5 Small Business Trends You May Want to Follow in 2014

 

True entrepreneurial spirit was a hallmark of 2013. According to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, about 476,000 new business owners emerged each month – a strong sign of economic recovery in the U.S. And the trend is likely to continue through 2014.

 

With so many drastic changes in recent years, the way in which we conduct business will only continue to transform and evolve. Let’s take a look at some of the 2014 business themes and trends.

 

 Rise of the virtual workforce

 

The widespread adoption of virtual work practices is a theme we’ll see in 2014. A recent International Data Corporation (IDC) forecast projected that the mobile worker population will exceed 1.3 billion by 2015.

 

This increase will allow companies to be more flexible and have access to a larger, more diverse talent pool and lower office costs, freedom of job location and overall job satisfaction. We have the internet to thank for making this possible, as all work and communication activities can be logged online.

 

Leveraging social media

 

As of September 2013, 71% of all online adults used Facebook. Today, 81% of millennials are active on Facebook. More small businesses are using this trend to their advantage – turning to social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to engage with customers. This gives businesses the opportunity to display a more human side. More companies are also adding social media to their overall marketing campaigns.

 

Mobile website optimization

 

A mobile-friendly website is key to the long-term success of small businesses. January 2014 marked the first time that Americans using mobile devices to access the internet surpassed PCs. At the very least, businesses should make sure their website properly fits on a mobile screen so users can easily navigate the site.

 

Investment in mobile apps

 

As we’re living in a mobile world, more small businesses are beginning to connect with existing and potential customers via smartphone apps. For example, a restaurant may use an app to broadcast its menu and any upcoming specials. Business owners can also use mobile apps to better manage their finances.

 

Crowdfunding as a capital source

 

While it’s not a new idea, many businesses are relying on crowd-funding websites to raise capital. Crowd-funding involves raising small amounts of money from a large number of people. The crowd-funding market hit $2.7 billion in 2012 – and shows no signs of slowing down.

 

These are a few of the small business trends headlining 2014. While many trends come and go, one that will never go out of style is the need for business owners to invest in reliable small business insurance. Learn more about the wide variety of industries we serve.

Nationwide Reaffirms Support for Active Military

 

Nationwide and the brave men and women who serve in various branches of the military share a common connection–we both serve a noble purpose. Members of the military are charged with the responsibility of protecting lives and Nationwide is responsible for protecting what’s most important in the lives of our members. During a special ceremony on July 12, Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen signed a Statement of Support reaffirming Nationwide’s commitment to support associates who are called to active duty.

 

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support is a pledge employers make to show they support employees in the important activities required as part of their mission to serve their country as members of the National Guard and Reserve. Nationwide believes the unique skills and experiences that members of the military and veterans have add value to Nationwide and for its members.

 

“Supportive employers like the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company are critical to maintaining the readiness and strength of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units and allow Guardsmen and Reservists the opportunity to serve our country more effectively and with greater peace of mind,” said Tom Bullock, ESGR Chief of Employer Outreach. “By signing this Statement of Support, Nationwide sends a clear message that they stand committed to their military employees and recognize the integrity, global perspective and proven leadership they bring to the workplace.”

 

Several Nationwide associates who currently serve in the military or are veterans attended the event. Tony Hall, a heavy equipment operator in the Army and a member care representative at Nationwide, said, “I like that Nationwide recognizes military people—even when you don’t realize it because they aren’t in uniform.”

 

Military service is just another way Nationwide associates bring the On Your Side® promise to life.

 

“Our associates who serve in the military have made a tremendous commitment to protect our country,” said Rasmussen. “At Nationwide, we believe it is important to continue to hire and support their efforts on behalf of our country and our company.”

 

Working for Nationwide

 

Nationwide has always been a company that values people.

 

And Nationwide’s commitment to those serving in the military isn’t new. In fact, Nationwide traces its support of associates in active duty to World War II—a time when hundreds of its associates joined the military.

 

While they were overseas, the company set up a physical location in the headquarters lobby where associates could go to send letters of encouragement to their co-workers in the military.

 

One of the letters came from Murray D. Lincoln, the President of the Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Companies (later renamed Nationwide). Lincoln sent a letter to each of the deployed associates that said, “You are doing a great job and we are proud of you. The Farm Bureau cheerfully accepts the responsibility of providing jobs for you to return to should you desire to do so.”

 

Nationwide continues its commitment to recruiting veterans, supporting the important work they do while employed and by helping to ease the transition to civilian life.

 

Hall offers advice for veterans looking to enter the workforce in the insurance industry, “Use the skills you already have. The values that are instilled through military experience provide a great foundation for moving forward with a career in insurance.”

 

Visit our Veterans Careers page to search for job opportunities for veterans.