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Cal Wilson / October 20, 2025

Keep an eye on your ELDs as device approvals are subject to continuous change

If your business operates a fleet that is subject to electronic logging device (ELD) usage, it’s important to keep an eye on regulatory updates and changes that may impact the solutions you’re using. To ensure you remain compliant with federal law, staying on top of all changes, or working with a third-party expert who can keep track for you, is key.

Changes to approved devices are frequent.

In September, 2025 alone, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) removed four ELDs from its list of approved devices. Fleets were given a tight window of sixty days, during which time they were instructed to “discontinue using the revoked ELD and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data,” and “replace the revoked ELD with a compliant ELD from the Registered Devices list.”

Sixty days may seem like a big window, but for large fleets and when approaching a busy season for many operations, this is a huge change that needs to be made quickly. Changing devices, contacting your provider, educating drivers, and potentially sorting through paper logs – these are all time-consuming feats. And that’s if you’re made aware of the device revocation right away. If you miss the memo, you might be racing to implement the necessary changes in time.

Why do devices get revoked?

The FMCSA doesn’t revoke devices to make life difficult for fleets. In September, the four devices removed – Robinhood ELD, TT ELD PT30, ELOG42 and RENAISSANCE ELD – were done so because they failed to meet technical requirements. They’re not the only devices to face this penalty. Eight other ELDs have also been revoked in 2025. The technical requirements are extensive but readily available, and all the device developers will have the opportunity to revise their ELDs to meet standards. However, that could be a time-consuming fix, and in the meantime, fleets must switch ELDs – and potentially service providers – to remain compliant.

In conclusion…

As a fleet manager, you have to be on top of current ELD regulations. Revoked devices can have a real consequence for your operations, and there may be less time than you’d like to make any changes. Working with an expert on current regulations can save a lot of headaches and buy you time when facing this sort of challenge.

Cal Wilson / October 14, 2025

This Underrated Skill Will Skyrocket Your Success

Every sale begins with a question, and too many are lost because sellers won’t stop talking. Questions create conversations. Conversations build relationships. Relationships create opportunities. Opportunities drive sales.

Cal Wilson / October 6, 2025

How do interchange fees impact your credit card processing bill?

For every payment your business processes by card, your business pays a series of fees. One of these is an interchange fee, which is collected by the payment’s issuing bank. While interchange fees aren’t necessarily flexible on your provider’s side, they are something you can take steps to reduce. In this article, we take a look at interchange fees and how you can optimize your payments to lower the cost of this component.

What fees do you incur on every payment you make?

On each payment you accept, whether it’s in person, over the phone, or online, you pay the following fees:

  • Authorization fee, which is collected by the gateway – an encrypted platform that acts as an intermediary during your transaction
  • Transaction fee, which is collected by the processor – your merchant services provider
  • Assessment fee, which is collected by the card network – such as Mastercard or Visa
  • Interchange fees, which are collected by the issuing bank

Ultimately, these fees can amount around 2% of the total of every transaction.

What are interchange fees specifically?

Interchange fees are collected from you – the merchant – by the cardholder’s bank and cover the cost of the risk associated with approving a payment. While these fees are determined by the card brands and are non-negotiable, there are different levels of interchange fees based on key factors, including the information that you submit every time a payment is made. In fact, there are over 300 different interchange rate levels that could be applied to your payment processing.

What impacts your interchange fees?

Your interchange fees are going to be impacted by a variety of factors, not all of which are in your control. However, some decisions that you make, as a merchant, will determine what you’re charged.

Interchange fees can be determined by card type, and which types of cards carry more risk for the bank:

  • Debit versus credit
  • Corporate versus personal
  • Rewards and travel cards
  • Card brand

The fees are also determined by the way the card was used during the transaction:

  • In person, online, or over the phone
  • Inserted with a chip, tapped, or signed for with a cardholder signature

In this example, a cardholder signature would be seen as the least risky transaction, whereas a purchase made with card-not-present (CNP) carries the most risk.

Finally, the fees are also determined by the data sent along with the transaction. The fewer details sent, the higher the fees typically are. This is where your business has room to make decisions that can lower your fees without taking measures to limit your customers, such as reducing the card types you accept.

How do you optimize your interchange fees?

Depending on the nature of your operations, your business can qualify for a lower interchange rate by working with your payment processor to optimize the data you send every time a transaction is made.

Many businesses that accept basic retail transactions, as well as other CNP transactions, will only be able to send what is known as Level 1 (L1) data. However, organizations with larger corporate or governmental clients can often optimize the information they send to secure the best rates.

Standard L1 transaction data includes very basic information, the amount paid, the card number, and the date. However, there are two additional levels; L2 and L3, that include more data and reduce fees. L2 adds data like customer codes and sales tax amounts for a discount around 0.50% lower. L3 data includes details such as product quantity and item descriptions for a discount of up to 1.0% lower. In order to optimize your interchange rates, you must be working under a payment processing structure that allows for the capture of this information.

If you can optimize, you should.

Not every organization is eligible for submitting L2 and L3 three data. Unfortunately, these businesses may face higher merchant services fees than others.  However, if your business is in the position to optimize your interchange rates, you can expect to save significantly. With payment processing fees eating up a considerable amount of every transaction, you need every advantage that you can get.

Jessica Souza / September 30, 2025

Why Being on Time Matters More Than You Think

The dictionary defines punctuality as “the fact of arriving, doing something, or happening at the expected or correct time and not late”. But in the workplace, it means more than that. It says more about you than you realize.

Punctuality and Professional Image

Being punctual reflects discipline, responsibility, and respect for others’ time. It shows commitment not just to the task, but to the team and the company you are in. When you arrive on time, you signal that you value your colleagues’ time and the collective work. On the other hand, frequent lateness can give the impression of a lack of commitment and disrupt working dynamics.

Why Punctuality Matters?

Punctuality goes beyond just meeting a schedule. It shows reliability and a strong work ethic. While being punctual can set a positive tone for the day and build trust, tardiness can harm productivity, affect morale, and damage your professional relationships.

This is especially true for managers and leaders, as they must set the example for others. When a leader arrives late or doesn’t prioritize punctuality, it sends a message to the team that being on time isn’t that important. Leaders who model punctuality foster a culture of respect and professionalism, creating an environment where everyone understands the value of time.

The Risk of Appearing Tardy to Clients

Being tardy carries many risks, and appearing late to clients goes beyond a minor inconvenience. When a client is waiting for you, they trust that you value their time and are committed to the meeting. Arriving late, even by a few minutes, not only undermines that trust and damages your personal reputation, but it can also reflect poorly on the company as a whole, potentially jeopardizing deals or future opportunities. Punctuality demonstrates respect, reliability, and professionalism, all of which are essential for maintaining strong client relationships.

Tips for Improving Punctuality

Improving punctuality can be simple:

  • Plan ahead: Prepare for the next day in advance.
  • Use reminders: Leverage apps to track appointments or simply add more alarms to your list.
  • Create a routine: A consistent morning routine can save you time.

Conclusion

Being on time is a simple way to show you’re professional. It means you respect your coworkers and care about your team. When you make punctuality a habit, people will see you as reliable and committed. Try waking up a bit earlier, you’ll be glad you did!

Jessica Souza / September 22, 2025

Still using packing peanuts? You may be frustrating your customers.

Packing peanuts are a staple for businesses that need to send potentially fragile or breakable products to customers. They’re inexpensive, efficient, and lightweight. In today’s economic climate, those are some considerable pros. But what if the cost is customer satisfaction? In this article, we take a look.

People don’t like packing peanuts.

Whether it be the traditional kind or the newer, more eco-friendly versions, customers aren’t fans of packing peanuts. Below are a few reasons why:

They make a mess: They easily scatter and are difficult to clean up.

Hard to dispose of: Due to static cling, they stick to every surface, and their lack of recyclability makes disposal complicated.

Environmental impact: While some versions are biodegradable, the environmental cost is still significant. Non-biodegradable versions remain in the environment for a long time, generating a substantial amount of waste.

Health impact: Traditional foam peanuts production methods can release carcinogenic fumes that could be harmful to workers handling the material.

Increase in shipping costs: For businesses, the biodegradable option can also increase shipping costs since they have a higher weight than traditional packing peanuts.

The impact on customer experience

When a customer receives a package filled with packing peanuts, the unboxing experience, which for many is a highly satisfying moment, quickly turns into frustration. They may even need to spend more time than expected cleaning up the mess and getting rid of the peanuts. This doesn’t only affect the perception of the product but also the company’s image.
More than that, many businesses today are concerned about the environmental impact of their products and processes. If a customer encounters packaging that is harmful to the environment, it could affect their brand loyalty and even damage the company’s reputation.

Alternatives to packing peanuts.

The good news is, there are more modern, eco-friendly packaging alternatives available. Some options include:

  • Recycled paper fill (Kraft Paper): Recycled paper fibers are a popular choice as they are easily recyclable and biodegradable. Plus, customers may feel more satisfied knowing the material doesn’t pose a threat to the planet and is easy to dispose of.
  • Shredded paper: Another eco-friendly alternative, shredded paper is a good filler option that can be recycled and composted. It’s also easy to handle and dispose of.
  • Cornstarch foam: A biodegradable alternative that dissolves easily in water. While more expensive than traditional packing peanuts, this option has grown in popularity due to its lower environmental impact.
  • Air pillows: Some companies are opting for recyclable air bubbles or inflatable air bags. While lightweight and effective, they are also less likely to scatter or cause a mess.
  • Cardboard inserts: Custom-cut cardboard inserts are another sustainable option, as they securely hold products in place without the need for filler material. They can be recycled easily and offer a more structured and neat solution for packaging.
  • Custom fit solutions: Packaging made to measure for products ensures that the item doesn’t shift and doesn’t require extra filler material. Although they require a higher initial investment, custom solutions can be more efficient and provide a better unboxing experience.

The shift in consumer mindset.

As consumers become more aware of their purchasing choices, the demand for sustainable (and easy-to-handle) packaging is growing. They want to know their purchases aren’t contributing to a larger environmental problem. Companies that adopt eco-friendly practices not only gain in terms of brand image but can also stand out as leaders in innovation.
Furthermore, customer experience is becoming increasingly valued. Customers who have a positive unboxing experience are more likely to share their impressions on social media, influencing other potential buyers. A well-thought-out package can be an excellent competitive differentiator.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, while packing peanuts may be cheap and functional, the hidden costs to customer satisfaction and the environment are significant. Businesses that prioritize eco-friendly and user-friendly packaging not only reduce waste but also create a better experience, strengthen their brand, and show they care about the planet. Choosing smarter alternatives is an investment that pays off in happier customers and a stronger reputation.

Cal Wilson / September 16, 2025

Making an Impact at Work

When diagnosing the cause of professional burnout, people often point to high-pressure environments where overwork is the norm. Yet, according to executive advisor Liz Wiseman, it’s not always too much work that causes employees to lose steam, but rather too little impact.

So how can you make an impact at work and gain momentum and ease in the process? Start by finding out what’s energizing your company and how you can be of service to that mission. In this video lesson, Wiseman defines the concept of impact players and how becoming one can help you avoid burnout by making a difference.

 

Cal Wilson / September 8, 2025

What are variable expenses and how can they impact your business’ bottom line?

When creating a budget for your business, it is helpful to separate and account for fixed versus variable expenses. Mistaking the latter for the former can cost you, and the better you understand all your expenses, the better chance you have of optimizing them.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, the best way to describe the difference is that fixed expenses are costs that stay the same from month to month, whereas variable expenses are ever-changing and harder to predict.

Fixed expenses.

Fixed expenses often represent the largest part of your budget. For a business, your fixed expenses are going be costs such as rent payments, insurance premiums, property taxes, and so on. While these are not easy to optimize, they are easy to work into your budget, as they are unchanging and paid at a consistent frequency.

If you can lower these expenses – say, by finding a different insurance plan that works for your needs – you automatically save more money each month or pay period.

In business budgeting, it is important to remember that all your fixed costs must be paid, regardless of your sales that pay cycle. If you’re starting a business, making sure you can cover these expenses for a period before you start bringing in revenue is crucial to staying afloat.

Variable expenses.

Your variable expenses are going to represent the costs incurred by how a given month or pay period goes for your business. How many credit cards you swipe, how much electricity you use, or how much waste you generate; all of these are going to incur a bill that varies every cycle.

Some of these expenses can be harder to reduce than others. How much heating you use to keep your office warm, for example, may be more difficult to lower than the amount of waste your organization is generating. However, in many cases, these expenses are in areas that you can strategize or work with professionals to identify savings, creating a more predictable monthly bill.

Employees can represent either kind of expense.

Depending on how you staff your business, your employees can be either a fixed or variable expense. Anyone hired on full time, who is guaranteed a forty-hour work week, will be a fixed expense, whereas a seasonal or part-time employee will likely be a variable expense, as their hours are subject to change month to month.

Budget with these expenses in mind.

When you’re budgeting, it’s important to separate your fixed costs and your variable costs. If you’re able to determine what you absolutely will be spending in your fixed costs, then it is easier to identify and strategize areas to save with your variable costs.

Month to month, keep track of your variable expenses. Maybe one month you allotted too little to certain expenditures and went over budget. If you keep a closer eye on each cost category, you can do a better job budgeting and planning for the future going forward.

Don’t settle on expenses.

The lower you can keep your costs, fixed or variable, the better the results for your bottom line. If you don’t have experience negotiating rates or deciding what expenses are fair in comparison with the rest of the market, don’t settle. Explore your options, bring in consultants, and work with professionals who can guide you in the right direction.

Especially for the fixed expenses you will be locked into for some time, this could be a make-or-break decision for your business. Why pay more than you have to?

This article was originally published in November, 2021

Cal Wilson / September 2, 2025

Should your business be keeping AI in mind when thinking about SEO?

Love it or hate it, no matter how you feel about AI, the truth is that your customer and client base might be changing the way they use internet browsers because of it. With many users sticking with Google as their default browser, AI overviews are now a normal part of everyday web searches. While some of your client base may choose to avoid them, many people trying to do a quick search will rely on this brief summary to tell them what they need to know. 

So how do you ensure that, one, you’re not lost in the sea of information the AI overview is pulling, and, two, misinformation about your organization isn’t being accidentally spread? In this issue of the Pulse, we take a look.  

Focus on your content.  

As per Google’s own advice to site owners, AI overviews aren’t completely changing the principles of good search engine optimization (SEO). “The underpinnings of what Google has long advised carries across to these new experiences,” according to the internet giant’s blog update on the subject.  

Putting out unique, relevant content that your target audience may be searching for is still a great strategy for ranking high in Google’s search algorithms, as well as in its AI overview.  

Think about how people search. 

A lot of people are using Google like they might use ChatGPT. They are asking questions and expecting thorough answers, with links to the webpages to support those answers. Think of what questions your audience might be asking Google, and how you can craft content to help answer those inquiries, with Google’s AI overview as the bridge between you and them.  

This means relying on more than just keywords. Consider phrases, questions, semantics, and word association to help make the most clearly relevant content for AI to pull from your website.  

It’s not just Google searches.  

Beyond just a browser, many internet users rely on AI chatbots and tools like ChatGPT to find information. This can be problematic, leading to misinformation and incorrect results to user queries. However, for the chatbots and tools that share links and sources as a part of their responses, having answers that lead back to a website may lead more thorough, critical thinking users to do their own investigation.                                       

If you aren’t shifting your content to match these search trends, someone else will. 

Squarespace recently did a study that found that “46% of entrepreneurs believe AI could make or break their business in the next five years.” Some of that is going to depend on industry, but one thing most businesses have in common, these days, is reliance on the internet for marketing. Most businesses have some degree of SEO awareness, so much so, that focusing on AI SEO is already becoming its own niche skillset. If your business doesn’t gear its content to match this shift, you may find your competitors pulling ahead.  

Cal Wilson / August 25, 2025

Should your business use a VPN?

If you’re a casual internet user in your personal life, you may not feel the need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in your day-to-day use. However, for business purposes, a VPN might be a critical tool you could be missing out on. In this article, we take a look at VPNs and why you may want to consider investing in one if you haven’t already.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) establishes an “encrypted tunnel between a device or endpoint (like a laptop, mobile phone, or desktop) and one or more internet-facing servers.” This technology has been around since 1996, when it was created by a Microsoft employee. It assures businesses extra privacy and security when their employees connect to their Wi-Fi.

How do they work? As one security software developer explains it, when connected to the VPN ‘tunnel,’ “an end user sends their data through that tunnel where it’s encrypted, and at the end of the tunnel, the data is picked up and metaphorically wrapped in a blanket of an organization’s security measures (e.g., a firewall). Once the data is safely nestled in that blanket (a security blanket, if you will), it’s rerouted to wherever it needs to go.”

A business VPN differs from a VPN you might subscribe to for your personal devices at home. Though they both work by creating an encrypted connection between your devices and a remote network, there are some key differences to be aware of:

A business VPN:

  • Is meant to support many employees by securely connecting to a company’s internal network
  • Allows for the secure transfer of sensitive data over the internet
  • Allows a company to manage employee access levels
  • Supports multiple locations/offices by creating a secure tunnel for employees to connect to from several places
  • Isn’t primarily used to hide a user’s geographic location or protect oneself when using public Wi-Fi, like a commercial VPN is

Why are VPNs critical for businesses?

Cybersecurity is no small consideration in the increasing digital age. With ransomware and malware posing a real threat to many organizations, a VPN is an extra, often necessary step to protect your data.

A VPN helps secure your company’s data by:

  • Guaranteeing security even in a hybrid or remote working model
  • Guaranteeing security even when employees are traveling and using public or hotel Wi-Fi connections
  • Preventing malicious outsider activity from reaching your network
  • Allowing for more resources to be accessed from the cloud
  • Allowing multiple types of devices to connect, including mobile devices
  • Allowing for companies it utilize bring your own device (BYOD) policies safely
  • Meeting some industry compliance requirements, such as healthcare providers storing patient information in the cloud

Providers often offer customized solutions.

This isn’t just a solution for large enterprises. Organizations of all sizes, across all industries, should consider investing in a VPN, if they have any sensitive financial or client data that needs protecting. Some larger organizations can host VPN infrastructure themselves. However, providers also offer solutions and pricing models to fit different budgets and capabilities. For very small operations, there are limited, free or cost-effective VPNs out there that might suffice.

Things to keep in mind with business VPNs.

Not all VPN solutions are built equal, and the cost of employing a below standard option can be considerable. Not just in the monetary cost, but in employee productivity as well. A VPN that isn’t running with modern, expected speeds can create significant lag and frustration for users. In some cases, employees will resort to abandoning the VPN for productivity, which then compromises security.

Are you looking for cybersecurity insurance?

As mentioned, ransomware and malware are a rising threat. Many organizations are considering cybersecurity insurance to protect themselves, financially, in the case of an attack. However, many of these insurance providers will require your business to be using a VPN.

In conclusion…

A VPN, when using the right solution, is a critical tool for a business’ cybersecurity. Investing in one should be a serious consideration for any organization with sensitive data to protect or with employees who work remotely.

Cal Wilson / August 19, 2025

Direct vs. Rude: Know the Difference

Learn the key difference between being direct and being rude—and how to communicate truthfully without doing harm. From conflict and leadership coach, Ryan Dunlap.