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MCDA Daily
Your daily business tips
Succession Planning and Ownership Transitions: Preparing for What’s Next
Succession planning and ownership transitions are among the most consequential—and often most deferred—decisions facing business owners. Whether driven by retirement, liquidity needs, leadership development, or unforeseen events, ownership transitions shape a company’s continuity, culture, and long-term value. Yet despite their importance, many organizations delay meaningful planning. The result is frequently a rushed transition, value erosion, or internal disruption at preci
State and Local Tax (SALT) Considerations for Manufacturers
For manufacturers operating in an increasingly complex and competitive environment, state and local tax (SALT) considerations play a critical—yet often underestimated—role in shaping financial performance and strategic decision-making. While federal tax policy tends to attract the most attention, SALT exposure can materially influence site selection, supply-chain structure, cash flow, and long-term growth. Understanding and proactively managing SALT obligations is no longer a
Managing Financial Risk in Volatile Supply Chains
In 2026, supply chain volatility continues to challenge organizations across industries. Geopolitical shifts, fluctuating commodity prices, labor shortages, and technological disruptions have all contributed to an environment where even minor disruptions can ripple through costs, cash flow, and profitability. For finance and operations teams, managing this volatility is no longer optional—it’s essential. Understanding financial risk in supply chains requires both a forward-lo
Year-End Financial Red Flags: What Businesses Often Miss and How to Fix It
As year-end approaches, ensuring accurate operational and financial reporting is crucial. Even minor oversights can cause significant ripple effects--disrupting cash flow, efficiency, compliance and ultimately weakening overall performance and stakeholder confidence. Below we share some of the most common red flags and overlooked items that can slow or complicate the year-end close process, along with tips to address them before they become bigger issues. Red Flags in Receiva
Dec 8, 20252 min read
Why Personal Branding Matters for Every Professional (Not Just Entrepreneurs)
When people hear “personal branding,” they often think of entrepreneurs, influencers, or high-profile executives. But in today’s rapidly evolving workplace, personal branding is not just a tool for self-promotion—it’s a strategic asset for every professional. From career advancement to expanding influence, cultivating your professional identity can open doors, create opportunities, and set you apart in a crowded market. 1. Personal Branding Clarifies Your Value Why it matters
Dec 5, 20253 min read
Professional Reinvention: How to Stay Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Economy
The pace of change in today’s economy is staggering. Automation, AI, globalization, and shifting market demands are transforming industries overnight. Roles that were stable five years ago may now look entirely different—or may not exist at all. In this environment, professional reinvention is no longer optional. Staying relevant requires proactive strategies, curiosity, and adaptability. 1. Embrace Lifelong Learning Why it matters: The half-life of skills is shrinking. What
Dec 4, 20253 min read
What Top Companies Are Doing to Reduce Quiet Quitting
The phenomenon of “quiet quitting”—employees doing only what’s strictly required of their jobs—has become a red flag for many organizations. Rather than react defensively, leading companies are proactively addressing it by rethinking engagement, leadership, and work design. Here’s what they’re doing, why it matters, and what’s working. 1. Prioritizing Regular, Meaningful Communication One of the most common root causes of quiet quitting is a breakdown in communication. Top co
Dec 3, 20253 min read
The Leadership Skills AI Can’t Replace — and Why They Matter More Now
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, automating routine tasks, and accelerating decision-making, one might wonder: What role remains uniquely human? As powerful as AI is, there are core leadership skills it simply cannot replicate—and these are becoming more critical than ever. 1. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy Why it matters: At the heart of human leadership lies emotional intelligence (EQ): the ability to sense, understand, and respond t
Dec 2, 20254 min read
Why Overachievers Are Most at Risk for Professional Anxiety
In professional settings, overachievers are often celebrated: they take on extra responsibilities, consistently exceed expectations, and push teams to deliver exceptional results. But behind the accolades, overachievers are disproportionately vulnerable to professional anxiety, stress, and burnout. Understanding why this happens—and how to mitigate it—is crucial for both individuals and organizations. The Overachiever’s Mindset Overachievers are driven by high personal standa
Dec 1, 20252 min read
Preventing “Last-Minute Madness” Through Effective Planning
As the holiday season approaches, many organizations feel the familiar crunch: projects piling up, last-minute client requests, and looming deadlines. This “last-minute madness” isn’t just stressful—it can compromise quality, morale, and even business relationships. The good news is that much of this chaos can be mitigated through thoughtful planning and proactive strategies. Why Last-Minute Madness Happens Even the most organized teams can find themselves in a year-end scram
Nov 28, 20252 min read
The ‘Always-On’ Culture Is Killing Creativity—Here’s How to Fight It
In today’s hyperconnected workplace, the expectation to be constantly available—checking emails at night, responding to messages instantly, attending endless meetings—has become the norm. This always-on culture is often framed as a sign of dedication or productivity. But for many employees, it’s quietly eroding creativity, focus, and overall well-being. Why ‘Always-On’ Culture Hurts Creativity Creativity doesn’t flourish under pressure or constant connectivity. The human bra
Nov 27, 20252 min read
Accounts Payable Nightmares: The Stories CFOs Won’t Tell You
For many organizations, accounts payable (AP) is the quiet engine that keeps the business running—vendors get paid, invoices are processed, and operations continue without interruption. But behind the scenes, CFOs often deal with AP nightmares that rarely make it into boardroom conversations. From human errors to systemic inefficiencies, these challenges can ripple through the organization, impacting cash flow, relationships, and strategic decision-making. The Hidden Struggle
Nov 26, 20252 min read
Recognizing and Preventing Toxic Workplace Behavior: Early Warning Signs and Interventions
A healthy workplace is the backbone of employee productivity, satisfaction, and overall organizational success. Yet, many organizations silently struggle with toxic behaviors that undermine team morale, foster stress, and increase turnover. Recognizing the early warning signs of a toxic environment and implementing proactive interventions can protect both employees and the company’s long-term well-being. Understanding Toxic Workplace Behavior Toxic workplace behavior encompas
Nov 25, 20252 min read
Networking, Personal Brand, and Career Growth in a Digitally Connected World
In 2026, career growth is no longer just about what you know—it’s about who knows you, how you’re perceived, and how effectively you engage in a digitally connected world. Social media, virtual networking, and digital collaboration platforms have transformed the way professionals build relationships, showcase expertise, and advance careers. Success now depends on combining skills with strategic networking and a strong personal brand. 1. Networking in the Digital Era Networkin
Nov 24, 20253 min read
Change, Ambiguity, Resilience: The Mindset That Sets You Apart
The world of work in 2026 moves fast. Industries are evolving, technologies are advancing, and the “normal” we knew a few years ago has become unpredictable. For professionals, success isn’t just about skills—it’s about mindset. Adapting to change, embracing ambiguity, and staying resilient are no longer optional; they’re essential. 1. Embracing Change as Opportunity Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s also a doorway to growth. Professionals with a growth-oriented mindset:
Nov 21, 20252 min read
Leadership in the Age of AI and Hybrid Teams: What Leaders Need to Thrive in 2026
The workplace is no longer confined to a single office. Teams are distributed across cities, countries, and even time zones, working alongside AI tools that are transforming how tasks are executed and decisions are made. As we enter 2026, leadership is evolving faster than ever. Traditional approaches—command-and-control, purely top-down management, or reliance on personal presence—are giving way to a new style of leadership designed for hybrid teams and AI-driven environment
Nov 20, 20253 min read
How AI and Automation Will Continue Reshaping Business Models in 2026
We’re approaching the end of 2025, and one thing is clear: AI and automation have already changed the way companies operate. But the story doesn’t stop here. As we head into 2026, businesses are set to take these technologies further—not just to streamline tasks, but to reimagine entire business models. From predictive insights to automated workflows to the rise of new hybrid job roles, the coming year promises opportunities—and challenges—for leaders ready to act. 1. Predict
Nov 19, 20253 min read
Invoice Management Tips to Reduce Late Payments
Late payments can strain cash flow, slow growth, and create unnecessary stress for small and medium-sized businesses. While chasing unpaid invoices is a reality for many companies, having a structured invoice management system can reduce delays and improve the likelihood of on-time payments. Why Invoice Management Matters Effective invoice management isn’t just about sending bills on time—it’s about creating a clear, professional, and consistent process that encourages client
Nov 18, 20252 min read
Phishing Awareness for Employees: HR’s Role
Cybersecurity threats are no longer just an IT problem—they’re a business-wide concern. Among the most common and damaging threats is phishing: deceptive emails, texts, or messages designed to trick employees into sharing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or downloading harmful attachments. For HR teams, ensuring employees are prepared and vigilant is critical. Why HR Matters in Phishing Prevention Employees are the first line of defense against phishing attack
Nov 17, 20252 min read
Navigating Parental Leave Policies in Small & Medium Businesses
Parental leave can feel like a big challenge for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Limited staff, tight budgets, and the need to keep operations running smoothly can make offering leave seem daunting. But thoughtful parental leave policies aren’t just perks—they’re investments in your team. They show employees that you value their well-being, build loyalty, and strengthen your company culture. Challenges SMBs Face SMBs often face unique hurdles when it comes to parent
Nov 14, 20252 min read
How a Sluggish Labor Market Might Affect the Bargaining Power of Job Seekers vs. Employers
The labor market is showing signs of slowing. Recent data indicates hiring was down nearly 6% year-over-year in October, with payrolls rising modestly by around 40,000. This slower pace of job growth has important implications—not just for HR professionals and employers, but for job seekers navigating their career paths. The Shift in Bargaining Power In a robust labor market, job seekers often have the upper hand. High demand for talent allows candidates to negotiate higher s
Nov 13, 20252 min read
The Intersection of Payroll and Data Security: Protecting Sensitive Information
Payroll is one of the most critical functions in any organization. Beyond ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, payroll also involves handling a treasure trove of sensitive information — from Social Security numbers and bank account details to salaries and tax records. Because of this, payroll isn’t just an administrative task; it’s a front line in data security. Why Payroll Data Is a Prime Target Payroll data is highly sensitive, and unfortunately, highly valua
Nov 12, 20252 min read
Handling Employee Misconduct: Policies That Protect Employees & Employers
Employee misconduct can happen in any workplace — from minor slip-ups to serious violations. How an organization handles these situations matters deeply for everyone involved. A thoughtful misconduct policy protects employees by ensuring fair treatment and safeguards employers by creating clear, consistent processes that reduce risk. Setting Clear Expectations The foundation of any effective misconduct policy is clarity. Employees should know exactly what behaviors are expect
Nov 11, 20252 min read
How to Make Your Company Stand Out to Top Candidates
Attracting top talent is one of the biggest challenges for companies in today’s competitive job market. The best candidates aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re seeking growth opportunities, meaningful work, and a culture that aligns with their values. To stand out, companies need more than just a listing on job boards; they need a strategic approach that highlights what makes them unique. Here’s how to do it. 1. Define and Communicate Your Employer Brand Your employer
Nov 10, 20252 min read
Beyond the Resume: Strategies to Make Employers Notice You
In today’s competitive job market, a polished resume alone is rarely enough to make you stand out. Employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a strong cultural fit—qualities that go beyond the paper. The good news is that there are concrete strategies you can use to capture attention, showcase your unique value, and increase your chances of landing the job. 1. Build a Strong Personal Brand Your personal brand is how you present yourself b
Nov 7, 20252 min read
Budgeting and Financial Planning for Early Professionals: Building a Strong Foundation
Starting your career comes with excitement, new responsibilities, and, often, a steady paycheck for the first time. But alongside that comes the challenge of managing finances wisely—something that can feel overwhelming when there are student loans, rent, and lifestyle temptations. Establishing smart budgeting and financial planning habits early on can set the stage for long-term financial stability and even early wealth-building. Here’s a guide for early professionals lookin
Nov 6, 20252 min read
Lessons from Successful Entrepreneurs: Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and unexpected twists. Even the most accomplished business leaders have faced missteps along the way—and learning from their experiences can help aspiring entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls. Here are some key lessons drawn from the journeys of successful entrepreneurs, highlighting what to watch out for and how to navigate these challenges. 1. Underestimating Cash Flow Many new entrepreneurs focus on revenu
Nov 5, 20252 min read
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