top of page
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


How AI Is Changing Customer Expectations
Customers today interact with AI more often than most businesses realize, whether it's a chatbot answering a support question, a recommendation engine suggesting a product, or an automated response confirming an order. These interactions have quietly reset what people expect from every business they deal with, not just the ones using AI directly. For business owners, this shift matters even if AI isn't part of their current operations. Customer expectations don't form in isol
Aug 133 min read


Before You Automate Customer Service, Ask These Questions
Customer service automation has become easy to access and, in many cases, easy to justify. Response times improve. Staff workload goes down. Coverage extends beyond business hours. For a business owner trying to do more with a lean team, the appeal is obvious. But automation applied without a clear plan tends to create a different set of problems than the ones it was meant to solve. Customers notice when a system cannot understand a nuanced request. They notice when there is
Aug 63 min read


Email Marketing for Business Growth: Why Campaigns Still Matter
In an era dominated by social media and rapidly evolving digital platforms, email remains one of the most reliable and effective tools for business communication. While trends in marketing continue to shift, email campaigns consistently provide businesses with a direct, measurable, and scalable way to connect with their audience. For organizations focused on sustainable growth, email marketing is more than a promotional tool—it is a strategic channel that supports customer en
Mar 173 min read


5 Thoughtful Ways Small Businesses Can Make a Difference This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and generosity. For small business owners, giving back doesn’t always mean writing a large check—it’s about creative, meaningful initiatives that make a real difference in your community. Here are five simple yet impactful ways small businesses can spread holiday cheer while strengthening community ties. 1. Host a Charity Drive In-Store or Online Encourage customers to participate in a collection drive for local charitie
Nov 4, 20252 min read


The Cost of Poor Vendor Relationships (and How to Fix Them)
Why Emotional Intelligence, Communication, and Accountability Matter More Than You Think In the world of business, vendors are more than...
Aug 18, 20253 min read


Why Bedside Manner is Crucial in Business
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership and Client Relations In the business world, technical expertise and strategic planning...
Aug 15, 20253 min read


Project Management Mistakes That Cost You Time and Money
In today's competitive business environment, effective project management is no longer optional — it's essential. According to the...
May 20, 20253 min read


Building Strong Client Relationships: A Key to Long-Term Success
In today’s competitive business landscape, strong client relationships are more than a nice-to-have — they’re essential. According to a...
May 12, 20253 min read


Creating a Customer Journey That Drives Loyalty
How Strategic Mapping, Personalization, and Consistency Build Long-Term Trust In today’s competitive business environment, customer...
May 7, 20253 min read


How to Handle Difficult Clients with Confidence and Care
Dealing with difficult clients is an inevitable aspect of any service-based business. Whether you're in consulting, design, therapy, or...
May 5, 20252 min read


Turning Negative Experiences into Loyalty: Effective Complaint Resolution Strategies
In any business, customer complaints are inevitable. Whether it's a delayed shipment, a product defect, or a miscommunication, no company...
Mar 19, 20255 min read


Proven Strategies for Building Strong Client Relationships That Last
Building strong client relationships is one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term business success. Research consistently shows...
Feb 24, 20255 min read


The Importance of Client Retention: Building Long-Lasting Business Relationships
In today’s highly competitive business world, acquiring new customers is often a top priority. However, one of the most valuable assets a...
Feb 4, 20254 min read


How to Handle Customer Complaints Like a Pro: A Guide for Small Business Owners
In the world of business, especially for small businesses, customer complaints are inevitable. No matter how great your product or...
Jan 21, 20254 min read


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


5 Inspiring Business Quotes to Reflect on This Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving arrives, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude—for our accomplishments, our challenges, and the...
Nov 28, 20243 min read


The Importance of Customer Appreciation During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and gratitude, making it the perfect opportunity for businesses to show appreciation to...
Nov 20, 20243 min read


The Role of Corporate Governance in Building Trust and Credibility
In today’s business landscape, where information is readily accessible and stakeholder expectations are higher than ever, corporate...
Nov 11, 20244 min read


The Importance of Email Professionalism and Etiquette for Business Leaders
In today’s digital age, email remains one of the most widely used and effective communication tools in the business world. For business...
Oct 18, 20243 min read


Pros and Cons of Using Artificial Intelligence in Customer Service
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a transformative tool in the business world, especially in customer service. Companies...
Oct 16, 20243 min read
bottom of page