Google is the world's biggest, and most valuable search engine (it's currently valued at approximately $90 billion USD), and it's earned the bulk of its profits from its proprietary online advertising service, Google AdWords.

Google makes billions of dollars each year selling customized advertising that's targeted through their complex search engine algorithms which match internet users with ads that promote products and services they're searching for.

AdWords operates on a bidding system - that means advertisers compete against each other to secure the exact placement of their ads on search engine results pages (SERPs), and even whether or not their ads will appear at all. The more prominently and frequently an advertisement is displayed, the more conversions that ad will achieve for the business - that's what drives up the cost of keywords.

According to WordStream, as of December, 2017, these were the top 20 most expensive keywords in Google AdWords Advertising:

Business Services - $58.64

Bail Bonds - $58.48

Casino - $55.48

Lawyer - $54.86

Asset Management - $49.86

Insurance - $48.41

Cash Services and Payday Loans - $48.18

Cleanup and Restoration Services - $47.61

Degree - $47.61

Medical Coding Services - $46.84

Rehab - $46.14

Psychic - $43.78

Timeshare - $42.13

HVAC Software - $41.24

Business Software - $41.12

Medical Needs - $40.73

Loans - $40.69

Plumber - $39.19

Termites - $38.88

Pest Control - $38.84

While the list of most-expensive keywords on Google search tends to shift slightly each year, in general the focus of the keywords is around solving urgent problems or needs. For example, if someone is searching for a 'bail bond', chances are good they're looking for help right away - that means they'll be inclined to choose the first advertiser that pops up on their Google search results page.

Every business goes through similar stages, no matter which industry it operates in. Knowing what stage your company is in can help guide you in focusing your efforts on the right activities for your current situation. Here's an overview of the primary stages of any business.

Stage 1: Development

This stage actually takes place before your business even becomes a business. In this phase, you'll be developing your products or services, finding suppliers and other service providers, and establishing the goals for your company. Take the time to do ample research on the market you intend to enter so that you can set yourself up for success right from the start.

Stage 2: Startup

Once you have completed the planning process, it's time to launch your business. This is the riskiest phase for any company in any industry. You'll need to keep close watch on all company activities to ensure that your team is working on the most critical tasks in this delicate stage. It is also important to be flexible during this period as you gain feedback from your earliest customers. Don't be afraid to tweak your offerings to better meet the needs of your customers.

Stage 3: Establishment

By this point, your business should have a solid customer base and continue to bring in new customers. Your products and services should have reached their peak at this time as well. Your company's cash flow should cover your ongoing expenses, and you should be able to see a bit of extra money to cover the expenses related to future growth.

Stage 4: Expansion

Now is the time to start really pushing to grow your business. Draw on your existing customer base for referrals to keep growing your company. This phase is also the ideal time to think about adding new products or services to your arsenal. Use customer feedback to guide you in the best areas for your company to grow. Don't forget about the importance of delegating once you reach this phase. Your team can likely handle many of the daily tasks you complete yourself, freeing you up to focus more on growing your enterprise.

Stage 5: Maturity

In the maturity stage, you are running a successful business with stable income and high-quality products or services. Your customers are happy with your offerings, and your team is more than capable of handling their work load. At this point, you can keep doing what you are doing, sitting back to watch the profits roll in. You also have the option of selling your company. With this route, you can obtain a large windfall of cash and relieve yourself of the ongoing duties of running your business so that you can shift your focus to your next endeavor.

Although every business is unique, the stages that it will go through are common across all industries. It is important to know where your company falls in this hierarchy so that you know which tasks are most deserving of your time. The better prepared you are for each stage, the easier it will be to progress to the next level.
 

Lower Back Pain: Did You Know?

A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine estimated that over 80 percent of Americans will experience an episode of lower back pain (LBP), over the course of their lifetimes. An estimated 31 million Americans are affected by lower back pain (LBP) at any given time. The American Chiropractic Association notes the following: Low back pain (LBP) is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Outnumbered only by upper-respiratory Infections, back pain is the leading cause of missing work. the average cost of a back injury related workers comp claim can be $40,000 - $80,000 per employee.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information estimates that the loss of productivity, (Hours of work lost, days of work missed and lower wages combined) is over 300 million dollars a year. When the costs of medical care for lower back pain (LBP) is added, the total annual cost rises to over 500 million dollars per annum. In addition, the incidence of chronic lower back pain (LBP) is a major contributor to the opioid crisis, in America.

The above statistics are shocking and the bottom line is that lower back pain (LBP) affects all businesses. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce would like to offer some tips on how to choose a chiropractor.

How to Choose A Chiropractor: A Few Good Tips
Choosing to use a chiropractor, much like choosing a primary care physician, it's a personal and practical decision. If an employee chooses to make use of a chiropractor, here is a little advice.

Do a Little Research Before Making a Final Choice. Know who your doctor is, and what their credentials experience is. Take a little time check reviews. A quick online search for reviews could save you time, money and frustration. A good chiropractor should be accredited by independent and peer reviewed organizations. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is one the largest such groups in America.

Get It for Free. Just like a lawyer, most chiropractors offer a free consultation to discuss your injury and pain, as well as to answer any questions, including future costs.

Know What Your Insurance Will Pay For. You should absolutely know what your insurance plan will pay for Additional costs will come out of your pocket!

Should the time come when one of your employees is the next person to suffer lower back pain (LBP), you will now be prepared to offer them some advice. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce hopes to encourage business owners to be proactive with their employees and thus reduce potential costs.

CHAMBER MEMBERS/CHIROPRACTIC
 
ATLAS SPECIFIC
PATHFINDER CHIROPRACTIC
THRIVE CHIROPRACTIC

Does the furniture you provide to your customers or patients really matter? When a person steps into your office, you want that individual to feel comfortable. You want them to relax. You also want them to avoid falling asleep. Finding the right balance is not always easy, but high-quality furniture is a must in every situation. Take the time to consider what elements really impact your business furnishings, including what types of furniture your customers expect to find and what really does not make them happy.

Convey the Right Message
When choosing any type of office furniture, remember that it is a reflection of your business and your company's brand. As a result, consider what type of message you want to convey to your guests when they step inside your office space. For example, as an attorney or a consultant, you want a person to feel as though you've done well for yourself and that your skills have obviously been good. Your furniture needs to match this professionalism.

Use Design That Reflects Your Brand
Consider, for example, the Apple offices. The company is known for creating employee-centric spaces that promote wellbeing and innovation. To do this, they use color, unique chairs, and various structures. This creates the innovative brand image that people have. Their workspace reflects the type of work they do, but also the type of brand image they want you to have. This may include upscale and upbeat, young and hip, or seasoned and professional. Use design features like this – including color, material choices, and design trends, to define your business's space.

Keep It Organized and Neat
The furnishings in your business need to be "just enough." You do not want to crowd the space and make people uncomfortable or stressed. Instead, aim for furniture that fits your space well – choose pieces that compliment the length of the walls and the overall design of the room. Choose rounded pieces only when you have areas that they fit well into. And, when it comes to space concerns, choose thinner more angular pieces that allow you to squeeze a bit more into the space.

Know What Your Customers Expect
If you have customers coming into your space to meet with you – and you have a very full schedule – provide seating. Of course, scheduling makes people mad when they wait, but having a comfortable place to sit and perhaps watch TV makes it a bit easier. You'll frustrate your visitors, on the other hand, if you create a boring room with uncomfortable furniture and make them wait for more than 20 minutes.

Take some time to consider your furniture. Does it really meet the needs of those who will come into the space? Could you make it more disability-friendly? Does it offer the vibrancy that your business does or is it outdated and dull, an impression you do not want your guests to have? Investing in quality furniture can be an excellent way to upgrade the way your company meets the community's needs.