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Meet Beth Norris Brennan, Client Marketing Manager & Rock Star

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Name: Beth Norris Brennan Concur Start Date: April 2008 Hometown: Aitkin, MN (home of the Aitkin “Gobblers”). Today, I live in Lonsdale, MN Favorite City in the World:   Tie between Budapest, Hungary and Melbourne, Australia Favorite Workweek Lunch: There’s a Hunan Buffet that’s killer in the metro area.  Also, I could eat Mexican pretty much all the time. Pets: A turtle named Theo – I’ve had her for almost 2 decades. What’s your secret superpower? I can remember lyrics to almost any song I’ve heard after hearing only a couple times.  I have perfect pitch and can start any song I’ve heard (even if I last heard it years ago) in the right key/ note. Tell us about you in 100 words or less: I’m the Manager for Client Marketing in the Enterprise Americas segment.  Our little team is all about creating meaningful engagement opportunities and clear communications to our client base – resulting in advocacy, retention, satisfaction and growth.  We focus on Communications, Adoption, Engagement and Client Executive enablement to really ensure our clients are getting the most value from their Concur experience. I’ve been with Concur for 6 years – first in America’s Segment marketing, and now in Client Marketing. Client-facing is the place to be!  I have a husband, Tom, a turtle, Theo, I have a crazy exercise habit, I sing in a rock band and I’m a self- proclaimed craft beer snob. If you could learn one random skill, what would you learn?  I’d want to be able to play any instrument I could put my hands on… instantly. What inspires you to be who you are?  My husband is my biggest fan – he’s even a groupie.  I really feel he has my back in everything.  He knows he married a weirdo – and really supports ME being ME.  I have a wide variety of interests and he encourages them all – from singing in a rock band, to learning bass, to my travels FOR work and really being a rock for my mom – he’s a true catch. (And he’s super cute, too) What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?  This is a tough one.  It’s nothing profound, but I’ve been fronting a rock band named “Sugar Buzz” for the past 5 years.  We’ve had some great experiences, including being invited to play a major rock festival called “Moondance Jam”.  It’s a cover band, but we have one original song I’ve written and performed called “We Are Rock Stars.”  I’m over the moon when our fans actually ASK us to play it (and they sing along).  I taught myself bass guitar as well for a small combo that writes original music and plays wineries. Aside from that, I honestly would like to think my greatest accomplishments are still ahead of me. My dream is that when I retire, I get an RV, a bunch of dogs, and become a “citizen of the country”.  I’ll also train my dogs to visit nursing homes and bring a little joy to the residents. Tell us how your career journey landed you here at Concur?  I was working in the mortgage industry leading a technology training team.  I was ready to make a change (and the industry itself was making a BIG change) A friend of mine knew someone here and thought I’d be good for a marketing role.  The rest is history. What’s the best thing about working at Concur?  The “vibe” of the culture, for sure.  Everyone is driven, passionate. We’re not afraid of “rational experimentation” and not afraid to fail before succeeding.   That’s not an everyday occurrence – and it’s what will keep people here, and it’s what will bring the best people onboard.   To learn more about our amazing opportunities at Concur, please visit: www.concur.com/careers

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Infographic: Travel & Entertainment Expense Visibility

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To be or not to be

That is the question that top executives are answering with real-time travel and entertainment expense visibility, enabling them to be more competitive in many regions. This infographic details the challenge, strategy and results faced by top executives who make the decision to be more competitive through T&E spend analysis.  

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Concur is going to Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference. Are you?

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This week the Concur Advisor Team is traveling to our nation’s capital to attend WPC 2014 (Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference), and we couldn’t be more excited! Not only do we get to see some of our valued partners, but we also get to join them in celebrating another successful Microsoft FY End that just wrapped up in June. And, we would like for you to join in the celebration.

4 ways to celebrate a successful Microsoft FY End with Concur at WPC 2014

 

1. Turn that Monday frown upside down

Let’s be honest, no one really likes Mondays — that is no one except Randy and Andy! As a pair of Platinum Concur partners both I.B.I.S Inc & Collins Computing  are at WPC to Connect. We are honored to be celebrating their latest success and Microsoft FYEnd tonight at their Randy and Andy Bash. Will you be there?  

2. Never print, sign and scan again

We’ve all done it at sometime in our life — the dreaded print, sign and scan routine. Thanks to our partner, Docusign, you will never need to again. So forget your pens and paper, and stay cool with our partner Docusign’s VIP happy hour on Wednesday night. RSVP here.  

3. Learn practical strategies for bringing your business to the United States

With our international focus, the team will be attending this track: Successfully Entering the US Market: Practical Strategies for Bringing Your Business to the United States highlighted by our friend, Paul Soloski – current IAMCP Member and CEO of AIM Consulting.

Session Description: The US is a large market made up of many sub-markets. Despite language similarities with other nations, doing business in US is not easy. Attend this session and hear from partners who live this daily. They’ll discuss options for visas, taxes, legal entities, pros/cons of various US cities, preparing yourself, family and company for the move to ensure your rhythm of business is maintained, and more.

4. Focus on the things that matter with Concur’s Advisor Program

We get it — there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done, especially when your company is growing and evolving. Everyone needs a trusted partner to help find more time to focus on the things that really matter. And with Concur’s Advisor Program for Microsoft Partners, you’ll gain more than just time. The program delivers a 20% Revenue Share in Year 1 and 10% thereafter, recurring!  As a trusted partner you’ll also have a free ticket to a plethora of Concur resources and access to our exclusive Sr Advisor Team. Plus, the program is FREE to join. That’s right… zero, zilch, nadda. What’s more fun to celebrate than that?   Want to learn more? Join us at Microsoft WPC2014. Joe Martino be there representing our US team with Sr. Director Bob Lewis, Sara Hurst from Canada and Rue Stanley from the UK to tell you more about all the exciting opportunities we have available to help your business grow and succeed. Join us to strategize on scenarios, formally train your team, even map out extensive marketing & roll out plans to support you and your Dynamics Client base. We’re also available to take a deeper dive and support you from a marketing perspective with webinars, sponsorship of your User Events and more!   We can’t wait to meet, reconnect & help you deliver more value to your clients. Can’t be at Microsoft’s WPC2014? No worries. Reach out to Joe directly to learn more about Concur’s Advisor Program by emailing Joe directly here.  

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Gamifying Your Business

Steve Singh on CNBC Squawk Box 7/23 5:30am PST

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Join Steve Singh on CNBC's Squawk Box tomorrow morning at 5:30am PST.

What: Steve Singh Interview – CNBC's Squawk Box When: July 23 5:30 AM PST Where: CNBC

Join us on social media under the hashtag #Concuring to continue the conversation.

Check out some of Steve's recent interviews with Jim Cramer: Steve Singh on Mad Money with Jim Cramer 4/30/14 Steve Singh on Mad Money with Jim Cramer 1/30/14  

The post Steve Singh on CNBC Squawk Box 7/23 5:30am PST appeared first on Concur Blog.

Introducing Concur for Amazon Fire Phone

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This week Amazon released its first smartphone, Fire phone, to the world. Equipped with exciting features like it's 13MP camera, 1080p video, Firefly technology, and handheld shortcuts, the Fire phone proposes refreshing updates to the way consumers think about mobile. This device could be a game changer for the mobile marketplace in years to come. For several weeks Concur developers have been hard at work crafting a new Android app that maximizes Fire’s enhancements to mobility. We wanted to create an app experience that would deliver the familiar Concur Android flow, but leverage smart new features of the phone in ways that improve our customers’ lives. To capture the intricacies of developing an app especially for this new device, we took the time to sit down with Weston Winn, Concur’s Android Mobile Engineer. Here’s Wes’ review of the Fire Phone dev experience along with a sneak peek at Concur’s Fire Phone app available now in the Amazon App Store:     Key features of the Concur app on the Amazon Fire phone include: Dynamic Perspective: One-handed shortcuts open drawers to useful menus, increasing efficiency and productivity on the road. New visual design functionality creates a dynamic look for the Concur app. Enhanced Home Carousel: The Concur app provides relevant information to customers directly from the Fire Phone’s enhanced home carousel. A user can jump directly into customized features of the app – saving several clicks so that users can snap a receipt photo without even opening the app. Android Apps & Tools: The Concur app features work exactly the same way they do on other Android devices, enabling an easy transition for mobile users.   Why business travelers will love it The new app takes full advantage of time-saving and hands free functionality. With the flick of a wrist an exhausted traveler with arms occupied by luggage can single-handedly navigate to essential Concur Mobile features by tilting to open a menu drawer or go back to the home screen. The home carousel allows users to jump directly into features like receipt capture without  navigating through the app to launch the functionality. Concur's app for Fire takes advantage of opportunities to shorten processes so travelers can get back to business. The Concur app is now available on the Amazon Appstore.

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Concur & Airbnb: Bringing the Sharing Economy to Business Travelers

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Yesterday Airbnb announced a partnership with Concur, just a few short months after Concur’s Tim MacDonald began discussing data indicating that use of Airbnb has become a trend among business travelers. With this partnership, the benefits of the sharing economy are now extended to the business world: business travelers get more booking options and easier expense management. Finance and travel managers have more accuracy, visibility and control. And we hope that travelers get more personalized travel experiences that contribute to their perfect trip. It’s a winning proposition all around. Concur’s partnerships with Airbnb and Uber – combined with other platform partners like United, Marriott, IHG and Avis – bring seamless connections to our travelers, for direct bookings and spend management. But you don’t have to take our word for it. The media coverage about the Airbnb partnership has been glowing. Here are some takes from the press on why this partnership signals big change and big opportunity for the business travel marketplace.   Airbnb Taps Business Travel Market With ConcurWall Street Journal “’A growing number of professionals are choosing to book travel expenses on their own, using Airbnb and other sites to find cheaper deals or locations they prefer,’ according to Tim MacDonald, Concur’s executive vice president of platform and data services. He estimates that as much as half of hotel bookings for business trips are done by individuals rather than through corporate travel agents.   ‘That activity can expose businesses to greater risk, as it limits their ability to track expenses, compliance with travel policies and identify instances of possible fraud’, MacDonald said.   ‘We’re able to bring those companies like Airbnb into a company’s travel program to meet their objectives and all those policies,’ he said.”   Enough of the Squatters. Airbnb Has Its Eye on Business Travelers – Mashable “Beginning this fall, business travelers using Concur's TripLink service will be able to book Airbnb properties directly, and have their expense reports pre-populated.   ’Employees clearly want Airbnb in their managed travel program and we think that trajectory will continue,’ said Tim MacDonald, executive vice president at Concur. ‘Our goal is to support customers who want to empower their employees while ensuring that fiscal visibility and duty of care responsibilities are met.’”   Booking an Airbnb room for your business trip is now legit: Airbnb beefs up business travel featuresVenturebeat “In its partnership with Concur, Airbnb will be integrated within Concur’s Triplink system, which both helps pull in all of the employee’s travel information even it’s booked outside of the company’s travel system, and also incentivizes employees to be more cost-effective through a rewards system. Airbnb bookings will now be included in Concur-based travel programs. Concur currently provides travel programs for more than 70 percent of Fortune 100 companies, according to the company.   ‘We’ve noticed that business travelers are increasingly taking advantage of a new generation of suppliers like Airbnb. Employees clearly wantAirbnb in their managed travel program and we think that trajectory will continue,’ said Concur executive vice president Tim MacDonald, executive vice president at Concur.   ‘Our goal is to support customers who want to empower their employees while ensuring that fiscal visibility and duty of care responsibilities are met.’”     Airbnb Expands Into Business Travel New York Times “Airbnb, which operates in nearly 200 countries, has also teamed up with Concur, the expense account and travel booking management company. Through the partnership, travelers can book Airbnb accommodations via Concur’s smartphone app or website. Expenses for the bookings will automatically appear in Concur’s expense account management software.   Airbnb’s pitch is aimed at those on business trips who tire of lodging at large hotel chains. Often, Concur has found, employees have ventured outside their internal travel systems to book trips using Airbnb’s service, including travelers who have corporate deals worked out with a hotel chain.”

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How to set reasonable expectations for business travel ROI

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Business is business – and travel is no exception. Companies should expect a return on investment for business travel, just as in other areas like sales or manufacturing. After all, as major software companies roll out expanded mobile capabilities and airlines offer WiFi on most flights, the potential for productivity outside of the office is nearly boundless. But what can you reasonably ask of employees in terms of available time during travel? Finding the right balance is not just desirable – it’s essential.   Travel time can be valuable time Travel can free up time for extra work – long flights, extended layovers, and long evenings in a hotel room can all create opportunities to get things done. But before your employees head to the airport, make sure both of you know what you want to achieve. To make the most of employee travel time, it’s important to identify what your goals are and what you hope they will accomplish – before the trip begins. Set clear expectations and get buy-in from your people.   The human factor While traveling can be a great time to catch up on email or draft a whitepaper, it can also be exhausting and time consuming, even for the most experienced road warriors. Security checks, taxi lines and getting settled in a hotel room all take time and energy. Consider the mental and physical toll of travel when asking traveling employees to complete extra tasks, or take on projects not specifically related to their trip. Travelers need time to adjust to their surroundings so they can focus on the original purpose of their trip. For instance, if you’re sending someone to make an important presentation, they’ll need time to focus, rest, and prepare.   High standards, poor results When productivity standards get set too high, overworked employees aren’t the only ones who suffer. Poor performances during presentations can cost a company important connections, new business and investor interest. Employees who feel pressured to perform at a certain level may place themselves or their health in danger in order to meet expectations – and a company could be held liable for the damages incurred.   Making business travel work for everyone Employers should evaluate each trip as a unique experience before setting up tasks and objectives for traveling employees. Planning in advance will give both parties a say over what happens – and will help to safeguard against liability or damages.  
  • Plan for the unexpected. Take flight delays, possible cancellations and city-specific issues into account when planning for a trip. Allow additional time for commuting if employees are traveling to an area where special events are taking place.
 
  • Encourage down time. Getting plenty of rest is vital to good performance. Employees who feel rested and relaxed are more likely to focus on the task at hand amd give a good performance during presentations or meetings.
 
  • Stay flexible. Even the most prepared travelers encounter roadblocks. Be prepared to accept assignments a day late, or even relieve traveling employees of certain tasks altogether. It’s more important for them to feel rested and confident than to complete a minor task.
  Remember, traveling employees are the face of your organization while they’re on the road. To accurately represent you, they need to put their best foot forward – and tired, stressed employees don’t make a good impression. ROI doesn’t always mean cash in hand. Building good relationships and making connections is infinitely valuable to any organization, and should be recognized as such.

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Steve Singh On Mad Money with Jim Cramer 8/5 – 4:30 PM EST

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Join Steve Singh on CNBC’s Mad Money with Jim Cramer tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 pm EST/1:30 pm PST. What: Steve Singh Interview – CNBC’s Mad Money with Jim Cramer When: Tuesday, August 5 - 4:30 PM PST/1:30 pm PST Where: CNBC  

Join us on social media under the hashtag #Concurring and #MadTweets to continue the conversation, or check back here to follow the topic:

Twitter | Linked In | Facebook | Google+

Check out some of Steve’s recent interviews with Jim Cramer: Steve Singh on Mad Money with Jim Cramer 4/30/14 Steve Singh on Mad Money with Jim Cramer 1/30/14

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Concur Employee Profile: Yolanda M. Davis, Software Design Engineer and Dr. Who fan

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Name:  Yolanda M. Davis Concur Start Date: February 24, 2014 Hometown: Living in Atlanta, GA but Originally From Baltimore, MD Favorite City in the World:  So far? St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Favorite Workweek Lunch: Chipotle Pets: None, but I do like animals What’s your secret superpower? My friends say that I do well as being a diplomat or a peacemaker. I hate conflict so I try my best to find common ground in any situation. And I’m a HUGE Dr. Who fan, which is not a superpower but is just critical to know about me J. Tell us about you in 100 words or less: I am a Senior Software Design Engineer working within the R&D Team for Platform Services. Our main focus is to develop new applications and systems that will support our data analytics and reporting applications.  We perform “full stack” development (both front and back end and all layers in between) using technologies and frameworks including Spring Framework, AngularJS and Twitter Bootstrap. If you could learn one random skill, what would you learn? How to sew! My father’s mother had a gift for sewing that I wish I sat on her knee to learn.  It would really come in handy. What inspires you to be who you are? The history of my family is rooted is community service; everyone from my grandmother to mother and aunts have worked in education or social work. So my inspiration is driven through their example of giving back in a meaningful way. My grandmother, Myrtle Bailey, is one of my greatest inspirations. After the death of her husband at a young age she was left to raise 7 children on her own, most of whom went to college or law school, and still found time be involved within local politics as well as build a community center.  Her example demonstrated to me that the only limits we face are the ones we allow to be placed there.  All things are possible! What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? (outside of work) I don’t have a specific accomplishment that I’m most proud of, however I am happy to have the opportunity to serve our local community in meaningful ways. In the past two years I’ve worked with several organizations focused on delivering technology specific classes and events to minorities; everything from web & mobile app development to robotics.  Also my work as a co-organizer of Technologists of Color on Meetup.com has been amazing!  We focus on connecting and supporting the community of African Americans who work or look to work in the tech sector through networking events, information sessions and volunteer opportunities. Watching our group grow substantially over the past year demonstrates a need in the city of Atlanta that we are happy to fill. Feel free to check us out at http://www.meetup.com/Technologists. Tell us how your career journey landed you here at Concur? Concur actually reached out to me.  Given that the company is looking to enhance, and in many ways revamp, its technologies platform, my experience in Java development as it relates to reporting and data visualization led the recruiter my way.  At the same time I was looking for an opportunity to expand my skills related to data analysis and grow professionally. Landing at Concur proved to be a win-win solution! What’s the best thing about working at Concur? For me the opportunity to work in R&D has been a lot of fun.  Having the flexibility to innovate in a growing and changing field is the best form of freedom as a developer or architect.   To learn more about our amazing opportunities at Concur, please visit: www.concur.com/careers

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The Mobile Mind Shift

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We’re excited to be cited in a compelling new technology book by Forrester researchers Ted Schadler, Josh Bernoff and Julie Ask: “The Mobile Mind Shift – Engineer Your Business to Win in the Mobile Moment.” Based on 200 interviews with entrepreneurs and major companies across the globe, the book highlights businesses that are taking advantage of mobile moments to improve customer experiences.   The authors explain, "mobile has reprogrammed your customers’ brains.”  Customers can deposit checks, book a rental car, buy a movie ticket, manipulate a spreadsheet or check the weather – all from a mobile device. When they want an answer to something, and a company provides it via a mobile device, the company has exploited a mobile moment and built customer loyalty.   Concur is included in the book’s chapter on technology platforms in a case study that highlights the power of a cloud + mobile solutions to improve the lives of business travelers – the “most mobile people on the planet.” We’re honored to be included in this important book along with our newest partner, Uber.   Visit Ted Schadler’s blog to read more about the Concur case study and the Forrester book.

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Learning from Matt Zames and JP Morgan’s recent expense cuts

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When it comes to expense accounts, everyone knows regular reviews are important – but actually doing it is a whole different story. Too often, expense account reviews aren’t thorough enough, or are only performed on an ad-hoc basis. That may work in the short term, but it has consequences over time. Inconsistent reviews can lead to lost revenue, jumbled accounts, and even theft. No matter what size your business, maintaining full, frequent visibility into expense accounts is essential.   J.P. Morgan COO Matt Zames has been in the spotlight recently for his determination to cut expenses – and the actions he’s taken contain valuable lessons for companies of all sizes.   Spend a little, save a lot Zames is taking a close look at all business expenses, from office space to furniture. The Wall Street Journal reports that Zames wrote in his shareholder letter: "We are keenly aware that every dollar of our budget is a dollar of shareholders’ money.” His vigilance is expected to save the bank hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual savings. Not surprisingly, Zames is now rumored to be next in line to take CEO Jamie Dimon’s place.   By comparison, reviewing expense accounts isn’t as massive an undertaking – but it can boost your company’s bottom line, improve its reputation, and weed out dishonest workers. And as Matt Zames proved, being expense conscious can also be a savvy career move.   Create a culture of transparency More organizations are moving toward a transparent approach to expenses. To keep your expense accounts on track and encourage transparency, consider the following actions:
  • Set the tone for transparency from the beginning. Create detailed guidelines for expenses, explaining what is acceptable and why. Make sure that everyone with access to an expense account understands the rules. This will help foster a culture of individual responsibility, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
  • Check every line. Even if an expense looks acceptable, it still might not be reasonable. Was it truly needed? Does it have a clear business use? Close attention to detail will prevent account holders from buying the most expensive version of a product, or taking advantage simply because they can.
  • Treat employees of all levels the same way. Monitoring expense accounts across pay grades and departments can help to keep all account holders on the same level. It sends a message to employees that every dollar counts, and that no one is being treated unfairly. Not only will you gain insight into every dollar being spent, you’ll also help foster a sense that everyone in this together.
  Take control of the future Without regular oversight and consistent communication with employees, company dollars can quietly slip through the cracks. But when everyone with expense accounts are held to the same standards, it becomes easy to see exactly where the money is going, and how you can correct bad habits. Taking back control of your cash flow is one of the best ways to keep your business – and your career – on track.

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Marooned: what to do when you’re stuck on the road

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It’s a business traveler’s nightmare – you’ve completed a tough week abroad meeting clients or contacts, and you’re on the way to the airport to jet home. But all of a sudden your phone lights up with notifications from TripIt telling you your flight is delayed. Then it’s canceled, and all the alternate flights are canceled, too. It’s widespread travel disruption due to unforeseen natural circumstances. We’ve seen it in the not-so-distant past – almost every winter a strong blizzard shuts down the airports of the eastern US for a couple of days, and on an even more massive scale, see the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull in 2010.  And if mother nature isn’t playing a prank on us, it looks like we could be in for widespread travel disruption again very soon if Bárðarbunga erupts. When big travel disruptions hit, at Concur we make a point to stay connected, safe, and sane.   Stay connected “Let someone know as soon as possible. Either let a co-worker or manager know and also let your Risk Manager or Travel Administrator know,” says Concur Senior Manager of Global Security, John W. Coovert. “Let the company begin the process of arranging for alternate travel.” John Dietz, Vice President of Platform Services at Concur, takes a similar tack. “When I find myself stranded, the first thing I do is turn to my phone for help,” he says. “TripIt and Migo help me out of a jam by letting me know how long the flight is delayed and providing me relevant news. Then I turn to email, Evernote and Mynd to keep me connected to the office,” he says. Stay safe Coovert also has thoughts on how to stay safe. He says to “make sure you are in a safe location, whether it is at the hotel or the airport. Avoid too much moving around in the likelihood alternate travel arrangements are being made.” If you’re abroad, you should “also have the phone number of the closest embassy of your home country programmed into your phone in case of an emergency,” he says.   Stay sane This is where you get to choose your own adventure. Is the glass half full or half empty? We’ll assume you want to make lemonade out of your lemons, because no amount of stress and worry will get planes back in the air any sooner once Mother Nature calls a time-out. To stay sane, you can choose productivity or leisure.   If you choose productivity… Take the time to focus on backburner projects or indulge in a planning session. Unscheduled time away from the rhythms of meetings and office life can boost your creativity and allow you to tackle those nagging tasks that you never seem to complete during the course of a normal workweek.   If you choose leisure… Take care of yourself. Take some vacation days and revisit the things that piqued your interest during your trip but you didn’t have time to do because you were working. And you can let go of any guilt you experience about spending an afternoon at a café writing about your travels – outside creative pursuits likely lead to better job performance. John Dietz also recommends taking advantage of new technology that is emerging to make business traveler more enjoyable. “I treat myself to a great meal with recommendations from TravelShark, Trover, or TV Food Maps, which all link to my itinerary and help me decide where to eat,” he says. “If I have a little more time I turn to apps like TripCierge and Nezassa that let me book activities and excursions. If I decide I need ‘retail-therapy,’ shopnfly connects me with the best deals in the airport.” So, while we keep our eye on Bárðarbunga, it’s important to remember that while travel disruptions are inconvenient, they happen for your safety above all. If you’re caught in such a situation in the future, remember to return the favor to your coworkers and family by staying connected, safe, and sane.
  • Tweet us at @concur and let us know how you handle being marooned on the road.
  • Let us know in the comments how you handle being marooned on the road

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Interns at Concur

Relax to Recharge: How Vacation Improves Productivity

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Welcome back! “Welcome back?” you may be asking. “Welcome back from what?” If you’re a US worker, the joys of the long Labor Day weekend are likely a long forgotten memory by now. But if you relaxed and decompressed during your most recent days off work, the weekend may still be having a positive impact on your output at the office, and your overall health. Aside from the societal rewards of commemorating historical events with time off for workers, there are some other very practical reasons why we need holidays to recharge and reboot. Play the long game Earlier this year, Oxford Economics produced a study that found the benefits of employees taking time off are well recognized across organizations. Not only did employees report immediately improved productivity, they also reported longer lasting effects such as a better attitude around the office and improved personal and social lives – both of which can lead to improved self-esteem and greater confidence. Confidence and self-esteem are traits needed to leverage many of the leadership skills required for advancement in a fast-paced environment.  The trickledown effect of appropriate work-life balance could make you and your projects more successful for years to come. Disconnect to reconnect Recently German car manufacturer Daimler instituted what it calls an “email holiday” – deleting work emails that interrupt employee vacation time.  DigitalDetox.org is an organization that promotes mindful, meaningful and balanced lives both online and off – by encouraging people to unplug. Why? Taking time away from digital devices can help people reconnect with coworkers and friends on a face-to-face basis in ways that we may not be doing when mobile phones and email are ever-present. When we go on vacation – and importantly, put the phones and devices away – it can help provide perspective and improve person-to-person connections by affording us opportunities to practice the communicative arts of active listening, eye contact and verbal response. Sick employees can’t be productive Finally, it should go without saying that sickness is a major detractor from productivity. We also know that stress correlates strongly with illnesses ranging from diabetes and depression, to dental maladies and ulcers – even cancer. Taking time away from the office is as much a preventative step as it is a curative one. When we go on vacation, the time spent away from our daily lives promotes creativity, provides badly needed rest and recharges out minds to get back to a healthy lifestyle.   How about you? Have you been more productive this week? Were you able to take a vacation? When is your next vacation planned? Tell us your stories of rejuvenation and enhanced productivity on Facebook or Twitter!

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What Can Hindsight Do for your Company’s Financial Health?

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Remember the conference last year where you scored two big clients? How about the business trip that energized a flailing account? According to a study released by Stanford Professor Philip Zimbardo and MagnifyMoney’s Nick Clements, those memories could be the key to your organization’s financial health. That’s because looking back gives us the ability to recognize patterns and glean information we can use to make better choices in the future. But where do those memories exist? In the business world, they’re often contained in finance data, those eye-opening accounts that provide far more than just numbers. So what should you look for in past expense records, and how can it help your future growth? Let’s take a closer look.   Take a trip down memory lane – and bring a pencil Just looking back itself isn’t enough. It’s all about what you pay attention to, and how you use the information that matters.
  • Set up a regular review process. Schedule time to review company expense reports on a consistent basis. The more often you look at the numbers, the easier it is to see patterns. Start with a quarterly review and adjust from there.
  • Capture your findings. Make a note of what worked in the past – and what didn’t – so that you can better evaluate new risks and opportunities as they arise. Look for differences and similarities between departments and individuals. The past doesn’t always predict the future, but it does inform it.
  • Clarify. Whenever you find discrepancies or things that don’t add up, ask questions so that you can truly understand what the numbers are saying.
By encouraging everyone in your organization to keep consistent, accurate expense records, you can get a true picture of what happened in the past and address current issues with more insight.   Trust your gut, but double-check the facts Being savvy about your company’s financials and making good financial decisions are two different things. Dr. Philip Zimbardo from Magnify Money said it best: “Just because you think you are financially literate does not mean you will be financially healthy.” As you grow, record-keeping and expense management software becomes more and more important. Choose tools that make it easy to run reports, spot trends and irregularities, and filter data in different ways. With the right tools, you see things you wouldn’t have otherwise noticed.   Make tomorrow better by keeping an eye on yesterday Give your future self a gift – make sure your organization’s expense records are as complete and accurate as possible. Look for ways to make continual improvements on the kinds of information people report. Train employees on how to gather the right kinds of data that will be helpful in drawing smart conclusions later. As the research shows, hindsight is not only good for you, it’s also good for your financial future and that of your investors. Financial transparency is becoming more and more important, and maintaining comprehensive, up-to-date records reveals the health of your organization at a glance. With the right information, you can take risks with confidence, and reap the rewards you deserve.

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International taxi services improve transportation experience for business travelers

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Today, at our Paris roadshow event – Concur Fusion Exchange – we announced the addition of TaxisG7 to our growing list of ground transportation platform partners. Combined with Uber, Curb (formerly Taxi Magic), Addison Lee, Limos.com and others, TaxisG7 is helping to build an international network of transportation options for business travelers no matter where they are in the world. TaxisG7 is Europe’s leading radio taxi hub with a fleet of over 7,600 affiliated taxis. Now, Concur clients can connect their Concur account with TaxisG7’s eCab app to book a cab and send e-receipts directly into Concur Expense. Already available in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, the eCab app will be launched in fifteen other cities in France and throughout Europe by the end of the year. “Our partnership with TaxisG7 perfectly illustrates the value of the Concur platform,” said Pierre Emmanuel, VP of Product Management & Strategy located in Concur’s Paris office. “Together we are providing business travelers the flexibility they demand while giving corporate oversight teams visibility into spend through a connected, effortless and transparent experience.” During his Fusion Exchange keynote address, Concur co-founder Mike Hilton touched on the evolution of software from boxed solutions, to the cloud, to mobile and now the type of platform connectivity that makes integration with ground transportation a reality. Through Concur’s open platform, the entire travel and expense ecosystem of customers, suppliers, and developers can access and extend Concur’s T&E cloud – a system that adapts to individual employee preferences and scales to meet the needs of companies of all sizes.   To read the announcement in French:  https://www.concur.fr/media-resources/press-releases/09-09-14 For press inquiries related to the new integration please contact Danielle Adams, Public Relations Manager Senior, at Danielle.Adams@Concur.com.

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Is the CFO role changing?

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It wasn’t so long ago that CFOs kept a low profile in the enterprise – but that isn’t the case today. As transparency and compliance become increasingly important, the CFO role is expanding in new and exciting ways. Cutting-edge tools and technologies allow CFOs to showcase skills they had all along, enabling them to take a more visible, vocal role in the success of an organization.   Say hello to one of the most influential roles in business. With big data at their fingertips and the know-how to decipher it, today’s finance chiefs are not reacting to trends and opportunities; they’re leading them. The rest of the enterprise – and the world – are finally seeing what CFOs are truly capable of.   Let’s take a closer look at four key areas where the role has evolved, and what today’s organizations expect from their CFO.  
  • Works closely with the CEO to shape both culture and policy As the person closest to the CEO, the CFO has a mandate to provide insight grounded in deep understanding of how every action will affect the business. She or he recognizes the important role of company culture in reaching goals and helps the CEO to build an environment where people and ideas can thrive.
 
  • Provides ongoing strategic guidance around the future of the organization. An intrinsic part of the CFO’s job is to accurately forecast an organization’s next steps, using data analysis to help guide the company forward. CFOs can say goodbye to caution and embrace the rapidly changing business landscape. According to Forbes, a successful CFO is “fearless, forward-thinking, and full of ideas.”
 
  • Identifies risks and opportunities in the context of current legal and economic realities. Risk is not a new topic for CFOs, but the way they approach it is evolving. As CFOs are given a broader range of tools, they’re drawing on a wealth of knowledge to optimize their role. They aren’t just managing problems as they arise – rather, they’re anticipating them and facing them head on. Make no mistake: this is a key leadership role.
 
  • Creates strategies that foster accountability and maintain compliance. As a leader, the modern CFO understands how the importance of accountability and communication. They realize that compliance isn’t a nice-to-have – and they take an active role in maintaining and promoting it. Their place is alongside the CEO as a sounding board, strategist, and enforcer.
  It’s exciting to watch CFOs step into bigger, more prominent roles. In the words of David McCann: “There may be virtually no end to CFOs’ ability to add value, particularly because data-analytics capabilities promise to keep growing more sophisticated.”   This new crop of leaders isn’t afraid to take chances and push their companies into the future. They have a big picture view, and the hard facts to back up the recommendations he or she makes. As their role evolves, CFOs are helping to actively forge a pathway to success for their organizations. In short: The modern CFO is here to stay. Are you ready?

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Trial by hire: Why this new trend could become the future of hiring

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Bringing new employees on board is exciting, but it also comes with some risks. That’s why some business owners are jumping on a hiring trend called test driving – and it’s working. A recent New York Times article explored how companies hire employees by putting them through a trial period of weeks or months. When the trial is over, both employer and employee can evaluate whether the relationship works – or if they want to walk.   In a trial period, the goal is not to train someone to do the job before cutting them loose – in fact, training may not come into play at all. A test drive is more about getting a feel for a potential employee’s personality. How well do they interact with others? Are they better at taking direction, or do they naturally fall into a leadership position? Often, these aren’t things you can learn from an interview – it takes on the job experience to truly understand a person.  
  • Get to know someone before making a commitment. Test-driving an employee is somewhat like dating before getting married – it just makes sense. During a trial period, employees can get to know their co-workers and see if their values align with the workplace culture. Chemistry between colleagues is especially important – even if someone has a great work ethic, the inability to communicate with other employees can be a deal-breaker. Conversely, employers can get to know potential hires better, and get a first-hand look at their performance on the job without the potential pitfalls of an internship.
 
  • Save by taking things slow. Hiring and firing costs more than just money – it affects all your internal processes. As Suzanne Lucas writes, businesses with high turnover rates can suffer from lowered productivity, poor morale, and lost knowledge. A test drive helps eliminate most of the doubt surrounding a new hire. You’ll feel confident that your training dollars are being used wisely when you know for sure that a new team member fits your company’s unique culture.
 
  • Create long-lasting positions that will help your business thrive. By consistently hiring employees that are a good fit for your company, you’ll improve retention rates – and reduce unnecessary spending hiring and firing. A recent U.K. study proves that people who feel like they belong in their workplace are more productive, produce quality work, and have their company’s best interests at heart. You’ll also promote a culture of stability, where employees and customers alike have a consistent experience every day.
    Trial periods aren’t for everyone. Some companies may not be structured in a way that makes it efficient or possible to test drive new hires – and that’s okay, too. Even so, it’s smart to keep an eye on new trends, especially ones that show promise for improving productivity and consistency.   Employers want the best for their companies. Every leader dreams of the day when employees come into work not because they have to – but because they care about their company and truly want to make it a better place. Trial periods are just one of the ways you can reach the goal of a happy, thriving workplace.

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Employee Profile: Chad Minnick, Sales Trainer and Networking “Godfather”

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Concur Start Date: August 2, 2010 Hometown: Kirkland, WA (but grew up in Fort Wayne, IN) Favorite City in the World: Hmmm… Toss between Vancouver BC or San Francisco, CA Favorite Workweek Lunch: Nibbana Thai, right down the street from the Bellevue Office Pets: Do 13 year old boys count? What’s your secret superpower?  Networking – through work and all my volunteerism, I’m one of the guys that knows a guy or gal that can help.  I’ve been dubbed The Godfather at times... Tell us about you in 100 words or less: I currently work on the SMB Training Team, helping our internal teams keep up-to-date with Concur’s solutions and how they benefit our clients.  Prior to this role, I worked in tandem with our clients, evaluating their Concur instance and working on making these better.  This internal outreach and education gave me a strong understanding of the many ways that Concur can help our clients, and continuing to work with internal Concur teams has been a great privilege. If you could learn one random skill, what would you learn? Teleportation.  I hate waiting in traffic; I am way too patient at stoplights; and I feel that there are so many more cities I would like to visit.  Life would be so much better if I could just teleport places – so much many more things would be done! What inspires you to be who you are? My family, for sure.  My husband and son continually make me want to be a better person – and provide a more complete life for all of us. What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? One of my proudest moments was getting married.  This may sound a bit simple, but it honestly is.  My husband Alex and I were a part of the Marriage Equality campaign in the state of Washington.  It was something that we knew needed to happen to protect our family now, and in the future.  So, we dedicated nearly 14 months of our lives to sharing our story – and in the end, love won.  For everyone.  So yeah, I guess you could say that getting married legally in front of our friends and family is one of my life’s greatest achievements. Tell us how your career journey landed you here at Concur? Right after college, my career was in higher education – I worked at colleges and universities in the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Admission, Financial Aid, Alumni Relations, and Fundraising.  I loved helping families and students achieve their dreams of attending college – and even though I don’t work in higher education today, it is still a passion for me. I made the switch to working in IT and SaaS companies in 2006, with a start-up in Seattle, and then eventually found my way over to Concur in 2010. What’s the best thing about working at Concur? To me, feeling that we are on the cutting edge of technology in helping our clients.  I know, I know, we are only processing expense reports.  But, knowing that through our solutions, we are helping people get back to what they need to be doing – literally curing cancer, finding that next big breakthrough technology, fighting hunger, and establishing equality.  Our clients are some of the best people in their business, and if I can do my small part in helping provide a platform that allows them to do their work better – I am happy with my small role in helping create that bigger picture. What do you feel is unique to Concur that other companies don’t have? The best thing about working at Concur is that everyone has a unified work ethic, but not at the expense of the individual.  I have always felt included and welcome at Concur.  I feel that I don’t have to hide myself or my family.  The Concurians around me celebrate my work triumphs – and they take joy in my personal wins even more.  It truly has been a great family to be a part of.   To learn more about our amazing opportunities at Concur, please visit: www.concur.com/careers

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