in English. However, outsourcing back-office services to small business experts in the Lowcountry can save time, stress and money from startup through sunset of your business.

Most business owners don’t know how to fix their own problems without getting themselves into financial or legal trouble because they don’t know what they don’t know.

Brian Esposito, owner of Esposito Construction, realized that he would benefit from outsourcing. “I’m not the person to review HR and compliance requirements. It’s not my focus or expertise.”

“Outsourcing” is hiring an external contractor to perform a function where you, the employer, don’t have expertise.

Common areas that small business owners farm out are IT, accounting and bookkeeping, web design, marketing and human resources.

O

36

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Growing businesses benefit from having a strong back office, but they can’t afford to hire and support full-time employees who don’t increase their bottom line. This lack of structure behind the scenes slows momentum and limits their growth potential. However, it is affordable to outsource the work to someone with expertise when you can pick up the phone and call about a problem.

Many growing companies in the Lowcountry take advantage of contracted experts. Stoneworks, a stone fabricator in Beaufort, outsources several key back-office functions.

“The main benefits are access to key talent and experts who are accomplished in their fields. You can’t justify putting them on the payroll, and you can access their time and talent for a fraction of the cost.” said Andy Johnson, Stoneworks CEO. Base-line cost saving is the main reason most employers subcontract, and for good reason. In our competitive market, businesses are looking for ways to cut operating costs and increase their value margin.

Outsourcing jobs … an answer?

BY HIRING A TEMP, IT AFFORDS YOU THE FLEXIBILITY DURING A LABOR CRUNCH

BY LINDA KLINGMAN How will you know if outsourcing is right for your business?

Think of this: ■ Do you spend many evenings doing paperwork?

■ Do you wish you had more time for the business that you’re in?

■ Are you stressed about the things that you don’t know?

LINDA KLINGMAN is the owner of HRCoastal, a company that delivers HR and organizational development outsourcing, consulting and training for small- to mediumsized businesses. Learn more at hrcoastal.com

One method is to outsource and/or replace an expensive existing role. With the increase in the use of technology and the upswing in remote work, outsourcing becomes an attractive option that saves money.

Hiring temps is also a form of outsourcing that provides flexibility during a labor crunch. Your business can staff up when extra help is needed without the financial commitment of hiring extra employees. After the rush is over, you can switch back to your core in-house team. And if you like a particular temporary employee, you can arrange for a temp-to-perm hire.

Business owners benefit from farming out work to top talent in the field. Subcontracted service providers should be experts in process, quality and delivery. They map out business processes and analyze which outsourcing model fits your business. You, the customer, are at the center of the processes. Having an expert who is only a phone call away is a calming force when you have a tax question, IT or public relations disaster, or a government auditor at your door. Their expertise also can help you avoid lawsuits.

If these questions keep you awake at night, it’s time to avoid the fear, uncertainty and doubt — and possibly look to outsource.

Gabriel Aho, owner of Selectric, an electrical contractor in Beaufort, prefers outsourcing because it “provides access to a higher level of professional in an area where we don’t have resources.”

In addition, outsourcing frees up your time and focuses on more value-added functions. When back-office tasks are outsourced, your key resources and energy can be maximized. You can focus on building and developing customer relationships and increasing sales while providing the best customer experience possible. If your subcontracting arrangement doesn’t work out, you can cancel the contract and avoid downsizing permanent staff, which demoralizes both the affected employees and the surviving staff who wait for the other shoe to fall.

Industries aren’t static. Change is always around the corner, and you must be ready to adapt. Because subcontracting mitigates risk by ensuring that core functions are accomplished, managers and employees can laser focus on new business strategies. This security makes outsourcing attractive.

Now, more than ever, there is a need to help businesses achieve growth, and there are true global markets to satisfy.

Outsourcing may be your key to success. ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

37

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

Only two things are inevitable – death and taxes AT LEAST YOU CAN ENSURE A LESS PAINFUL TAX TIME

Prepared with expert advice from Patel & Chester, in partnership with LISA PEACOCK of The Bluffton Bookkeeper and Motley Fool.

For small business owners, preparing taxes is akin to going to the dentist – a necessary evil. To help alleviate some of that pain, we reached out to experts for their advice. Lisa Peacock of The Bluffton Bookkeeper says, “Tax time doesn’t have to be a last-minute panic or stressful if some basic preparation is done in advance. It’s the kind of thing that if you spend a little time planning, you save a lot of time scrambling later.” Here are five things you can do to prepare for the inevitable:

F

Find out when you have to do various tax-related actions For most people April 15 is the date that sticks in their mind for when they have to have their individual tax returns done. But for small businesses, deadlines can depend on what type of business you have and how you've chosen to set it up for legal purposes.

Tips on common tax deadlines: ■ If your small business is set up as an S corporation or a partnership, your tax return is generally due on March 15.

■ Small businesses that are sole proprietorships, single-member limited liability companies or C corporations, their tax deadline is April 15.

Get all the tax forms you'll need The specific tax forms you'll need depend a lot on the particular business entity you've chosen to use for your small business.

Each type of business needs slightly different forms, but the general idea is the same: Returns typically include a summary page that offers a high-level look at your tax picture, with supporting schedules and attachments to dig into more detail and provide more granular information.

Tips on the most common tax forms you'll need: ■ Sole proprietorships use Form 1040, especially Schedule C, to report business income and expenses.

■ C corporations file on Form 1120.

■ S corporations use a special Form 1120-S from the IRS. ■ Partnerships must complete Form 1065 and then provide each partner’s own personal Schedule K-1.

38

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Collect your business records relating to income The IRS wants to know how much income your small business has brought in, and the tax agency has independent ways to verify the numbers you report. Therefore, it's critical not only to provide correct information, but also to be able to document it.

What's acceptable for documentation differs by jurisdiction and the type of income involved, but you'll want to have it available in case you're audited.

Pro tips on business income records: ■ You'll want to have records of your gross receipts from sales of goods or services.

■ If you've received goods back as returns and had to issue refunds, then separate documentation is useful to make sure you don't count the money you had to give back as taxable income.

■ Don't forget about any interest or investment income from financial accounts you own in the name of your business.

Get documentation for business expenses Many lucrative tax breaks are available to small businesses, but you typically have to be able to prove that you qualify for them. Sometimes you'll have to submit that evidence to tax agencies in order to claim your tax benefit, while in other cases it's sufficient for you to have it available. Receipts are sometimes sufficient to document expenses.

Pro tips on common small-business expenses: ■ Many expenses, such as insurance, overhead costs, supplies, utilities and professional fees, don't involve a lot of extra documentation.

■ With some tax breaks, though, a lot more information is needed. Those include the home-office deduction, transportation, meals and small-business health insurance.

■ Checking with a tax professional quarterly to see if you're capitalizing on all available tax breaks can be extremely lucrative.

Pro tips on 1099s and other information returns ■ Anyone with workers in their business will need either Form W-2 for employees or Form 1099-NEC for independent contractors. These forms tell workers about their income and allowed deductions.

■ In some cases there are minimum amounts below which you won't have to file an information return. For instance, if you make payments to an attorney, you don't have to file a 1099-NEC form unless the amount you paid is $600 or more.

Send out any required information returns, and ensure you receive the ones you need Small businesses have to report certain information to the IRS. For instance, anyone with employees has to provide W-2 forms to each employee by the end of January, with copies going to the IRS and state and local tax officials.

In addition, small businesses often receive information returns from other parties they do business with for items such as paying interest on loans, rent on rental property or fees for services provided by outside professionals.

For most small businesses, tax preparation is not complicated, but it is complex and requires attention to detail, an understanding of what is required by the IRS and good documentation. Filing taxes really is like going to the dentist in that you can brush your own teeth, but a professional makes sure your oral health is taken care of. Similarly, you can prepare your own taxes, but a professional makes sure your financial health is strong. The experts at Patel & Chester and The Bluffton Bookkeeper offer a “health checkup” for your accounting and tax preparation needs: just call 843-524-1200. ■

Invest in Your Hair. It’s The Crown You Never Take Off.

2 Marshland Road, Unit 3, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843.682.4247 terrashairstudio.com Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

39

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

Work smarter, not harder THE FIVE PRODUCTIVITY APPS THAT HAVE SPARED US HUNDREDS OF EMAILS

40

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Who said spending time on your phone was a bad thing? We usually associate apps with distraction (we’re looking at you, Instagram), but productivity apps are excellent tools for time management, collaboration and organization. Whether you need to get in touch with your team, keep track of your to-do list, or get work done on the go, there really is an app for that. ■

W

Download our five favorite productivity apps to maximize your time.

Trello Trello is a project-management app that makes managing projects less stressful. Break down big projects by creating “cards” for every task, and drag and drop cards into different columns depending on their order or status. You also can assign a group member and deadline to each card, which takes the hassle out of keeping track of who’sdoing-what on paper.

Slack If GroupMe earned its Ph.D., it would be Slack. This group messaging app for professionals makes it easy to get in touch with your team instantly, saving you hours spent waiting for a new email to come through. With Slack all of your communications are neatly organized into different “channels,” which group members can jump into and out of easily.

Hootsuite Social media is one of the most effective tools for engaging with your client base, but creating posts and responding to comments take a lot of time and effort. That’s where Hootsuite comes in, an app that allows you to view and update all of your social pages in one place.

Toggle Toggle is a free time-tracking app that makes it easy to keep tabs on how you’re spending your time. Logging the amount of time you’ve spent on projects and tasks makes it easy to track your billable hours.

Calendly This artificial-intelligence-led productivity app makes it easier than ever to make a plan and stick to it.

With Calendly you can allow anyone to schedule a meeting with you without having to worry about double-booking because the app will protect you from accepting any meetings that are scheduled at the same time. You also can view your schedule in manageable blocks, making it easier to focus on the task at hand.

ACTIVE WEALTH MANAGEMENT TAILORED FINANCIAL PLANNING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS

somersetadvisory.com | (843) 473-4266 200 Carteret Street, Suite 205, Beaufort SC 29902 Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

41

SALES & MARKETING

Social media primer TOOLS AND TIMESAVERS Time-management experts estimate small businesses spend over an hour a day on social media, which can add up to over two weeks a year. While social media is important, it can be a time-suck. Fortunately, there are a number of tools and tricks that allow you to save time by automating your scheduling and listening. For example, in one sitting you can prepare your posts for the following week, month or even year, including images and, in many cases, hashtags.

Social media listening is different than social media tracking. HubSpot offers these definitions: Social media tracking often is referred to as social-media monitoring. It entails identifying and responding to mentions of your brand on social media via comments, direct messages and more. Social media tracking is the first step in the process of understanding what your audience thinks and says about your brand.

T

Social Listening is a great way to keep tabs on what customers and prospects have to say about your business, product/ service, content, support and more.

42

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Social Listening is a great way to keep tabs on what customers and prospects have to say about your business, product/ service, content, support and more.

It entails monitoring your brand's social media profiles for customer feedback, direct mentions of your brand and any conversations with relevant keywords, topics, competitors or industries. This is followed by an analysis of that information. Any resulting conclusions will help you determine the best ways to improve your social media strategy, brand awareness and social presence.

The good news is that social media does not need to take as much of your time as it does because scheduling and listening can be automated. Smart use of technology not only saves time, it provides reports and learning that make your social media more effective. Winner winner. ■

Here is a handy-dandy comparison of our two favorite tools :

Platforms

Buffer

Hootsuite

Facebook

Facebook

Instagram

lnstagram

Twitter

Twitter

LinkedIn

LinkedIn

Pinterest

Pinterest You Tube

Analytics and extensions Nice features

Basic content analytics and Chrome extension

In-depth social reports and Chrome extension

The free plan is good enough for many small businesses

Excellent social listening tools

Great financial roots start with great financial records.

We are excited to announce the merger of The Bluffton Bookkeeper with Patel & Chester to bring you a complete accounting experience from start to finish. Rest assured we have your complete satisfaction in mind and want each of our clients to feel like they’ve gained a workforce holding up their company’s financial goals!

• Individual Tax Consulting Services • Business Tax Consulting Services • Auditing Attestation Service • Remote and onsite local bookkeeping and business management services.

• Set up their accounting file and educate them on streamlined workflows, reconciliations and reviews.

• One on one classes as well as small group seminars.

• Support and trouble-shooting services when you just need a one-time or couple of times answer as you’re going through your day to day operations.

• Clean up and catch up services.

A Local Expert in the QuickBooks™ ONLINE Platform you can depend on.

843.524.1200 blufftonbookkeeper.com beaufortcpa.com Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

43

SALES & MARKETING

JUNK MAIL? THINK AGAIN!

Take the junk out of junk mail EDDM IS EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT

BY BARRY WILSON When’s the last time your business used direct mail to attract customers? Chances are, it wasn’t very recently.

In fact, just about the only companies that have gone out of their way to keep direct mail as a core component of their marketing initiatives are Fortune 500s.

Why? Because for many small businesses, email marketing serves the same purpose and at a much lower cost, if not free. But it does have drawbacks of its own; namely how easily it can be ignored, with recipients being able to delete your marketing message without ever even seeing it.

Because of this disposability of email marketing, direct mail is resurging as a viable marketing option for small businesses — more specifically, the option of Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®) via the United States Postal Service (USPS).

W

44

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

The idea of “junk mail” is something that has long been a burden on direct mail campaigns. In the ’80s and ’90s direct mail advertising was the premier way to put your marketing message in front of customers.

Far too many companies jockeyed for face time through the mailbox, leading to mountains of advertisements that inadvertently trained consumers to ignore them.

Today junk mail is far less prolific and more often than not, the advertisements in our mailboxes are from local businesses we know, with more sophisticated targeting toward our interests. As a result, we spend a few more crucial seconds looking at mail before we decide what to do with it.

Contrast that with the near instantaneous disposal of junk mail.

Direct mail advertising is primed for a comeback (and already reinventing itself!), with the caveat that marketers need to learn from the mistakes of past decades.

Some of the lessons learned include: ■ Creating a clear, concise, and feasible call to action. Incorporating websites, QR codes and apps make it easy for marketers to lead potential customers to more information or special offers through their smartphones.

■ Using variable data printing to engage customers right from the get-go. “Our neighbor” might seem like a nice salutation, but it reminds customers they’re not being viewed as an individual, just as a member of your marketing demographic. With today’s access to data, it’s easy to address your customer or prospect by name.

■ Blanketing the field. Running multiple campaigns or the same campaign within too short of a window will put you on the shortlist to the trash can. Space your campaigns and re-tool them appropriately.

Understanding the possibilities direct mail presents is only half of the puzzle in reestablishing this core component of your small-business marketing scheme. The second half is distributing your mail effectively. This is where EDDM campaigns have proven to be an innovative step forward for direct mail.

Using a targeted and refined approach through EDDM gives your small business a better shot at ending up in the mailbox of someone who will have a genuine interest. Make sure you’re presenting a message, promotion or call to action that will grab the attention of the reader.

EDDM is quick to launch and can be one of the most affordable and effective marketing tactics available to small businesses. You can find a U.S. Postal Service-qualified EDDM printer and mailer using the USPS directory at printerdirectory.usps.com. ■

What EDDM can do for you.

■ Map a specific geographic distribution area for your campaign that overlays where your best customers and prospects are located.

■ Control your mailer drop dates to ensure you’re not overloading recipients with too-frequent advertisement campaigns.

BARRY WILSON is co-owner with his wife, Rita, of AlphaGraphics, serving Hilton HeadBluffton-Beaufort.

■ Gauge the cost of your specific campaign based on mail quantities and frequency.

DIY may be great for some things...

Marketing isn’t one of them Put our 35 years of experience to work for you.

Money Making Marketing

Gorgeous Graphic Design

Polished Public Relations

Strategic Social Media

Websites That Wow

Clever Content Creation

888-587-4593

Call for a FREE Marketing Audit Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

45

SALES & MARKETING

First impressions count

BY KELLIE MCCANN

WHAT THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT SAYS ABOUT YOU AND HOW TO SAY IT RIGHT First impressions are made in 1/10th of a second. And in today’s fast-paced digital world where websites and social media introduce you to someone far before you actually meet face-to-face, it’s more important than ever to have a powerful, compelling and confidence-building headshot that will – instantaneously - make prospective clients, employers and partners want to connect.

Potential clients want to do business with the people behind a business – and a professional headshot is your best chance to make an immediate (and positive) first impression when the viewer lands on your profile. People decide all kinds of things about you within the first few seconds of seeing your photo, and professional headshots are the first introduction to you, your business and your personal brand. In addition, including your headshot

F

46

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

is a great way to increase online interaction. Posts on social media (including LinkedIn, Facebook for Business, Instagram and Twitter) that include an image will receive 120 to 180 percent more visibility and engagement. Great headshots also can add value to your company’s newsletters, blogs and email blasts; they are an important addition to bylined articles, press releases and, of course, professional announcements that get noticed.

With so much importance today given to making a compelling first impression through a photo, more and more people are discovering the benefits of updating their old “selfies” or images taken by friends without professional studio lighting– and turning to professional headshots for business. No longer just for CEOs or high-level executives, clean and professional business headshots are important for everyone – especially if they are done right. ■

What’s the best way to ensure a professional headshot that will encourage people to look at your profile a little more closely – possibly helping you land that new client or next job?

Here are some tips for branding yourself and your business through a professional headshot that conveys your professionalism – and helps you make that all-important great first impression.

■ Simple is best. From necklines to jewelry, keep it clean and minimal.

■ Bring solid colors. Large patterns will pull attention away from your face.

■ Choose clothes that make you feel good (and that you look great in!).

■ Bring clothing that fits well. Loose clothing will make you look larger; tailored clothing is best.

Need a Look to Fit Your Brand?

■ Bring a number of clothing choices so you have options to choose from with your photographer (clean and pressed is best!).

Eagle Creations is your one-stop shop for promotional products and business gifts. Our extensive range of promo products will ensure you find something to suit your requirements.

■ Look for layers (business jacket, sports jacket, blazer).

With high quality promotional products, fast delivery times, and prices to fit all budgets, we will provide customized, relevant recommendations for you.

■ Vibrant colors will get more attention.

■ Never let your image look dated. Keep your look fresh and up-to-date with the newest trends in headshot photography.

■ Wear your hair as you normally would.

Don’t get a haircut the day before.

■ Make-up should be natural and not overdone.

■ Match your image to your brand.

■ Hire a professional and choose your photographer carefully.

■ Be prepared to have fun!

KELLIE MCCANN has been a professional photographer for over 20 years, and earned her BFA in photography at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

She is also a Certified Professional Photographer and has a master’s degree in photography. She is a member of the Professional Photographers of America, and her studio is located on Hilton Head Island. kelliemccann.com

Seasonal & Holiday . Tradeshow, Events & Signage Drinkware . Everyday Use . Cause & Awareness

Our website has thousands of selections.

Eagle Creations offers branded merchandise to fulfill all of your needs.

Browse today!

Eagle Creations Promotional Products & Apparel

843.422.3372 843.422.3372 eaglecreations16@gmail.com www.eaglecreations16.com Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com 47

SALES & MARKETING

So what is a chat bot anyway?

A chatbot is a computer program that simulates human conversation (either written or spoken), allowing humans to interact with digital devices as if they were communicating with a real person.

Hi, how can I help you?

Can a chatbot really save me time and improve my business' customer service?

CAN YOU TELL ME IF A CHAT BOT CAN IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE? As with most technology, there are pros and cons to chatbots but there is no denying that customers are more demanding than ever and expect answers quickly and service 24/7. When it comes to customer service, the advantages of chatbots far outweigh the drawbacks. Ryan Baggott is founder of Tap The Table, a Lowcountry business that designs chatbots and tech solutions for small businesses and celebrities across the country. “One of the most common concerns we hear is that business owners are afraid that a bot can’t replace human interaction, and I agree. However, a bot, or chatbot, can take care of some of the repetitive and mundane tasks and let employees focus on higher-value functions,” Baggott said.

In basic terms, a chatbot is designed with an “If-Then” structure. For example, If someone asks about “your business hours,” then the bot is set to respond “Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.” Understanding this architecture may help you see the capabilities because many tasks are, in fact, if-then.

A

48

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Absolutely. A chatbot can easily be added to your website or social media, enabling customers to get answers to common questions, 24/7. Chatbots can take orders and forward calls to real humans.

■ If someone orders a hamburger, then ask them if they’d like fries with that.

■ If someone asks if you offer a guarantee, then respond that you do.

■ If someone asks if you serve vegetarian options, then send them a link to your vegetarian choices.

Baggot adds, “When we set clients up with a Messenger chatbot, they find the bot is able to handle 80 percent of the common questions. For some clients, we also set up a sales process that takes orders, upsells and adds the customer information into a spreadsheet to import to their database so the bot not only helps with service, it actually increases sales.”

Time and employees are scarce resources for most businesses, but you can use technology to minimize the time spent on repetitive tasks and maximize the time employees can dedicate to functions that truly require a real human. ■

Time and employees are scarce resources for most businesses, but you can use technology to minimize the time spent on repetitive tasks and maximize the time employees can dedicate to functions that truly require a real human.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

49

SALES & MARKETING

Whether you were recovering from the craziness 2020 dealt you in 2021 or even if 2021 was a stellar year, you probably want 2022 to be your best year ever. When it comes down to it, there are fundamental things that we need to do consistently every year—in sales, in marketing and in business—to truly become and to stay exceedingly successful.

These suggestions go way beyond the standard New Year’s resolutions people make. Did you know that 75 percent of people just like you and me fail on those resolutions by January 28? They don’t even keep those resolutions alive for more than 28 days!

Why? It’s because they don’t do these 10 things to set themselves up for success—success that lasts all year long and takes them into the next.

W

1. SET KEYSTONE HABITS FIRST. Most people go straight to goal setting when they really need to set keystone habits first.

What are they? They are far more important than the big sales goals you will set for 2022.

But what is a keystone? If you look at an arch in a doorway, picture an old castle if you will, there’s a prominent stone right in the center that looks like a wedge. And without that stone, called the “keystone,” the arch would fall. The strength of that arch comes from the keystone right in the center. It’s that foundational piece of an arch that’s going to last hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

What are keystone habits for you and me? Simple things, like getting plenty of sleep.

Drinking plenty of water. Reducing stress by getting out and exercising. Things like that.

Think about it this way. Is weight loss a keystone habit? The answer is probably not.

But a keystone habit to help you reach that larger goal might be when you’re at the grocery store, to only shop from the outside aisles of the store, and not in the middle where the less healthy stuff is. Right?

Keystone habits are fundamental. What do they look like for you? The biggest one for me is sleep—making sure I get at least eight hours each night. And it’s tough because I love to binge-watch Netflix after a long day of work.

So think about your keystone habits. They’re going to be different from your big goals, but they’re going to set you up for success so you can reach the big ones.

2. AS YOU’RE SETTING GOALS, IDENTIFY THE “WHY” IN THE GOAL. Before you think about how you’ll get to your sales goals, you’ve got to think about why. The “why” is fundamentally important to your success in goal setting in 2022.

Going back to the weight-loss example, what would the “why” look like? Why are you trying to lose weight? To be healthier. But why? To live longer. But really, why? So that you don’t die! And you can actually enjoy the fruits of your labor.

3. SET MINI-GOALS TO GET TO YOUR BIGGER GOALS. A lot of times the reason you fail on the big goals is because the mini-goals have not been set or achieved. And there are typically three mini-goals below each main goal. And when you actually achieve your mini-goals, that allows you to get to your big goal.

Let’s say, for example, that your big goal is to exceed your 2021 sales numbers.

Excellent. Now, what are the mini-goals to get you there?

One mini goal might be to establish an active pipeline that you’re working on every three days. And perhaps that could start with even another mini-goal — like learning how to work your CRM really effectively.

50

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Ten sales tips to help you leave 2021 in the dust

TRIED AND TRUE BEST PRACTICES STILL WORK

BY RYAN DOHRN

To sum up: mini-goals--set them to get to your bigger goals. And before that? Establish your keystone habits, and then sit down and identify the “why” in your bigger goals.

4. BECOME A TIME-MANAGEMENT MASTER. Heading into 2022 we’re all being tasked to do more with less. So, being a time-management master comes down, in my sales experience, to time blocking. You’ve absolutely got to learn to time block.

Let’s say one of your mini-goals is, “I need to call 25 people each and every day.” How will you reach this? Time blocking. Put it on your calendar and make it repeat each day.

Time blocking is fundamentally one of the greatest things I’ve ever done that has made the most impact on my sales life, my marketing life; even my personal life.

5. PLAN TO ADJUST YOUR PLAN. Planning to adjust your plan is part and parcel of your success because a lot of times we fail at goals simply because the train came off the tracks as we were trying to get to the goal. And when that happened, we simply didn’t know what to do.

So, plan to adjust your plan. Just plan to fail. “WHAT?” you’re saying. The gurus (be careful about self-proclaimed gurus) always say, “You’ve got to visualize winning. Visualize reaching your goals.” When the mini-goal train goes off the tracks, how do you see that it’s going off the tracks and how do you get it back on? A lot of it, quite honestly, is simply paying attention.

6. OFTENTIMES, YOU WILL NEED AN ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY. Think about it. When do you lose the most weight? When you have a buddy. When do you gain the most muscle mass—on your own or with a trainer? Usually with a trainer. You probably need some kind of an accountability buddy.

Now, if you don’t have one, you can use your calendar, your phone, an app to constantly remind you. Whatever you use, an accountability buddy is vitally important in your sales life, your marketing life and your business life.

How do you find one? Maybe you pay for a coach. And that’s okay—I have a coach, and I think I’m pretty good at what I do, but I have a coach. And that coach is always asking me, “How are you doing on this? How are you doing on that?”

Having an accountability buddy, in whatever form that takes for you, is very, very important.

10 Things to set yourself up for success: 1. Set keystone habits first.

2. As you’re setting goals, identify the “why” in the goal.

3. Set mini-goals to get to your bigger goals.

4. Become a time-management master.

5. Plan to adjust your plan.

6. Oftentimes you will need an accountability buddy.

7. Know your deal count.

8. Recognize randomness when it occurs, and get rid of it.

9. Set rewards for yourself if you need them.

10. Work your plan.

7. KNOW YOUR DEAL COUNT. In the sales business, if you’re going to achieve your sales goals, you’ve got to know your deal counts. You’ve got to know your call-to-close ratios.

It’s so difficult to go into a month of selling if you don’t know how many calls you need to make to get a meeting.

And then, how many meetings do you need to have to close a deal? And how many deals do you need to get to the goal?

To be successful in the sales business, you’ve got to know your numbers so you know what it takes for you to close a deal.

Here’s an example. I know that if I call 10 people and I work them every three days, out of those 10 people, I’m going to get a couple of meetings. Then, out of those meetings, usually about half of them, I’m going to get a proposal in front of that person. And from there, about 30 percent of the time I’m going to close.

So when I get to 10 meetings, I close about three in 10.

And I think that’s very, very successful. But I was talking to a guy the other day, and he said, “Ryan, I close 80 percent of meetings I go on. So I need help closing that last 20 percent.” I said, “Dude, you need to write a book because nobody closes 80 percent (without discounting).”

So know your deal count. I truly believe that if you’re closing 30-40 percent, you’re doing well out there in Covid land.

I know it sounds so simple, but people just don’t pay attention. Recognize things that work and repeat those things. Recognize things that are not working and stop doing them.

It’s amazing to me the number of people that do the wrong thing in the sales business, in the marketing business and in business in general. And they just keep doing it. I believe they think to themselves, “If I just work harder, it’s going to work out.”

Well, there’s some truth in that. I’m not trying to diminish what your parents or grandma said to you, but recognize that when things aren’t working, stop doing the things that don’t work.

Conversely, when things are working, repeat the things that do work. Pay attention to them because these are the things that will make you successful.

8. RECOGNIZE RANDOMNESS WHEN IT OCCURS, AND GET RID OF IT. Randomness kills your day. Randomness kills your goals.

Randomness will kill your love life. Randomness will kill your personal life.

So how do you recognize it and how do you get rid of it?

First, it’s very simple. Look for things that work and repeat them. And then look for things that don’t work, and don’t repeat them.

10. WORK YOUR PLAN In my sales training, I encourage people to have a whiteboard in their offices. And I encourage them to write down their mini-goals and their goals and then to track themselves. The reason is, you’ve got to work your plan.

What’s your plan? Work it. If you’re not working your plan, nobody else is going to work it for you.

9. SET REWARDS FOR YOURSELF IF YOU NEED THEM. Maybe your rewards look something like this, “I’m going to do this, and then if this is the end result, I get a spa day for myself,” or maybe for you it’s an expensive bottle of bourbon. Whatever that looks like for you, set rewards for yourself if you need them.

There you have it. This is my roadmap for sales success. It’s not the proposal template. It’s not the email templates. It’s recognizing why I’m doing things, how I’m doing things and setting goals for myself.

And here’s the thing, friends. You can do it, too. And then we’ll both see the kind of success in 2022 that we want to see.

Remember, if sales were easy, everybody would be doing it, and they’re not. So we’re either crazy or we’ve found a career that will feed our families for a lifetime. ■

RYAN DOHRN is an Emmy Award winner, Fortune 500 advisor and globally recognized sales consultant.

Unlike other trainers, Ryan actually sells EVERY day! Since 1994, he has trained and coached over 20,000 sales reps to date and speaks over 60 times per year. In total Ryan has been a part of over $500 million in ad sales to date. Ryan loves teaching sales reps his simple and effective way to achieve sales success. He has clients in Australia, Spain, UK, Holland and the USA. Ryan is the CEO and founder of Brain Swell Media LLC, a corporate training and revenue strategy firm.

He is also the publisher and owner of the corporate sales training web portal SalesTrainingWorld.com .

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

51

HUMAN RESOURCES

Five tools to empower your HR TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU

BY LESLIE T. SNADOWSKY Is hiring cumbersome, are your employees disgruntled, and is performance at an all time low?

A Human Resources department supports the employee life cycle from recruiting to onboarding to cultivating company culture to tracking productivity. By investing in the latest technology tools, you can help your HR team empower your workforce and exponentially grow your business. Here are some suggestions on how to strategically position your personnel to excel.

I

52

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

ONBOARDING When onboarding new workers, there’s a lot you can get wrong.

With Gusto, set employees up for success from the beginning, even if you’re a beginner. The platform promises easy and time-saving interfaces with customizable onboarding checklists and options to send offer letters, e-sign, store new-hire paperwork and set up software in just a few clicks. Costs of custom plans vary, but a core plan starts at $39 a month plus $6 a month per person.gusto.com

HIRING BambooHR’s all-in-one software offers an applicant tracking system (ATS) that can help you hire the right people for the job efficiently and effectively. It also features collaborative programs that centralize data and allow team members to chime in about prospective hires. Its Hiring Mobile App makes it even easier to review new candidates as they apply. Price quotes are available via its website and hotline. bamboohr.com

IF OUTSOURCED HR A dynamic workforce is a business’s greatest asset. But what if you can’t afford an expansive HR team to recruit and onboard new hires? Bambee, an outsourced HR option that caters to companies of any size with any budget (as low as $99 a month), was founded on the disruptive idea that every business should have access to an affordable human resource manager and run like a Fortune 500 company. After a free trial, you can sign up for month-tomonth help with no contracts. bambee.com

Your best customers are right here.

Every business is unique so we will work with you to design a marketing plan that reaches your customers and prospects with the right mix of print, digital, social and online advertising.

CULTURE FOLLOW THE LEADERS P. 22 Good business advice from 13 successful entrepreneurs

MAKE THE BEST OF IT P. 32

Strategies for overcoming common business setbacks

H I LTO N H E A D  B LU FF TO N  B E AU FO RT

BE A BETTER BOSS P. 76

Reach your full potential by following the seven golden rules

Q4 2021 G.O.A.T.

Creating a company culture requires an insider’s look at what your employees are thinking. Culture Amp provides tools to build high-performing teams and a categorydefining culture by enabling anytime feedback, development-focused reviews and better one-on-ones. There’s even a self-reflection option. Navigate its plans and pricing matrix to find what works for you. cultureamp.com

STEP UP YOUR GAME

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME LOCALBIZSC.COM LOCALLIFESC.COM

Tracking an employee’s productivity is key, but kind of creepy. You want to make sure they’re doing their job but not make it seem like you’re looking over their shoulder. SoGoSurvey’s secure employee experience survey platform helps employers gather, analyze and mobilize employee data to transform workplaces, attract better candidates and improve retention and productivity. With more than 100,000 customers in 96 countries, SoGoSurvey refines your survey questions, adds engaging features and improves response rates. You can request a demo, and plans range from $25-$99 a month. sogosurvey.com ■

DECEMBER 2021 + VOL 5 • ISSUE 12 + TOYS

TRACKING

Q4  2021

H I LT O N H E A D • B L U F F T O N • B E AU F O RT

Dec 2021

a t oy st ory

Reach Business Owners, Influencers and decision-makers in the Q2 issue of LOCAL Biz. Space and editorial considerations are limited so please let us know if you are interested in a complimentary consultation.

Reach Upscale Homeowners in LOCAL Life. The only independently audited print publication that is verified to reach 23,000 mailboxes in addition to premium display stands every month.

T H E TOY I S S U E + C O L L E CTO RS & C O L L E CT I O N S + P E R F E CT P L AY RO O M S

Call: 843.802.2258 Email: info@localbizsc.com Visit: localbizsc.com/advertise/ Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

53

HUMAN RESOURCES

Recruiting sites you can trust FIND YOUR NEXT EMPLOYEE IN NO TIME USING ONLINE RECRUITING SITES Online recruiting is a little like online dating. Sometimes you match with your dream candidate, sometimes they describe themselves as a “team player” or “looking for adventure,” and sometimes whom you meet in the interview is not the person you thought you were messaging.

But your single friends (or maybe you) are right: it’s really hard to meet someone offline. But which recruiting websites can you trust? We’ve outlined a few pros and cons for each of the major recruiting sites listed.

O

ELEVATED CAREERS What is it?

Elevated Careers is a newcomer to the recruiting industry and was – oddly enough – created by eHarmony. It matches employers and candidates based on compatibility.

The pros Unlike other job sites, Elevated Careers uses predictive algorithms to match job seekers with jobs based on three types of compatibility: skills, culture and personality. This approach goes beyond the basic resume requirements, location and salary expectations to ensure you’re hiring someone who will mesh well with your team.

The cons The biggest asset of Elevated Careers is also the biggest liability. The process the site uses requires a lot of input on your part. Not only will you have to list the skills, experiences and degrees you’re looking for, but you’ll also have to create an in-depth personality profile for your business. If you or your HR manager don’t have a ton of time to spare, the number of multiple-choice questions can be frustrating.

LINKEDIN What is it?

Known as “Facebook with a bowtie,” LinkedIn is the numberone professional social media site that facilitates connections between employees, businesses, peers and consumers. And while it's much more than a job listing site, one of the key aspects of LinkedIn lies in its job-search functionality.

The pros The great thing about LinkedIn is that you and most potential candidates already have an account (or at least they should).

Most LinkedIn profiles are also extremely comprehensive, allowing candidates to list awards, publications and additional experience details that might not fit on their resumes. The site’s “easy apply” function allows job seekers to submit their application materials with the click of a button, meaning that your job listing will likely get hits the same day that it’s posted.

Your next hire Tired of weeding through piles of applications? Find the perfect applicant to join your team on one of these recruiting sites.

54

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

The cons But that “easy apply” button is also a double-edged sword. It can be hard to tell if people are applying because they’re interested in the position, or if they’re applying because it’s fast.

How to

donate wisely

and

avoid scams

INDEED What is it?

Indeed has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years. The site provides job seekers with an aggregated database of job postings from across different company websites and job boards and presents them in a simple and seamless format.

The pros In theory, Indeed’s aggregated database is supposed to streamline the job search and recruitment processes by acting as a search engine for relevant skills and opportunities. Another benefit is the email feature, which sends updates straight to your inbox.

The cons Indeed is a no-frills job board, so it doesn’t come with many of the fancier features that other recruitment sites offer. Employers can access only “public” candidate profiles, but even then, the information you see is limited to the basics: name, location, education, and work experience. That means you must let candidates come to you.

MONSTER What is it?

Perhaps the most well-known job site on the internet, Monster is a powerful resource for both job seekers and employers. The platform is constantly coming out with new features, setting the standard for the rest of the industry.

The pros Monster offers incredibly advanced filtering options and a helpful resource center. Job posts are distributed via Monster as well as hundreds of local news sites, and there are flexible options to start and stop job postings at any time. Monster also offers advanced candidate matching filters, employer branding and the option to view candidate profiles.

The cons Monster is a subscription service and does not offer any free plans. Employer branding and increased job post visibility also cost extra. So if you’re looking to save cash until you make your next hire, Monster may not be for you.

Look up a charity’s report & ratings. give.org

charitywatch.org

guidestar.org

charitynavigator.org

Never pay by gift card or wire transfer.

Credit card and check are safer.

Watch out for names that only look like well-known charities.

Search the charity name online.

Do people say it’s a scam?

Ask how much of your donation goes to the program you want to support.

Donating online?

Be sure where the money is going.

Federal Trade Commission. ftc.gov/charity.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

55

HUMAN RESOURCES

School’s out!

FIVE SMART WAYS TO CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION WITHOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

BY HANNAH MASSEN By the time you’re in your 20s, it feels like you’ve spent your whole life in a classroom. After spending 16-plus years progressing from grade school to high school to college or a master’s program, it feels great to finally graduate. But at some point in the future – whether it’s five, 10, or 20 years from when you receive your degree – you realize that HST 212 didn’t exactly give you the skills you need to succeed in your career.

So, what now?

Continuing education opportunities make most employers’ benefits list for a reason: gaining new knowledge and skills is one of the best ways to advance your career and become an expert in your industry. It also can be a great way to grow your network and open the door to new business opportunities. But for some people, going back to school while holding a full-time job isn’t reasonable, let alone realistic. If you’ve ever held a job as a student, then you already know what we mean. It ATTEND PROFESSIONAL EVENTS takes a considerable amount of time and money to get a degree (goodbye Paris trip), so if you’re not It’s time to stop thinking about those lunch-and-learns as, absolutely sure that going back to school is right for well, a free lunch and start thinking about them as ways to learn you, it’s probably best to hold off. from other people’s experience (and occasionally their mistakes).

But getting another degree isn’t the only way to Most towns have regular meetups for industry professionals, continue your education. Use these strategies to including lectures, networking events, workshops and panels. continue learning on the job.

Remember to come ready with your elevator pitch.

1

2

ASK FOR AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW Do you wish you had gotten to talk to that keynote speaker? Are you a super fan of a pioneer in your industry? If you want to learn from the best, there’s nothing wrong with connecting with someone whom you admire from afar. Cold email them to see if they’re available for an informational interview. The worst thing they can say is no.

56

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

3

TAKE AN ONLINE COURSE From leadership skills to personal finance to graphic design, you name it, there’s a webinar for it. And the best part? Most online courses are designed for you to take on your own time, so you won’t have to stress about missing that Illustrator tutorial while you’re at a conference. Skillshare, Masterclass and LinkedIn Learning offer classes on a wide range of topics from accomplished speakers.

It’s nobody’s business but your own.

4

TRADE NETFLIX FOR A PODCAST

You might be ready to zone out on the couch after a long day, but why not use the time to learn something instead of re-watching Bridgerton (again)? Streaming apps are stocked with brilliant podcasts written by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, including StartUp, Marketplace, As Told

By Nomads, Mixergy and The Internet Entrepreneur. The beauty of podcasts is that you don’t have to save them for the end of the day – they can make your morning commute so much less of painful.

5

READ A NEW BOOK EVERY MONTH If you commit to reading one book every month, that’s 12 books a year, and over the course of three years, you will have read 36 books. That’s 36 more books than the average person might ever read.

While there’s nothing wrong with a good Stephen King novel, reading business books is a surefire way to grow your professional knowledge base. The Little Red Book of Selling, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The 4-Hour Workweek, The $100 Startup, and Rework are on our list of alltime favorite business books. ■

Boost Your Business KEEP A COPY ON YOUR DESK AND GET ADDITIONAL COPIES FOR YOUR TEAM. LOCAL Biz helps Lowcountry businesses not only survive, but thrive with helpful information, tools and tips delivered in a style that is easy to read, informative and actionable.

A multi-media B2B brand that educates and engages with a connected community of like-minded professionals.

Subscriptions available online at localbizsc.com.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

57

HUMAN RESOURCES

Employee E engagement is not fluffy HR speak

Employee engagement is one of the most powerful predictors of organizational success. If your employees are more engaged, your organization is safer, more profitable, more productive and provides better customer service with higher quality. When employees care about what they do, they do it better.

So how can you increase employee engagement? Here are a few tips based on common problems we see in organizations.

HIGHER ENGAGEMENT DELIVERS TANGIBLE RESULTS

BY DON HARKEY

58

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

1. ASK MORE QUESTIONS Many managers spend far too much time telling their employees what to do and when to do it. Studies show that this approach causes employees to shut down their brains and disengage.

Try asking more questions. Ask your employees what needs to be done next and what the best approach might be. It might take them a little while to start coming up with answers, but don't give up. Re-engagement takes a little time.

DON HARKEY Don Harkey’s first responsibility is CEO is to his team. He also spends time speaking at conferences and associations across the country, evangelizing the idea that organizations that create empowerment and alignment end up being much more successful. Don loves it when business owners and organizational leaders learn how they can discover and unleash the talent right under their own noses. He also loves to see employees start to realize their own potential. If you’d like to learn more about what it means to become People Centric, contact Don Harkey at PeopleCentric.com.

2. SHARE MORE INFORMATION It is a common practice only to share only immediately relevant information to employees that impacts their jobs. However, we encourage that you share more about the organization. Start with the impact your organization is making. Then dig into the key drivers to your success. People who know WHY they do what they do, do it better.

3. LET YOUR EMPLOYEES SOLVE PROBLEMS Many employers use a suggestion box to collect information from employees about opportunities for improvements. However, many managers then take the list and act on it themselves. When an employee has a good idea, let them run with it.

Work with them and give them the resources they need to get it done themselves. When employees solve a problem, even a small one, use the win to build momentum.

4. CHECK IN WITH YOUR EMPLOYEES Here is an incredible truth. Most managers spend very little time talking with their employees beyond daily work interactions. Good managers spend time getting to know the people who work with them. Find out what they care about and where they want to go. What are they worried about and excited about? Make time to have some one-on-one time with each person on your team at least once per quarter.

5. SHOW APPRECIATION When your employees do something good, show a little appreciation. You don't have to throw a parade every time they pick up a piece of trash off the floor, but even a small comment can be powerful. Be specific in your appreciation and try to do it frequently (daily!). Start small in order to create the habit.

If you make an effort to practice these five tips, you will start to see your employee engagement build. ■

Jordan Haire, DMD University of Louisville

Sydney Caskey, DDS Indiana University

Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD University of Pittsburgh

Now Open in Bluffton

ROC Dental Group has opened its Bluffton office in The Plaza at Belfair and is welcoming new patients!

Our private practice has provided the Lowcountry with the most advanced dental care in the country for over 20 years.

Expanding our reach to Bluffton enables us to fulfill our mission to serve more of our neighbors while supporting local nonprofits that promote wellness.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Join us in supporting local nonprofits that advance wellness in the Lowcountry.

Mention this ad when you make a new patient appointment and we will donate $25 to Bluffton Self Help.

Lb0122

Adva n c i n g We l l n e s s ROCDENTALGROUP.COM 25 Clark Summit Drive, Bluffton | 843-706-3800Q1 • 4101 Main Street, Hilton Head | 843-682-4601 2022 + LocalBizSC.com 59

MONEY MATTERS

Give yourself a money makeover ASSESSING ASSETS WORTH THE EFFORT

BY LESLIE T. SNADOWSKY

If your balance sheet makes you feel unbalanced, invest in getting your finances in order. Create a budget, set up an emergency fund and find ways to reduce your monthly bills and student loans. Marielena DiMatteo, a mortgage advisor with Finance of America Mortgage in Bluffton, has five additional tips to fortify wealth, maximize resources and capitalize on credit. ■

I

■ CREDIT CARDS When trying to get a mortgage, be mindful of how you use credit cards because buying a big-ticket item could shut the door on home ownership dreams. “The best suggestion we make is to keep your credit card balance below 30 percent of your credit limit,” says DiMatteo. “And never close credit card accounts. That hits credit scores pretty hard because it reflects negative activity.

People can pay credit card balances off completely, but they should never close their accounts.”

■ CREDIT HISTORY DiMatteo suggests using free online tools to access credit scores and reports and to correct any issues before seeking a mortgage. “Creditkarma.com gives you your credit score for free, and you can get a free credit report every year from annualcreditreport.com,” says DiMatteo.

60

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

“What we see a lot in the mortgage business are clients not knowing if there are any problems with their credit reports. When they start to investigate and contact the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, to challenge what’s on their reports, they can slow the mortgage process down.”

■ INSURANCE It’s easy to get overinsured and overcharged, so to save some money reevaluate your insurance policies with the help of a professional. “What we suggest is using brokers,” says DiMatteo.

“Customers don’t pay brokers. The insurance companies pay the brokers. So you can call an insurance broker and say find me the best rate for my insurance, and make sure I have the proper coverage. Consulting with professionals is really important because they can shop around for you.”

FUN FACT Marielena DiMatteo says paying off one additional mortgage payment each year will take more than four years off the life of your loan and save you thousands of dollars in interest.

“When we process mortgages, we look at income history, your credit score and your debt-to-income ratio,” says DiMatteo. “Make a budget and stick to it and watch how you use your credit cards. If you make the monthly payments and keep your debt below 30 percent of your credit limit, you’ll be fine.”

Business is always personal.

SM

At Finance of America Mortgage, we don’t see customers as numbers and paperwork.

For us, doing business is about making human connections. We listen to the people we serve. We find the right mortgage solution for their specific needs. And we help them achieve their dreams of homeownership.

You’ll see it in everything we do.

Products & Services ■ FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS “When we start a file for a mortgage customer, we need a lot of documents,” says DiMatteo. “We need pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, proof of assets and other important information.

Oftentimes people throw away their pay stubs, they don't know where their tax returns are, and their bank statements are incomplete. That’s going to slow down your loan process, and that’s any loan, not just your mortgage.”

DiMatteo suggests storing financial documents together in a safe place that’s easy to access, and keeping digital files is preferable because they’re easier to email to a mortgage professional.

■ BUDGET How you live your life and pay for it comes under scrutiny when applying for a loan. Eliminating unnecessary spending, including canceling subscriptions and limiting trips to your favorite restaurants, can make your financial profile leaner and more attractive.

FHA Loan • VA Loan USDA Loan • Jumbo Loan Conventional Loans

JIM ATKINS NC, SC, & VA Regional Manager Mortgage Advisor NMLS-133206 O: 843.837.5626 C: 610.212.5390 jatkins@financeofamerica.com

MARIELENA DIMATTEO Mortgage Advisor NMLS-1981464 O: 843.949.4027 marielena.dimatteo@financeofamerica.com

1 Promenade Street | Suite 203 | Bluffton, SC 29910 ©Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | NMLS ID #1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess. org) | 1 West Elm Street, First Floor, Conshohocken, PA 19428 | (800) 355-5626 | AZ Mortgage Banker License #0910184 | Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act | Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #15499 | Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company | Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance | Licensed Mortgage Banker — NYS Banking Department | Rhode Island Licensed Lender | Massachusetts Lender/ Broker License MC1071. For licensing information go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

61

MONEY MATTERS

Enterprise will boom in 2022 CONSUMERS HAVE CHANGED AND BUSINESSES ARE ADAPTING

BY LESLIE T. SNADOWSKY Covid-19. Inflation. Supply chain woes…

According to some local business experts, things aren’t that bad. In fact, many businesses are doing great and the future is looking even brighter. According to Mike Kabiri of Transworld Business Advisors, new trends in how and where we do business account for the uptick, he says, as well as the influx of cash businesses are receiving (and will receive) from U.S. government programs in the new year.

C

HOME-SCHOOLED The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted business in every way, most noticeably changing the way entrepreneurs enter the marketplace and how consumers shop once they get there.

“A lot more businesses popping up are home-based or are doing business online,” says Kabiri. “People are becoming more accustomed to shopping online, and it’s a double whammy. With supply-chain issues, stores don’t have as much merchandise as they normally would have, so shopping online is a lot easier than going someplace looking for something that a business may or may not have on its shelves.”

Locally, closed storefronts in plazas are in line with national commercial real estate trends like shopping malls feeling the brunt of the online shopping trend, and sprawling retail developments are pivoting and re-purposing to business or apartment complexes.

62

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

NANNY STATE Even though businesses experienced malaise during the pandemic, the federal government infused the marketplace with cash via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and grants.

Kabiri says many PPP loans are being forgiven, translating to free cash for struggling enterprises.

“The government pumped in a huge amount of money into the business infrastructure,” Kabiri said. “And businesses affected by Covid received a huge amount of cash that covered, basically, all the money they were going to make in those months that they were closed or when business was slow. When it comes to finances over the last couple of years, for all practical purposes, businesses have done very well.”

"A huge shift has taken place,” Kabiri said.

“During the last few years, people got to spend more time with their families and doing more of what they enjoyed outside of the workplace. People are realizing what is important to them, and they do not want to come back into the workforce the way it was before."

PIECE OF THE PIE Restaurant revenues were hit hard during the pandemic, but Kabiri says a new tax regulation is helping eatery owners cover the tab. In 2021 and 2022 businesses will get to deduct 100 percent of their meals and takeout meals from their taxes instead of just 20 percent.

“The reason the government is doing this is because they want people to go to restaurants and spend money,” says Kabiri. “So the sector that got hit the worst is actually doing well. They’re collecting money, and they’re making money.”

While government handouts depleted the workforce, at the expense of many restaurateurs who couldn’t compete paying salaries on par with pandemic payments, Kabiri says that liability has found a balance.

“Restaurants have made a huge comeback,” Kabiri said. “And they're always busy right now. The problem is they still can’t get enough employees. So instead of being open seven days a week, they may only be open five days a week.”

LIFESTYLE CHOICES Kabiri says both men and women have left the workforce and corporate life altogether during the pandemic because many analyzed their personal ROI and discovered it didn’t pay to work as much as they had in the past, and they wanted to stay closer to home.

“A huge shift has taken place,” Kabiri said. “During the last few years, people got to spend more time with their

families and doing more of what they enjoyed outside of the workplace.

People are realizing what is important to them, and they do not want to come back into the workforce the way it was before. The demand right now is for better pay and better working hours and conditions and the option to work from home. Some industries can afford to cater to this trend, but some cannot.”

TRAVEL AND RECREATION Kabiri says Summer 2021 was one of the busiest years for tourism Hilton Head Island has experienced in the last five years. He attributes the traffic to people desperately wanting to venture out of their homes, but having fewer vacation options.

“The cruise-ship industry was and is not doing too well because, in order to get on a cruise ship, you have to be vaccinated,” he says. “And it’s been very hard to get to Europe. Last summer there were not too many international travel options, so every place in the country, locally, did extremely well.”

CRYSTAL BALL Kabiri says businesses have profited from the money they have collected from the government, from low-interest rates and from the stock market being at an all-time high. Regarding inflation, he says it’s not a “true inflation” because it’s being caused by supply chain problems. If everybody had products to sell, inflation would go away.

What Kabiri is most hopeful about is future U.S. government infrastructure and social spending and how it will create jobs, ancillary jobs and services and new business opportunities for green energy enterprises.

“I think it’s going to be huge for the economy,” he says. “You’re talking about trillions of dollars coming into the marketplace, and we have to retool. That’s part of progress, right? So, the future of business in this country is going to be absolutely great.” ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

63

MONEY MATTERS It’s a scene playing out in countless coffee shops and conference rooms across the country – including here in the Lowcountry. In this case, nine businesswomen have gathered around a table in the back of Downtown Deli in Bluffton at lunchtime, eager to catch up, eat – and talk business. For the next 90 minutes these women (who meet monthly at the same time and same location) will share business tips, contacts, advice and growth strategies that they’ve learned along the way – providing their fellow businesswomen with a unique peer-to-peer mentoring resource that they can’t find anywhere else and which is a critical part of their own business growth.

These nine women are part of a recently created Mastermind group here in the Lowcountry – a small group that offers a combination of professional support, brainstorming, education – and peer accountability – among members. Mastermind groups can build contacts. They can build momentum. And, for many men and women in various stages of their professional careers, they can build business.

“The response to creating our women’s Mastermind group here in the Lowcountry a year ago was amazing,” says Lucy Rosen, founder and group facilitator of K.N.E.W. (Killer Network of Entrepreneurial Women), the Bluffton-based women’s Mastermind group she launched in 2020. “There isn’t a place for women business owners to get together and really get down to business,” she said, adding that while local Chambers do a great job with after-hour networking events and periodic specific business programs to attend, the concept of a Women’s Mastermind Group is different.

“This is a group of like-minded women who want their businesses to succeed and are open about their needs, their dreams, their finances, their staffing issues, and, of course, their families,” she says. “It’s a powerful group that is supportive of each other and, even more important, accountable to each other.”

Although Rosen’s first K.N.E.W. Masterminds group is currently at capacity, new groups are forming and will be launched by the end of February. Rosen stresses that men and women interested in harnessing the power of a Mastermind group can start their own groups as well – and offers these tips for building a Mastermind group that will build your business.

I

The power and potential of Mastermind groups HOW MASTERMIND GROUPS CAN HELP BUILD YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN SUCCESSFUL GROUP LUCY ROSEN is the founder and president of SmartMarketing Communications and a nationally renowned business strategist, entrepreneur and author known for her ability to help professionals grow and expand their businesses through effective marketing, public relations and networking activities. Lucy has been helping clients build powerful strategic alliances to enhance their businesses and is considered by many to be a visionary in creating and expanding business opportunities through innovative marketing campaigns.

Need help setting up a group?

Email Lucy Rosen at Lucy@SmartMarketingCommunications.com

64

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

■ Make a list of 8-10 business owners with similar experience in business. “Chances are although newbie business owners would love to be with seasoned business owners, that’s not always a great synergy, so try to keep the group comprised of people with similar years of experience.”

■ Find a place that is quiet/centrally located.

“Make it as easy as possible for people to attend, at a place that will be conducive to conversations and networking.”

■ Invite your 8-10 people to a meeting on the date and time you would like your group to meet. “We’ve found that 90 minutes over lunch or 6-7:30 p.m. works very well.”

■ Have a set agenda. “At the first few meetings we spent a majority of our time introducing ourselves, our businesses and what type of support we were looking for from the group,” Rosen recalls. “As we have evolved, we now spend 10-15 minutes with each member of the group, talking about a specific issue or need that they have and the remaining time hearing from one specific member of the group with a little more of a deep dive into an issue.”

■ If you are facilitating, keep everyone on track.

“It’s really easy for side conversations to start or for a ‘disruptor’ to disrupt,” she points out. “It’s not easy to facilitate and do it well, so if this is your first time doing it, you may want to consider doing it with a co-facilitator.”

■ Set the expectations at the first meeting. “We have a two-missed-meeting rule: you miss two meetings, and you may be asked to leave the group,” says Rosen. “Harsh? Maybe. But the truth is, the energy is different if someone is missing. This is 90 minutes a month. If you can’t commit to that, you probably aren’t a great fit for a Mastermind group.”

■ Be aware of the stages the group will go through.

“As in any group, there are stages you will go through,” she notes. “The first is ‘forming,’ the second is ‘storming’ (where a member/members “storm the stage” by taking over the conversation and/or complaining about the same thing ad nauseam), and the last stage is ‘norming’ — where the group is humming along,” she points out. “It takes time to get there, so just relax at each stage the group is in, and you’ll find you’ll be mastering the art of creating a successful Mastermind group throughout the entire process.” ■

There is no substitute for experience.

Is it time to call in a professional?

You are knowledgeable in your field of practice, Atlantic Advisory Group, with three decades of experience, are knowledgeable in theirs. Avoid making emotional mistakes, receive guidance on charitable giving strategies to help build, protect and preserve your assets with straightforward financial planning solutions.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT. RETIREMENT PLANNING. RISK STRATEGIES.

2 Park Lane, Suite 203 Hilton Head Island, SC 843.341.3300 AtlanticInvestorsHHI.com ATLANTICADVISORSHHI.COM Financial Advisor offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, a Broker/Dealer & Registered Investment Adviser, member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

65

MONEY MATTERS

Small business E insurance can be risky business

Every business is different and so too are business insurance policies, as they depend on what your business does. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to business insurance.

And the risks are too high to not consider all the aspects of the business when determining the right policy.

Tips for small business owners when considering their insurance needs.

SIX BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

T C

A s s a

G 66

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

C

■ Understand your needs. Each business has its own unique insurance risks and requirements. Since there are several commercial insurance options, you must understand the level of risk before you choose your coverage.

■ Protect home-based small businesses. A homeowners’ policy does not always protect a home-based business. Be sure to have a rider to the policy that would cover your home-based business.

■ Offer employee healthcare. Depending on the number of employees, you might be required to offer healthcare options. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that employers with 50 employees or more offer healthcare coverage.

■ Compare insurance policy quotes. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can get you the most comprehensive coverage for your insurance needs at the best price. It also will demonstrate whether you are speaking with a broker who truly understands small business’s unique needs and risks.

■ Have a good agent or broker. An insurance agent is the person that you rely on to protect your business. Just as you compare your options for your home and auto insurance plans, consider and compare different agents or brokers for your business.

■ Always review and update the policy every year. Business needs change, as do insurance needs. Make a point to review your policy each year and review any changes with your broker.

Insurance may not be the most exciting part of running a business, but it is as or more important than any other aspect. Managing and owning a business has many benefits, including potential wealth, control and creative freedom. But it also comes with significant responsibility and risk, so make time in the beginning of each year to review your policy. Be confident that you have thought of everything that has changed, that can go wrong or that can put you at risk. If nothing else, the pandemic taught us how quickly and dramatically thing can change. ■

TIRED OF PAYING CREDIT CARD FEES? At Proudly, we help businesses find the best solution for merchant services and point-of-sale systems. We are locally owned and operated and provide an unmatched level of service.

Eliminate or lower credit card fees – put money back in your business In person customer service – we are there when you need us Cloud-based Point-of-Sale systems – take payments when the internet is down

Get Your FREE Savings Analysis Call (866) 729-7768 or visit payproudly.com

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

67

RESOURCES

The kitchen counter is not a home office HOW TO CREATE A DEDICATED WORK SPACE YOU WILL LOVE WORKING IN Yes, you could clear the kitchen table to make room for your laptop, and you may even think you are just as efficient as when you were back in the office. Chances are, you are not as efficient, nor are you treating your body well. Improving your home work area does not have to be hard work with these ideas:

Y

WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL DESK SET UP? Remember the Three C’s: 1. Computer This is probably where you spend the most time, and it can be the most harmful to your body. Your keyboard should be 1-2” above your thighs, and the screen should be an arm’s reach away. When a keyboard is too high, it causes stress to the shoulders, lower back and forearms.

2. Chair Your knees should be about a fist’s distance away from the front of the chair. and your feet should be on the floor in front of you with your thighs slightly below your hips. This means the kitchen chair is not going to work because it was designed for a one-hour meal, not an 8-hour sit-in.

3. Clutter Psychologists confirm that visual clutter can create stress and distractions. Marriage counselors will tell you that clutter and messes cause many fights; just ask Oscar and Felix.

HOW CAN YOU CREATE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE IF YOU DON’T HAVE AN OFFICE? You can transform most any area with some creative thinking and just a little space. According to Frank Corn, owner of Signature Closets and Custom Cabinetry, “Transforming spaces into home offices is becoming one of our most common requests. Whether it is a nook below a window, converting a wide landing or adding a multi-functional built-in to an unused bedroom, there are solutions.” ■

68

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Pro tips from Signature Closets ■ Bedroom. Install a Murphy bed so the little-used bed is out of the way, allowing room for a desk. A desk also can be built into the Murphy bed and drop down when the bed is up.

■ Nooks. A simple desk top, at the right height, can be added almost anywhere. Drawers will hide clutter, and open shelves can display attractive items.

You can transform most any area with some creative thinking and just a little space.

Outta Sight

Power drawers are a great way to hide unsightly cords and cables and can easily be retro-fitted or a part of a custom design.

Perfect Landing

Squeeze a dedicated workspace in hallway or landing with clever customizations, like the printer that can be tucked away.

■ Landings. Landings and wide hallways are the perfect space to add a work area. Often a landing is not in the main living area of the home, which gives the needed privacy for the work area. A narrow worktop with a lamp and tray can serve as a hall table when not in use.

FRANK CORN is a fourthgeneration furniture designer whose father and grandfather had furniture design businesses in High Point, North Carolina.

Growing up on The Monterey Peninsula in California, he learned to build furniture frames from a young age.

After completing business studies at Monterey Peninsula College, he headed to San Francisco for jobs related to the new emerging closet and storage businesses in the 1980s. Moving to Hilton Head twelve years ago, Frank realized there was a need in this area for custom manufactured systems in the Lowcountry, and Signature Closets was born.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

69

RESOURCES

Productivity tips for extremely busy people You run from meeting to meeting. Your inbox is up to the rafters (and you’re about up to here with it). You spend hours checking and double-checking documents, and as soon as you pull into your driveway at 7:30 p.m., your phone rings – again.

You spend hours and hours working every day and still don't feel like you've made a dent in your to-do list.

We get it. We’ve been there. And we know that there will never be enough hours in the day. But we compiled our Local Biz team’s favorite productivity hacks to help you make the most of the time you have.

From planning your attack on the day to keeping email from getting you down, to dealing with those distractions that always seem to pop up, these tips will help you get everything done as efficiently as possible so that you finally have time for other things (like, you know, sleep).

Y

PLANNING YOUR TO-DOS Don’t overestimate the number of things you can do in one day. Even if you take 20 phone calls, plan a month’s worth of content and wrap up that report by 4:30, not completing that last thing on your list before the clock strikes 5 still can be deflating. Instead of creating a massive list of to-dos (and feeling frustrated when you don’t finish it), try making a 1-3-5 to-do list: plan to get one large task, three medium-sized tasks and five small tasks done every day.

USE APPS TO STAY OFF YOUR PHONE Yes, you read that right. Everyone struggles to stay productive when their phone is right there, especially if their job revolves around social media management or Slack messages, but there are apps to help you cut down your screen time or stay off Instagram. We love Flora (which plants a tree when you want to stay off your phone, and the tree dies if you leave the app – cute, but effective), Moment for tracking screen time throughout the day and Flipd for locking apps that distract you (hello, TikTok). Want more productivity apps? See page 40.

70

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

DEALING WITH YOUR INBOX Sometimes wading through a sea of emails can be more counterproductive than answering them. Only check your email at specific times during the day and try to limit it to only four or five times a day. And if you don’t have nearly this much self-control, try using a tool like Inbox Pause to keep emails from showing up until you’re ready for them. Once you have a schedule you can stick with, approach your emails in terms of how long it will take you to reply to them. If it will take less than three minutes to answer, just get it done now. If it will take more than that, set it aside. And then, when you have a large chunk of time, tackle those first. If you need to answer emails in a hurry, try adding the “Sent from my iPhone” line to your signature, even if you’re emailing from your computer. It’s a quick way to send out one-sentence replies without seeming rude.

USE A PAPER PLANNER No more searching for that list you made in a random notebook or figuring out which calendar you put that meeting on. A paper planner will be the one-stop shop for all your due-dates, lists and agenda items. Writing everything down by hand also will force you to be more intentional with your time. It’s easy to type a series of tasks into your phone, but seeing everything organized in that day’s date box will prompt you to evaluate whether you really have time for that coffee date.

Paper planners are also a great way to visualize the coming months. Plug in all the dates you’ll be out of office, any holidays or days off, company events, business projects and more into your calendar and daily sections. You won’t have to check your company calendar every week to make sure, and you can plan — especially for vacations or events where you or someone crucial on your team might be out.

TAKE BREAKS You can only coast on fumes for so long. Getting up from your desk a few times a day is key to keeping your motivation high and your focus sharp. Whether an extended lunch break is your reward for finishing a major project or you’re grabbing a much-needed cup of coffee, giving yourself breaks throughout the day will help you achieve the clarity you need to produce your best work. ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

71

RESOURCES

Business processes getting you down?

HOW TO PICK THEM UP AND PROCESS WORK FOR YOU

BY KAREN A CASEY

You started your business and your customer base is growing, but not everything is going as you planned.

Maybe it is taking too long to fulfill orders, or you are spending too much time on administrative tasks. You started your business to deliver a product and service to your customer, but other tasks are getting in your way. What do you do?

Y

72

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

STEP 1 – REVIEW AND ASSESS First, step back and look at your processes. You may have created a process initially to meet the demand, but it may not be the most efficient. How do you get from step A to B to C, and is there an easier way to go from step A to C? Ask your staff if they see ways to do things better. People performing the tasks may have a better view of what is needed to get the job done more effectively. Staff may be doing tasks because you said to do it that way, not because it is the most efficient.

STEP 2 – DELEGATE AND ASSIGN What tasks do you not like to do? If you do not like to take orders or sales or customer service, perhaps consider hiring a person, either full or part time to do so. Even an intern might be able to help. It may free you up to deliver your product and service and potentially gain more customers, which can increase your profitability to pay for the extra staff and more.

STEP 3 – USE AVAILABLE RESOURCES Consider asking for outside help to review what and how you are doing business. An extra set of eyes may deliver a different perspective and see things you do not. There are many outside services available to you at no cost such as SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Center and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Take advantage of them. It will help you in the long run. ■

KAREN A. CASEY, CPA, CFP, is a certified SCORE business mentor.

Signature Closets Of The Low Country 843.415.6069

SignatureClosetsAndCabinetry.com

Practical Storage Solutions & Unmatched Quality Visit Our New Showroom!

Custom Cabinets for the Do-It-Your-Selfer

Locally owned and crafted Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

73

ASK THE EXPERT

Mark Rossi is president of KML Computer Services. Since 1996 he has been immersed in the technology field, working in various positions, from hardware technician and network manager to network engineer and IT consultant.

How a managed IT strategy can increase productivity FOUR SIMPLE STEPS TO SAVE MONEY AND GROW YOUR PORTFOLIO

BY MARK ROSSI Imagine a stock investment that saves you money and grows your portfolio at the same time. It doesn’t seem possible, but that is exactly what a managed IT strategy can do for your business, starting with these four simple steps.

74

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

1. INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY Real-time collaboration is really important.

Older technology and old-school work methods hurt your business performance as well as your employees’ morale. Employees want to be able to do their job as efficiently as you want them to, but when they don’t have the tools they need, they can become frustrated. At a minimum, your employees should be working in real time together, syncing and storing in one place. There are a variety of tools and solutions to help your team collaborate, which results in a higher, more productive outcome.

Don't get angry, get prepared

An IT-managed service approach builds preparedness through security, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity training and should be a part of a business plan just as marketing, sales and human resources are. After all, every aspect of your business is dependent on technology in some form.

2. STOP THE WORKAROUNDS

3. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

4. BE PROACTIVE

Time is money. Imagine living without your phone or computer for a day or two. You may come up with some work-arounds to help you get by or make do. Equipment has a lifecycle, breakdowns, repairs and changes are frustrating timewasters. It is usually best to stop putting on Band-Aids and fix the wounds. Every time an employee has to stop what they are doing to reboot or find a file in the old system, your company is losing money.

Prevention is the best medicine. Just like your car, computers need service and maintenance to keep running smoothly and prolong their lives. Three simple things you can do are: one, check your startup programs and remove unnecessary programs; two, make sure updates are set up properly and working; and three, turn your computer off and on (reboot) at least once a week.

Don’t wait for a rainy day to fix the roof. Take a proactive approach by developing an IT strategy for your business.

A strategy will help reduce the frustration of unplanned downtime. When you’ve planned for growth, technology can assist, and fixed fee services will allow for budget planning so you won’t have unwanted surprises. ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

75

ASK THE EXPERT

The time dilemma of the sandwich generation WORK, FAMILY AND PERSONAL TIME ARE ALL SCARCE, SO PLAN WISELY

BY DONNA PETERS CFA, wife, mother of two, board member, daughter, friend and avid reader Who has enough time these days?

Our jobs are demanding, our partners need some attention, we need food to eat, and our children, if we have them, require time and taxi service. That doesn’t even count those of us that are sandwiched and have aging parents who need errands run and have to get to multiple doctors appointments. Then add in some extras, such as a board position, a yoga class, or some simple downtime – now you have to make every second count. Here are some tips that have served me well in getting things done and getting to that glass of wine.

W

Ms. Peters-Imbrogno (better known as Ms. Peters) studied Finance and Economics at Western University and later obtained her CFA. Donna joined the fixed-income Portfolio Management team at a prominent Canadian life insurance company following her graduation from university and has remained there since.

She currently lives in Toronto with a loving husband, two teenage sons and an adorable poodle.

76

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Prepare. Include even seemingly simple things, like deciding your outfit for tomorrow the night before or pre-cutting some veggies for healthy snacks.

Pro tip: Check to see if your meetings are by Zoom or in person, as that might impact what you choose to wear.

Multitask. I love making phone calls from my car (voice-control, of course).

Whether it is catching up with family or friends, or making appointments, it is a great way to use time driving from point A to point B. Pro tip: If you schedule an appointment, request a text confirmation or reminder of the time and date and immediately add it to your calendar.

Time block. At work and for personal tasks, it is helpful to block off time in your calendar to go through emails, write that report or call your in-laws.

Pro tip: Put on ‘do not disturb’ so you can, as my good friend says, “Focus and Finish!”

Make lists. Whether you are old school like me using a pen and paper, or you are a bit more tech savvy and dictate on the note or reminder function on your iPhone, don’t underestimate how these lists keep you focused on the important tasks.

Checklists help you remember many things that need to be done, and you feel a sense of accomplishment in checking them off.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. You may be surprised how willing and able even younger children or partners can be if you give them a chance. A simple request can free up your time, teach the young ones some life skills to do that load of laundry, and you still get to check the task off your list.

If you have more to do than there are hours in the day, don’t fret. You can spend one hour a week to save five hours, which is a good investment of time. ■

Get more things done

Getting Things Done is a popular task management system created by productivity consultant David Allen. The methodology is based on a simple truth: The more information bouncing around inside your head, the harder it is to decide what needs attention.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

77

ASK THE EXPERT

How to build a highperforming team and have fun while you’re doing it

BY KEN WEISNER Whether your company or department is working remotely, hybrid or back in-person, team building is more important than ever. For many employees, when a teambuilding session is suggested, eyes roll, and the term cliché is tossed around. It’s the kind of thing that people often dread going to, but when they come out of a well-run teambuilding session, they ask to do it again.

A primary challenge for today’s business owner or manager is time. If people barely have time to do their jobs, how can they take time for a half or full day teambuilding workshop? I challenge you with, “how can you not take one day to improve the rest of your days?” During Covid many employees, managers and owners realized they can work and communicate differently, but differently doesn’t mean better. In this new world something is missing, and that something is human connection.

To rebuild or renew that human connection, at Beach Play Company we customize teambuilding programs for groups that want to level up their performance. Every group we work with is unique; however, the principles of each workshop are the same and are relevant during and after the session.

W

78

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Ken Weisner is the founder and chief playmaker of Beach Play Company on Hilton Head Island. Ken’s background includes working as a personal trainer, a director of sales and business development, a motivational speaker, a corporate teambuilding facilitator, a club soccer coach, a high school soccer coach and a youth leader for his church. A devoted father of two grown daughters, Ken knows the value of relationships and fun. beachplaycompany.com.

Guiding principles for a productive teambuilding session that work back at the office.

1. MANAGE EXPECTATIONS Managing expectations is one of the most underrated leadership skill and one that is critical in a highly functioning team. If expectations are not set and clear, people will make assumptions of what is expected of them, and you know what they say happens when you assume. In our workshops we spend time upfront to understand what the group expects of us, and in turn, what we expect of it. This is similar to what leaders need to do to get the most from their teams.

2. GET BUY-IN If employees don’t buy into their company’s vision, their department’s plan or what is expected of them, they won’t perform at their highest levels.

In our sessions we make sure that each participant understands, and is aligned with, what we plan to accomplish in the session. In a company, every manager needs to make sure employees not only know what they need to do but also believe in why they need to do it.

3. COMMUNICATE Communication is more than telling people what is expected of them. It is about asking how things are going, if they need help, if they can help others. In short, it is about asking and listening. We demonstrate this by connecting with our workshop participants throughout the session and adjusting it as needed. This is what should happen in a company as well and is even more important when working remotely. People need to make a point of connecting with each other to check in, offer help and make sure things are on track.

When a team-building workshop is well executed, the activities reinforce the desired principles for the company and are done in a fun, interactive environment. ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

79

ASK THE EXPERT

Photos by Sumer Heath Photography

Movement & productivity HOW MOVING MORE CAN BOOST YOUR MIND, MOOD AND PRODUCTIVITY

BY KARRIE COMEAU CFA, wife, mother of two, board member, daughter, friend and avid reader

80

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Burnout. It happens to the best of us.

If you’re like many people, you may find yourself staring at your computer screen with your to-do list next to you — a seemingly never-ending list of emails to respond to, marketing plans to finalize, payroll, social media posts to create, and various other odds and ends that need to get done in the studio. So many of us today know all too well the feelings of being overwhelmed and, many times, a desire to do none of it. These feelings are especially common for small-business owners and entrepreneurs who tend to wear many (if not all) of the hats in their businesses and often blend that line between work and home. When you get to a point of non-stop hustling, it has a tendency to leave you feeling drained, unorganized and unmotivated.

W

“Implementing some type of weekly, or even daily, physical exercise into your routine can help you prevent burnout in your daily life.”

One of the ways to combat these feelings is through physical activity.

While exercise has many physical benefits, there are many positive mental health benefits as well. While stress can manifest physically in your body as tense muscles and poor breathing, exercise can help to combat that feeling of fight or flight as your blood flow increases and your body systems regulate. This can help your body cope with stress, depression and anxiety. As the endorphins kick in, you can sharpen your memory and your thinking as well as increase your energy and boost your mood. All of these factors can lead to an increase in creativity and productivity and help prevent that feeling of burnout.

I first discovered yoga when I was a stressed-out elementary school teacher. While I often felt like I didn’t

have the time for my hour-long classes, something kept drawing me back to the practice. Over time I realized the combination of breathing and physical movement helped me to combat daily stressors in my life and helped me to become more proactive versus reactive in my responses and decision making. Now as a business owner, I can feel when I haven’t had enough movement for the day and can noticeably feel when it’s been too long since I’ve been on my mat.

Implementing some type of weekly, or even daily, physical exercise into your routine can help you prevent burnout in your daily life. Start small and start with something that works for you to set yourself up for success.

Your movement can be as simple as walking around your office or neighborhood (without the phone!), a couple

of stretches, or even some jumping jacks, squats and burpees. Schedule a class that forces you to leave the home or office behind, whether it’s yoga, crossfit, bootcamp, or barre.

Most importantly, pick a time of day when you have generally have more energy. If you are not a morning person, 6 a.m. workouts may not be a thing for you, but early evening may be more up your alley. The important part is to try to stay consistent, but give yourself some grace if you can’t stick to a regular schedule. Finding a friend or an accountability buddy also can help you to stay on track and help keep you motivated, even on those days that you are not (we’ve all been there!). The long-term benefits of physical movement can make a lasting impact on many aspects of your life, and there’s no time like the present to begin! ■

Karrie Comeau is the owner of Move Fitness, an aerial yoga and yoga studio in Bluffton. She opened the business to share the benefits of yoga with her community as it had lasting impacts on her life. She has lived in the Lowcountry for 12 years and just welcomed her first child, a son, in December.

What moves you?

Combining traditional yoga poses with an aerial hammock, aerial classes are a great way to challenge your stability, gain strength and work your core.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

81

ASK THE EXPERT

Umbrella coverage for technology growth

CASE STUDY

HOW HARGRAY ENSURES CALLEN INSURANCE’S COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

BY LESLIE T. SNADOWSKY

BOP till you drop

Many small businesses can cover most of their risks with a Business Owner’s Policy that combines, property, liability and more in a single policy. Learn more at callenins.com.

THE PROBLEM: Callen Insurance Service’s mission is to provide “peace of mind” for its clients seeking personal and business insurance services for their property, life, health and wealth. Owner Scott Callen endorses Hargray Communications for brokering the same policy for his premium, full-service firm.

C

82

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

ANALOG A LIABILITY As technology systems change over the years, Callen credits Hargray with helping his company adjust, move forward and enhance its professionalism of service.

“I’ve been with Hargray from the start, and they helped me grow and solve my technology issues as I was growing,” he said.

“In the beginning, the office was probably very antiquated with just a bunch of phone lines servicing my business. But as Hargray developed their systems, we grew with them.”

THE SOLUTION:

HOSTED VOICE PLATFORM “Callen Insurance Services had an old analog system that didn’t integrate well with the other parts of the business,” says Carlton Greene, the sales engineering manager and supervisor of the Unified Communications support team at Hargray, who appraised Callen’s technology. “With Hargray’s hosted voice platform, Callen Insurance was able to bring in voice mobility features, audio, web, video conferencing, data sharing, call control and upgraded voice mail features. Plus, the flexible installation process allowed Callen to customize their phone system to the individual needs of their employees, including new hires.”

“To remain competitive in his marketplace, Callen needed a hosted voice platform that was flexible, could grow with him and be responsive to enabling him and his team to better serve their clients,” says Kim Epley, vice president and general manager of Hargray’s commercial division.

THE RESULTS:

NO-RISK BLANKET COVERAGE Callen declares Hargray’s support and training services are its biggest asset and his biggest benefits. “I never expected this level of service,” he said. “If I have an issue, sometimes I’ll have someone here in 15 minutes, literally in my office.

Hargray is very responsive. They have made all transitions super easy, and anytime I need anything, any training, they are right here helping me.”

“Our training and onboarding model is a strong point for us,” says Hargray’s Greene. “Our support after the installation keeps customers happy.”

“A lot of our competitors ship solutions out to customers and tell them to figure it out,” says Hargray’s Epley. “We customize systems based on our client’s businesses and needs.”

KEY TAKEAWAY:

COMPREHENSIVE CARE Callen claims Hargray’s solutions and upgrades have helped his business grow, translating to better service for and ease of transactions with his clients seeking homeowners, flood, condo and renter, auto, boat, RV, umbrella, classic car, jewelry, artwork, health, life, disability, long-term care and critical illness, retirement income, estate planning and business insurance.

“We have a lot of expertise, both from a technical standpoint as well as from an applications standpoint,” says Hargray’s Epley.

“We’re able to seamlessly implement solutions that our competitors find it difficult to do. We’re local in the community and very responsive, so if a customer does have an issue or a problem, we get right out there. That’s what our customers like about us because they don’t have to wait.” ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

83

ASK THE EXPERT

Five tips from a successful businessman ACCOMPLISHED EXECUTIVE AND VOLUNTEER JOE DATTILO OFFERS ADVICE FOR SUCCESS

BY EDDY HOYLE Joe Dattilo has entered a new stage of life here in the Lowcountry, an exciting place to enjoy the outdoors golfing, boating, shooting and fishing at Palmetto Bluff. He retired in 2017 and moved to Bluffton full time in 2018 with his wife, Christine. He is already involved in the community: he serves on the board of the First Tee of the Lowcountry and coaches in the First Tee Life Skills program.

Dattilo’s career spans decades, first in banking with Chemical Bank and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. and then 30 years with mutual fund industry leader, Fidelity Investments. He led the sales organization working with the nation’s largest corporations to deliver 401K investment, pension and benefit plan services. Dattilo earned a BS in business administration from Rutgers College and his favorite quote comes from Dwight D. Eisenhower: “A plan is nothing; planning is everything.” Here are his tips for success.

J

84

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

KEYS TO SUCCESS 1. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

Dattilo is emphatic that preparation in sales is imperative. Whether it’s a first call or the final presentation for a billion-dollar account, advance preparation is part of the process. “When you sell at this level,” he said, “it’s like an Olympic swimming competition where you win or lose by hundredths of a second. Practice makes perfect. You also must do your research. Study the client and their mission statement to determine how you can connect and position yourself above the crowd. What’s important to them?

How does your solution solve their problem?”

2. Leave nothing to chance. “Hope is not a sales strategy,” Dattilo said. “The sales process can be lengthy.

You need a strategy, a plan to attack each situation. At each step of the way you must earn the right to advance.

You must set specific goals and develop action items.

Otherwise, you are leaving too much to chance.” Dattilo emphasized that it should be a detailed written plan and that the action steps might need to be revised to fit changing circumstances.

3. It’s all about relationships. “I’m a believer in developing strong relationships with sales prospects. Take time to build a relationship. All things being equal, people buy from people they like. It’s important to get that first meeting, but even more important to get the second meeting. Relationships are essential to help resolve bumps in the road, so learn about their business, their needs and how your product or service can help them,” Dattilo explained. “References are critically important, and you can’t really ask for a reference if you don’t have a relationship.”

LOCAL SINCE 2018

Bluffton resident Joe Dattilo shows off his follow-through. He is also shown shooting with his wife, Christine, catching his first red fish, oystering in a local creek and playing golf with his son, Matthew.

4. Lead the team. Large sales efforts are often team efforts. Dattilo said, “You need empathy to lead by example.

Treat others with respect and be mindful of sensitivities to accommodate team members. Communicate with them and understand that there is no ‘I’ in team. Everyone has to understand the mission, and communication is critical.

In other words, everyone sells!”

5. Follow through! “Follow through and follow up” is Dattilo’s mantra. “It’s amazing how many sales professionals fall down at the finish line and do not effectively follow up,” he said. “Leave nothing unchecked.

Follow-up needs to be timely and complete and to differentiate you from your competitors. I believe handwritten notes to thank clients for the opportunity to work with them demonstrate the importance of the relationship. Always thank them for their business, and always strive to deliver more than you promised.” ■

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

85

SMART STUFF

Get smart

“Either run the day or the day runs you.”

Contest alert!

— JIM ROHN

If your BusinessScope doesn’t forecast a more productive year, you better read on. To get control of your time, you need to first get control of your calendar, which probably fills up faster than a beer mug at Cheap Seats.

But won’t worry, there’s an app for that.

And if you need other people to be more productive, what better way to incentivize them than with a calendar (according to a research study by ASI, 25 percent of consumers have a company-branded calendar). And for those who say paper and print are dead, we can prove you wrong: 1. Calendars still sell, and 2. You read LOCAL Biz magazine. ■

SHOW US YOUR BRANDED PRODUCT AND WIN ONE OF OURS.

I

Send us a photo of your favorite promotional product, like logoed water bottles, mugs, shirts and pens. One lucky winner will win LOCAL Biz swag, including our soft-touch notebook – perfect for your to-do lists.

Get mugged

A promotional mug with your logo on it is like free advertising if you factor the impressions you will get on Zoom calls when your customers use your mug.

Running a small business?

We’re in the business of helping you.

Leave your taxes, bookkeeping, and payroll to us so you can focus on growing your business.

We have the small business services you need – with 100% accuracy guaranteed.

Taxes | Bookkeeping | Payroll 843 William Hilton Pkwy | Hilton Head, SC 29928 | 843-842-3838

86

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Save time with Calendar Apps FIVE HOURS A WEEK ARE WASTED JUST SCHEDULING MEETINGS

BY MORA TIMEPLEASE Online scheduling app Doodle’s research found that businesses waste, on average, 4.8 hours just scheduling meetings. Even with the many scheduling apps and tools, most people still set up meetings the ‘old school’ way, which goes something like this (names have been changed to protect the innocent):

O

1. DOODLE This is a great and free way to start with a scheduling app. It is easy to use, and for many people the free version is all that is needed to eliminate the backand-forth emails.

• Easy booking page for users • Automated reminders eliminate no-shows • Keep your time private by only showing time slots you choose to share • Identify time zones for guests • Broadcast updates and changes

Joe emails five people about meeting for one hour on Friday.

Sam and Sarah respond that only the afternoon works for them.

Jack never responds.

Taylor and Dante both say they can’t make Friday but Thursday would work.

Sam responds yes but only at 3 p.m.

Jack still doesn't respond.

Joe responds he is on vacation until Thursday.

You’ve seen this movie before!

Cut the back-and-forth and wasted time by using a meeting scheduling tool. Many tools and apps are free or have free versions, but even if there is a small charge, it will be much lower than the value of the time that is wasted. Here are three simple tools you can try out today:

2. CALENDLY Over 10 million people use Calendly to simplify meeting scheduling by offering only times that work with your availability. Features include: • Add a scheduling link to your website, emails or text messages • Send your preferred times • Schedule in-person and virtual meetings • Set up automated alerts and reminders • Manage your meetings with the mobile app

3. APPOINTY If you teach classes or provide services, this is the tool for you. Your clients can book with you online and free up your time to do what you do best.

Features include: • Accept bookings 24/7 (55 percent of people book outside business hours) • Share your booking link in social media, ads and on your website • Set up automatic appointment and booking reminders for guests • Integrate with payment systems if you want to charge for no-shows • Assign staff to appointments to help with staff management

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

87

SMART STUFF

Think your customers don’t want another branded mug?

Think again.

The ASI conducted a study that validates what your gut is telling you – people like promotional products, but just how much they like them may surprise you.

WHAT’S TRENDING? According to Mandy Arnold of Eagle Creations, a local Lowcountry promotional product company, “Since Covid we have seen an increase in safety-related items, like branded masks and hand sanitizer. Being in the South, we found branded sunscreen and lip balm are always customer favorites, and work-from-home related products like branded notebooks, mouse pads and post-it notes also have become more popular. Fortunately, despite supply-chain challenges we have been able to meet soaring demand and tighter timelines.”

88

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

NOODLE THESE NUMBERS

56% PENS 56 percent own a branded writing instrument, women slightly more so than men.

46%

34% BAGS 34 percent own a logoed bag, women much more than men. Little known fact: Branded bags garner the most impressions of surveyed branded products with over 5,700 impressions.

T-SHIRTS 46 percent own a T-shirt with a logo on it, men much more so than women. And shirts in the Southeast garner many more impressions of that logo than elsewhere.

Must be the warmer weather.

THOUGHT STARTER When a nonprofit had to cancel its annual fundraising dinner due to Covid, a golf course donated its clubhouse patio and practice putting green for a socially distanced, outdoor event.

The organization held a putting contest, silent auction and happy-hour event, which drew more attendees than the previous year’s gala.

In return for the donated space, the nonprofit included a Two Ball Pillow Pack – Titleist TruFeel imprinted with the golf course’s logo and a course brochure in attendees' gift bags.

#TRENDING ITEMS Local flavors – Grits, cornmeal, tea and popcorn are some local treats that are always appreciated as gifts, incentives or rewards.

Virtual event & team items – Webcams, bandanas, headphones and even martini sets can add fun to an otherwise boring Zoom.

Work-from-home products – Mousepads, desk sets and the ever-popular stress ball add the fun to functional.

Eco-friendly items – According to an ASI study, 46 percent of people feel more favorably about a brand if their product is environmentally friendly. Bamboo cutting boards, backpacks made from recycled bottles and reusable drink ware are good examples.

So don’t worry that a pen or mug is boring, your customers still appreciate traditional promotional products. But you can think out of the box and find unique and affordable items if you put your (branded) thinking cap on. Visit Eaglecreations16.com for some great thought-starters.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

89

SMART STUFF

Mama Odie's

Q1 BusinessScope

WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR WORK, A RAISE, OR A PROMOTION, LOOK TO THE STARS TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE IS HEADED.

Aries

Sink further into those couch cushions, Aries. These chilly mornings make it extra tempting to check your emails at home with a warm mug and soft music playing in the background. While January might not feel like the ideal time for self-care, there’s nothing wrong with cashing in on those personal days that carried over from last year. If you don’t honor your need for a little R&R, you’ll ram into a wall (literally) before Q2.

Taurus

“Boundaries” is your word of the quarter, Taurus. Bulls tend to believe that if they want things done right, they need to do it themselves, but that’s not always true. After all, you hired your employees for a reason.

So even if you’re tempted to pick up another project just to save the day or clean up that work “emergency” which could easily be handled by a different department, that’s not the hill you want your soul to die on. Remember, no is a complete sentence.

Gemini

Be careful not to go into “analysis paralysis,” Gem. Your mind is both a blessing and a curse: on the one hand, your quick wit has led to some of your biggest breakthroughs, but on the other hand, over-analyzing the details can send you into a tailspin. Don’t let the nitty-gritty leave you frozen in your tracks. When you put the spreadsheets down and take some time to get out of your head, you’ll be able to see the big-picture more clearly when you come back to your desk.

Cancer

Who says the personal and professional can’t mix?

This quarter you have cosmic license to prioritize your passions. Doing more of what you love at work will make it easier to love what you do. If you have a serious case of wanderlust, why not organize a corporate retreat this year? If you have an eye for photography, start offering your services to clients as an added bonus. You might be surprised at how profitable your passions are.

90

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Leo

Temper your impulse, Leo. Lions are natural-born leaders, which means your first instinct might be to rally the troops and act fast when you see an opportunity. But if something seems too good to be true...well, you know the rest. Triple-check the fine print before you pounce – it might save you (and your team) a major migraine down the road.

Virgo

With 2021 officially behind us, you’re embracing an “out with the old, in with the new” mentality this quarter, Virgo. Your practical sign is ready to buckle down and do some housecleaning. Those 12-year-old documents? Shredded. Your 2022 objectives? Approved. The noisy, black-tar coffee maker in the breakroom? Yeah, it’s time to splurge on an upgrade. And that outdated vacation-day policy? You might be ready to adopt a more flexible business model or make other major policy changes.

Sagittarius

Did someone say payday?! You’re aiming for a fresh financial start this quarter, Archer, and you’re on track to hit your mark. This quarter you’ll be motivated to extend your business hours, amp up your marketing efforts or shake hands on a promising partnership – whatever gets you closer to those dollar signs you’ve been dreaming of.

Capricorn

Momentum...or mayhem? Capricorns’ work ethics are unmatched, but as you move fullsteam-ahead with your new year’s plans, you risk getting derailed by competing deadlines and jam-packed days. You want to do it all, Cap, and we believe you could – but not at the risk of your sanity. The stars are urging your ultra-productive sign to prioritize. Taking things one day (or hour!) at a time could be a lifesaving practice. Break big projects down into small tasks, and look for ways you can be more efficient with your time, budget and habits.

Libra

As the sign of the scales, Libras are especially concerned with achieving peace and harmony – sometimes at their own expense. If you feel like you’ve been getting the short end of the stick, the stars are giving you the green light to voice your concerns. Selfless Libras sometimes don’t realize that it’s alright to speak up if they feel they’re being taken advantage of. After all, true harmony can only be achieved if your happiness is weighed in as well.

Scorpio

Step on the accelerator, Scorpio! Scorpions are known for their determination, and with your ambition getting turned up to 11 this quarter, there’s nothing you can’t do.

Deadlines and demands will also ramp up now that you’re on a mission, so you’ll have to be vigilant about managing your schedule if you want to make serious strides towards your goals. You don’t have time for drama and nonsense right now, so mute your notifications, drink that shot of espresso, and get to it – the only way to go is up!

Aquarius

Get out there, Aquarius! And we mean way out there. Dreamy Aquarians have a serious case of wanderlust right now that Pinterest just can’t cure.

Explore new vistas and wriggle out of confining situations. Book a weekend getaway, take a personal-growth workshop, or plant the seeds for a startup venture. A little change of scenery might be just what you need to feel inspired again.

Pisces

Our productivity issue was practically written for you this quarter, Pisces. How can you make your money and your connections work harder for you? The stars are calling you to work smarter, not harder this month. Look at how you could combine your superpowers with a savvy, wellconnected collaborator for mutual gain, or what workflows would make life easier at the office.

LINKS

LINKS LocalBizSC.com + Bonus Content + Digital Offerings Job Board Post your open positions and find links to other local job boards.

Social Channels Follow us on Instagram, friend us on Facebook and connect with us on LinkedIn (LocalBizSC).

The Biz Newsletter This weekly newsletter provides Lowcountry business owners with helpful information, tools and tips that are delivered in a style that is easy to read, informative and actionable.

Digital Edition Read the latest issue of LOCAL Biz on your favorite computer, phone or tablet.

Business Directory Find professional services and support for your business.

Events, Webinars and Networking Post and find live and virtual business events, training and networking.

Website Resources Find cheat sheets, e-books, infographics, marketing resources, guides and more.

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

91

AFTER HOURS

Healthy happy hours YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL

BY IWANA BEVVIE If you don’t want to give up your after-work drinks but want to make healthier choices, you can make a few tweaks to your routine and still enjoy the camaraderie and cocktails. Fitsugar.com and Health.com shared these strategies:

I

TIPS TO SIP ON 1. Know your calories. Do some quick research before you head to the patio. And don't fool yourself — that chicken quesadilla is almost 1,500 calories!

2. Strategize splurges. If you know you are heading out after work, make smarter decisions throughout the day, like opting for the salad at lunch instead of a burger. This will help make sure your total calorie count for the day doesn't dip into dangerous territory.

3. Choose low-calorie liquor. Going for one of the many lower-calorie liquor options can often make the difference and help you save calories. PRO TIP: George Clooney’s brand Casamigos is a great choice. As a top-shelf tequila, it’s easier to drink straight, thus sparing yourself of the need for mixers.

91 calories per 1.5-ounce serving 4. Alternate with water. Chances are you don't drink enough anyway, and in any case, alcohol is dehydrating. If you're in for a long happy-hour session, sip slowly and don't keep going back to the bar for refills; alternate with a glass of water instead.

5. Don't come hungry. If you're starving after work, you are more likely to binge when you hit the patio. Have a healthy snack in the afternoon so you won't be tempted by all the happy-hour specials on the menu.

6. Have a limit. Make post-happy-hour plans so you don't stay so long that you start to get tempted by too many drinks.

Even walking the dog is a good excuse to leave early.

7. Go for natural. Certain mixers can contain high amounts of refined sugars or overly processed foods. Choose cocktails sweetened with fresh fruit for a healthier libation.

8. Have a different kind of happy hour. It's about having fun with your friends, and that doesn't always have to mean cocktails and calories. Meet up for a walk around the park on a nice day, or take that gym class you've all been dying to try.

9. Choose something strong. You'll be more likely to sip slowly if you choose stronger tasting drinks like a scotch on the rocks or a Bloody Mary.

92

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

TRY THIS!

HILTON HEAD DISTILLERY'S

PASSIONFLOWER KOMBUCHA RUM

Passionflower grows wild on the beach on Hilton Head and is known to ease anxiety, quiet the mind and promote restful sleep.

This recipe from the team at Hilton Head Distillery features the medicinal vine, along with several other healthy ingredients.

Kombucha aids in digestion and decreases inflammation. Blueberries and ginger are great for their superfood/digestive properties. Mint also aids in digestion and improves brain function. It is safe to say this cocktail is full of self-care, even if the main ingredient is tasty platinum rum.

INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 ounces Hilton Head Distillery Platinum Rum • 3 ounces GT’s Gingerberry Kombucha • Handful of mint leaves • 1 lime, sliced • 1 dropper of passionflower bitters or 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup* DIRECTIONS Muddle the lime and mint in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, rum and either passionflower extract or elderberry syrup and shake. Strain rum into glass and top with GT’s Gingerberry Kombucha. Garnish with mint and lime wedge.

Note: While passionflower is not available locally in bitters form, you can purchase dried passionflower from The Herb Room on Hilton Head Island and make your own. Out of the Weeds in Charleston makes a great passionflower syrup. You also can substitute the passionflower bitters with 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup, which is great for immune support. Many people use it to prevent the flu.

Fun stuff D

YOU'VE WORKED HARD. NOW LAUGH A LITTLE.

Do you have a funnier punchline? Now is your chance for 15 minutes of fame. Email your caption to info@localbiz.com, and we’ll share the best submissions on social media.

"He had a report due at 3 … or was it 4? Darn, he wished someone hadn‛t put a toy on his desk."

"We do it to keep people from surfing all day."

MENSA MONDAYS Fun fact According to Accountemps, the most productive day of the week is Tuesday. Must be all of the tacos. The least productive day at the office is Friday.

Are you surprised?

"Your punchline here."

Start your week off right by correctly answering a fun and challenging question on LOCAL Biz’s Facebook or Instagram pages (LocalBizSC). Questions are similar to those on the Mensa Admission Test, so be sure to have a pen and paper handy. You will definitely need to write down your thoughts to figure out the correct answer.

SO YOU THINK YOU'RE FUNNY? Here's your chance. If you have a punchline send it to info@wearelocalbiz.com

Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

93

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

LOCAL Biz B2B Marketplace Welcome to the LOCAL Biz B2B Marketplace. This section was created to help local businesses do business with each other. We are appreciative and proud of every LOCAL Biz advertiser — they are leaders in their industries, and they chose LOCAL Biz as an investment in their growth. These companies and professionals have a lot to offer, and we hope you will consider them when making your purchase decisions.

AlphaGraphics www.alphagraphics.com Atlantic Investment Advisory Group www.atlanticinvestorshhi.com The Bluffton Bookkeeper www.blufftonbookkeeper.com Chef Lynn Michelle www.cheflynnmichelle.com Court Atkins Group www.courtatkins.com Custom Audio Video www.custom-audio-video.com Don Ryan Center for Innovation www.donryancenter.com

Website Resources Find cheat sheets, e-books, infographics, marketing resources, guides and more at localbizsc.com

Eagle Creations www.eaglecreations16.com FastFrame (Port Royal Plaza) www.fastframe.com/hiltonheadisland Finance of America Mortgage www.foahomeimprovement.com/about ForeShore Hilton Head Property Managment and Rentals www.foreshorerentals.com Fraum Center for Restorative Health www.fraumchiropracticofhiltonhead.com H&R Block www.hrblock.com Hargray www.hargray.com KML Computer Services www.kmlcs.com Pay Proudly payproudly.com ROC Dental Group www.rocdentalgroup.com Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport www.savannahairport.com SCORE SC Lowcountry www.sclowcountry.score.org Signature Closets of the Low Country www.signatureclosetsandcabinetry.com

only at

Smart Marketing Communications www.smartmarketingcommunications.com Somerset Advisory somersetadvisory.com Terra's Hair Studio www.terrashairstudio.com

94

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

Proudly Payment Processing Custom Audio Video

Proudly is a fresh concept business platform for credit card processing for any business owner that provides an extraordinary opportunity to give back to a cause that is important to them at no additional expense to their company.

From the boardroom to the ballroom, our outstanding products and services provide solid options for any audio, video or integration your business needs.

carla@payproudly.com 843-540-6338 Payproudly.com

48 Pennington Drive, Suite B, Bluffton 843-815-5130 Custom-Audio-Video.com

LocalBiz Magazine

We are excited to announce the merger of The Bluffton Bookkeeper with Patel & Chester to bring you a complete accounting experience from start to finish. Rest assured we have your complete satisfaction in mind and want each of our clients to feel like they’ve gained a workforce holding up their company’s financial goals!

Reach 15,000 Lowcountry business decision makers by advertising in this magazine. All packages include digital and social media as well as complimentary ad design.

Info@WeAreLocalBizSC.com 843 -802-2258 Localbizsc.com

400 Main Street Turnkey executive office suites from $450/ month. Many include wifi, utilities, cleaning.

Parking and close to Main Street Village.

400 Main Street, Hilton Head 843-681-6800 HiltonHeadLongTermRentals.com

843-505-3612 blufftonbookkeeper.com beaufortcpa.com

Property Owner Lists Your direct mail will reach the right audience with the most accurate and targeted specialty mailing lists and targeting strategy. bruce@propertyownerlists.com 843-301-3788 propertyownerlists.com Q1 2022 + LocalBizSC.com

95

INSPIRATION

The Last Word TO-DO, DOING, DONE Getting things done can be boiled down to these three steps. And those three steps can be managed more effectively with a system that includes a Kanban board. You can use apps like Trello, a scratch sheet, or simply start with Stickie notes on a whiteboard like the one below.

TO DO

96

LocalBizSC.com + Q1 2022

DOING

“Beginning is easy.

Continuing is hard.”

— JAPANESE PROVERB

DONE

stone

o

tile

o

area rugs

o

wood

o

carpet

35 main street, suite 110 o hilton head, sc 29926 o (843) 342–4955 w w w. k p m f l o o r i n g . c o m

More choices = A better business travel experience 10 AIRLINES • 31 NONSTOP DESTINATIONS

flySAV.com

From Travel + Leisure, © 2021 Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc. All rights reserved. Used under license.