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MCDA Business Brief
Insights on operations, finance, HR, and communications for growing businesses


Fix the Process Before AI Implementation
AI doesn't correct how work gets done. It follows it, faster and at a larger scale. Here's what to check before adding AI to any process.

Marilyn Murua


What Pay Transparency Laws Mean for Job Postings in 2026
A growing number of states now require employers to include a salary or wage range somewhere in the hiring process, and in many cases, directly in the job posting itself. If your business hasn't reviewed its job ad process against these requirements recently, this is worth a closer look, especially if you hire remotely or across state lines. Why this has become harder to ignore A few years ago, pay transparency requirements were concentrated in a handful of states. That's no

Marilyn Murua


Business Continuity Plan: What It Actually Needs to Cover
What a Business Continuity Plan Actually Needs to Cover Most business owners have thought about business continuity planning at some point, usually after hearing about it from an insurance agent, a client contract requirement, or a story about a company that didn't recover from a disruption. The instinct that follows is often the same: write a document, save it somewhere, and consider the topic handled. That instinct treats continuity planning as a compliance task. In practic

Marilyn Murua


SEO vs. Paid Ads: Where Should You Invest First?
For many businesses, one of the most common marketing questions is where to invest first: search engine optimization or paid advertising. Both channels have the potential to drive traffic, generate leads, and support growth, but they operate in fundamentally different ways. The right choice is not universal. It depends on your business stage, goals, timeline, and available resources. Understanding how each approach works is the first step toward making a more strategic decisi
May 293 min read
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Content That Converts: Educating vs. Selling
In today’s digital landscape, content is no longer just a marketing tool—it is often the first and most consistent interaction a business has with its audience. Yet many organizations still grapple with a fundamental question: should content focus on educating or selling? The answer is not a simple either-or. High-performing content does both—but not at the same time, and not in the same way. Understanding the distinction, and more importantly the relationship, between educat
Mar 233 min read
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How to Build a Personal Brand as an Entrepreneur: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today’s competitive business landscape, building a personal brand is one of the most powerful ways an entrepreneur can stand out, gain...
Mar 12, 20255 min read
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Social Media Engagement: Key Strategies for Maximizing Audience Interaction and Growth
In today’s digital landscape, social media is one of the most powerful tools businesses can use to connect with their audience. However,...
Mar 6, 20254 min read
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The Future of SEO: Trends Every Business Should Know
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has long been a cornerstone of digital marketing, helping businesses increase visibility, drive traffic,...
Mar 4, 20255 min read
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The Role of Content Marketing in Building Brand Authority and Trust
In today’s digital landscape, where consumers have access to a vast array of information at their fingertips, gaining brand authority and...
Feb 27, 20254 min read
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The Rise of Food Sensory Marketing: Engaging Consumers Through Taste and Smell
In recent years, brands have increasingly turned to food-inspired sensory marketing to create deeper emotional connections with...
Feb 13, 20252 min read
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Crisis Management: How PR Can Protect Your Brand
In today's fast-paced, highly connected world, businesses are more vulnerable than ever to crises that can threaten their reputation and...
Jan 28, 20254 min read
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Public Relations vs Advertising: Understanding the Key Differences
When it comes to growing and promoting your business, two powerful strategies often come into play: Public Relations (PR) and...
Jan 10, 20253 min read
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Crafting a Memorable Brand Identity: Key Steps to Stand Out and Build Trust
In today’s competitive market, creating a strong and memorable brand identity is crucial for standing out and building lasting trust with...
Jan 8, 20253 min read
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How Instagram's New Restrictions on Underage Users Could Impact Businesses
Instagram’s new restrictions on underage users, designed to promote privacy and protect the emotional and physical health of younger...
Sep 19, 20242 min read
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Customer Acquisition and Retention: Building a Strong and Sustainable Business
In this article, we'll explore strategies to acquire new customers and, equally important, retain them for the long haul.
Feb 7, 20242 min read
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How to Increase Your Business's Online Presence
Increasing your business's online presence is an ongoing effort that requires dedication and consistency.
Jan 10, 20243 min read
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Top Tips for Building an Effective Business Website
"Your website serves as the online face of your brand, making it essential to create a strong online presence that attracts and engages..."
Jan 5, 20243 min read
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Unlocking the Power of User Generated Content (UGC) Marketing
"...it's time to harness the power of UGC marketing and let your customers become your most persuasive advocates."
Dec 18, 20232 min read
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E-commerce Holiday Strategies: Boosting Sales and Spreading Cheer
To make the most of this festive season, businesses need to adopt effective holiday e-commerce strategies.
Nov 29, 20233 min read
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The Connection Between Social Media and SEO: Boosting Your Online Presence
The connection between social media and SEO is undeniable, and harnessing this relationship is essential for boosting your online presence.
Nov 21, 20233 min read
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Unlocking the Power of Social Media for Business Success
Social media's business impact is undeniable, offering endless opportunities for companies to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Nov 13, 20233 min read
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Building Customer Loyalty: Strategies for Business Owners
Loyal customers are game-changers—they bring steady revenue and become brand advocates.
Nov 7, 20232 min read
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Leveraging Instagram Reels: A Powerful Tool for Business Growth
Leveraging Reels can lead to increased visibility, elevated engagement, and a more profound connection with your target audience.
Oct 17, 20233 min read
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