During grade school and college, students are often asked to write research papers or essays on a specific topic or book, and it's usually clear to teachers who did their research and who didn't. Those who take the time to do thorough research typically earn better grades because they have more information and understand the topic better. These same school lessons can apply to us as consumers now, because taking the time to do our research can result in smarter purchases and better investments.

Companies often rely on specialized equipment, tools, and other technology to perform their daily functions and complete services for customers. After a while, tools, equipment, and technology can get worn out and lose their effectiveness, or worse yet, lead to slowdowns and liability issues for companies. The focus of today's Aegis blog are the various benefits that could result from upgrading or replacing tools, specialized equipment, and business technology.

If you're a small business owner, you understand that there are many responsibilities and roles to juggle in order to keep your company afloat. You might be interviewing candidates for job openings, analyzing monthly financial reports, closing a big sale, communicating with vendors, and resolving client issues all in one day.

When it comes to commercial properties, few things add as much value and curb appeal as beautiful, healthy trees. They can provide abundant shade for the business and visitors while also reducing utility costs and excess noise on the property. However, it's important that trees never become a liability on your commercial property; otherwise your business could suffer financially. In today's Aegis blog post, we look at three ways trees could be a liability on your commercial property, and what can be done to mitigate those risks.

Over time, businesses might find themselves in need of more space, improved facilities, or additional tools, equipment, and furnishings. This might be due to having an older building, or because of rapid expansion and growth. Rather than try to find a new location, it might make more sense logistically and financially to simply upgrade the existing building and business assets. While upgrades can potentially save time and money, it could also mean an upgrade or addition to commercial insurance coverage.

Although businesses along the Gulf Coast region are happy to bid farewell to the 2018 hurricane season, this doesn't mean that severe weather can't impact businesses during the cold winter months as well. Companies can be negatively impacted by such winter weather as ice, snow, heavy rains, lightning, and gusty winds, even if the weather occurs elsewhere in the country. In today's Aegis blog post, we look at four ways winter weather can impact your business, and how commercial insurance coverage can protect against possible losses or damages.

Employees are a key part of any business, as they are the ones who perform services, manufacture or sell products, or promote the company. However, the same employees tasked with growing and improving a company are the ones who could potentially hurt it the most through careless or irresponsible actions. In today's Aegis blog post, we look at a few ways employees could make a business vulnerable by increasing liability risks or damaging company property.

Upgrades can be fun or rewarding opportunities, such as being bumped up on your flight from economy to first class, or being offered a luxury suite instead of a standard hotel room. However, there are sometimes when upgrades are a necessity in order to improve your company's daily operations and safety, or to boost certain areas of your business that need improvement. In today's Aegis blog post, we'll look at three upgrades that can help make your company safer and reduce liability exposure for your business.

Much like buying a home, buying a commercial property involves a lot of time, paperwork, and research in order to find the best property to fit your needs. It can also involve having the building inspected to ensure everything is working well, is in good condition, and meets all city and fire codes. Unfortunately, not all areas of a commercial property are well inspected, and it can cost the new owners dearly.

More effective than a television, radio, print, or Internet ad, viral videos can instantly boost the profile of a business or business owner as it spreads online and is shared by thousands or millions of viewers. While some business viral videos might highlight the skills of a kind retail employee or talented restaurant chef, others might capture a waiter's rude customer service or unsafe contractor. The real question for business owners is: what kind of viral video would your business have?