Access Profiles, Inc.

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As we close out 2014 and make way for 2015, I think many of us like to reflect on everything that happened in the past year, both in our professional and personal lives.


For me, that always includes my blog.  What topics did I cover that generated the most interest?  Was I able to reach a new audience?


I discovered that these 8 articles were my most popular.  They each found more readers, shares, and comments than other posts.


The first of my articles to gain an audience in 2014 was “Why I Have Faith in the Millennial Generation”.  The fact that my own children, and their friends, fall into this category was the reason behind the piece.  


My belief is that each generation brings with it a new perspective and strengths unique to them.  Many agreed!


By far, the most popular series I have written to date is my 5 part “Small Business Tips from People in the Know”.  It features business tips from real small business owners on what works for them.  The articles cover everything from setting up your business, hiring, social media, marketing, and more.


It includes:

Part 1:  How to Set Up your Business (finances,contracts, taxes)

Part 2:  Hiring Tips including Screening and Outsourcing

Part 3:  How to use Social Media and Marketing to Grow your Business

        Part 4:  Tips on Getting the Most out of Networking and Business Presentations

        Part 5:  General Tips covering Customer Service, Managing Clients, Pricing, and more.

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These 2 articles also drew attention in 2014.  The first was my article on getting your resume “background check ready” and the second was a recent piece on the “truth” behind the Background Check industry.


Both were designed to give you peace of mind when facing a pre-employment background check.  My tips explain the best practices when it comes to your resume and what you can expect employers to look for.


With many looking for jobs, or even hoping to advance their careers, having a resume that raises no “red flags” is key.


My article on the importance of using convictions, not arrests, when screening an applicant also generated interest. 


In addition to many states adopting legislation on this, it makes sense that only those arrests which resulted in convictions should be considered.  This is definitely an important topic in the background check industry.


Internships were also in the news in 2014.  The validity of not paying interns came into question when employers were finding themselves involved in litigation.  The entire practice of using interns at all was debated.


I believe in the importance of internships ~ both as a way for young professionals to gain experience and as a way to “pay it forward”.

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However, that does not mean you have to go into it blindly.  That is why it is good practice to screen them just as you would any entry level employee.  My article, “Hiring an Intern?  Don’t Skip the Background Check!” explains.


On a lighter note, my piece on “7 Super Easy, Free Apps & Sites Even  ‘Technically Challenged’ People can Use” was also popular.


In the past, I have often discussed my lack of “tech” savvy.  I think there are others can identify.  But these apps truly were easy to use and made me much more productive.  Think things like Hootsuite, PicMonkey, Canva, and even Evernote.


Finally, my most popular post for 2014 ....... “Small Businesses Need to Help Small Businesses ~ What You can Do!”.


There is no doubt that the growth and interest in promoting small business is surging.  We recognize that the strength of our communities, economy, and country relies on entrepreneurs.  


The fact is, there are many ways as individuals to help keep that momentum going.  In my article, you will find tips on some easy things that you can do to help small business ~ and I think that is what made this my most read article!


So that rounds out another year of blogging.  Hard to believe that 2014 has come and gone, but I look forward to finding new and interesting topics to share in 2015!


If you have any small business, hiring, or women in business topics you would like to see covered, please let me know.  Or if you have any questions or problems concerning your own business, I would love to help!


Thanks to you all for your support and continuing interest.  I could never have done it without you! 


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You will also find me on my website, www.accessprofiles.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+!