THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

Any business selling products is dependent on inventory management to fulfill customer needs, but many companies haven’t mastered this critical aspect of operations. Hear Lucas Miller, vice president of implementation for Fishbowl, the global leader in inventory control solutions, explain best practices in stock management, trending innovations, and key metrics that can empower smarter inventory p...

Businesses still searching for financial help to offset cash flow disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic should listen to the recent episode of the “On the Mark” podcast as host Gene Marks reviews the benefits of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The program ends Dec. 31, 2021, so time is running out to take advantage of the program. Learn about eligibility, interest rates, th...

Google. Facebook. Amazon. How do these three tech companies dominate online search and advertising options for small businesses competing for visibility in the online marketplace? Gilad Edelman covers the intersection of Big Tech, politics, and law for WIRED magazine. Hear his insights on the power and impact of these online marketing giants, what practices might define them as monopolies, and whe...

Business owners looking to infuse meaningful money — potentially tens of thousands of dollars — into their operations should check into whether they are eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit. CPA and small-business owner Gene Marks debuts the “On the Mark” series, sharing details about the credit, how to determine eligibility, why some of his clients favor ERTC over Paycheck protection pr...

During the pandemic, online shopping skyrocketed, straining the bounds of e-commerce scale and service capabilities. As we emerge from the pandemic, supply chain shortages further frustrate customers and businesses awaiting delivery of goods. However, Vivek Pandya, senior digital insights manager at Adobe, shares analysis on the e-commerce trends showing remarkable growth, and the opportunities fo...

Will the Supply Chain Emergency Response Act bill proposed by U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) rescue the businesses and families impacted by supply chain shortages at the critical holiday sales season? In this special episode, hear specifics of his plan to fix the supply chain disruption by offering incentives to reroute cargo ships from the West Coast through the Panama Canal to Florida and East C...

Google AdWords vs. Organic SEO. Facebook. Instagram. LinkedIn. When it comes to online marketing, how can small businesses stretch limited dollars over multiple platforms to reach customers effectively? And how can they compete against larger companies with massive marketing budgets? Neil Patel, recognized as one of Forbes’ top 10 marketing influencers, shares insights and growth marketing strateg...

Franchise owner-operators are facing current challenges on several fronts: labor shortages, uncertainties around pending vaccine mandates, and pressures from potential expansion of joint employer classification with national brands. Meanwhile, wages and benefits are up, and opportunities for veteran- and minority-owned franchises continue to grow. Hear from Matthew Haller, president and CEO of the...

With many U.S. workers emerging from the pandemic seeking more flexible working hours, could a 4-day work week become a new standard for business? Hear why U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) has proposed an hourly change to the standard work week, the different shapes it could take across various sectors, and which companies might be the first to give it a try.  Topics Include: 5:03- History of the 5-da...

Whether it’s compromised emails, phishing attacks, ransomware or more, IT security risks are a key concern for businesses today. When might passwords disappear in favor of biometrics? What is “smishing” and how could it impact you? In this episode, WIRED magazine senior writer Lily Hay Newman shares her expertise on trends happening in the field of information security and digital privacy, and why...

Hard times are coming for the ship of state, says economic analysts Antony Davies and James R. Harrigan. As Congress raises the U.S. debt ceiling again, while the national debt and government overspending spiral past the bounds of reality, harsh outcomes loom on the economic horizon, they warn. How can businesses prepare to minimize the painful realities that could come sooner than preferred? Don’...

The signs are clear: inflation isn’t just on the way, it’s already here. That’s what economic experts Antony Davies and James R. Harrigan tell host Gene Marks in this episode, the first of two on inflation, U.S. debt, and the nation’s economy. How did we get here, and where might we be going? Whether rising prices, Federal Reserve actions, supply chain shortages, or labor force impacts have you co...

Zumba® creator Beto Perez, a native of Colombia, brought his passion for music and dance into the fitness world and took it by storm. His story epitomizes the American dream for entrepreneurs: starting with nothing but a vision and hard work, then watching it succeed beyond imagination. Zumba dance workouts and classes are beloved by millions, and now reach more than 185 countries, while the brand...

While you thought e-commerce and the pandemic might signal the end of retail, it’s alive and well, says Tom McGee, president and CEO of ICSC. Thanks to tech innovations, changes to physical store layouts, and a shift to service customers’ last mile of delivery, retail has been reborn. Further, a look beyond the shopping malls of yesterday will show that essential retailers and experience-oriented...

Host Gene Marks wraps up season two of the Paychex Business Series podcast with advice for businesses facing the biggest issues of the year—rising costs and workforce disruptions. First, how can entrepreneurs and business owners like you tackle the challenges of inflation and supply chain increases? And what strategies—including higher pay, lifestyle benefits, federal tax credits, and referral sou...

In the era of COVID-19, business safety has been prioritized more than ever. From cybersecurity to disease prevention, Gene looks back on some of the best conversations he’s had with experts this season. Tune into the first half for a recap with Rick McElroy, Principal Cyber Security Strategist at VMware, as they discuss how companies can avoid cyber attacks and utilize security tools. Listen into...

The Infrastructure Bill and PRO Act are both legislations that have major impacts on the American construction industry. With deadlines nearing, where does the Infrastructure Bill stand and will the PRO Act benefit contractors? In this episode, Gene Marks speaks with CEO Steve Sandherr of The Associated General Contractors of America on his views of these two bills and the concerns they may presen...

How do we help farmers stay in business in a modernizing society? Today’s America sees inflation, corporation-led farm equipment, and insufficient labor. Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, is addressing these issues by giving a united voice to the agricultural community. Hear as he speaks with Gene Marks on the Right to Repair, the Infrastructure Bill, and more. Resour...

The Associated Builders and Contractors Association values not only the physical safety of workers, but their wellness, happiness, and mental health. With the hit of COVID-19, human health has become an even larger commitment. Hear as Gene Marks speaks with President and CEO of the ABC, Michael Bellaman, about the ABC’s motives as well as his insights on the newly passed PRO Act, Infrastructure Bi...

As the COVID-19 pandemic pushes on, covering expenses grows difficult for small businesses. The SBA is taking the lead to help owners by expanding its Paycheck Protection Program. So, what new changes can owners expect? Listen in as Gene Marks speaks with Connor Mykins on the Direct Loan Forgiveness Portal, 60/40 rule, and how you can apply for forgiveness. Resources: Planning on applying for a PP...

As new markets emerge in the U.S economy, the Senate is working to ensure growth in our diverse minority communities. In today’s episode, Gene Marks is joined by Senator Ben Cardin, part of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hear as he talks about three bills he’s supporting to develop, fund, and uplift minority entrepreneurs.    Resources: Want to know more about the imp...

Having spent over 30 years designing, conducting, and publishing peer reviewed research on the ethical applications of influence and why people say yes to requests, Dr. Robert Cialdini joins host Gene Marks to talk about the seven core principles behind the art of influence. Listen in as they talk about how reciprocity, scarcity, authority, commitment and consistency, liking, consensus, and unity...

Currently a $1.5 trillion market, the cyber crime economy just continues to grow. So, is your business prepared with the security it needs to protect against a cyber attack? On this episode of the Paychex Business Series podcast, Gene Marks is talking with Rick McElroy, Principal Cyber Security Strategist at VMware, about what businesses need to do to protect themselves. Hear as he talks about the...

On this episode of the Paychex Business Series podcast, host Gene Marks talks with Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Hear what she had to say about the future of the SBA, future financing models, the expansion of SCORE, and more. DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be cons...

In Kansas, small business owners, new and old, struggle to adapt to the changing economy and modernization needed to survive during COVID-19. Congresswoman Sharice Davids, of the House Small Business Committee, is working to support these entrepreneurs through community lending, grant funding, and tech resources. Tune in as she speaks with Gene Marks about the 4 bills she’s sponsoring to help loca...