Basically, small business compliance involves doing a lot of administrative stuff to please various government agencies. Sure, these rules and regulations provide necessary societal safeguards, but, at the same time, they also take the fun out of being an entrepreneur. They distract you from doing important things, like finding new customers and
This time of year I find myself writing many lists -- holiday gifts to purchase, greetings cards to send, and New Year's resolutions to strive for. In the same way that we all use lists in our personal lives to maintain relationships, reflect on the past year, and set our course for the upcoming year, we need to do the same thing when it comes to
In a time of economic difficulty, when people are getting laid off and national average salaries are on the decline, SurePayroll is bucking the trend. My company, based in suburban Chicago, is quickly becoming one of the most successful Software-as-a-Service companies in the United States, and we're rapidly expanding our workforce and customer
We all know a great team when we see one, and the sustainable, competitive advantage that great teams provide. Being from Boston, two immediate examples come to mind: The Red Sox, who won two World Series Championships in three years after an 86-year drought, and the New England Patriots, who have won three Super Bowls in four years. These
With all the anxiety in the marketplace, it's only natural that employees may feel concerned about issues on the home front as well as job security at the office. Yet, with many managers focused on making numbers and closing sales, it's often too easy to overlook their number one asset--the internal team.
While unfortunately we can't alleviate
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We are all in unchartered waters right now--grappling with economic issues in ways that we have never had to before. This economy is testing the mettle of business leaders--from the largest enterprises to the mom and pop shop--and the exceptional ones will rise to the occasion and successfully pull their companies through. What do all of these
The mindset that "The customer is always right" underscores the value we place on our customers, regardless of our industry. Especially in today's economic climate, most companies recognize that their existence largely depends on how well they can engage and service customers and offer them the products or services that they need.
Yet there's
During the summer months, we seem to get inspired to work out more and get in better shape. Summer is also a perfect time to foster an atmosphere of health and well-being in the workplace.
Here are some of the initiatives we've found to be effective in promoting a healthy office:
- Hold a Health Fair — Create a fun and educational day
Just when we were hoping that the worst was behind us, there's concern about the possibility of a stronger strain of H1N1 and a harsher flu season. Now, as the government is urging us to take precautions to prevent and prepare for this possibility, business owners and executives must also make preparations for a potential pandemic in the
With some positive signs in the economy, it's time to think about revving up the engines and getting back into growth mode. An effective way to grow your business-—and stand out from your competition--is to deliver exceptional customer service. Small community banks, for example, have been emphasizing personalized service and customer
In the spirit of the season, it's time to sit back and reflect on not only what we're thankful for, but also for whom we are thankful.
The experience that we've all been through this past year--the worst economy since the Great Depression--has taught us all so much about the perseverance and determination of the small business community, as well as
I love this time of year, when we can take time from our busy schedules and surround ourselves with family and friends. Unfortunately, before we can enjoy that well-deserved break, we're often rushing around trying to wrap up business, close the books, and make sure we're well set for the New Year.
One of the areas we've been focusing on is
A recent survey in early January found that job satisfaction is at an all-time low -- only 45 percent of American workers are happy with their work. While this isn't surprising, it is very disappointing. Unfortunately, too many companies have focused on short-term human capital strategies during the recession to the detriment of longer-term
Better Times Are In Reach
Posted by Christopher LihzisNow for some good news. A recent survey the Insight Performance team conducted with SBANE (Smaller Business Association of New England) found that an increasing number of small to mid-sized businesses in New England are planning to hire employees this year and offer base-pay increases. This indicates that optimism is beginning to
This spring, we're seeing green shoots sprouting in the economy as well as in the ground. Customers are starting to buy and companies are beginning to think about growth instead of retrenchment. While we're not out of the woods yet, there are opportunities in the marketplace and retention needs to be a major focus.
Given that salaries have been
