THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

When it comes to the future of the web, it’s all about the Metaverse. But what is the Metaverse exactly? And what does it mean for your business? That’s exactly what Gene Marks and Nathaniel Hunter, COO of InfiniteWorld, are talking about in this episode of THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast. Hear what they had to say about what Web 3.0 and the Metaverse are, what’s already being done in this new...

No business is too small for hackers to ignore. They want data and to create mayhem, and any business that isn’t taking cybersecurity seriously is a prime target. This week’s episode of “On the Mark” shares details on how hiring an IT security firm can be the best move to reduce your risk. The training and tactics provided, which take into consideration your remote workforce, will cost a little no...

How can a CEO peer group benefit your business? In this episode, you’ll hear from Sam Reese, CEO of Vistage, the world’s largest peer advisory group for executives and business owners at small and mid-size companies. Each month, local groups of about a dozen non-competing leaders of organizations meet to share success strategies, problem-solve, and vet ideas. Learn how Vistage differs from your co...

Lots of jobs and employers seeking to hire nearly 32% more college graduates in 2022 than the previous year, according to a recent report, creates a rosy picture for diploma-holding, job-seeking recent grads. “On the Mark” host Gene Marks offers some tips for employers who hire them, including providing mentors, getting them in the office more to learn first-hand, and not underestimating this grou...

When it comes to living in retirement, many Americans are at risk of not having enough savings to maintain their standards. That’s why in 2019, The SECURE Act was passed, to address retirement savings plans and provide assistance to employees and employers as they save for their future. Now, 3 years later, the SECURE Act 2.0 has passed in the House, and will soon face a vote in the Senate. Hear fr...

Small businesses provided a platform for bipartisanship in the U.S. House of Representatives as a series of bills were passed to reauthorize funding to agencies that provide resources and support — from free marketing advice to retirement consultation — to the backbone of the American economy. Gene Marks shares details on the importance of these agencies to small businesses in this week’s “On the...

Once considered a private matter, workplace mental health has become a hot topic in recent years. And as a younger generation enters the workforce, providing employees with the resources and benefits they need to promote their mental wellbeing has become a necessity for companies. In this episode of THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast, Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist who makes regular...

The skills gap is a major issue for businesses. The latest U.S. Department of Labor report reveals 11½ million job openings — many requiring skilled labor — while a study shows talent shortage is among the top 3 most-urgent concerns for employers. Listen to this week’s “On the Mark” podcast to learn about potential legislation and current grant opportunities that could help upskill your employees....

In this two-part special event, Gene Marks leads a roundtable discussion on the explosive business growth in Texas. In Part 2, you’ll hear from our second panel of experts how current employment trends are impacting businesses across Texas, and how employers are addressing rising wages and competition. How are state agencies responding, and what resources and training programs connect job seekers...

In this two-part special event, Gene Marks leads a roundtable discussion on the explosive business growth in Texas. In Part 1, our panel of trade industry and agency experts discuss what’s drawing businesses to Texas and driving its economy. How are they handling hiring, inflation, and supply chain shortages? What innovative solutions do leaders see?  Featured guests: Cindy Ramos-Davidson, CEO, El...

Study finds that employers feel that employee mental health is hurting business financially, although they express that workplace mental health benefits are plentiful and doing the job. Employee answers contradict this. Gene Marks says employers must address mental health benefits because ignoring the problem is costing money and good employees. Listen to this week’s “On the Mark” podcast for insi...

As many businesses face the current reality that there’s not enough labor to go around, retaining top talent has become a top priority. That’s why creating the type of environment that makes your employees want to stay is more important than ever. On this episode of THRIVE, a Paychex business podcast, Gene Marks talks with Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Officer of Grategy. Listen in as she talks ab...

When it comes to navigating the digital marketplace, it’s easy to get lost. But with the right knowledge, the right partners, and the right plan, you can learn how to get your website noticed and help your business get found online. On this episode of THRIVE, a Paychex business podcast, we’re talking with Marcus Tober, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Semrush, a global software com...

Despite 85% of small businesses in 2021 experiencing financial difficulties, data shows that big banks approved only 14.7% of loan requests in the same year. This week’s “On the Mark” episode looks at six alternative funding sources, including SBA loans backed by the federal government, localized grants, online lenders, and more. Host Gene Marks shares his thoughts on the pros and cons of each. Li...

For most, the 4-day work week sounds good in principle but will likely never happen. However, at Bolt, the company has not only implemented a 4-day work week – they’ve done so in a thoughtful, methodical way that has delivered increased productivity and work-life balance. Join Gene as he discusses this process with Jennifer Christie, the Chief People Officer at Bolt. You’ll learn why it’s so impor...

The original SECURE Act put business owners and their employees in great position to reap the benefits of establishing a workplace retirement plan. Gene Marks takes a look at how SECURE Act 2.0 might enhance the benefits if it becomes law: employers would gain increased tax credits, younger employees could use contributions toward student loan debt and older employees could save longer by taking r...

If there’s one thing your business can count on, it’s taxes. Given IRS requirements to report any non-wage income on various 1099 forms, Debbie Pflieger, an EY Americas Financial Services Tax Principal, Information Reporting and Withholding Services Leader, visits the show to advise you on all things 1099. Hear why legal names and Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) are important to include, and...

This week’s “On the Mark” podcast offers tips to keep things running smoothly for businesses amid higher energy costs. Host Gene Marks shares insights he is hearing and seeing, including conducting energy audits, increasing capital through loans to purchase inventory, and maybe even doing maintenance rather than full-scale overhauls. He also suggests checking out some online sites for best practic...

Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado, and an entrepreneur in his own right, joins the show to discuss the ways his state is helping small businesses succeed. Some initiatives include reducing fees startups would pay to incorporate, temporarily waiving state sales tax for restaurants to offset pandemic pressures, and encouraging apprenticeships to help job seekers upskill into open work roles. Hear ho...

You hear it every day in the news: rising prices, inflation. Don’t just ride it out in 2022. Be proactive to help your business. This episode of “On the Mark” touches upon several tips that can serve your business in navigating inflation, including raising prices strategically using data on specific product lines, over-communicating with customers about raising prices, practicing “shrinkflation” —...

Today’s businesses face cyber security threats from almost every side: phishing emails or SMS texts, malware, ransomware, and the added vulnerabilities of remote or hybrid employees’ home networks. Hear from Daniel Clayton, Vice President of Global Services and Support at Bitdefender, a 20-year cyber security company, the current threats that need to be on your business radar, and even how to appr...

Businesses that borrowed funds from the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program since 2020 will have extra time to begin repayment after the SBA extended the deferment period. Host Gene Marks talks about the benefits to small businesses, while also sharing insights on a Microsoft survey that showed 50% of leaders wanted their employees back in the office. What is your business doing to rema...

Sometimes our worst losses are opportunities in disguise. So says Suzanne Somers, of “Three’s Company” TV fame, who went into business for herself after show producers terminated her contract when she asked for equal pay. An influencer before the term was invented, her many business endeavors — from the Thigh-Master and Somersizing cruises, to multiple books and organic wellness products, cemented...

With 94% of employees in a recent survey indicating that they can do their work from anywhere, host Gene Marks says employers must be flexible to lessen the impact on recruitment and retention, plus aware of compliance issues involving taxes. He also talks about customer preference for Advanced ID techniques to keep their information safe and government’s push to punish those who accessed funds fr...

Looking for unique, targeted strategies for digital marketing to reach niche audiences for your business? Spotify's popular music and podcast streaming app has become an emerging promotional channel for small- to mid-size businesses (SMBs). Hear Rochelle Sanchirico, global director for SMB marketing for Spotify, describe how its self-service Ad Studio and $250-$500 points of entry offers SMBs a co...