Alone in the Car: U.S. Birthrate Goes Down, Way Down

The Pew Research Center, along with the Center for Disease Control, released a report on this country's birth rate. They researched  U.S. census data along with CDC's  statistics that were collected from 1990 through 2010. (See: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57556442/u.s-birth-rate-lowest-since-1920-blame-the-economy/)
1. The U.S. birth rate declined 8 percent from 2007 to 2010, and for 2010(the last year they could research), the birth rate is at 63.2 births per 1,000 women(of childbearing age). That's the lowest number recorded since 1920 when reliable statistics were first kept.
2. The U.S. birth rate's peak was in 1957 during the "Baby Boom," reaching 122.7 births per 1,000 women. The baby boom is mostly attributed to the high number of marriages after WWII.
3. The birth rate held steady at around 65 to 70 births per 1,000 women since the mid-1970s, but has been falling since 2007.

These facts are generally accepted. The causes and theories for the decline in the birthrate are numerous: 1. the economy. 2. the decline in marriages. 3. immigrants having fewer births. 4. couples choosing not to have children. 5. More people deciding to stay single without children. And of course there are other ideas as well such as divorce rate, environmental/chemical, "angry" world, etc.

I wish I could write about the affect of future business without people. This is true, but this is not where my heart is today. Alone in the Car blog gives me the opportunity to explore where my ponderings and thoughts are traveling, and profit margins are far away today.

I am a married woman who has grown children. I would do it all over again. There is nothing like watching small children discovering the world. They bring joy, laughter, appreciation, and exploration into the home. They also have automatic trust, faith, love, hugs, and confidence in those around them. They have no prejudice, no pre-determinations, they know no laws that have to explain unalienable rights. They love everyone and everything.

To deny oneself these opportunities is to deny Santa. Just like Virginia asking if there is a Santa Claus (see: http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/) or watching "Charlie Brown Christmas" on t.v., there are things way beyond ourselves. One of them is children.

You can enclose yourself in a cocoon and never feel a little hand pat your face and look into your eyes, OR you can take part of yourself and sacrifice for a much higher priority. Someone worthy of that  devotion. A baby. Your baby. There is nothing greater than giving of yourself to a precious little one.

Working Wednesday: Check Out Your Banking Account

The Great Depression (approximately from 1929 - 1939) in the United States is still something people discuss. It had such an indelible mark on American society and culture. Not just from a cash flow aspect, but left a lasting impact on how families and industry would work to stay alive and plan for their future.

That was definitely true in mine. My parents were children of the Depression and how my mother cooked our meals reflected the lessons she learned growing up in a kitchen where one used what you had available to feed the family. No supermarkets with their aisle upon aisle of various brands from items near and far came to her town or cities yet.

I was taught that a penny was just as valuable as a dollar because I was to save all my money not spend it. Needs were much more important than wants. I remember buying a record (CD equivalent) in my teenage years for the first and only time, and getting the discussion about how usually I was a level headed girl when it came to finances, so why would I buy such a luxury item like that?

Generally I am glad I grew up with this training. It not only came from my parents, but from my grandparents and their siblings. The stories they told about themselves, other relatives, and their friends painted a colorful visual of what it was like when the banks fell and how they lived during those trying years. Those times lasted even longer as they supported the WWII effort and the rationing that went along with it.

I have tried to live my life remembering what these generations have taught me. This posting is about one of those lessons. Let me bring it up to current times. Remember the financial crash of 2008? I can't recall all the institutions that collapsed beginning in August of that year, but some were Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, Wachovia , Countrywide, AIG, and Bear Stearns.

They set off a domino effect that lasted for a long time and hit banks throughout our nation. This post is not to discuss the whys, but to prepare us for the next go round of the banking shut down. We have seen financial instability in other nations and with our federal government, the largest employer in the United States $16 trillion dollars in debt, we can expect changes.

Economists aren't predicting a happy new year even in the best of ideas. See: http://www.cnbc.com/id/49898014/Morgan_Stanley_s_Doom_Scenario_Major_Recession_in_2013

So after writing this blog, here is the bottom line for small business: look at where you have your banking accounts. When was the last time you compared and got price quotes just like you do anything else for your company? Some things to consider:
1. The generations' stories I heard discussed types of banks. Consider community v. national.

2. Remember how people used to have cash or gold on hand, even stories about "burying it in the backyard"? Consider a modern day version of keeping cash on hand.

3. Here is another reason for cash: remember Hurricane Sandy or another devastating disaster.
Electricity goes out, ATMs go down, banks and other establishments are gone/closed. Protect your investments, be ready to open as soon as you can, etc.

4. Interview your own older generations. What do they remember about the Depression? What lessons would they pass down? What do you remember about the Recession? What have you changed or want to change while you still have time financially?

5. Finances are different than budgets. You may be good at paying the bills, but may need help with  the other part. Have someone give you advice, hire a CPA, etc. to get you started. You may not need them constantly depending upon how big your business is right now. But see that you aren't too far down the road before you have to make adjustments and regret not getting advice sooner.

We can wait until we have another October 29, 1929,  August, 2008,  or......we can prepare. Either way, it's coming.

Alone in the Car: Now We Know The Direction

 

The United States of America has something special held each 4 years in November. It is an opportunity for men and women to vote for their president of their country. We have no violence in the streets. No military take-overs. I did not receive a bribe of any kind for voting one way or another. No one watches me as I make my selections. I can choose to vote different from my husband.

My husband and I take our privilege of voting seriously. We look at all sides of an issue, discuss its relevance, effectiveness, how it will affect us and our extended family, and then vote. This goes on for some time. Research is done, not completed through commercials or ads, but through serious sources of information. Likewise, we conduct the same process for people who are running for office and want to represent us. To me, the word "represent" is defined as: a person who can work on a daily basis in that capacity since I am too busy to do it myself.

The Presidential Election vote declared Obama to have 62,820,778 votes and Romney 59,274,599.^[2]
President Obama was re-elected for another 4-year term. In my view, the election was, relatively speaking, a close one. The results were not a mandate, but a majority was declared. As a sidebar, Congress saw no real changes either. The Senate chamber will still be in the hands of the Democrat Party majority and the House of Representatives will remain with a Republican Party majority.

If we were looking for change, we did not get any. The President, of the Democrat Party, also stayed the same. What we saw in the last 4 years of public service from both parties will most probably continue. However, for small businesses, families, and as just one person, this means plans and actions can now be put into place. You know what their past behavior was, can expect about the same behavior to continue, and act accordingly.

Here are some suggestions to think about:
1. Read the news. I read several news sources from around the country to get a comprehensive view.
You may also want to choose several types of sources. Then form your own opinion.

2. Families are something to cherish. No matter what culture, what era, what geographic location, this is what survives. Look at what you are doing to support physically and mentally your family. Remember the elders in your family as you grew up. What did you learn from them? Now it is your turn to return the favor. Find the time to teach the next generation how to be self-supporting.

3. Hope. It is a 4-letter word that doesn't get used very often. Or if you prefer a 5-letter word: Faith. Either one needs to be part of your life. You need Purpose which is really #2. It's partner is #3. Sooner or later, there will be a brighter time. We need to teach that too but After you believe it yourself. That I can't help you with. You have to find this yourself. I have found my path, so I know you can find yours.

Be informed. Know what is going on. Prepare your family accordingly. The hustle and bustle of our day is taking over. We have got to make sure our families know they are important. The sun will shine through. It may not be today, tomorrow, or the next day. But it will come. Every day I will do something to prepare for that first sunbeam that breaks through. For another will follow and soon the sky will be filled with precious light.

Working Wednesday: Just Waiting Now

I know I haven't written much about small business in the last few months. It's not that I have stopped researching or networking for my readers. I continue to read through as many sources as I usually do for new, updated, and/or interesting news to assist you in your small business success. Even though your sphere of influence may not be huge in your particular business sector, you still want to and need to know what is going on.

The years just preceding the American Civil War were hard. Those with clearer heads and minds still tried to keep the states united. But it became pretty convincing to most: what the Founding Fathers had tried to avoid in order for all states to agree to a Constitution was finally here. The conflicting ways of life and ways of conducting business in the Northern and Southern states were going to battle each other. Now it was just anyone's guess as to where the first engagement would be. Now we know it was Fort Sumter, South Carolina.

Do you feel between 2008 and 2012 you have been in a battle to stay afloat? Do you feel you have won? You may have seen some of your weaker comrades not make it through, and there may be those you know who truly tried their best but it just wasn't meant to be. I send my regrets and am sorry for their loss. I believe many of the small businesses who have made it thus far have changed their business plans, operations, number of employees and/or their training and/or job description. Many have looked at and ventured into new business sectors, conducted energy audits of their buildings, and gone "green". You have done so because you had to help/add to the bottom line. At the very least, small and large companies have been storing away funds. They are unsure of the future, waiting for what is to come next, as if the story still has one more chapter to write.

Like the years before the Civil War and this Recession, I too feel there is more to come. Could be because China, Japan, and Taiwan are fighting over several uninhabited islands with oil and gas deposits. China needs 10% growth per year in their economy or they go bust. The government must keep the masses concentrating on something else other than the economy or the government will be the ones to go bust.

Or will it be because Europe is bankrupt? Yes, not every country is bankrupt...yet. But the few strong countries can't keep floating all the bad ones. And right now, there are more countries in the red than there are in the black.

Or will it be because of the Middle East. The Middle East. The region of the world where for thousands of years NO ONE has been happy. They are always arguing, fighting, overtaking. Doesn't matter if it was before oil was discovered or not. It doesn't matter how many diplomatic missions have been sent or by whom. If you believe past behavior predicts future behavior, then don't you think thousands of years is enough to predict what is going to happen next?

This time it is with nuclear weapons. Will Israel strike before Iran has the capability of nuclear bombs? Will Iran decide the Jews don't deserve a homeland?

And then there is our American Presidential and Congressional elections. Probably the last piece of the puzzle. All has been quiet in the business world waiting to see who wins. Companies have been saving money, not investing in new employees, machinery, technology, etc. until we know who will submit for consideration, legislation and who will vote on the laws of the land.

We have all taken in a deep breath. We all have our lives and the way we make our living on hold. What are we waiting on? We are waiting on the big event that will change our lives. As stated above, I just don't know the location of the first engagement. Let us pray we are ready for it. Let us hope we can team together to solve it. Let us make sure we have the vision to endure it. Let us always, always turn around and grab the hand of the person behind us and pull them up.

It Is Hard To Be a (Future) Queen

Ah, to live in a perfect world where everyone knows what is proper. For example, not spying on people with long range camera equipment. Or, not spying on people with long range camera equipment when said people are off the clock. Or, cover your body modesty, whether in private or in public. Or cover your body modestly whether in private or in public once you step out of certain rooms (i.e. bedroom/bathroom).

When I first started writing this blog, it became sexual in nature quite quickly. But I deleted the paragraph. That is not the Panoramic View of the problem. The Panoramic View is Individual Responsibility. The photographer was irresponsible. It (can't really call them human) had one thing in mind: greed. Sneaking around important people's private lives to get a "first photo" for gillions of dollars is unacceptable and rude behavior. The Princess had one thing in mind: pride. She wanted to to be beautiful with a "no line" tan. Apparently in Europe, many women go topless when sunbathing. She should be able to sunbathe on a private estate as part of her job, representing the Crown, right?

French law is very strict and if not already, will come down hard against the photographer and magazine(s). Aside from French law, which I consider a Civil Law based on the French culture and its own evolution of acceptability, I would rule against them both with fines. The photographer would be fined based on Decency, Common Sense, and Charitable Acts. Therefore, "It" would have to attend Miss Manners Etiquette classes for 6 months, wear an electronic anklet bracelet for one year, and take portraits of children while they are cancer patients.

The Princess would be fined based also on Decency Act, Royal Family Act, Discreet Act, and through The Female Example and Responsibility Act. She will be assigned a lady-in-waiting much older than her for the next 6 months to "mentor" the Princess in all wardrobe functions and "malfunctions". The princess will have to take the course "How to be a member of the Royal Family since you were raised a commoner" again since she obviously failed the first time. She will also need return to an etiquette class on Discretion. Though this time it is about nudity and her misjudgment regarding such, coming so soon after her brother-in-law's fun time in the city, she obviously failed this course too. Remember, Princess, Kings either put their Queens in a nunnery or on the chopping block if they failed 3 seminars.

And in my opinion, you have come very close. You failed us women all around the globe. You broke the most important law of all: The Female Example and Responsibility Act. Yes, Princess, you should be able to do what you want, when you want. But again I say, this is not a perfect world. Women MUST stand on higher ground. If women don't, we humans become barbarians or worse. You lay half naked (3/4 naked) in the sun while Egyptian women can't even walk outside to get to market to buy food without being sexually assaulted. They are covered from head to toe as is their tradition, yet you get upset over a photo because you are outside. Where was your security? How can they protect you if they cannot look at you? Where were your manners for them?

Since the dawn of time, men look at women with a determination to continue the species. And thankfully so. Humans would have died out long ago. HOWEVER, that determination can be in an imbalance. It is up to women to add to men's lives the striving to "walk up the mountain", to think beyond themselves, to understand there are other vistas to see, to reach below and pull someone up. Without us, indeed without Eve, Adam would have only thought of not eating the fruit, because that was what he was told to do. It was the directive. But Eve knew she had to leave in order to become a mother. She eventually came to understand her own Panoramic View. And they left together.

Princess, your last fine is to study and ponder The Female Example and Responsibility Act. Look for women throughout history who knew this law existed. Interview others. This fine does not have a time period. It is everlasting. Teach it to the generations that come after you. Don't let us down.

Working Wednesday: How Many Companies Are In Your Distribution Chain?

Sometimes it is an advantage to be a small company. One of those advantages is face-to-face business dealings. You work directly with others. You shake hands, a bill of sale, a form of payment, and a receipt is handled between the two of you. Problems can be resolved without third parties. Trust had been established some time ago and a list of solutions is thorough with an end result satisfactory to both. Likewise, new ideas are just an e-mail or phone call away.

But what if you are part of a bigger chain? You have pieces and parts coming in the front door and finished products shipping out the back to another company as part of a much larger picture. You figured out a service that is unique but dependent upon others doing their jobs. What then?

Cardinal Health was fined for not reporting something suspicious about drug shipments to certain pharmacies. The pharmacies were becoming "pill mills".See: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2012/08/24/cardinal-facing-more-dea-scrutiny.html

Now I am definitely not an expert on drug manufacturing. That is way too complicated for me on many levels. But it appears Cardinal Health did not contact DEA as they should. They are a large corporation and should have had enough employees to have the expertise to know better. But again, I did not follow the lawsuit. I am only interested in this from a small business perspective.

Here is my point: Know your distribution chain. Know the whole chain not just your part. Be aware of ethics, laws, liabilities, and anything else that could put your business on the wrong side of the law. Get advice if you have to. Cardinal Health was not the pill mill, but they still got in trouble.

In this case, it sounds as if Cardinal Health was selling directly to the pharmacies, a one-on-one transaction. Normally, you would think this would give you some safe guards. But the drugs were quite potent, which got C.H. into trouble, and there were extra regulations with those drugs. So don't be fooled either. Even your "bff"s need to be checked out every once in awhile.

Alone in the Car: London Olympics Opening Ceremony

I love the Olympics! A time when the earth's geography takes a pause and respects all countries and their representatives equally. Whether they are male, female, tall, short, fast, methodical, strong, or whispy, they and their sport have a place in the sun for a few short days.

The athletes enter the stadium with smiles on their faces regardless what the official uniform looks like. (photo from http://addins.whig.com) They did not choose it but they are all glad to be here, waving to the crowd, perhaps responding to specific cheers. They want to do their best. They are all patriotic. Some know perhaps that they have an even higher responsibility to those who will be watching their performance back home.

Then who in the world do those who are hired by their media company, in this case NBC, feel they need to comment on strife, negative politics, how many are starving, etc. etc. ?? I have watched others do the same: ABC was terrible too. I sit down to watch a beautiful coming together of our countries and the "journalists" blow it every time. IF YOU CAN'T SAY SOMETHING NICE, BE QUIET!

I really don't want to hear you at all, except to explain who is carrying the flag, who is making their first appearance, and/or who holds the current record. That is logical and pertinent. I also like to know a simple "social studies" lesson about the unknown countries say how many people they have, their most popular sport, etc. Some countries wear their native dress and I find that interesting and want to know how to pronounce it or how it is made. BUT DON'T TELL ME ABOUT THEIR DICTATOR.

P.S. To NBC: I know you wanted to wait until the very last moment to show what you considered the most important competition of the day, even though we already knew the results. May I remind you:
1. showing other countries' competitions is not interesting as a filler. 2. I can record it and watch later. 3. There are so many sports, so many Americans competing, why not show them winning?

P.P.S. Costas has got to go. What does he have over you guys anyway, huh?

Working Wednesday: Workplace Safety

Small Businesses may leave themselves vulnerable by not taking this subject seriously. We have violence in our culture virtually all over as witnessed by the attack in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. At one time violence was contained (or at least so we thought) to people who lived and fought full-time, community areas with a certain code of conduct, and to those who thought violence was a means to power.

Now violence is crushing our way of life. Children are being taught at a young age to be belligerent and aggressive (see my blog: Women in Need, Women Can Cure. http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8117903041843459966#editor/target=post;postID=4949962648275693474 )
Politeness and consideration is not part of everyday living. Egotism is the priority now, not helping your neighbor. This is translated to: "What is mine is mine and what is yours is mine too".

The once assumed borders of ownership, whether they be of cash, items, property, or through electronic means are getting fuzzy and erasable. Business owners need to protect themselves, employees, and property. Property here defined is building inside and out, equipment, and supplies.

Most companies have insurance policies. They protect against Mother Nature, theft, and liability.
If you don't have an insurance policy get one. If you are so small that you are not incorporated yet, consider this too. Becoming a LLC will help with some of these issues.

But the real reason this blog is written today is about safety, everyday safety.
1. Do you have an escape route plan if someone enters your office with thoughts to harm others? Who will call the emergency in to the authorities? Who has a list of all the employees and makes sure there is a head count once everyone is safely out of the building? (This is also good for fire drills).

2. Who has been given crisis management training? What if a person gets inside the building? What if a person is inside, it is a "regular day", then gets angry and agitated? What if it is not a visitor but an employee who is out of control? What are your plans for those trained to reach and diffuse the situation?

3. Each employee needs to know enough to arrange their offices so they will be closer to their door than visitors. Give them other suggestions(bring in a consultant) to help an angry visitor(s) before escalation happens and the crisis management team has to be called for assistance.

4. How secure is your building? Lighting, landscaping, signage, locks on doors, etc. all need to be reviewed to give you maximum advantage. Hallways, inside doors, key fobs, etc. should also be evaluated to assist in overall security measures.

5. Can you have flexible hours to give employees the best times to enter/leave for the day? Have supervisors bring their groups together and ask employees what are their uppermost concerns. Then be prepared ahead of time to address them, even if cost is involved. It is better in the long run to fix things in the short run when safety is concerned.

You cannot assume you live in a safe town/community/county anymore. Tragedy strikes in rural and cities just the same. Combining with other businesses may help reduce certain costs and definitely show the community that you are serious. Most importantly, your employees will know you respect them enough to want to keep them safe from harm.

Alone in the Car: Guns are Inanimate Objects

Tragedies seem to be around us in our everyday life: schools, at work, and now movie theaters. You want to absorb the sadness so you don't become numb to senseless killings. You want to participate in the memorials, even from where you live and maybe just by your thoughts, because you know the victims are part of someone's family and you place value on home, family, and safety.

 Our world moves at a very fast place. It requires that all people, regardless of age, gender, religion, race, skills, hobbies, or favorite color keep up. I wonder what Benjamin Franklin or Abigail Adams would think of our day. Would they be able to keep up with our times? Could I live in theirs? I would like to try some days for sure!

I often wonder of those who commit such crimes like the man who shot the people in Aurora, Colorado if he could have lived in a different time and been ok. A slower, more melodic time where the brain had more time to process and decompress between intervals of high speed work. We are bombarded with information nowadays that the brain constantly has to decide what to keep and what to throw away, what is a priority and what should be stored, and how to categorize information. Do you give this machine of yours enough cool down time or even turn it off long enough so when the brain is working it can work at full capacity?

Guns are inanimate objects. They cannot move by themselves, think by themselves, shoot by themselves. Someone has to load bullets into the chamber in order for the gun to fire. It has to be in good working condition to operate effectively. This it cannot do by itself.

People make guns work. People decide if guns will be used for a good purpose or an evil one. People can be trained to respect a gun and its power and use it for the right reason.

If guns are banned, then I say ban fire. Fire has good and bad purposes. People have been trained to use fire for good. I have a stove and oven in my kitchen. I know what to do with a stove and an oven. It is about common sense, training our children from the beginning, and punishing the people who use fire the wrong way. Not everyone who has a stove and an oven should be penalized for the wrongs of a few.

I truly believe if guns were allowed through better concealed gun laws, less tragedy would occur. Again, it is about common sense, training our children from the beginning, and punishing just the people who use guns the wrong way. Not everyone who has a gun should be penalized for the wrongs of a few.

Alone in the Car: Women in Need, Women Can Cure Part II:

Here is the rest of Alone in the Car: Women in Need, Women Can Cure

What can we do about this?
1. If you are a woman who sees to it that the next generation knows about manners and charity, find others such as yourself and form a group. Become the majority. Become the leaders in your PTOs, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and other your organizations. Let it be known that parents who allow their children to hit others because of the "me first" rule is not a rule in your organization and they will be asked to leave.

2. This is an election year. Turn off the audio. Watch the candidates by non-verbal communication. Make observations with audio too. What do you observe? Not the political rhetoric, but observations. First, what is their etiquette, their general manners to others? Second, are they really paying attention to those who will elect them? Third, what are their values? Because when the hard/tough times come(and we all know they will), this is what they will rely on and fall back on.  These are what they know, what they feel comfortable with, and find others who have the same value system. Do you want politicians who do not value or respect women or do you want ones who do? It is up to us, from the very beginning, to show our children to respect and love one another.

Working Wednesday: Supreme Court Ruling on Health Insurance: Small Business Assistance

This blog will not be about the politics of the decision. Yes, I have an opinion. No, small business owners really don't have time to read my opinion or others. They have too many other things going on, like keeping the front door open and having a solid profit margin. So let's get to it, shall, we?

There may be some very small businesses that don't feel that they are part of the discussion. Wrong, and wrong again. You business owners are always part of the private business landscape and you count. You are a piece of the panoramic view and combined, small businesses make up approximately 80% of companies in America. You need to know what is going on in the private sector, in your business sector, and in your community. So read on.

Attracting good employees is not just about salary but about a benefits package. Most companies assume part of the package includes health coverage. Health coverage in this case is defined as eye, dental, and overall body health care.

Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Car Act(PPACA) and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law. The Society of Human Resource Management(SHRM) has a few items that are worth exploring to help businesses. Please see: http://www.shrm.org/publications/hrnews/pages/courtupholdsmandate.aspx?homepage=mpc for a good summary as to what this means for employers.

SHRM called upon Mr. Gary B. Kushner, SPHR, CBP, president and CEO of Kushner & Company to address their members on this issue. He wrote:
"Organizations need to review their plans and seize this opportunity to create better strategies around their health plans, both in design and employee communication.
For human resource professionals, the message here is very clear — move forward with implementing and complying with PPACA, since major portions of it take effect in 2014 (a mere 18 months away) and other provisions take effect later this year and in 2013.
For example, many employers soon will be required to report the value of employer coverage on IRS Form W-2, and all employers must issue a summary of benefits and coverage. Employers who were waiting to begin planning on how to comply (or whether to even offer or continue to offer health coverage) need to begin performing quantitative and qualitative analyses on their plans.
More importantly, they need to begin looking at their health plans as part of an overall HR strategy for their organizations." 

He suggested these steps:
Key Steps Employers Need to Take Now to Plan for 2014:

1. Determine the strategic implications of whether or not to offer a plan. Health benefits are just one part of an overall total rewards strategy.  How does an organization’s having (or not having) health benefits impact other talent acquisition and talent management strategies?
2. Review the Supreme Court decision as to its impact on your organization.
3. If a plan is offered, perform a qualitative analysis on whether it makes sense to remain a grandfathered plan or become nongrandfathered by examining the seven PPACA provisions that apply only to nongrandfathered plans.
4. Perform a qualitative analysis to determine if existing plans meet qualifying eligibility and affordability standards.  In order for employers to avoid potential penalties, ensure that any health plans offered meet both standards.
5. Determine the true organizational costs of either offering or not offering health coverage after 2013.  For many organizations, this is not the "no-brainer" that it may at first glance appear.
6. Perform a quantitative analysis to project the so-called "Cadillac tax" set to begin in 2018

Take time to review your policies. Take time to ponder how to retain your best employees. Take time to think about how benefits fit into your business plan, possible expansion plan, and future recruiting plans. These have all changed now that the Court has upheld the law. Get with your contracted experts too such as your accountant, attorney, etc. for additional advice as you make your plans for the next couple of years. As listed above, you need to do this right away. Good luck.

Alone in the Car: Women in Need, Women Can Cure

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\07\08\story_8-7-2012_pg4_7

 Egyptian protesters shout slogans at a protest in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, June 8, 2012. (Amr Nabil/AP Photo)

I am having trouble with blogspot. So Sorry. See Alone in the Car Part II for the end of this editorial. I have thought long and hard on this subject. The news report deeply affected me and quite frankly I hope it will affect you too. The article is about women marching in Egypt over sexual harassment that has been on the increase. Public sexual harassment is something Egyptian women have had to put up for a long time, but now it is worse. An incident happened in December, 2011, but more are occurring. The news article listed above explains this in detail.

 

Women are to be respected. This is not a political statement. This is not a religious statement. This is not a competitive statement. This is not a comparative statement. This is not a biological statement.

This is just an objective statement.

If anything, it is an etiquette statement. Open the door for the person behind you. Pick up the book someone dropped and give it back to them. Eat soup with a spoon. Show respect to your elders. Show respect to women. Show respect to all by not hurting them.

Women's job is to demonstrate peace to their children from the very beginning. The world is missing this and we women need to fix it because many of us aren't fulfilling our role. We need to remember what our great-great, great-, and grandmothers did. We all know stories of survival from their generations. We also know they had time to teach their children manners such as how to wash before supper, shake hands properly, say "thank you" when given a present, and donate to the needy. Are you just deciding all those women were wrong? Too tired to teach your kids? Rather have them argue and fight because it is easier for you than teaching solutions? Are we so busy that we can't do that anymore? Why are you not taking your womanhood seriously?

.

Is the world turning so fast, that we can't stop and tell our children, especially boys since we are talking about respecting women, not to hurt and be peaceful? We need to teach our children manners.
I see young ones pushing and shoving and grabbing. Way, way too many adults watch and laugh at this aggressive behavior. Ok, I give. What makes your child better by hurting others?

Alone in the Car: 72 hour Kit

I live close to a large railroad hub and chemical factory. I also am fairly nearby to the edge of town.
Approximately 3 miles west of my home is just flat, agricultural-use land. If a tornado decided to sit down and travel east and head my way, there would be little to stop it.

I also have been viewing current photos of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Florida once again got battered by a strong storm. Japan's tsunami is bringing its destruction to America's western shore. Broken parts are appearing here. Clean-up will now begin to protect the beaches for people and the animal kingdom. Mother Nature is a force that rarely can be controlled. Sometimes a human will unfortunately start a catastrophe, but once natural forces have it in their sight, it is theirs to decide what to do.

What would you do if you had just a few minutes to escape tragedy? What would you grab in your home? What do you consider precious? Sometimes we know ahead of time and our safety professionals warn us in advance, giving us 24 hour notice. Then what would you pack in your car before you left?

I belong to a church that emphasizes preparedness. Perhaps it is because of their Boy Scout troop sponsorships. Perhaps it is because of their sense of being practical as well as ecumenical. Certainly it is because of service one to another.

All the ideas here emphasize a 72 hour (3 days' worth) kit for emergencies. I also would think of a few extras. For example, I have picture frames stacked with more than one photo behind the glass. I can grab just a few frames and preserve at least a few pictures of my family.

1. Contact your (my) local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints congregation for details on the kit best designed for your weather, geography, etc. Their women's organization will be glad to assist you.

2. The American Red Cross has a list on their website: http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.53fabf6cc033f17a2b1ecfbf43181aa0/?vgnextoid=537b218c37752210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&currPage=e507d7aada352210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

3. Here is a list through the Homeland Security/FEMA: http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit.

Preparation takes the fear out of a situation. It will give you precious moments to work on other important actions before you leave your home.

Working Wednesday: Don't Post a Job Unless You Are Hiring

 

I recently read an Associated Press report about employers. They posted the fewest job openings in April in the last five months. Usually Spring time employers start hiring again. Winter is the season for traditionally slow hiring months. Now experts are wondering what this means for Summer and beyond. Certainly what is going on in Europe may have some companies deciding to stay the course and not hire anyone. This was evidenced by fewer people quitting their jobs and staying where they are currently, else they would think they could find a better job some place else.

The last paragraph is really why I am writing this blog. Job postings increased by 13% in the past year. Gross hiring increased during the same time period by 4%.

See: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765584349/US-employers-post-fewest-job-openings-in-5-months.html

So what does that statistic tell us?
1. Companies interview but don't hire. They can't find anyone among those that apply?
2. Companies just want to see who applies and get resumes on file for when they do need to hire?
3. Companies got cold feet. They can't decide if the economy is recovering or not and decided to change their mind after they posted a job opening?
4. Or the cold feet reasons are different: retirement plans, health care costs, budget figures, etc. came in after the job postings were announced and all hirings were frozen?

It could be some or all of the above. Some of the questions above are logical and there are times when bad news stops forward progress. But do not be a company that cheats job seekers with premeditated intent. Don't put an ad in the local newspaper just to see who applies when there is no real hiring process. Don't tease by giving someone hope of a better future when all you want to do is take "all about me" way too far by screening for a job but not hiring just in case something comes up. Don't take advantage of people when you over emphasize "expanding" when in fact you're hiring just one extra person. Being literal in this economy is not fair.

People have a set of expectations. They have a set of expectations for large, medium, and small businesses. The evaluation is supposed to be a higher grade the closer a person is to dealing with a company. Smaller companies should get more A's than large corporations. Don't get an "F" for failing job seekers. Be truthful and only post a job when you are going to hire.

Working Wednesday: How to Play Hard Ball About Soft Skills

I was talking to an elementary school volunteer, a mother of 2 children who attend the school. She helped out at an outdoor activity day which is designed to be fun and emphasis the importance of physical health at the same time. The classes rotate from one activity to the next. This volunteer was asked to help the classes stay in line, go to the next activity as pre-determined by the organizers, help those that couldn't find their class, etc.

The volunteer found her responsibility to be tough. The children would not respect her because she was just a volunteer who had no authority. They were rude, told her they would go where they wanted to go, and created chaos because of the disorganization they created.

This volunteer witnessed a boy in one of the older classes run into a teacher and basically bowl her over. The boy continued running until the teacher called him back to her. He did not apologize for his actions. The teacher asked the boy for his name and his teacher's name which he gave and replied he didn't care. The teacher asked why he had hit her. The boy replied the teacher was in his way.

In a few years, this boy and his generation will be applying for jobs in all business sectors. They will be inefficient workers because of their non-existent soft skills such as manners, sense of responsibility (coming to work on time, committing to employment, teamwork, etc.), and their sense of timing (completing work, personal time v. employer time on the clock, etc.).

What can be done? It is a cultural responsibility, not just one part of a culture, but all pieces of the culture. The top 3 would be: parents, educators, and employers. These spend the most time with people. Where do these come together? Not necessarily naturally. Yes, sporting events, neighborhoods, libraries, and perhaps restaurants would have all 3 at any one time. But unless someone organizes them, has a networking event with speakers, time for discussion, and refreshments afterwards for people to mingle, this isn't going to happen.

I believe employers have the most to loose and therefore are the strongest player here. It would take a group of employers to approach the other 2. Parents need to make a list and the same for educators. This blog is about business and since they are the strongest, here are some suggestions:

1. Employers get behind a school tax only and I mean only if schools and parents pledge to work on soft skills. Employers need to emphasize they will find another community that has better prepared generations to work in their businesses. Everyone understands the hard skills, but they are missing about the soft skills. This applies to every job. Come up with a slogan that catches the eye of parents and educators.

2. Businesses sponsor sports teams. What else can you sponsor when it comes to teaching soft skills? What about an ettiquette class just for father/son and one just for mother/daughter? You could also have a father/daughter or a mother/son class. Men need to have manners just as much as women when moving ahead in the business world. The class would emphasize general manners but also include employment related. The class sign-up means parent and child (or adult/child), not just the kid. This is a community effort. Find an award given to the community by a foundation and have the Chamber use it as part of the marketing once so many people take the class.

3. There is a National Professional Certification in Customer Service sponsored by the National Retail Foundation. This would be a great course during the senior year of high school. Businesses in the community commit to giving interview priority to those who have successfully completed the course or perhaps drop probation time by 2 weeks. It is also a plus to have on a resume/application. See: http://www.nrffoundation.com/content/certification-customer-service. Talk about this at PTO meetings, Chamber meetings, have a booth at the local fair, etc. Get the word out: we want to employ people the same way they want to be treated. Aggression and selfishness won't be the way anymore.

4.  Have a meeting with each sports organization, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, YMCA, and really any group that has adult leaders who work with elementary aged and older children. Let them know how serious the situation has gotten. Give anonymous named examples. Tell them your business depends upon reliability and efficiency. Just like their team and non-profit depends upon the exact same things, but you must make a profit to stay in business or you are closing/moving on. It is just that simple.

Small business is the backbone of our economy. You are needed in every town and in every county.
I hope you can stay where you are. Good luck.

Alone in the Car: New York City Soda versus Boston Tea Party

First, a bit of instruction to my readers. Ordering a carbonated drink in the United States really depends upon where you live. Some regions call it "pop", others name it "soda", some same "Coke" meaning all brands and flavors. For this article, I will defer to what the New York Mayor, Mr. Bloomberg, refers to the drink which is "soda".

Mr. Bloomberg wants to limit all carbonated drinks to only a 16 ounce serving at one time at restaurants, theaters, stadiums, and street carts. The purpose of said decision is to "assist" citizens with their healthy eating choices.

I have never been to New York City. I think I can assume there are restaurants and certainly street carts that fall under "small business". I also believe there could be small local soda makers. All of these could be affected with this new ruling.

(This blog is about the drinking choice debate only. Not the waste debate, the health debate, or the public v. private debate).

Please recall the basic historical outline regarding the Boston Tea Party. Taxation without representation came to point where people were tired of paying for taxed goods including tea. Tea could only be bought through one English company. No choices, no representation in parliament to vote for said taxes and people became angry to the point of revolution.

Now certainly, we level headed, practical, common sense, champions of small business can think of solutions to the Mayor's decision about only 16 ounces of Pepsi, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Mug Root Beer, and Canada Dry Ginger ale way, way, way before the people of Boston. Besides, it was another century, our nation had mostly an agrarian economic based society, and they had John Adams who lived nearby. Does your city have a couple like John and Abagail Adams?

Ideas
1. Food carts could line up in a row and just like a marathon, hold out sodas as people come by. Citizens would know ahead of time to get rid of their dollar coins this way and a quick exchange of drink and money would be completed. People could collect several 16 ounce sodas at one time.

2. Restaurants would use vending machines placed all over their establishments. They would have one next to the front door for customers to use as soon as they walk in, one behind customers' tables to conveniently reach behind and get another drink, and one more can to purchase as customers are leaving for the ride home or the casual walk after dinner. Those serving mixed drinks would only need to put the alcohol in the glass and the customer does the rest. More efficient service from the bar!

3. Fast food chains could have a circular rotation lane with drive-through window just for sodas or perhaps an outbuilding for only sodas. People could drive around the buildings and each time get a soda.

4. Restaurants and food carts come together and let a person buy a cup for a day for a certain amount.
They get so many refills for that price. Each time they get a refill, the retailer puts on some kind of invisible sticker which will shine under a lamp, etc. etc. Just like hotel keys, this changes each day. Start a marketing campaign. Use Pinterest to show how to use these empty cups for crafts and other practical uses. Involve theaters and stadiums as well.

5. Have you ever eaten a pint of ice cream at one sitting? A pound of M&M's, Snickers, or other candy? A pound of peanuts? 16 ounces of popcorn? Granted I am mixing up measurements. A pint of soda is 16 ounces, but you get what I mean. All of us have done something like this I suspect. I just don't do it everyday for every meal. Small business can do the same thing when marketing their products. You are special and everyone needs to have you in the correct proportions at the right times. I believe people can decide for themselves when those occasions are because they have memories of the last fun time they ate your product. They will come back for more when they are ready.

Random Facts Friday: June 8, 2011

It is Friday night. Time to catch your breath and think of something else for a minute. Small business takes many hours to be successful, that is for sure. Just let the other side of your brain take over while you read these miscellaneous facts and relax.

1. With all the news about Venus going across the sun this past week, did you know that Venus is the only planet that rotates from east to west instead of west to east? This means, that if we lived on Venus, the Sun would appear to rise in the west in the morning, and set in the east in the evening.

2. Attended a graduation party? Think the punch had 7Up as one of the ingredients? It was invented in 1929 by Charles Grigg.

3. A lightning bolt is about 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun or about 50,000°F. About 85% of all lightning occurs inside the cloud and never touches the ground.

4. Onych- is a word element describing nails for fingers and toes.

5. Recipe: Try this Strawberry Eclair Cake found on GroceryBudget101.com. Takes about 15 minutes to make. Who likes being in the kitchen in the summertime?

1 sleeve of graham crackers
1 large box of instant vanilla pudding mix
2 c. milk
2 cups sliced strawberries
3/4 of a tub of whipped topping
1 large chocolate bar

In a 9 x 9 inch pan, first take half of the graham crackers and lay them in the pan. You will probably have to cut the crackers to fit the bottom of the pan. Next, spread a cup of the sliced strawberries.

The 3rd layer is formed by mixing the dry pudding mix and the 2 cups of milk until thickened. Add the whipped topping until smooth. Use half of the pudding/whipped topping mixture and spread evenly over the strawberries.

Repeat layers 1 - 3. Then melt the chocolate bar and drizzle over the entire dessert. Place in the freezer for about 20 - 30 minutes or until chilled throughout.

Working Wednesday: New Signs

Somewhere along the line, I am sure I have discussed the fact that marketing is usually the budget piece that gets deleted when a business is having problems when in fact it should be the part that is one of the last considered. It is hard when bills have to be paid and/or creditors are knocking on the door.

Hopefully the economy is calm enough right now that owners can make a few improvements before the next downturn makes everyone crazy again. I am hopeful that people will turn towards small business because of the trust that has been established during this recession and they know they can count on small businesses. This is where they get expert advice and have decided to make their purchases with them.

So if you owners have seen a profit again, then take a little bit of money and market yourself. Let people know you are back in the game. This can be done by seriously looking at your signage on your building. How old is it? Does it need just repainted or do you need a new sign altogether?  What about the walkway, sidewalk, etc. Does the parking area need repair? A new coat of sealant? Granted you may lease your building. But fix up what you are responsible for. A new coat of paint inside or out will be noticed by your customers. If you renovate enough, you can have a "Grand Re-Opening" with free gifts, food, or visit from a local celebrity. Again, it just depends on how much you have to spend, but do something now. Reward your loyal customers and gain some local attention.

And please, if you are running ads in the paper or have commercials on the radio, stop using the same ad you have been using for the last 10 years. I have a company in my town who has been using the same jingle for at least 50 years (I can tell by the song and the way people sing it). You got your money out of it. Now is time to change the tune and the words. The people you were trying to attract to come to your business are no longer with us. People will again notice you are up with the times if you hire someone to create something new.

Marketing is tricky. Some research is needed. But everyone will appreciate the effort you have put in to make your business shine. That will bring the right kind of notice you are looking for.

Alone in the Car: Civilization in Reverse

Ok, this is a follow-up to the May 18th blog: A time for preparation? See:
http://emilyspanoramicview.blogspot.com/2012/05/alone-in-car-time-for-preparation.html  
I suggested to my readers they plan for another 2008 economic downfall.
I took my own advice and have made some plans myself.

Now, think about the future in another way by reading these news articles:

See: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/former-hedge-funders-fearful-forecast-were-looking-at-the-biggest-economic-shock-the-world-has-ever-seen-theres-nothing-we-can-do-to-stop-it/

See: http://www.glennbeck.com/2012/06/04/soros-euro-has-three-months-left-until-collapse/

http://larryh.newsvine.com/_news/2012/06/04/12055251-full-text-of-george-soros-speech-june-2-2012-trento-italy-business-insider

These articles are about Europe and Asia and the possible downfall of these countries within 3-6 months. It is interesting that the authors are from completely different points of view and yet have come up with the same conclusion. That is what caught my attention.

Why reverse civilization? Because that is what we may be looking at. Think about a how a civilization starts. People do everything themselves on their farm, ranch, or home. Then come cottage industries followed by small businesses springing up in villages and towns. Finally factories, manufacturing, and large companies appear in cities. Now think about this going backwards. You end up with small businesses in towns close to your home and families making money through cottage industries.

Look around now and start making a list of independent small businesses in your town. These may be the ones to survive if we are headed into an economic crisis later this year and through 2013. Their supply lines could stay open when larger companies depend upon global shipping lines and global finance which could be affected. Start frequenting these stores now and support your local economy.

Also consider start making something at home. Get on the web and find recipes for everything from cleaning supplies to making bread. Think about your natural skills and interests and pursue creating something you normally would buy.

I am committed to being more self sufficient. I am committed to making a list of small businesses in my area. It certainly won't hurt, could improve my household budget, and I believe I am planning ahead.

Random Facts Friday: June 1, 2012

Life is good. Saw my first lightning bug (firefly) this week. Summer is truly here. Not sure how that affects your particular business, but I hope you can take advantage of the longer days and give your body and brain a bit of a break. Speaking of which, here are a few random facts to at least give you a moment of free thinking:

1. The adrenal glands are the size of a walnut and weigh less than a grape.

2. A 21 gun salute started in 1688 when rules were set up to show respect for an admiral. Normally there were 10 guns on each side of a ship, plus one extra shot to tell the others to begin firing.

3. Queen Elizabeth II enjoys Scottish country dancing. Each year during her stay at Balmoral Castle, The Queen gives dances known as Gillies' Balls, for neighbours, estate and Castle staff and members of the local community.

4. The modern day hand held can opener was invented by William Lyman in 1870. The electric can opener was developed in 1931.

5. Recipe: The pull tab opener was invented by Ermal Fraze of Ohio in 1966. Today frozen juice
comes this way. Mix equal parts of lemonade and orange juice together, following directions for a refreshing summer drink. Enjoy!

Working Wednesday: Happy Employees

24/7 Wall St. recently ran an article about the happiest countries (citizens) in the world. Please see: http://247wallst.com/2012/05/22/the-happiest-countries-in-the-world-2/  They found this information through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report. Life satisfaction in the developed world is based on 3 things: economic prosperity, health, and a strong social support network.

They divided these 3 into 11 different categories: education, employment, housing, income, health, the environment, safety, civic engagement, community, life satisfaction, and work-life balance. Through their surveys they were able to come up with 30 data points.

The happiest countries were Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria. The United States came in 11th. For the full report, please see: http://www.oecd.org/document/2/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_50407156_1_1_1_1,00.html

If we use this report as a panoramic view and base what drives or motivates employees as the same 3 general items listed in the first paragraph, then you the business owner have a place to start when deciding on how to get the best effort from your workers. You also have the other 11 categories to draw from. If you read the article and the full report, you will get even more details which hopefully will lead to more ideas.

What you put into action has to match your personality, type of business, location, and how much funds you have decided to invest in your employees/long term future. Take action. The summer is a perfect time to show appreciation. Don't fool yourself--not doing anything is a decision and the employees feel that too.

Alone in the Car: A salute to Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, (1847 - 1931) was born in Ohio and our state has claimed him a favorite son ever since. Edison lived most of his life in other states, but our hearts our endeared to his for several reasons:
1. His inventions were incredible. He was always coming up with another idea or improvement. Most know he had a lab with many employees and they contributed their part. His theories and research started it all.

2. Edison had disabilities and was highly intelligent. For those of us who root for those that can't fit into the square culture has defined as "average or normal", Edison is our hero. He had a hard time hearing and had ADD. His mother taught him at home.

3. Edison is famous for this quote, "I never quit until I get what I'm after. Negative results are just what I'm after. They are just as valuable to me as positive results." As a true entrepreneur, he believed a negative result got him one step closer to the invention/discovery.

I write a salute to Thomas Edison today because there appeared a news story about him through the State of Ohio mid-budget review conference committee. Their recommendations go to the General Assembly (passed) and then onto Governor Kasich.

Edison's statue will represent Ohio in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol. Two statues (people) represent each state. I am glad the General Assembly chose Edison because he truly changed the world. Just think about electricity and the electric light bulb. From darkness into light. That brought on an explosion of inventions that evolved human kind.

Could Edison and his compatriots of his day make the same impact today? Would they be free to experiment like they did in the late 1800's? And perhaps into the early 1900's? What government policies, regulations, laws would slow down their progress comparing to what our small businesses have to go through now to back then? I am talking common sense of course. Some things we know now they didn't know back then with chemicals and so forth, so that has to be taken into consideration.

Again, I am looking at this from a panoramic view. We have to support freedoms to fly, to try, to discover, to ponder. Of course there are common sense boundary lines. They come after the dreams and during the practical application. Our country was founded on wide open spaces and that includes our brain.

Random Facts Friday: May 25, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend! Hopefully small business owners can take time off to renew, refresh, and relax. It is also a time to remember. Remember those who gave their lives to keeping this country safe.
I often wonder what it would be like to look out of my house and see tanks and military personnel fighting down my street as other women have done. I pray for them and myself in the same sentence.

Ok, now for some random facts. We all find out about just little items during our usual routines. See if you those these:
1. Gestation for a walrus is 15-16 months. A calf weighs between 99-165 lbs at birth.

2. The poorest state in the U.S. is Mississippi with a median income of $36, 850.

3. Each year, the 3rd U.S. Infantry places a small American flag before more than 260,000 gravestones and about 7,300 niches of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery just before the weekend begins. Flags, about 13,500, are also placed at the Soldier's and Airmen's Cemetery. It takes them about 3 hours to complete this honor. They also stay at the cemeteries over the weekend, watching over the flags.

4. Are you up on your bicycle terms? How about "Fairing" - a full or partial covering for a bicycle to reduce aerodynamic drag or to protect the rider from the elements.

5. Recipe: It is hot dog time! What condiments do you place on yours?
Here are a few ideas:
Chicago-- a poppy seed bun piled high with mustard, sweet pickle relish, onion, tomato, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
Los Angeles--bacon-wrapped, fried peppers, onions, and mayonnaise.
New Jersey--diced stewed potatoes, brown mustard on a spicy hot dog.
Seattle--cream cheese, grilled onions on a toasted bun. 

Working Wednesday: The Team at the Top

Every organization whether it be public, non-profit, or private has a group that is the leadership core. It could be as little as 2 or as large as 10 people who seem to always show up, always have ideas, and have the direction and power in which the group will follow. In small business of course, this is the owner and perhaps investors or those hired to conduct important responsibilities.

This blog's theme is "The panoramic view". Those at the top must understand the significance of how the business fits into the broad expanse of profitable companies, the specific business sector, and then local economy. They must take time to see the "forest for the trees".

Fortune Magazine in their May 21, 2012 issue have an article about team players. Those at the top who not only played well with the CEO, but played well with each other. In my view they also understood the value of the panoramic view as it pertained to their specific duties.

The article points out that Apple had extraordinary people at the top who stayed with Steve Jobs for 10 years or even more. They could have left but didn't. The superstars had formed a tight knit group because they had one thing in common--same values. They didn't have to compete, they worked together. There have been superstars assembled before in other companies, but they all wanted the CEO's job. They acted alone, as individuals. They never thought of themselves as a member of a group. They did not have the same values. This is what did not happen at Apple.

When analyzing the best Teams at the top, several common themes emerge, according to the article, beside values:
1. trustworthiness
2. differing backgrounds, experiences, able to compensate for weaknesses in CEO and others.
3. no larger than 9 people. After that the group stops talking to each other.
4. when there was conflict, met it directly, and solved it. Able to address the problem and moved on.

One of the hardest problems for small business owners is to let someone else "in". The business is your baby. You have strong emotional ties. You had the conception, the garage/kitchen/extra bedroom and saw the business move out of the home to "real" space. You formed the business officially, met the attorney/accountant/graphic designer, filed the government papers, and smiled when you saw your business cards for the first time.

Can you trust someone to think and act like you do? Have the heart and soul like you do? In some ways I hope not. You don't need an exact twin. You need someone who compliments you. Where your skills are a bit lacking, they have strengths. And that is where trust comes in. So do your homework when you hire them. Make sure they check out in every way. And hopefully they will stay with you for 10+ years just like it happened at Apple.

Alone in the Car: the G-8 Summit

The G-8 Summit just concluded and the U.S. was the host. The countries that comprise the G-8 economies are: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States. Each one has a turn at being host and as mentioned above, it was our turn. Pres. Obama chose Camp David for the setting of the meeting held over the weekend.  The host sets the agenda and leaders discussed Greece and Europe much of the time. Problems and solutions for these obviously impact much of the world.

One of the solutions was growth. Economies have got to find a way to grow to get out of the debt incurred by their governments and private companies alike. Austerity, cutting back, frugality is the other way. My guess too is there was discussion about combining both, but which one leads the way and is the more predominant measure split the leaders up.

Some in governments believe they need a kick start by taxing the rich. I refer you to my blog about taxing ideas: Alone in the Car: Let's Make Federal Taxes For Everyone, April 30, 2012. I stand by those 2 ideas as the best ideas. But... I am willing to consider a 3rd idea since taxing the rich keeps coming up from the White House and certain members of Congress.

Let's just tax the Snobby Rich. The ones who are rude, arrogant, conceited, and egotistical. You know those people. They expect to get in line first just because they have more money than you. They tie their shoes just like you, but would be offended if they weren't given the best of the best. They don't want to remember where they came from.

I recommend a committee to choose said Snobby Rich be from Congress. We haven't had a federal government budget in 3 years. Congressional party leaders don't seem to get out of Washington D.C. much as evidenced by their 10% approval rating. Give them something to do since their jobs are not value added right now. Imagine them in a small business setting. How long would they last, not presenting a budget plan to the owner for 3 years? This would be their last chance to show they know what they are doing. After all, they surely know those that could qualify for this tax, right?

Working Wednesday: Evaluations

Just like most pieces of hiring and retaining employees, there are so many counselors, advisors, examples, etc. of what business owners should do. I don't have the perfect advice for companies. What you do need to do is look at several of us and see what the similarities are, what is confirmed from several current sources and get a sense of what experts are saying. Then take the advice that seems to be a constant thread and make it specific for your business.

Let me give you some comic relief first. These were taken from actual evaluations:

1.  I would not allow this employee to breed. 
2.  Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap.
3.  When she opens her mouth, it seems that it is only to change feet.
4.  He would be out of his depth in a parking lot puddle.
5.  This young lady has delusions of adequacy.
6.  He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.
7. This employee should go far… and the sooner he starts, the better.
8. He certainly takes a long time to make his pointless.
9. He doesn’t have ulcers, but he’s a carrier.
10. I would like to go hunting with him sometime.
11. He would argue with a signpost.
12. He has a knack for making strangers immediately.
13. He brings a lot of joy whenever he leaves the room.
14. When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell.
15. If you see two people talking and one looks bored… he’s the other one.
16. Donated his brain to science before he was done using it.
17. Has two brains: one is lost and the other is out looking for it.
18. If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the oceans.
19. It’s hard to believe that he beat 1,000,000 other sperm to the egg.
20. Takes him 2 hours to watch 60 Minutes.

Though I understand the humor and perhaps the frustration behind the words listed above, I do not suggest you do the same. Evaluations should be seriously approached and thought of. Evaluations are placed into personnel files which last for years. They represent you and your company.

Evaluations are really the last chapter in helping your employees understand how they can contribute and be a value to the overall progress of the mission of the business. Before evaluations, employees and those assigned with personnel duties should have sat down and gone over the employee handbook, the specific duties and expectations of the employee, and the goals for the employee. Make sure the goals are objective and attainable. This should be a time where the new employee finds out about the company's panoramic view, the company's business sector and it's specific place in it and how they make a difference to the company's success. Every employee counts.

One of the mistakes many companies make is to give a ratings scale but never give out a perfect score. For example if the scale is 1-5 on meeting a specific goal, the company never gives a 5 to any of the employees. So why have a 1-5 scale? Why have a scale at all? You could use a percent if you have written a goal that has this in mind. For instance: Goal is to contact 20 new businesses within a quarter. Twenty businesses contacted is 100% attained, 15 businesses contacted is 75%, and 10 businesses contacted is 50%. These goals then would be set up and then when evaluation time comes around, both the employee and the personnel director would be very clear on whether or not goals were attained. Documentation would be used to verify how many companies were contacted.

Next you, or if you have a personnel manager, would decide on satisfactory outcomes. Once your evaluations are based on objective goals, then what are the rewards and consequences? These too should be discussed at the time goals are set and followed through at the evaluation conference. 

Some owners feel the paycheck is the reward for satisfactory work. Do you have plans in place for those who go beyond average? Again, if you want to proceed with this, set up objective criteria, let employees know ahead of time, and fulfill the promise when the goal is met. 

Everybody dreads evaluations, both the ones writing them and the ones receiving them. If goals are written clearly with objective language that both parties understand, perhaps even in participating in composing/editing, then the conversation should go relatively smoothly. Review time will include a summary about the company's panoramic view, the business sector and it's specific place in it. The employee should be told how their participation played a part. Keep it simple, respectful, and calming. Assuming the employee is retained, then start again, setting objective goals for the next year.

Alone in the Car: A Time for Preparation?

The media covered 2 news stories this week about Iran and their nuclear capabilities.
I chose 2 sources as references, but many outlets carried the same facts:http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2012/05/17/iran-attack-decision-nears-israeli-elite-locks-down.html

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/05/17/us-envoy-to-israel-us-ready-to-strike-iran/

From what I can gather, just a "Main Street" person like anyone else, is that tension is building and the tension could be resolved by force before our November elections. At least according to the news report listed above. 

How would that affect us on Main St.? Would it affect us at all? 
The United State is in a war now in Afghanistan, but it is not WWII. People can still buy sugar, shoes, pantyhose(nylons). There is more than one color (red) of lipstick on the drugstore shelves. People go about their business today as they did through the Gulf War, Bosnian War, and even clear back to the Viet Nam War.


Let's assume for discussion sake that we will be affected. Well we do know we import more than we export. Just look at your clothing labels, food you purchase at the grocery store. Those countries may be disrupted and/or shipping can't get goods to us. Finances and cash flow is not really done by cash exchange but electronically nowadays. Would that be disrupted?

Case in point: Greece. People are pulling their money out of banks. Almost all the crude oils the country has comes from imports, but the government has no way of paying for it. Their country is bankrupt. The European Union has said, if they won't get stricter with their national budget, they will be kicked out and the country will return to using the Drachma which is worthless.


We were surprised in August, 2008, remember? One after another financial institution fell and fell hard. That did affect Main St., it got to your level and mine. It may still be affecting you in some fashion. You want that same level of surprise again? Can you personally take that? Your business, your family, your town? 

I am not saying these things out of fear, just the opposite. Just as if a business owner thoughtfully and deliberately and perhaps with expert advice writes a business model--a business plan-- that is what we all should be doing now in case something of earthquake proportions rocks our economic world.  

Think, write down all your thoughts as they come to mind, and then start organizing them into categories/patterns. See what is missing and add those categories too. Then think details-who, what, when, where, why, and how. Do this for yourself, your loved ones, and your business. Think of essentials only. I have said this before: no matter how big you build your pyramid, it is not going with you. Let your plan have some flexibility to it, don't make it so rigid you can't make adjustments.  Of course there are many resources on the web, in libraries, network with friends, etc.


Preparation won't clear all the glitches, all the problems, all the late nights. But when the problems do arise, they will be smaller and more manageable. It is better than not doing anything and having the  problems larger than life and having to face chaos. 


Well, I have begun discussion with my loved ones and next comes the plan. I have some ideas and hope to organize them next week. Wish me luck and I will do the same for you!

Random Facts Friday

Mother's Day was this past weekend. I hope you all have a woman in your life that you respect and showed your appreciation for the sacrifices/advice she has given you through the years. She does not have to be blood related or next-of-kin, though many times she is. We are all blessed for the sage wisdom we have received from them.

Here are some random facts that are fun to pass on the next time you gather with friends and family:
1. The most popular flower around Mother's Day is carnations and the most favorite color for them is white. I like them because they will last long.

2. Only 11 horses have won the Triple Crown and the last one, Affirmed, was in 1978.

3. Every country or group has a birthday tradition. In Hungary, when gifts are open, everyone pulls on the earlobes of the birthday person and says a little rhyme. The rhyme is translated into English as follows "God bless you, live so long so your ears reach your ankles".

4. A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

5. Recipe: I found this recipe for homemade "vicks" vapor shower disks. Sounds like a winner!
http://beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com/2012/03/homemade-vicks-vapor-shower-disks.html

Working Wednesday: Teen Births Way Down

Teen birth records have been kept since 1940. The rate of teen births in the country in 2010 equaled that of 1940. It is about 34 per 1000 girls from age 15 to 19 years of age. Rates have been going down for several years, but 2010 went down significantly. Each state's rate is listed in a news article with the highest in Mississippi at 55, my state Ohio at about 34, and New Hampshire the lowest at almost 16. Several factors brought the numbers down, according to experts, such as the economy and more use of contraception. See: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765567418/US-teen-births-Miss-has-highest-rate-NH-lowest.html?pg=1

What does this have to do with small business? One word: childcare. Childcare ranks as either #1 or 2 for absenteeism with most companies. It trades off with transportation problems. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard owners or their human resources manager tell me about these two issues being major problems each day.

Companies must have a full staff in order to be profitable. I believe some small businesses made the decision to use staffing agencies as their h.r. simply because they did not want the headache of absenteeism. They could contract this piece out, observe potential employees, and if their work and attendance were acceptable, hire them full time.

Since I have been on both sides of workforce development, I have counseled job seekers on the importance of attendance and barriers/solutions to perfect attendance. Childcare can be one of the those barriers. Likewise, I have worked with businesses, and since this is a blog for companies, let's look at positive actions you can take to get that attendance and profit you are in business after all to get.

1. Location, location, location. When you are ready to expand, don't forget looking at sites close to childcare centers. Drop off/pick up timing is very important. It also gives the opportunity for your workers to use their lunch hours to visit their children.

2. Childcare centers have little profit margin. They depend upon regular payments just like any other business. Help them by allowing a pay deduction to go from a worker's paycheck directly to the center. Or a worker pays you, and that payment then goes to the center. The center may offer a discount to your workers if they know they can count on payment each month.

3. Some companies offer daycare on site. This is the best case scenario. Some offer sick child care on site. But businesses shy away from these in general because of perceived liabilities. A compromise may be to have a childcare center lease land/outbuilding from you. Through a contract, you can state who has sole liability. If this has been successful for others, this can be successful for you too.

4. Before/After school care. This may be another compromise. Perhaps you don't want to get involved with the little ones, but would be willing to consider older children. Still you are providing a service for your employees and get regular attendance to suit your needs.

5. Can you offer flexible scheduling? For those that have children to drop off for care or school, allow them a later time in the morning to report to work and/or the same thing at the close of day. Arrange it so they still have to work the total amount of hours per week. It just depends who you want to work for you. These are the types of benefits that attract the best and the brightest.