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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.

 

Cal Wilson / August 11, 2025

Why is waste so expensive?

Depending on what industry you work in, your waste removal expenses are potentially a significant burden on your bottom line. Sure, you can reduce waste — but compromising the quality of this service isn’t really an option. Finding savings is possible, but first you must understand what goes into the cost.

Waste cost categories.

It may be hard to imagine the price breakdown of waste removal, when most of the process happens away from your facility.

Your bill is most likely composed of four main cost types:

  • Container costs
  • Collection costs
  • Transfer costs
  • Landfill costs

Understanding your options among these four categories can go a long way in helping you reduce your bill.

Container costs.

Containers are the aspect of waste removal that you’re probably most familiar with, and an area where you have a fair amount of control. Commercial waste containers come in an array of sizes and are typically available for purchase or rent.

Pricing is based on the cubic yard sizing of a container. On average, a 4yd3 container costs $15 a month to rent, and $350 to purchase outright. Prices increase incrementally as size increases.

Knowing what size you need might come with trial and error. Come collection time, the optimized container is the one that is filled, but not to the brim or overflowing. Excess waste is often subject to excess fees.

Renting vs. Purchasing.

Whether renting or purchasing is more effective for you is going to depend on what you need. Depending on your line of work, a permanent container might not make sense. For example, temporary construction or landscaping projects are more likely to require a rental, compared to a residential building or school.

Expert Market advises that purchasing a container is more efficient if that bin will be in use for at least 23 months.

Collection costs.

Waste collection fees are going to be the most variant depending on your location, container size, and collection frequency. This could be as little as $30 a week, or as high as $3,000. Figuring out your needs can include some trial and error and industry research. A restaurant is likely to require more frequent collection than an office building.

The kind of waste your business generates, as well as local health codes and in-person traffic throughout your premises, is going to determine your collection frequency.

Transfer costs.

Factored into your waste removal fees are the fuel and other transportation costs of moving your waste to a landfill.

Transfer can be arranged in two ways, direct or indirect:

  • Direct transfer transports the waste from your premises to a landfill in a single trip.
  • Indirect transfer transports waste from your premises to a transfer station, where it’s stored and batched before being shipped to a landfill site.
  • Because transfer stations aren’t free to use, indirect transfer is the more expensive option.

Based on your premises’ location, your transfer method may be out of your control. Businesses located far from landfill sites must rely on transfer stations to dispose of waste, which inevitably increases costs.

Many waste management providers have discounted rates with transfer stations and commercial landfills that are worth investigating.

Landfill costs.

Every time waste is disposed of at a landfill a landfill tipping fee is charged. On average, for commercial landfills, these range from $25-150 per ton.

As with transfer costs, many commercial waste management providers have preferential rates for customers at landfills.

The hidden costs of commercial waste removal.

Even when you’ve accounted for the four main cost categories of your waste removal bill, you may notice that there are some extra, unexpected charges on your bill. Keep these potential fees in mind when budgeting:

  • Dismount and push charges, which apply per bin when drivers have to get out of their vehicle and push your containers to an unobstructed spot for emptying.
  • Key charges, which apply per bin when drivers require a key to open a locked container.
  • Enclosure charges, which apply per bin when drivers must remove bins from a fenced enclosure and then replace them when emptied.
  • Gate service charges, which apply per bin when drivers must open a closed or locked gate.
  • Long walk charges, which apply per bin when your containers are placed in such a way that the drivers have to walk over a specific distance — such as ten feet — to access them.
  • Regulatory charges, which are depending on region, and cover the cost of providers complying with environmental regulations.

One way to avoid many of these charges is to evaluate the container situation on your premises and see if you can optimize the location to make it easier for haulers to collect your waste.

Reduce waste expenses.

This information might seem overwhelming. Waste expenses can really add up. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to optimize your services and reduce your expenses.

Start by considering an internal or external audit of your waste removal system. Are your bins being emptied too often, or not often enough? Could you be paying transport fees for a closer station or landfill? Are your prices increasing multiple times a year? Are your containers the right size for your waste output?

Ask yourself these questions and pay close attention to your waste removal bills. You might be spending more than you need to.

 

This article was originally published in July, 2021

Cal Wilson / August 5, 2025

Five tips for making the most of hybrid work models

As hybrid work becomes an increasing norm across several industries, how do you ensure your team is optimizing that experience for success? Successful hybrid work involves not only trusting your team, but knowing they can self-monitor to a degree, as well. So, what can you do to help them, and you, thrive with this model of work? In this issue of The Pulse, we take a look.

1. Keep the team on fixed hours.

It’s tempting to be more flexible around scheduling when working from home. However, for the most part, hours should be kept the same as they are when in the office. This works in both directions; meaning employees should be expected to be in front of their computers during regular working hours and clocked out outside of them. Employees who find themselves constantly on, checking emails and other communications functions outside of regular hours, may be more susceptible to burnout and work-related stress.

2. Provide clear communication protocols.

Some employees do better with the at-home isolation than others. Regardless of their preferences, it’s important to ensure they all have clear and proper communication channels to stay in contact with leadership and each other. Promoting conversation and responsiveness, even on at-home days, is a must to foster a strong, effective team.

3. Encourage a clear at-home workspace.

Like previously mentioned, flexibility is one of the perks of the hybrid model. However, it’s still important for your team to keep a designated workspace with the proper equipment and ambiance needed to be successful. Things like good lighting, a chair with proper posture in mind, and a professional background are important.

4. Check in with your team about their experience.

Display curiosity, empathy, and openness in talking to your team about their experience with hybrid work, and encourage them to do the same with their coworkers. Due to the isolation aspect of hybrid work, it can be easy to miss how other people may be reacting to the ups and downs of their work. Proactive check-ins and being open to feedback and adjustments will go a long way.

5. Prioritize engagement.

Depending on the hybrid schedule, it may be easy for employees to become checked out, and therefore less motivated. More than sixty percent of employees feel that a connection to their organization’s mission or purpose impacts their intent to stay, so focusing on this engagement piece is critical for avoiding costly turnover.

Some ways to prioritize employee engagement as a leader are:

  • Hosting team-building events
  • Recognizing achievements and milestones
  • Encouraging collaboration and brainstorming where possible
  • Making use of in-office days for teamwork-based activities/tasks

In conclusion…

As a leader, ensuring your team thrives on a hybrid schedule is a challenge, but a worthwhile one for all the benefits it can bring. Be mindful and proactive, and you should be able to ensure everyone’s needs are met while boosting your team’s performance.

Cal Wilson / July 28, 2025

The risks of oversupplying your office and stationery supplies

Keeping track of your office supply needs, between all your staff and the different items they need to do their everyday work efficiently, can be a challenge. Logistically and financially. Letting supplies go understocked isn’t the solution; that can mean staff don’t have what they need when they need it, meaning work may not be completed on time. Therefore, some businesses may find themselves in the position of allowing office supplies to become overstocked, so as not to run into this issue.

Despite this seeming easier in the short term, becoming overstocked on supplies is not a great long term financial solution. In this article, we take a look at some of the drawbacks associated with being overstocked on office and stationery supplies.

You’re spending more than you need to.

This is a simple but important point. When you’re buying more than you need, more often than you need to, you’re dedicating a portion of your limited budget away from somewhere it could be better spent.

It likely means you’re not documenting your inventory well enough.

Your supplies purchases and inventory should be documented and reviewed to avoid the purchase of redundant, out-of-policy, or unnecessary items. Often, oversupplied items, such as stationery, pens, binders, etc. are a clear sign that the inventory process is either not in place or not effective.

It encourages employee theft.

When items aren’t accounted for, or are over abundant, it contributes to the growing issue of employee supplies theft. This means, not only are you paying for supplies you don’t need, but you’re likely paying for supplies that are going home with employees and not used for business at all.

So how do you change your office supplies purchasing patterns?

It takes effort to remain appropriately supplied, rather than over or understocked. Some practices to consider are:

  • Regular contract review – ensuring that your contract agreements, including delivery frequencies and inventory quantities, are being met, and continue to meet your needs, rather than paying for more stock or deliveries than is necessary.
  • Implement employee usage policies – to prevent the chances of employee theft and the need to overstock, ensure your organization has a clear usage policy for company office supplies.
  • Avoid auto-renewals for supplier contracts – don’t allow your current rates and agreements to roll over before assessing their effectiveness and seeing if there is room for rate negotiations or discounts.
  • Request employee feedback – is there a product you’re ordering that’s consistently going unused? There may be a reason not to keep supplying it, or to change products or suppliers.

Careful monitoring takes time.

All of this effort takes time. We know time is a valuable resource for business owners. Still, staying on top of your office supplies inventory, contracts, and delivery schedules is important. Working with a third-party expert on procurement, who specializes in reading and understanding these contracts, might just be the tool your business needs to redirect funds into more important budgetary matters.

Cal Wilson / July 22, 2025

Why most people are only giving 70%—and what happens at 100%

“The voice in your head is not you. You are listening to that voice. It’s a heckler, trying to make you feel bad.”

John Amaechi knows what it takes to go from overlooked to unstoppable. The NBA veteran and psychologist reveals the mindset behind his success—how mastering the mundane, handling setbacks, and focusing on small, deliberate actions led him to achieve the extraordinary.

Success isn’t about talent—it’s about paying the FEE: Focus, Effort, Execution.