Erie Busineses Law - June 2020
www.ErieBusinessLaw.com 814-315-9255
June 2020
With the World Changing Around Us, It Is Time to Be More Active
I’m sure I’m as guilty as anyone when it comes to time spent aimlessly scrolling through social media. But, when it comes to marketing your business, social media is a valuable tool, especially when you know how to use it effectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my team and I saw an opportunity to use social media to help more business owners. With quarantine and stay-at- home orders in place, people are spending way more time on social media. Knowing this, we started running ads on all our social media platforms, and we discovered something interesting. Even though there was an increase of people on these sites, the cost of the ads themselves dropped significantly. We were able to spend less money and have a far bigger impact, which was an unexpected but considerable advantage for us. One of the biggest benefits was the chance to run and test multiple ads. We ran five or six different ads, learned what was working, and adjusted our strategies and budget accordingly. We were able to get data quickly on our ads’ performances and adjust as needed. At first, we used images of people hunched over, clearly distressed and anxious. Then I spoke with another business owner who suggested we try a different angle. Instead of focusing on surviving COVID-19, we shifted to conquering it. That subtle change resulted in immediate results. In one of our most successful ads, we chose to use a picture of a woman climbing a mountain — a display of strength and determination. Through this approach and with social media alone, we extended our reach to other businesses exponentially. It also helped us to attract more of the type of clients we like to work with.
reach in the first place. Business owners need to look for these types of opportunities constantly and be aware that they might not be apparent at first glance. When it came to the pandemic, it was easy to get caught up in the fear gripping the world, but we also had to keep moving forward. By looking for growth, we turned the situation into a positive for the business, our clients, our employees, and our community. “That is one of the tricks of opportunity. It has a sly habit of slipping in by the back door, and often, it comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat. Perhaps this is why so many fail to recognize opportunity.”
We were fortunate to spot an opportunity early on. But more importantly, it was the fact that we were actively seeking a way to increase our
“It’s more important than ever to find the positives and push forward in the months to come. It’s time to conquer and not just survive.”
– Napoleon Hill
There is no shortage of misfortune in the world right now. That also means no shortage of opportunity. As the future is full of uncertainty and laws bring more restrictions on what we can or cannot do, business owners must be even more diligent in looking for these types of opportunities. The opportunities you spot now and the decisions you make because of them will have an incredible impact on your future.
–Adam Williams
www.ErieBusinessLaw.com | 1
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
ABOUT TO RETIRE? CONSIDER THESE LOW-RISK, HIGH-RETURN INVESTMENTS
As you age, it’s wise to make some changes in order to stay healthy, like your diet or your workout routine. Likewise, your portfolio should be adjusted to reduce risk and protect your financial health. After a bad turn in the market, it can take up to a decade to make your money back. If you want to retire in the next five years, then can you really afford that risk? Reducing your risk doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on high-return investments, though. Here are some low-risk, high-return investments to consider adding to your portfolio as you approach retirement. PEER-TO-PEER LENDING Otherwise known as P2P lending, this investment takes place online. Borrowers are matched with investors for loans that benefit both parties — lending without the bank. Your risk and potential returns depend entirely on which loans you choose to invest in. The two most popular P2P lending platforms are Lending Club and Prosper, and you can start investing in either platform with as little as $25. REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS When you invest in real estate investment trusts (REIT), you’re investing in mortgages or direct equity positions in various properties. When the stock market is in decline, REITs are a good investment because they’re not corrected with stock exchanges. Plus, their yield is usually higher than the dividends investors get from stocks.
FIXED INDEXED ANNUITIES When it comes to low-risk, high-return investments, fixed indexed annuities (FIA) are the most attractive option for retirees. In 2018, renowned economist professor Roger Ibbotson conducted research into the return history of inflation, U.S. Treasury bills, government bonds, FIAs, and stocks. Unsurprisingly, stocks offered the highest returns historically, but Ibbotson was surprised to find FIAs came in second, beating out bonds and conventional wisdom.
Historically, these investments have produced great returns for individuals who are in retirement or who are about to retire. However, remember that everyone’s circumstances are different. Before making any changes to your portfolio, talk to your financial planner about your options. TIMES THE OLYMPICSWERE CANCELED And the Postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Games
In late March, amid the global spread of COVID-19, the International Olympic Committee announced the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games. They were slated to take place in Tokyo, Japan, this summer, but they will now happen in the summer of 2021. While this is an unprecedented decision, it’s not the first time that major global events have affected the Olympic Games or which countries participated. Since the inception of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, they have been outright canceled three times — 1916, 1940, and 1944. The first cancellation of the Olympic Games happened duringWorldWar I. The German Empire was supposed to host the games in Berlin, but by the time 1916 rolled around, Europe was deep in the trenches of WWI. Many nations had sent their athletes to fight in the war, so the games were canceled.
WorldWar II caused the next two cancellations. The 1940 Olympics were initially scheduled to be held in Tokyo. It would have been the first time the games were hosted by a non-Western country, but Japan forfeited the right to host when they invaded China in 1937. The games were then rebooked for Helsinki, Finland, but after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and startedWWII, those games were scrapped as well. Since the fighting hadn’t ceased by the time the games were supposed to happen in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in 1944, the Olympics were canceled again. Though the Olympics have happened on schedule since the end of WWII, the United States has not always participated. In 1980, when the U.S. boycotted the Olympics that were held in Moscow, Russia, in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, 64 other nations followed suit. However, those games still went on as planned and 80 countries participated. The fact that major global conflicts are the only other events that have been catastrophic enough to affect the Olympics might be distressing and elevate anxiety about our current global health crisis. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Olympics have only been postponed this time, not canceled. We’ll still get to cheer on our favorite Olympians next year.
2 | 814-315-9255
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
TAKE A BREAK
TURN YOUR VACATION INTO A STAYCATION
3 Ways to Replace a Canceled Vacation
Vacations provide opportunities for families to spend time together in a relaxed environment, get away from the routines of everyday life, and create meaningful memories. If you’ve recently had to cancel a trip but still want to create the experience of a vacation for your family, then a staycation is just what you need. TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD When you’re trying to recreate a vacation, the outdoor areas of your home present a variety of possibilities. You can turn a sandbox into a relaxing beach, complete with a kiddie pool “ocean.” If you have trees, then set up a zip line or obstacle course. You can even stimulate summer brains with a scavenger hunt around the backyard with hidden clues in the dirt or bushes. The ultimate prize can be something you would have purchased on your original vacation, like a souvenir you can find online. CREATE A ‘FAMILY MUSEUM’ Many vacations include an educational aspect in order to enrich our understanding of the place we’re visiting, and museums are a great way to accomplish that. If you’re confined to the house, then teach your kids about your own knowledge and interests and encourage them to get creative and make their own contributions, too. Have everyone create art, take photos, or write about their prized possessions. Display these masterpieces around your home and let their creators take you on a tour. Learning more about one another builds meaningful bonds. BRING YOUR TRIP HOME You probably chose your original vacation destination in order to experience new and different cultures and activities. But just because you’re no longer traveling to that location doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of what it has to offer! Research popular local cuisine, activities, and history of the area, then create ways to experience them with your family. Cook a traditional meal, recreate a scenic location through photographs, or share a story about local lore and history. Your changed plans will no longer feel like a missed opportunity. Staying at home doesn’t mean your family can’t have the fun of a vacation. All it takes is a little creativity and innovation to build an experience that will bring your family closer together.
GRILLED BASIL CHICKEN AND TOMATOES
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken and tomatoes on a warm summer’s evening. It’s a simple recipe that packs a flavor punch.
Ingredients
•
2 tbsp olive oil
•
1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
•
1 clove garlic
•
8 Roma tomatoes
•
1/2 tsp salt
•
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)
•
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Directions
1. For marinade: In blender, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, vinegar, and basil. Cut 2 tomatoes into quarters and add to mixture. Cover and process until blended. Halve remaining tomatoes for grilling.
2. In bowl, combine chicken and 2/3 cup marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Reserve remaining marinade.
3. Heat grill to about 350–400 F. Lightly oil grates. Grill chicken until internal temperature reads 165 F, about 4–6 minutes per side. Grill tomatoes until lightly browned, about 2–4 minutes per side. Discard remaining marinade.
4. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.
www.ErieBusinessLaw.com | 3
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
814-315-9255 www.ErieBusinessLaw.com 425 West 10th St. Erie, PA 16502 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Never Stop Looking for Opportunities
Best Investments for Retirees Have the Olympics Ever Been Postponed Before?
2
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes 3 Enriching Staycation Ideas
3
4
Ways to Help Local Nonprofits Right Now
HOW TO HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS RIGHT NOW Over the past several months, families, businesses, and nonprofits have had to navigate life in this challenging “new normal,” and it can be hard to support your favorite nonprofits when times are tough. Here are a few ways you can help these important entities, even when you don’t have resources to spare right now. VOLUNTEER
In a time of social distancing, volunteering may be discouraged, but nonprofits still need volunteers to operate. The good news is that many nonprofits need volunteers for positions that maintain social distance, such as driving. Food banks and kitchens need drivers to pick up donations or ingredients from donors and to deliver food to people in need, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.
DONATE
While many people donate generously during the holiday season, remember that nonprofits need donations throughout the year, and different nonprofits need different things. A monetary donation can often go a long way, but never feel obligated to give money, especially when your budget may be tight. Instead, consider cleaning out your closet. What clothes, shoes, or other accessories can you part with? What about dishware or small appliances? When you clean out your home and donate unused items, you benefit those in the community who need them most.
ADVOCATE
Even if you don’t have time or resources to give, you can become an advocate for important causes around your community. While it might not seem like much, sharing information about local nonprofits on social media can make a genuine difference. Nonprofits need exposure, which is greatly boosted through community support. Sharing useful information about nonprofits — or sharing their posts — increases their visibility so more people will take action.
4 | 814-315-9255
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs