b'Card payment strategies to boostyour businesss bottom lineBy Amber Tialino, senior vice presidentmaximum benefit from their regular and general manager of Spend &spending patterns.Expense at BILL ELEVATE THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCETodays business landscape is moreDuring the decision-making process, competitive than ever. Businesses areSMBs should prioritize the employee fighting every day to win - and keepexperience, as staff members will be the - their customers while laying theprimary card users. The best card solution foundation to drive long-term growthshould offer a seamless, user-friendly and continued success. From maximizingexperience for making payments and cash flow and profitability to controllingmanaging expenses.expenses and tracking expenditures,Essential features businesses should effective financial management oftenlook for include simple receipt capture and determines the survival of small and midsize businesses (SMBs). Asubmission processes, intuitive mobile apps that complement online comprehensive solution SMBs should consider is a corporate cardplatforms and easy expense tracking capabilities. Employees should program. In the past, businesses have often used personal cards oralso be able to monitor their spending against budget guidelines and have had to endure time-consuming data entry and paper trails whenexpense protocols easily while management maintains comprehensive managing expenses. However, the right card solution with integratedoversight across the organization.expense management software can facilitate better oversight of capitalOPTIMIZE CASH FLOW WITH INTEGRATED SYSTEMSand controls while streamlining financial operations across theAnother vital consideration SMBs should evaluate is how well organization and eliminating tedious expense reports. potential card solutions connect with their existing business tools and CREDIT VERSUS CHARGE CARDS? WHATS BEST FOR YOU? platforms like travel booking systems, accounting software and other Credit cards provide flexibility to pay overtime but come with aoperational tools. The card system should also offer built-in controls significant drawback: high interest charges that can eat into an SMBsfor expense-type restrictions, such as merchant controls to limit profits. On the other hand, charge cards require full payment eachthe amount spent on a single transaction - automatically enforcing month, eliminating interest charges while providing the benefits ofcompany spending policies.real-time expense tracking, spend controls and automated expensePerhaps most importantly, SMBs should prioritize cards that management capabilities. For SMBs focused on maximizing cash flowintegrate seamlessly with their automated financial platforms to help while minimizing unnecessary expenses, charge cards are often theoptimize cash flow. Ideally, the card solution would synchronize card more appealing option. payments with all other financial operations, including accounts TAILOR REWARDS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS receivable, billing and payroll systems. This integration provides business owners and managers with a comprehensive view of their Different cards offer different benefits, from cash back to travelfinancial metrics and cash flow, facilitating more informed decision-rewards to rebates to vendor-specific discounts. SMBs should evaluatemaking and strategic planning for the future.these programs based on their unique spending patterns and choose theSMBs that are in the middle of rapid growth can especially card that will serve them the best. benefit from system integration features. FairWave, a specialty The ideal card program should offer customizable rewards that aligncoffee collective, for example, adds new brands every three months. with the business primary spending targets and expense categoriesKeeping track of spend and expenses for all of these brands was time-and provide meaningful value to both the company and its users. Someconsuming and took valuable time away from day-to-day operations.cards even allow businesses to choose their reward categories, ensuring(BPT)M ALL-SIERRA SEPTICMEERRCCUURRYYCCLLEEAANNEERRSSServing Nevada County Since 1992 Your First Choice in Septic ServiceFamily Owned & Operated Serving Our Community for Over 67 Years!FULL SERVICE DRY CLEANINGDraperiesCurtainsShirt LaundryAuburn(530) 887-1088ComfortersBedspreadsDownsSleeping Bags SAME DAY Colfax(530) 367-2997Wedding Gowns & Preservation SERVICETWO LOCATIONS IN GRASS VALLEY 24-HOURGrass Valley(530) 272-5540DROP-OFF (Plant Location) 147 So. Auburn St. & 986 Plaza Dr. BOX(530) 477-1845mercurycleaners.net Photo: Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash P. O. BOX 1666GRASS VALLEY24 Nevada County Business Focus2025'