Now is the Time to Embrace the QR Code

Small business owners are often reluctant to adapt to modern technology. If they have been in business for many years (or decades) they are comfortable with the processes and procedures, they already have in place. It is not unusual for me to meet with a client who is still using Quick Books desktop circa the early 2000’s. The problem with not adapting to newer technologies is that they will often find themselves being left behind by their competition. That brings us to the issue of the QR code. If you recall from many, many years ago the QR code was introduced by a Japanese company in 1994, for use in the automobile manufacturing (1). As of 2011, the primary users of QR codes were men (18-34) (2). At the time it was a little too early for much of the population to see its benefit or to adopt its use. This could have been due to a lack of understanding of what it did or not having the proper apps (such as a scanner) on mobile devices. 

The pandemic changed all that. I first started noticing a rebirth in the use of the QR code in 2020 when I was in NYC. Restaurants had started putting QR codes on table placards so patrons could scan and read the menu. This involved less handling and less need to print or purchase menus. According to Wikipedia “In September 2020, a survey found that 18.8 percent of consumers in the United States...strongly agreed that they had noticed an increase of QR code use since the then-active COVID-19 related restrictions had begun several months prior.” (2)

The second place I started seeing wide use of QR codes was at conferences, where codes could be found on pop-up banners. The codes were used for agendas, maps, and activities. Now I see them everywhere! One of the more innovative ways I saw them being used recently was at an upscale restaurant where you could scan the menu, order food, and pay the tab. This allowed the restaurant to operate, during a remarkably busy time, with limited staff. Think of the labor savings if you do not need to bring a menu, take an order, or leave a bill. With the labor shortage small businesses are facing, looking into implementing QR code technology into your business could save time and money! Here are some ideas on how small business can implement the QR code:

1. Distribute agendas, directions, and events

2. Direct customers to your website

3. Marketing and ad campaigns, on print material, TV, or billboards

4. Restaurant menu

5. Customer payment

6. Gather feedback about a product or service

7. Loyalty reward program

8. Compile customer data for email and direct mail campaigns

9. Member check-in

10. Provide product information

I am sure there are many more applications that small businesses can use to generate customer traffic, build loyalty, save labor, boost sales, and reduce waste. Please let me know if you implement QR code technology into your small business. 

(1)   1.   QR Code history

(2)  2.    Wikipedia

 

IRS updates the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to help business with staffing shortages!

 September 19, 2022

WASHINGTON — The IRS today updated information on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), available to employers that hire designated categories of workers who face significant barriers to employment. For employers facing a tight job market, the WOTC may be able to help.

Today's updates include information on the pre-screening and certification process. To satisfy the requirement to pre-screen a job applicant, on or before the day a job offer is made, a pre-screening notice (Form 8850, Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit) must be completed by the job applicant and the employer.

The Targeted Jobs Tax Credit (TJTC), which preceded WOTC, did not contain a pre-screening requirement. In enacting WOTC to replace the TJTC in 1996, Congress included the requirement that employers pre-screen job applicants before or on the same day the job offer is made. In doing so, Congress emphasized that the WOTC is designed to incentivize the hiring and employment of certain categories of workers.

After pre-screening a job applicant, the employer must then request certification by submitting Form 8850 to the appropriate state workforce agency no later than 28 days after the employee begins work. Other requirements and further details can be found in the instructions

✎ EditSign

WOTC has 10 designated categories of workers. The 10 categories are:

• Qualified IV-A Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients
• Certain veterans, including unemployed or disabled veterans
• The formerly incarcerated or those previously convicted of a felony
• Designated community residents living in Empowerment Zones or Rural Renewal Counties
• Vocational rehabilitation referrals
• Summer youth employees living in Empowerment Zones
• Food stamp (SNAP) recipients
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients
• Long-term family assistance recipients
• Qualified long-term unemployment recipients.

Although the credit generally is not available to tax-exempt organizations, a special provision allows them to claim the WOTC against the employer's share of Social Security tax for hiring qualified veterans. These organizations claim the credit on Form 5884-C, Work Opportunity Credit for Qualified Tax-Exempt Organizations Hiring Qualified Veterans. Visit the WOTC page for more information.

Laura D. Katz, MBA, CDMP, is the Area Director of the UGA SBDC - Athens Center. Ms. Katz is a national speaker on the topic of Marketing & Business Development. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

DAWG’s win the National College Football Championship!

Photo from: UGA Today January 11, 2022

 

After watching last night's game, I began to think about what led to the Bulldog’s historic win against the Crimson Tide? In the 4th quarter the score was 19-18 and I had a sinking feeling that the Crimson Tide would steamroll us again. However, that all changed when Bennett "dumped it off to Brock Bowers for the score from 15 yards out as the Bulldogs retake the lead... then Kelee Ringo intercepts and returns it 79 yards for the score and give Georgia its first national title since 1980. Final score Georgia 33, Alabama 18 ." (source: @sportingnews)

When Stetson Bennett was asked what he was thinking at that point in the game, he said “I was either going to be a zero or a hero.” The team had planned and practiced for this very situation and they all knew what needed to be done.

I believe there are #3 key factors that made the Bulldog’s National Champions when it came down to the wire:

1. Leadership - Kirby Smart’s leadership and determination kept Stetson Bennett in as starting quarterback, even after the SEC defeat against Alabama. Stetson Bennett’s leadership and trust in Brock Bowers ability to catch the ball led to that game changing touchdown.
2. Strategy - After their SEC loss, Smart pushed the team to build the strength and endurance needed in the second half to push through and win. Smart knew his team had the talent and the heart, however they just needed more endurance than their opponent.
3. Practice - Everyone has heard, “practice makes perfect” and you can see why that is true. By "working the plan" which led to the late "pick-six" interception and 79 yard touchdown by Kelee Ringo!

Why am I writing about sports when I have been told to never, ever “talk sports” in public? Because, I have seen first hand that when a business owner utilizes leadership, strategy and practice they become champions! As a business owner you can survive for a while on talent and luck, but not long term. You need to lead your team by developing a strategic plan and win by working the plan. How can you do this? By taking UGA SBDC’s GrowSMART, a premier leadership and business development program held annually. The program is starting on March 8th and will be held on five consecutive Tuesdays through April 5th.

Do you want to be a Zero or a Hero? Take the opportunity now by applying to attend GrowSMART. Become the Hero in your business! You will not regret it.

Go DAWG’s!

Laura D. Katz, MBA, CDMP, is the Area Director of the UGA SBDC - Athens Center. Ms. Katz is a national speaker on the topic of Marketing & Business Development. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.