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A dermatologist's ultimate summer guide for whole body care

(BPT) - You probably worry a lot about caring for your body — especially your skin — over the winter, when harsh temps and cold winds can take their toll. But did you know your self-care routine could also use an overhaul to face the challenges of the hot summer months?

"Just like you change your clothes depending on the season, your skincare routine needs to change in the summer, too," said board certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu. "While many of us are well versed in how to care for our skin in the winter, summertime brings its own concerns." To help you enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps without stressing your skin, here are some of her tips for your best summer body care.

Layer on the sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin before going out and about, even on cloudy days. Be sure to bring some along with you if you plan to spend your whole day outdoors and be ready to reapply after spending time in the water.

What to do about body odor

One of the biggest challenges during the heat of summer is coping with increased odor, which can impact not just your armpits, but everywhere on your body. To address this concern, some women take multiple showers a day or use powder or perfumes that only mask the odor, rather than addressing it at its source.

"First and foremost, I want to say that body odor is 100% normal and definitely expected with the hotter weather," said Dr. Liu. "If you're looking for a solution to help you stay fresher longer, I highly recommend Secret Whole Body Deodorant, which is made with ingredients you can use for the whole body, including intimate areas, for external use only."

Made with skin care ingredients, Secret Whole Body Deodorant is tested by gynecologists and dermatologists, and is free of aluminum, baking soda, dyes, phthalates and parabens. It comes in three unique formulations:

1. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Stick is ideal for use under breasts or where thighs rub together. Made with shea butter and coconut oil, the stick glides on smooth and clear. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom, Lilac & Waterlily scents and Unscented.
2. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Invisible Cream is perfect for use in intimate areas, and it can easily and precisely be applied by hand. Made with skin care ingredients, the water-based cream absorbs quickly, with no pilling. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom scent and Unscented.
3. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Spray allows for touchless application across your body and is made with 100% natural propellant so you can experience the full array of light, fresh fragrance notes. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom and Lilac & Waterlily scents.

Secret Whole Body Deodorant provides 72 hours of clinically proven odor protection for your whole body, to help you feel fresher no matter what summer throws your way.

Ways to avoid dry skin

While dry skin is common during winter, the summer weather can also be a culprit! Whether you’re going in and out of air-conditioned buildings and hot outdoor air, spending time in the blazing sun or going for a swim in chlorinated pools and salty sea water, these activities can all strip the skin of its natural oils.

"It's really important to rinse your skin well after swimming," said Dr. Liu. "I always recommend that my patients use a gentle cleanser to remove debris — and then immediately apply a moisturizer on damp skin to reduce dryness and irritation."

Revamp your bathroom cabinet

With the changing seasons, it's also a great time to refresh your bathroom cabinets and drawers to declutter and remove items that are past their expiration date. "Go through your products so you can toss out anything you no longer use, or that's old or expired," said Dr. Liu. Check your products for texture or color changes, for example. Those are signs that it’s time to get a new one.

With these tips, you can enjoy all of the fun summer activities you love while looking, feeling — and smelling your best, all day long.

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Savvy Online Shopping Tips to Save Money and Time

(BPT) - Sponsored by Citi

The ease of shopping online can offer customers greater flexibility and convenience, as well as access to a wider range of products. However, these expanded choices can sometimes lead to more time spent searching for deals.

If you're looking to save money without spending too much time, it's crucial to be strategic before you browse.

Here are tips savvy shoppers use to shop smarter online.

Make the most of free shopping tools

Finding deals quickly can be tough, but savvy shoppers know the latest tools can help. For example, the Citi Shop^SM browser extension provides an easy way to find savings by automatically searching over 5,000 online merchants for available offers and coupons.

According to a recent Citi study*, over one-third of Americans (35%) say it takes too long to find coupons or promo codes when shopping online, and 74% have abandoned an online purchase because they couldn't find a deal. The Citi Shop browser extension helps eligible Citi^® credit cardmembers save time and money by finding savings.

To start using Citi Shop, cardmembers just need to add the extension to their mobile iOS device or desktop browser and enroll their eligible Citi credit card. While shopping online, users will receive alerts about available percent or amount back offers.

Visit Citi.com/CitiShopEnroll to add the extension.

Plan ahead

When it comes to online shopping, planning helps you stay on track and gives you more time to compare prices. Before firing up your laptop or phone, make a quick list of what you’re looking for. Your list could also include how much you're willing to spend.

You could also try keeping a calendar of events like family birthdays, upcoming weddings and other important milestones so you don’t rush to buy something at the last minute.

Sign up for newsletters and alerts

For another smart move, try signing up for newsletters and enabling notifications from your preferred retailers to access exclusive deals and promotions. By doing so, you'll receive timely alerts about special promotions, early access to sales and personalized recommendations. These exclusive perks may help you save money and update you on the latest deals.

Look for retailer incentives

If you write a product review or fill out a survey requested by a retailer, you could be eligible for perks like gift card drawings or discounts. Other retailers may offer price matching or adjustments if you see an item you just bought go on sale at another store a few days later.

If you want to save more time finding online deals, you can always try using the Citi Shop browser extension, which automatically searches for offers and coupons at checkout.

Set a budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to figure out what you may have left for special occasions, shopping or entertainment. After budgeting for necessities, try setting aside a monthly discretionary spending amount — and then stick to it.

Using these tips and tools, you can save time and tap into savings when you shop online.

*The Citi Shopping Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative adults ages 18+ from the U.S., including the U.S. territories, in December 2023.

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Top spots to visit in America's heartland this summer

(BPT) - This July 4th, and as summer travel season heats up, travelers across America's Heartland are embracing the joys of staycations and local travel. Whether it's exploring nearby hidden gems or retreating to the comfort of a cozy home, Airbnb is at the heart of these memorable experiences. Eighty-seven percent of Airbnb users say the location was the most important consideration when booking a family vacation.¹

Here's a closer look at the top trending destinations² and the most wishlisted homes across the heart of America, including Texas, Illinois, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio.

Some of the top trending destinations for the Fourth of July weekend across America's Heartland are:

• Port O'Connor, Texas — known as "The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf Coast," offers world-class fishing, boating and relaxing beach vibes in a quaint coastal setting.
• Galena, Illinois — celebrated for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and rich history, provides visitors with a charming glimpse into the past amidst rolling hills and cobblestone streets.
• Luray, Virginia — home to the stunning Luray Caverns and scenic hiking trails, is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Shenandoah Valley.
• Pocono Township, Pennsylvania — a favorite for its outdoor activities, boasts beautiful lakes, lush forests and ample opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating.
• Munising Township, Michigan — gateway to the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is ideal for nature lovers seeking stunning cliff views and serene water activities.
• Stafford Township, New Jersey — offers charming beaches, a relaxing coastal environment and a variety of water-based recreational activities for a perfect summer getaway.
• Logan, Ohio — known for the picturesque Hocking Hills State Park, features spectacular waterfalls, scenic hiking trails and a serene natural landscape.

The most wishlisted listings across America's Heartland

Ahead of Independence Day, Airbnb is showcasing some of the most wishlisted listings in the United States. These unique and extraordinary homes highlight the diverse landscapes, captivating designs and regional styles across the country. From the HoneyHive in Texas, a bee-themed cabin, to The Haven, an A-framed eco-cabin in Ohio, here is a roundup of some of the most wishlisted stays, perfect for family gatherings or solo getaways.

• Texas: The HoneyHive — a beehive cabin for your sweetest dreams.
• Illinois: Belmont Treasures — including a hot tub and arcade gaming room.
• Virginia: Hobbit Cave — a hobbit-style underground cavern stay.
• Pennsylvania: The Log Cabin — a scenic, new scenic waterfront cabin with views of Muddy Creek.
• Michigan: Frank Lloyd Wright — stay at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Eppstein House, a rare architectural gem.
• New Jersey: Luxe Glass House — a luxurious stay, equipped with a bedroom crystal chandelier and spacious views of a city skyline.
• Ohio: The Haven — an A-cabin nestled in a wooded area with a view of a pond and rolling hills, located in the heart of beautiful Amish country.

So, why choose Airbnb? Here's what guests have to say about their recent travels on the short-term rental platform.

Reliability and comfort

"The couple of Airbnbs that we have used so far have been exactly as described in the listing. The most delightful surprise is the responsiveness of the host. I like immediate results or the ability to contact the host through cell phone contact. It makes my life easier." — Nicole, Airbnb guest from Michigan.

Value and convenience

"We were in downtown Richmond, and the hotels were not as well located and ridiculously priced. Airbnb was just a better value for the location. It was wonderful to have a full kitchen, instead of just a microwave in a hotel room. I was having a stressful medical procedure the next morning, and it was great to have glassware to have a glass of wine and extra space to calm my nerves." — Joanne, Airbnb guest from Virginia.

Unique experiences

"We sold our home and decided to travel the United States staying in Airbnb one month at a time. Our host in Oregon would cut beautiful flowers from her backyard and put them in a vase for us. In Arlington, Massachusetts, we stayed in a home built in 1835, right off the trail where Paul Revere took his midnight ride. It was so charming, and the host was so hospitable." — Kim, Airbnb guest from Texas.

Space and amenities

"It was a beautiful apartment. Big and spacious. Better than the photos and description. Super close walking distance to Wrigley Field and the fun nightlife. You can't compare it to a hotel. When you have a large living room, two bedrooms and bathrooms, a great fully stocked kitchen, and a pretty balcony with lights, it’s just incomparable." — Sharon, Airbnb guest from Illinois.

This July 4th and beyond, explore the heartland's hidden treasures on Airbnb. Whether you're looking for a scenic escape, a cozy retreat, or a place that feels just like home, guests can find their perfect staycation spot and create unforgettable memories this summer.

¹ Based on a survey of nearly 3,000 Airbnb guests with U.S. bookings that included three or more guests between July 1, 2023 and June 24, 2024.

² Trending destinations in the U.S. based on searches by U.S. guests made from January to June 15, 2024 for stays in July 4-7, 2024 versus comparable period in 2023.

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Top OB-GYN Reveals Easy Tips for Reproductive Health and Wellness

(BPT) - Taking care of your sexual and reproductive health is an important part of your overall well-being. Many people find it hard to talk about, and there are many myths about sexuality and reproduction. To clarify some of the confusion, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an OB-GYN professor at Yale School of Medicine, offers the following helpful tips:

Make Annual Check-Ups a Priority

Regularly prioritizing annual OB-GYN check-ups is crucial for maintaining reproductive health and overall well-being. Regular visits allow for early detection of potential issues like cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Comprehensive health monitoring during these check-ups includes tracking changes in menstrual cycles, vaginal health, and hormone levels, which can indicate broader health issues. Preventive care through screenings like Pap smears, HPV testing, pelvic exams and mammograms can catch abnormalities early, thereby reducing the risk of developing serious complications.

Additionally, annual visits provide personalized guidance on your fertility planning. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the most suitable birth control method and offer advice tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. These visits also offer an opportunity to discuss concerns about menstrual irregularities, sexual health, and wellness, ensuring you have accurate information and consistent support.

Building a strong relationship with your healthcare provider through regular visits fosters trust and communication, making it easier to discuss sensitive issues. To maximize the benefits of your visit, make a list of concerns before you go to ensure all important topics are addressed.

Be Prepared with Contraception

Regardless of your relationship status, be smart. Be prepared for sex. During your annual medical visit, ask about different birth control options so you can choose the best method for your current lifestyle and health needs.

You can get combination pills with a prescription from your medical professional or from clinics like Planned Parenthood or carafem for a wide range of birth control options like condoms, birth control pills, emergency contraception, IUD/IUCs, birth control implants, and Depo Provera shots.

The good news is the first over-the-counter (OTC) combination estrogen and progesterone oral contraceptive pill (The Pill) is currently being developed under close FDA supervision.

Be Ready for those Unexpected "Oops" Moments

It's critical to be prepared for unexpected "oops" moments, like when the condom breaks or after unprotected sex by taking an emergency contraceptive within 72 hours of the unprotected sex. Cadence’s Morning After Pill is available over the counter 24/7 at convenience stores like 7-Eleven at half the price of the leading brand, making it more accessible and readily available the moment it’s needed.

It’s important to note that the Morning After Pill will not terminate an existing pregnancy but can prevent one from starting if taken in time. In fact, the sooner you take it the better it works. It is approved by the FDA and won’t interfere with future fertility, regular birth control, or stop a current pregnancy because it prevents pregnancy completely by stopping the egg from meeting the sperm.

So many people confuse the Morning After Pill with the Abortion Pill. Here is an easy way to remember: Morning After Pill prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex, while the abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy.

Maintaining reproductive health and wellness is essential for overall well-being. Make annual check-ups with your health provider a priority as it helps with early detection, comprehensive health monitoring, preventive care, and personalized guidance. Being prepared with effective contraception options and knowing how to handle unexpected moments with emergency contraception empowers women to take control of their reproductive health. By following these tips, women can ensure they are well informed and prepared to manage their reproductive health confidently and effectively. For more information, visit CadenceOTC.com.

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Araks is a sustainable swim and lingerie brand born out of the simple intention to make women feel beautiful beginning with the most intimate of layers. Creating environmentally conscious pieces that last season after season, founder Araks Yeramyan infuses her love of art and color thoughtfully into each one, while keeping the Araks woman in mind–a woman who puts as much care into the world around her as she does herself.

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Inspired by urban landscapes, architecture and modern art, the collection creates a feminine geometry expressed through clean lines and sculptural silhouettes. AGMES is handmade locally in New York from precious metals.

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Do you have high cholesterol? You may be able to join a clinical research study.

(BPT) - Sponsored by Merck

Many people struggle to lower their cholesterol, even though there are medicines available that can help lower LDL-C (the “bad” cholesterol).

High cholesterol, if not treated, can lead to a type of heart disease called atherosclerosis.[1] This disease can raise your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

“Currently available treatments are effective tools to treat high cholesterol, but some must be provided by a doctor by injection and can be hard for people to access,” said Dr. Christie M. Ballantyne, Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

PCSK9 inhibitors are medications to help treat high cholesterol. Researchers are studying an investigational PCSK9 inhibitor that people can take as a pill once a day by mouth instead of as a shot. Currently, there are clinical studies looking at the safety of this investigational medicine and whether it works. These studies will help researchers better understand whether this medicine can lower LDL-C and the chance of cardiovascular adverse events.

Researchers are looking for people to join these studies. To qualify, you must be aged 18 years or older and you either:

• Take a statin medicine to lower cholesterol but still need to lower your LDL-C
• Have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke and have high cholesterol even after taking a statin for at least a month

If you join one of these clinical studies, you’ll get the study medicine and study-related medical exams for no cost. You’ll also be paid back for travel-related study costs, such as bus fare or gas for driving to and from the study site. You don’t need health insurance to join.

“These ongoing clinical studies will help us understand whether our investigational once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor will be an effective treatment for certain people with high cholesterol,” said Dr. Robert Blaustein, Associate Vice President for Clinical Research, Merck Research Laboratories. “I encourage anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to speak with your health care provider to see if one of the clinical studies may be suitable for you.”

Ask your doctor if joining one of these clinical studies may be right for you. For more information on the clinical studies, visit coralreefstudies.com.

Copyright © 2024 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

---

[1] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Atherosclerosis. 2021. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/atherosclerosis

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How one 'wish kid' got the backyard she always wanted

(BPT) - During the pandemic, little Kennedy and her family practically lived in their backyard all day, every day. Together with her three brothers and her parents, Kennedy loved to engage in active play outdoors, like jumping on their trampoline — even putting up with the nuisance of pervasive sticker burrs throughout the lawn so she could stay outside.

Being at home meant even more to Kennedy and her family since she was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3. While her medications and treatment sometimes prevent her from enjoying the active play she loves so much, now 6-year-old Kennedy expressed her heartfelt wish to Make-A-Wish — a total backyard makeover.

"Kennedy is obsessed with unicorns, princesses, rainbows and butterflies," said her mother, Kendra. "She loves to play outside, jump on the trampoline, and she loves gymnastics and cheerleading!"

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children like Kennedy with critical illnesses in the U.S. and nearly 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide, the organization delivers hope and joy to children and families when they need it most.

To see Kennedy's wish granted, Make-A-Wish partnered with Topgolf, a sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy. Topgolf has been a national corporate partner with Make-A-Wish since 2016, helping raise more than $4 million to help grant wishes just like Kennedy's. Year-round, Topgolf donates $1 to Make-A-Wish from the sale of each order of their injectable donut holes, and also hosts an annual fundraising campaign every April. The company also hosts wish celebrations, send-off parties, wish reveals and welcome home parties for wish kids.

Wishes do come true

The plan for Kennedy focused first on a new in-ground trampoline with a turf perimeter and twinkle lights, together with all new sod to replace the lawn full of the pesky stickers that often made outdoor playtime a challenge.

To add extra fun for Kennedy, Topgolf referred Make-A-Wish to SynLawn, which graciously donated one of their Greenmaker putting greens to the project. Make-A-Wish staff helped the Topgolf crew piece together the Greenmaker putting green (and a new set of just-her-size golf clubs from Topgolf) to help set up the backyard space for the amazing wish reveal day.

Because the wish took a while to grant due to distance and vendor availability, Topgolf invited Kennedy and her family for a day of play at Topgolf in The Colony, Texas, while they were waiting for the big day to arrive. The Topgolf team was very eager to help Kennedy and her brothers play hard and have fun.

"Topgolf pulled out all the stops to shower Kennedy with love from the moment they walked through the front door to the time they left," said Meredith Clements, senior wish manager for Make-A-Wish North Texas.

The big day

To help Kennedy celebrate her big wish reveal day, her parents, her aunt, her cousin, both sets of grandparents and of course Kennedy's three brothers were there, waiting for Kennedy to get home from school.

As she walked into the backyard, all the people she loves held up the letters of her name and cheered as they took in the sight of the totally transformed play space. She first cut through the Make-A-Wish banner at the entrance to the yard, then gleefully jumped on the new trampoline with her brothers and practiced her putting with her dad, Gunter.

"Finding out your child has cancer is one of the hardest things you could ever hear," said Gunter. "When I wondered, 'Why did she wish for a backyard makeover?' I realized that Kennedy put a lot of thought into her wish. I feel like it's going to be making up time for what was lost — the times she couldn't go outside — and now she can do that anytime she wants. She can enjoy walking out of her back door to play golf, jump on the trampoline and do the things she loves."

If you'd like to help make wishes come true for kids just like Kennedy all over the U.S., visit Wish.org — or you can plan a fun trip to a Topgolf location today to buy an order of donut holes or make a donation. Find a venue near you at Topgolf.com.

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4 ways small businesses can innovate without a big budget

(BPT) - By Irana Wasti, Chief Product Officer at BILL

In today's fast-paced business landscape, it’s important for small business owners to adopt a mindset for innovation. However, the misconception that innovation requires vast resources and significant time investment can often deter entrepreneurs and business builders from pursuing new ideas and strategies. But with the right approach and perspective, small businesses can foster a culture within the company to make innovation more of an ongoing tenet of a successful business.

As small businesses look at their goals for the new year, with some businesses also thinking about how to do more with the same, consider these four practical tips to innovate without breaking the bank or spinning too many resources.

1. Nurture an innovation mindset with your team

Innovation starts with your team. Cultivating an innovation mindset among your team members is the first step toward achieving small wins that lead to breakthroughs. As someone who has led product development teams for over 20 years, I know that the ability and willingness to analyze the environment, listen to feedback, and adapt to change are key disciplines to delivering products that delight customers. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Embrace diverse perspectives: Different backgrounds and experiences bring unique viewpoints that can spark creativity and improve collaboration within your organization. Where you can, build diversity into your hiring strategy.

Foster a culture of openness: Create an atmosphere where employees feel safe to share their ideas and insights freely. Make them feel that their opinions matter and that they have a stake in the company's success. You can do this with monthly brainstorm sessions to get the whole team thinking about different challenges faced by the business.

Promote continuous learning: Encourage ongoing learning and skills development. There are lots of free online training resources that help employees stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies.

By nurturing an innovation mindset within your team, you can tap into their collective creativity, which can lead to cost-effective innovations that drive your business forward.

2. Listen to your customers and innovate for them

Research from McKinsey & Company has shown that improving the client experience can increase sales revenues by 2%–7%. However, one common pitfall in innovation is over-engineering solutions that don't align with your customers' needs. Prioritize innovation that is rooted in customer feedback, provides value, and aligns with business goals, and is measurable. Here are a few ways you can build trust with your customers and serve as a pipeline to fuel innovation:

Provide multi-channel support: For customers who still need help after navigating your educational resources, offer support across the platforms that matter to them — such as email, social media, SMS, in-app support and more. Leverage tech-enabled tools, such as finance software that offers free phone and chat support with live agents. This meets your customers where they are, letting them reach you in a way they find comfortable and convenient.

Deliver a personalized customer experience with AI tools: Chatbots make a particularly helpful AI-powered customer support tool. A chatbot can respond to customers in real time, offering additional information about your products or services or even fielding customer service questions. AI-powered marketing tools can be used for content creation, social media management, and more. Chatbots and other AI tools can do more than just answer customer inquiries about your products. The best AI tools can adapt and learn from customer behavior.

Cascade the outside, inside: Often customer feedback does not go beyond the customer support team. To help drive more organic innovation, enable regular touch points between team members who face customers and team members who are on the front lines of innovation.

By keeping your customers' needs at the forefront of your innovation efforts, you can ensure your new ideas are well-targeted.

3. Ensure your tech tools help you move the business forward

Efficiency is a cornerstone of cost-effective innovation. Leveraging technology to automate manual tasks lets you accomplish more in less time, freeing up valuable staff time to focus on strategic and creative thinking. You want to work with technology partners that can help you customize tools to meet the needs of your business and facilitate integration. Remember that innovation can come from anywhere in your business so keep your automation goals broad. Here's how some small businesses have found solutions that make an impact:

Automate financial operations: Using technology to eliminate manual activities, such as invoicing, bill payments and financial reporting, helps you streamline operations and reduce human error. It also helps you get back to focusing on what matters to you, your business. Finding a solution that pre-populates invoice information can save business owners, on average, 50% of time on bill pay alone. One of BILL’s customers, Ascent Respiratory Care, a home health care provider that helps patients with respiratory issues, eliminated writing paper checks entirely. “We do not write checks anymore. I would say about 95% of what we do is all paid out via BILL, whether it's a hard copy check or an electronic payment,” said Ascent Respiratory Care Senior Business Development Associate Heather Thompson.

Use data analysis to uncover business insights more easily: Solutions that bring efficiency and optimization to your business can provide valuable analytics that can uncover insights to fuel innovation, inform your decision-making and identify areas for improvement. Golf Genius has seen firsthand how financial analytics has provided better control, visibility and efficiency. “I believe we’re saving thousands of dollars a quarter as a result of real-time budget tracking. Before [BILL], people would ask where they were against their budgets, and now we know,” says Golf Genius CFO, Lou Lombardo.

By harnessing technology to optimize key foundational parts of your business operations, you can achieve cost savings and efficiency gains that contribute to your overall business innovation. For example, BILL’s Financial Operations Platform for SMBs allows businesses to manage and optimize their cash flow all on one platform, delivering the most comprehensive suite of capabilities for SMBs.

4. Don't be afraid to fail forward

Innovation is inherently risky, and not every idea will yield immediate success. However, the more efficient and automated some functions or processes are, the more a small business can embrace a culture of "failing forward," where failure is viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. It will help employees have the space and time to be more creative or innovative. Here's how to do it:

Encourage experimentation: As product leaders, oftentimes we tell our peers: “If experiments aren't failing often, then you are not experimenting enough”. Encourage your team to experiment with new ideas and approaches, even if they come with a degree of uncertainty. Build in time to test-run the idea, with an evaluation checkpoint, before implementing it system-wide.

Iterate and refine: After an experiment, assess what worked and what didn't. Use these insights to refine your approach and try again.

Acknowledge lessons learned from failures: Celebrate the lessons learned from failures. This will encourage a culture where innovation is valued regardless of the outcome, giving business owners a competitive edge and supporting employee retention.

Remember that many groundbreaking innovations have emerged from a series of trial and error. By embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, your small business can take actionable steps toward building a culture that promotes creative thinking, and develop innovative solutions without a big investment.

In conclusion, innovation isn't solely reserved for large corporations with deep pockets. Small businesses can thrive in today's competitive landscape by adopting an innovation mindset, listening to customers, harnessing technology to optimize and adapt to market shifts, and being unafraid to experiment and learn from failures. With the right strategies and a commitment to cost-effective innovation, your small business can stay ahead of the curve.

At BILL, we’re 100% focused on helping SMBs to get more control, visibility, and efficiency in their business. Automating financial operations can be a game changer for your business, saving valuable team time on inefficient manual processes and focusing on high-value strategic tasks instead. BILL helps businesses thrive with technology that is powerful, secure, and easy to integrate and use. To learn more, visit Bill.com/Resources.