The title of this blog was translated for the average reader from U.S. Department of Labor's Announcement: the H-2B program that amends its regulations governing the certification of the employment of non-immigrant workers performing temporary or seasonal non-agricultural labor or services. A good example of this would be foreign employees at amusement parks.
This is a good time to review several terms as to not confuse the reader.
Alien: A person not a citizen or national of the United States.
Immigrant: By government terms, this is known as "Permanent Resident Alien". These are legal aliens allowed to live here permanently. We commonly refer to them as "immigrants".
Refugee: A person outside of their country of nationality who is unable or unwilling to return because of persecution or a well founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinions.
All of these have special regulations, rules, and procedures. It is important for employers to know the difference and if you plan to hire someone that is part of one of these programs, you may do well to seek expert advice. Case in point, the new regulations, called "Final Rule" for the H-2B program that will take effect April 23, 2012. And yes, there is a H-2A program. In short, it is for seasonal non-immigrants who pick crops.
The revised Final Rule changes:
1. a new process by which employers obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department for use in petitioning the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to employ a non-immigrant worker in H-2B status.
2. new regulations that provide increased worker protections for both U.S. and foreign workers.
3. creates a national electronic job registry for all H-2B job orders to improve U.S. worker access to these temporary jobs.
4. enhances recruitment of U.S. workers from across the country and increases the amount of time for which U.S. workers must be recruited and hired
5. requires the rehiring of former employees when available.
The most important point to remember in both H-2 A and B programs is that these programs are still about protecting potential American job seekers. Many of the regulations are about this and be sure you have researched this thoroughly. Again, I encourage you to seek out expert advice.
If you want more information about the new regulations for H-2B, I would start with the U.S. Department of Labor's website on the subject: http://www.dol.gov/whd/immigration/H2BFinalRule/index.htm. It has a screen that has side-by-side comparisons of the old regulations(2008 version) and the new one to come out in April (2012 version).
Alert: Since writing this blog, it has come to my attention that the H-2A guidebook has also been revised as of February 29th. Please look into this if you are an agricultural employer. See: http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/
Panoramic View
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Alone in the Car: Ohio PUCO and American Electric Power
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved a rate hike in December submitted by American Electric Power (AEP). The rate hike it everyone, but most especially small businesses, schools, and churches. Those saw an instant raise of around 40% in their January bill. One small business saw an increase of 70%.
This came to light through media reports during the month of January. I especially commend the Columbus Dispatch newspaper for their reporting of this matter. They kept on digging and found information contrary to what the PUCO was stating publicly. In the mean time, small businesses were picked on because AEP and PUCO thought no one would care about the little guy. So many small businesses and others complained (which was also reported in the media), PUCO had no choice but revisit their decision. On February 10th, they reversed their December vote and AEP will be working with PUCO for another plan.
Thanks to all the small businesses who contacted the PUCO even when you may have thought it was worthless to do so. This is a perfect example that one voice does make a difference because it combined with others who could have given up too, but were courageous also and made the call.
This is another reason why we need to stay informed, why we need to elect good government officials. Officials are not just about what they do but who they appoint. Watch those appointees also and follow their career paths. How are their decisions? How long is their appointment? Are they fair or do they favor a particular business/group? It is all part of politics and small businesses are affected by it.
This came to light through media reports during the month of January. I especially commend the Columbus Dispatch newspaper for their reporting of this matter. They kept on digging and found information contrary to what the PUCO was stating publicly. In the mean time, small businesses were picked on because AEP and PUCO thought no one would care about the little guy. So many small businesses and others complained (which was also reported in the media), PUCO had no choice but revisit their decision. On February 10th, they reversed their December vote and AEP will be working with PUCO for another plan.
Thanks to all the small businesses who contacted the PUCO even when you may have thought it was worthless to do so. This is a perfect example that one voice does make a difference because it combined with others who could have given up too, but were courageous also and made the call.
This is another reason why we need to stay informed, why we need to elect good government officials. Officials are not just about what they do but who they appoint. Watch those appointees also and follow their career paths. How are their decisions? How long is their appointment? Are they fair or do they favor a particular business/group? It is all part of politics and small businesses are affected by it.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Random Facts Friday: February 26, 2011
1. Pinterest.com in America has signed up 13 million users in 10 months. 83% of them are women. In Britain, 56% of the signees are men. Only 3% of the American users make over $100,000. In Britain, it is 29% (American equivalent).
2. 40 million wild salmon return each year to the Bristol Bay region in Alaska to spawn.
3. The bathroom exhaust fan should be run at least 20 minutes after showering.
4. A raindrop falling into Lake Itasca (source of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota) would arrive at the Gulf of Mexico in about 90 days.
5. Our church had a Chili/Chocolate Cook Off tonight. Some brought chili to be judged by attendees, others brought chocolate desserts. By the way, the White Bean chilis got more votes than the red bean chilis! Here is the chocolate fudge I brought. Very easy to make. Found it on Pinterest.
Three Ingredient Oreo Fudge:
12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
1 can chocolate frosting
20 double stuffed Oreos
2. 40 million wild salmon return each year to the Bristol Bay region in Alaska to spawn.
3. The bathroom exhaust fan should be run at least 20 minutes after showering.
4. A raindrop falling into Lake Itasca (source of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota) would arrive at the Gulf of Mexico in about 90 days.
5. Our church had a Chili/Chocolate Cook Off tonight. Some brought chili to be judged by attendees, others brought chocolate desserts. By the way, the White Bean chilis got more votes than the red bean chilis! Here is the chocolate fudge I brought. Very easy to make. Found it on Pinterest.
Three Ingredient Oreo Fudge:
12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
1 can chocolate frosting
20 double stuffed Oreos
- Melt chocolate chips on the stove top or in the microwave. While chips are melting, crush the Oreos. Or let your five year old whack the crap out of them with a toy cow.
- Stir frosting and Oreos into the melted chocolate chips.
- Pour fudge into a parchment lined loaf pan and refrigerate to set for about 60 minutes.
- Cut and serve! (Keeps in a sealed container about one week.)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Working Wednesday: Bad News and Good News
My area of expertise is Workforce Development, a subset of Economic Development. As such my first priority has been employers or job seekers, depending upon time, place, and emphasis during my career. This blog has always been to the small business owners so I have some bad and good news. First the good news.
The Manufacturing Sector is having a breakthrough. Not to say it is carrying the U.S. economy, but the trend upward is long enough for everyone to confirm and verify. Congratulations! Those in that sector have had many a month of gloom and doom. The U.S. Commerce Department reported on Friday our exports of goods and services in 2011increased 14.5% from 2010. Yes, American companies have learned to find spots around the globe that still need what they make. Our exports to Europe, just in December alone, rose 3.6%.
I have spoken before about statistics on this blog. I am willing to believe the Manufacturing Sector accounts for about 12% of our economy. Not in the Manufacturing Sector? Read on, because the bad news is for everyone.
Manufacturing is much more sophisticated. I have walked many a manufacturer's floor which is clean and the machines are computer generated, some are run by robots (yet engineered and maintained by highly skilled technicians), and many of those employed have more than a high school diploma. Business owners complain they can't find people for open positions. Employers I generally agree with you. People should consider manufacturing careers.
But you get what you pay for. Wages were stagnant before the downturn and many companies now use it to rationalize their salary structure. Employees have more responsibilities but less pay. Or they get a new title, with or without people to supervise, but no accompanying compensation. According to Pew Research Center, 55% of American workers have gone through unemployment, shrinking paychecks, or missed mortgage/rent payments, which shatters their household budgets during the Great Recession. Many workers don't trust you. You are going to have tell them more about what happened since 2008, where you stand currently, and reward your best employees. You need to show them respect in a concrete way.
Most people hire within their comfort zone. If you want a true team, it means hire someone who has expertise in the gaps. That could also mean that person may not have the perfect personality type to fit with others. The team will have to respect the skills and what the person brings to the table in order for the business to be successful. Ergo, the panoramic view. The artistic may not sit well with the logical, but if they see that both are needed and are respected equally with no competition right from the beginning, then truly a "round table" has been created and is the foundation of discussion, exchange, and action.
You are the owner, you set the environment, the amount of collaboration, the level of regard for your employees, and the pay structure. Do these correct right from the beginning and you will not be disappointed with the outcome.
The Manufacturing Sector is having a breakthrough. Not to say it is carrying the U.S. economy, but the trend upward is long enough for everyone to confirm and verify. Congratulations! Those in that sector have had many a month of gloom and doom. The U.S. Commerce Department reported on Friday our exports of goods and services in 2011increased 14.5% from 2010. Yes, American companies have learned to find spots around the globe that still need what they make. Our exports to Europe, just in December alone, rose 3.6%.
I have spoken before about statistics on this blog. I am willing to believe the Manufacturing Sector accounts for about 12% of our economy. Not in the Manufacturing Sector? Read on, because the bad news is for everyone.
Manufacturing is much more sophisticated. I have walked many a manufacturer's floor which is clean and the machines are computer generated, some are run by robots (yet engineered and maintained by highly skilled technicians), and many of those employed have more than a high school diploma. Business owners complain they can't find people for open positions. Employers I generally agree with you. People should consider manufacturing careers.
But you get what you pay for. Wages were stagnant before the downturn and many companies now use it to rationalize their salary structure. Employees have more responsibilities but less pay. Or they get a new title, with or without people to supervise, but no accompanying compensation. According to Pew Research Center, 55% of American workers have gone through unemployment, shrinking paychecks, or missed mortgage/rent payments, which shatters their household budgets during the Great Recession. Many workers don't trust you. You are going to have tell them more about what happened since 2008, where you stand currently, and reward your best employees. You need to show them respect in a concrete way.
Most people hire within their comfort zone. If you want a true team, it means hire someone who has expertise in the gaps. That could also mean that person may not have the perfect personality type to fit with others. The team will have to respect the skills and what the person brings to the table in order for the business to be successful. Ergo, the panoramic view. The artistic may not sit well with the logical, but if they see that both are needed and are respected equally with no competition right from the beginning, then truly a "round table" has been created and is the foundation of discussion, exchange, and action.
You are the owner, you set the environment, the amount of collaboration, the level of regard for your employees, and the pay structure. Do these correct right from the beginning and you will not be disappointed with the outcome.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Alone in the Car: George Washington and His Thoughts on Business
One of the things I have learned from studying our original forefathers was that they were not here at the same time coincidentally. It seems they were here for a purpose and that was to guide our great nation, to set our course right from the beginning, and wish us "God Speed". They were not thinking of their own age but were much aware of future generations. I am impressed by their studies, both during their school years and afterwards. They were voracious readers over a variety of subjects, none of which were the Greeks, Romans, and the Renaissance philosophers. Our forefathers have opened my eyes to new thoughts, even though they were written in the 1770's.
Because of President's Day, which in my opinion doesn't have the respect it used to, I researched for something about George Washington and his view of business. I found a paper that I was new to me: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/pdf/washington_remarks_18feb2010.pdf.
These are some of the traits of leadership found when reading Pres. Washington's papers in this fore mentioned research:
Hands-on Management
Ethics
Situational Leadership
Turnaround Strategy
Building Alliances
Intelligence and Information Networks
Further details and information can be found at the website.
Sometimes humans repeat the same mistakes other generations made.
Perhaps by reading those that we respect and have gone on before us, we can gain wisdom and apply it.
Because of President's Day, which in my opinion doesn't have the respect it used to, I researched for something about George Washington and his view of business. I found a paper that I was new to me: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/pdf/washington_remarks_18feb2010.pdf.
These are some of the traits of leadership found when reading Pres. Washington's papers in this fore mentioned research:
Hands-on Management
Ethics
Situational Leadership
Turnaround Strategy
Building Alliances
Intelligence and Information Networks
Further details and information can be found at the website.
Sometimes humans repeat the same mistakes other generations made.
Perhaps by reading those that we respect and have gone on before us, we can gain wisdom and apply it.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Random Facts Friday: February 19, 2012
Hello Friday! Hi everyone! Hopefully you are at home relaxing and looking at your favorite websites.
Here are this week's Random Facts Friday:
1. Six new breeds appeared at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. They were: the xoloitzcuintli, the Entlebucher mountain dog, the Norwegian lundehund, the American English coonhound, the Finnish lapphund and the Cesky terrier.
2. Being bilingual may push Alzheimer's away for as many as four additional years.
3. Processed tomatoes, such as tomato paste, ketchup, and marinara sauce, can help your skin be less sensitive to ultraviolet light. It is the lycopene, an antioxident, which is not found in raw tomatoes.
4. Lego company makes over 20 billion bricks each year.
5. Friday night at our house meant watching t.v. and eating snacks.
I found a great GORP website: http://www.stratfordpack388.org/references/gorp%20recipes.htm.
Here would be my favorite ingredients:
1 cup salted peanuts
1 cup cashews
8 ounces semi sweet chocolate morsels
2 cups Cheerios cereal
4 ounces sesame sticks
2 ounces dried cranberries
2 ounces dried blueberries
2 ounces dried cherries.
Combine and place in zippered plastic bag.
Here are this week's Random Facts Friday:
1. Six new breeds appeared at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. They were: the xoloitzcuintli, the Entlebucher mountain dog, the Norwegian lundehund, the American English coonhound, the Finnish lapphund and the Cesky terrier.
2. Being bilingual may push Alzheimer's away for as many as four additional years.
3. Processed tomatoes, such as tomato paste, ketchup, and marinara sauce, can help your skin be less sensitive to ultraviolet light. It is the lycopene, an antioxident, which is not found in raw tomatoes.
4. Lego company makes over 20 billion bricks each year.
5. Friday night at our house meant watching t.v. and eating snacks.
I found a great GORP website: http://www.stratfordpack388.org/references/gorp%20recipes.htm.
Here would be my favorite ingredients:
1 cup salted peanuts
1 cup cashews
8 ounces semi sweet chocolate morsels
2 cups Cheerios cereal
4 ounces sesame sticks
2 ounces dried cranberries
2 ounces dried blueberries
2 ounces dried cherries.
Combine and place in zippered plastic bag.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Working Wednesday: Ohio Business Matchmaker Event for 2012
I know some followers of this blog do not live in Ohio. My apologies. Hopefully some of this information you will be able to use. However, this blog's original intent was to help small businesses in Ohio, especially where there are limited resources to assist them. I feel I need to connect with them specifically and let them know I still think of the small rural counties and those who strive so hard to keep their communities alive. I believe, of course, this information is also beneficial for many others.
The Ohio Business Matchmaker Event will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Nutter Center on Wright State University Campus in Dayton. The hours are 8:00am - 4:00pm. See the website: www.ohiobusinessmatcher.com.
This is a great event for small businesses. You have the opportunity to meet with some very important government contractors and perhaps continue that discussion further, possibly developing into a sub-contractor. Also, government agencies are there themselves and you can introduce yourself to them directly. You get 10 minutes to give your elevator speech, and believe me it is no more than 10 minutes. The "buyers" are sincere. They want to hear from small business and your ideas. There are procedures to become a business operating with the state and they can help you with that right there.
This business is conducted inside an arena. You are on the "basketball floor" with stadium seating surrounding you. Allow time to make observations, network, etc. For example, other rooms within the Center are set up for seminars, displays, etc. There are so many people there that I would suggest going up into the seating and see where are the most popular booths, follow the traffic patterns, etc.
Remember this is about government contracts. This is not about private industry. The question, "What can you do for me?" is still valid, but you are entering the government culture and it has its own set of values, traditions, etiquette, codes, etc. You have to meet their criteria, even if you are talking to a government contractor. Government fiscal policies are not private fiscal policies. Don't be afraid to ask what would be the difference when talking to a contractor, because they will understand since they work in both worlds.
But go, even if it is just for the learning curve. It may expand your knowledge which will help your business with local ideas for expansion. By understanding the language/culture, talking with those like yourself and making connections, and getting advice/ideas, your company can then compete better with confidence.
The Ohio Business Matchmaker Event will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Nutter Center on Wright State University Campus in Dayton. The hours are 8:00am - 4:00pm. See the website: www.ohiobusinessmatcher.com.
This is a great event for small businesses. You have the opportunity to meet with some very important government contractors and perhaps continue that discussion further, possibly developing into a sub-contractor. Also, government agencies are there themselves and you can introduce yourself to them directly. You get 10 minutes to give your elevator speech, and believe me it is no more than 10 minutes. The "buyers" are sincere. They want to hear from small business and your ideas. There are procedures to become a business operating with the state and they can help you with that right there.
This business is conducted inside an arena. You are on the "basketball floor" with stadium seating surrounding you. Allow time to make observations, network, etc. For example, other rooms within the Center are set up for seminars, displays, etc. There are so many people there that I would suggest going up into the seating and see where are the most popular booths, follow the traffic patterns, etc.
Remember this is about government contracts. This is not about private industry. The question, "What can you do for me?" is still valid, but you are entering the government culture and it has its own set of values, traditions, etiquette, codes, etc. You have to meet their criteria, even if you are talking to a government contractor. Government fiscal policies are not private fiscal policies. Don't be afraid to ask what would be the difference when talking to a contractor, because they will understand since they work in both worlds.
But go, even if it is just for the learning curve. It may expand your knowledge which will help your business with local ideas for expansion. By understanding the language/culture, talking with those like yourself and making connections, and getting advice/ideas, your company can then compete better with confidence.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Alone in the Car: The Brain Drain
I recently read about another state's concern over their "brain drain". They defined it as when high school graduates leave the state for college and not return. College can be found less expensive in other states with the same quality of education found in-house.
College tuition has been skyrocketing for a long time, much faster than the rate of inflation. Does expensive automatically mean excellence? It must mean something because many institutions are doing just that.
"Brain drain" for my state means when college graduates decide to leave the state and not stay for employment. My state is concerned the brightest will not stick around to supply employers with needed skilled workers or be the next generation of inventors elsewhere.
One of the questions employers are wondering about is whether or not college is preventing those who could be part of the academic to business pipeline because of the education cost/debt. Graduates in their twenties have thousands of dollars to pay off during their first years of their chosen career. Does that make some young people shy away from furthering their education even though they could be successful in the classroom? It has to be.
We then still have the problem of employers talking about open, unfilled positions due to lack of qualified applicants. There are other facets to this question. This blog is only dealing with the education one.
Unless and until education and business have more dialog and partnerships, working together because they understand the panoramic view first, then details won't be forth coming. People have to be at the table from both sides willing to trust each other because they already have one thing in common. They understand they need to find a way for young people to have an environment of success, innovation, and respect in order to stay and keep the community alive. The rest can be worked out.
College tuition has been skyrocketing for a long time, much faster than the rate of inflation. Does expensive automatically mean excellence? It must mean something because many institutions are doing just that.
"Brain drain" for my state means when college graduates decide to leave the state and not stay for employment. My state is concerned the brightest will not stick around to supply employers with needed skilled workers or be the next generation of inventors elsewhere.
One of the questions employers are wondering about is whether or not college is preventing those who could be part of the academic to business pipeline because of the education cost/debt. Graduates in their twenties have thousands of dollars to pay off during their first years of their chosen career. Does that make some young people shy away from furthering their education even though they could be successful in the classroom? It has to be.
We then still have the problem of employers talking about open, unfilled positions due to lack of qualified applicants. There are other facets to this question. This blog is only dealing with the education one.
Unless and until education and business have more dialog and partnerships, working together because they understand the panoramic view first, then details won't be forth coming. People have to be at the table from both sides willing to trust each other because they already have one thing in common. They understand they need to find a way for young people to have an environment of success, innovation, and respect in order to stay and keep the community alive. The rest can be worked out.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Random Facts Friday February 10, 2012
So sorry to post this late! Life gets in the way sometimes.
Hope your weekend was relaxing and refreshing!
Here are the facts for this past week:
1. Inspired by a correction Fortune noted for one of their articles about 4-H bovines named Napoleon and Duke, I found out a steer is a male cow that has been castrated and is raised for beef. A bull is uncastrated. Napoleon and Duke are steers, not bulls.
2. Take your blood pressure in both arms. So says the research published in the British medical journal Lancet. If there is a difference, there is strong indication of heart problems, such as a blocked artery. Taking blood pressure is pretty easy and quick if you ask me to help detect problems at much earlier and treatable stages. See: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700220373/Taking-blood-pressue-in-both-arms-may-find-silent-heart-disease.html
3. To preserve your eyesight: 1. exercise 3 times a week, improving blood circulation. This will increase oxygen, reduce inflammation, and remove toxins. 2. Eat carrots, milk, cheese, egg yolk, liver: all high in vitamin A which keeps eyes moist and fights infections. Kale, spinach, and broccoli have lutein, an antioxident which help eyes discern contrast and color. 3. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection because frequent exposure to the ultraviolet rays increases your chances for cataracts.
4. Need/want to have more creative thoughts? The University of Western Ontario has found an answer. You can listen to peppy music or watch a happy video. Their suggestions were Mozart for music and a happy baby for the video. In other words, what makes you smile. Feeling happy will help you be more innovative and assist you in solving problems.
5. Recipe: from Cooks.com this sounds good, using red delicious apples:
Taffy Apple Salad
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Hope your weekend was relaxing and refreshing!
Here are the facts for this past week:
1. Inspired by a correction Fortune noted for one of their articles about 4-H bovines named Napoleon and Duke, I found out a steer is a male cow that has been castrated and is raised for beef. A bull is uncastrated. Napoleon and Duke are steers, not bulls.
2. Take your blood pressure in both arms. So says the research published in the British medical journal Lancet. If there is a difference, there is strong indication of heart problems, such as a blocked artery. Taking blood pressure is pretty easy and quick if you ask me to help detect problems at much earlier and treatable stages. See: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700220373/Taking-blood-pressue-in-both-arms-may-find-silent-heart-disease.html
3. To preserve your eyesight: 1. exercise 3 times a week, improving blood circulation. This will increase oxygen, reduce inflammation, and remove toxins. 2. Eat carrots, milk, cheese, egg yolk, liver: all high in vitamin A which keeps eyes moist and fights infections. Kale, spinach, and broccoli have lutein, an antioxident which help eyes discern contrast and color. 3. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection because frequent exposure to the ultraviolet rays increases your chances for cataracts.
4. Need/want to have more creative thoughts? The University of Western Ontario has found an answer. You can listen to peppy music or watch a happy video. Their suggestions were Mozart for music and a happy baby for the video. In other words, what makes you smile. Feeling happy will help you be more innovative and assist you in solving problems.
5. Recipe: from Cooks.com this sounds good, using red delicious apples:
Taffy Apple Salad
5 large Red Delicious Apples
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
1 (6-1/2 oz.) pineapple in heavy syrup
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 c. salted peanuts
In a saucepan over low heat, mix pineapple juice, sugar, vinegar, flour and egg. Stir until dissolved. Refrigerate 1 hour. Cut up apples, mix with pineapple, Cool Whip and refrigerated mixture.Add peanuts when ready to serve.1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
1 (6-1/2 oz.) pineapple in heavy syrup
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 c. salted peanuts
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Working Wednesday: Love/Hate Relationship with Statistics
I believe most of us know that statistics are pliable. Part of our brain wants to believe that since they are numbers they are sure things. But we know that it all depends how and what we put into equations. Or how we get the most out of a result, say the number versus the percentage.
Having said this, we humans still like our stats. They appeal to us because they appear to be so sharp and clean and clear. They make good reading. Stats look efficient and are easy to grasp their meaning. So even though they have some inherent "deficiencies", we naturally gravitate to them.
Small businesses can use them for several reasons. 1. To help explain their business and/or business sector. You may have a niche, idea, or be a part of something relatively new that may need some explanation. Statistics can help explain to an untrained audience. 2. Marketing materials may need some stats to help promote your business. There are the general ones to give for the overall business sector and then some that explain your own company. 3. The bottom line, both financially and why you are in business (product, service) have statistical results. Don't keep these in your head. Put them down on paper, in your computer, share them, etc. You will need them organized too if you want help for your cash flow, expansion, bring on high level staff, etc.
One place to retrieve some statistics in Ohio is jobs-ohio.com. The home page has some facts, but I would suggest you click on either the business sector you belong to in the white letters on black background or the "Data Center" in the top right hand corner. Either place you will find statistics that you may be able to use to supplement your own business statistics and assist giving your knowledge base, speech, marketing materials, and written applications sound more complete.
Some statistics are better than others so choose wisely. Make sure they help specifically with the point you want to make and are not a distraction. And too many stats are boring. Ask for a second opinion as to which stat makes more of an impression if you need to. Spending time and picking the right statistics will pay off.
Having said this, we humans still like our stats. They appeal to us because they appear to be so sharp and clean and clear. They make good reading. Stats look efficient and are easy to grasp their meaning. So even though they have some inherent "deficiencies", we naturally gravitate to them.
Small businesses can use them for several reasons. 1. To help explain their business and/or business sector. You may have a niche, idea, or be a part of something relatively new that may need some explanation. Statistics can help explain to an untrained audience. 2. Marketing materials may need some stats to help promote your business. There are the general ones to give for the overall business sector and then some that explain your own company. 3. The bottom line, both financially and why you are in business (product, service) have statistical results. Don't keep these in your head. Put them down on paper, in your computer, share them, etc. You will need them organized too if you want help for your cash flow, expansion, bring on high level staff, etc.
One place to retrieve some statistics in Ohio is jobs-ohio.com. The home page has some facts, but I would suggest you click on either the business sector you belong to in the white letters on black background or the "Data Center" in the top right hand corner. Either place you will find statistics that you may be able to use to supplement your own business statistics and assist giving your knowledge base, speech, marketing materials, and written applications sound more complete.
Some statistics are better than others so choose wisely. Make sure they help specifically with the point you want to make and are not a distraction. And too many stats are boring. Ask for a second opinion as to which stat makes more of an impression if you need to. Spending time and picking the right statistics will pay off.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Alone in the Car: State and Global Internet Review
My regular readers may recall that one of the topics I follow is internet access for rural counties in Ohio. And not just access, but high speed connectivity at an affordable price. I have tried to be an advocate for them wherever possible. There is no way Ohio can move forward as a collective unit, for every business, especially those small and medium size ones in lower populated areas, unless and until they have high speed internet at an affordable price.
I was reminded of this when I saw a few sentences of the current global situation with internet access in Fortune Magazine's February 6, 2012 issue. According to International Telecommunication Union (a part of the United Nations, see: http://www.itu.int/en/Pages/default.aspx), 35% of the world's people have access to the internet. I was a bit surprised because I thought developed countries would have more of an impact. I also noticed the word "access" was used. To me that doesn't mean the internet (computer) is in people's homes, just that one has a computer available to get to the internet. So again, I thought the number would be higher.
This lead me to think that it was time to review Ohio and its high speed status. I used this website: http://connectohio.org/ to look at their maps. If you scroll down on their home page there are 4 maps to choose from. From my vantage point, there does seem to be progress. More people do have internet. More people have high speed internet. At what price? That I am not sure of. Are there spots with no access? Yes, I know that myself as I traveled around Appalachia and lost my connections all the time.
I am glad there are local advocates working for their communities and surrounding areas. I also believe providers of high speed internet are coming along in figuring out how to provide such a service at an affordable price. Not all the answers have been found, but the maps show that there are those who understand the importance of this situation. Thank you for your efforts.
I was reminded of this when I saw a few sentences of the current global situation with internet access in Fortune Magazine's February 6, 2012 issue. According to International Telecommunication Union (a part of the United Nations, see: http://www.itu.int/en/Pages/default.aspx), 35% of the world's people have access to the internet. I was a bit surprised because I thought developed countries would have more of an impact. I also noticed the word "access" was used. To me that doesn't mean the internet (computer) is in people's homes, just that one has a computer available to get to the internet. So again, I thought the number would be higher.
This lead me to think that it was time to review Ohio and its high speed status. I used this website: http://connectohio.org/ to look at their maps. If you scroll down on their home page there are 4 maps to choose from. From my vantage point, there does seem to be progress. More people do have internet. More people have high speed internet. At what price? That I am not sure of. Are there spots with no access? Yes, I know that myself as I traveled around Appalachia and lost my connections all the time.
I am glad there are local advocates working for their communities and surrounding areas. I also believe providers of high speed internet are coming along in figuring out how to provide such a service at an affordable price. Not all the answers have been found, but the maps show that there are those who understand the importance of this situation. Thank you for your efforts.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Random Facts Friday: February 3, 2012
Another week for the history books.
You can give yourself a little break by looking at these random facts:
1. John Eisenhower is the oldest living presidential child. He is 89 years old.
2. Consumption of food fried in olive or sunflower oil is not linked to heart disease or premature death, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). This research was conducted in Spain which has a Mediterranean diet (very important) and only fries in olive and sunflower oil. See:
You can give yourself a little break by looking at these random facts:
1. John Eisenhower is the oldest living presidential child. He is 89 years old.
2. Consumption of food fried in olive or sunflower oil is not linked to heart disease or premature death, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). This research was conducted in Spain which has a Mediterranean diet (very important) and only fries in olive and sunflower oil. See:
http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/Frying-with-healthy-oil-not-linked-to-heart-disease-research-finds
3. The "i" in Apple's products stands for: internet, individual, instruct, inform, and inspire.
4. Sweden and Denmark are part of the European Community but maintain their own currencies.
5. Recipe: Egg Sauce. Especially good over toast or cooked broccoli.
2 tablespoons of flour
2 tablespoons of butter, melted
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup diced Velvetta cheese
3 hard boiled eggs, sliced
Blend flour and butter in saucepan. Add milk and salt. Cook and stir until smooth and thick. Add cheese.
When melted add eggs. Serve hot.
3. The "i" in Apple's products stands for: internet, individual, instruct, inform, and inspire.
4. Sweden and Denmark are part of the European Community but maintain their own currencies.
5. Recipe: Egg Sauce. Especially good over toast or cooked broccoli.
2 tablespoons of flour
2 tablespoons of butter, melted
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup diced Velvetta cheese
3 hard boiled eggs, sliced
Blend flour and butter in saucepan. Add milk and salt. Cook and stir until smooth and thick. Add cheese.
When melted add eggs. Serve hot.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Working Wednesday: The Exxon Mobil Example
Recently, Exxon Mobil Corporation announced they would be selling their Japanese refining and marketing business to partner TonenGeneral Sekiyu K.K. in a $3.9 billion deal. Exxon Mobil has looked at its overall operations and decided to concentrate on exploration and production, leaving refining to others, though they are publicly saying they are still committed to refining. Said Sherman Glass of Exxon Mobil, "What we continue to do is try to restructure — in some cases invest, in some cases divest and in some cases restructure — to make it a strong group of operations in our downstream (refining)" business." See: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700220299/Exxon-selling-Japan-unit-for-39B-to-cut-refining.html
I thought this is a good example of The Panoramic View. I write about The Panoramic View in my blog, but here is an actual example! The company revisited the largest view of their world ( I think of the Grand Canyon, the ocean, the top of the mountain as analogies), then took a slice of that view which pertains to their business sector, then again took a slice within their sector to be experts of. Of course profit margins, etc. etc. enter in to the decision.
The economy such as it is, Exxon Mobile decided to sell off Japanese refineries. Now in the future, when they evaluate the world economy and their slice again, who knows maybe they will bring refineries back to one of their top priorities. This is what you do. You have a business plan, you act on that plan, re-evaulate it every 3 years or so, and if necessary change it. You have a focus. You make decisions based against that focus. If it doesn't fit, the answer is "no". Stay the course, don't weaken your expertise.
Did you go to the top and look at the great expanse and see the largest view? And when was that? Do you need to market your expertise, not depending upon one source of income, like many small businesses learned the hard way during the Great Recession? Do you need to research additional business sectors to see if you match better now to another sector? Do you know what you want to be an expert of and take actions every day to get there, improve, or stay at the top? How strong are you? Have you kept to your focus?
If you weaken, you could become like water which always flow to the lowest level it can find.
If you stay within your focus, your confidence grows and may be the strongest tool in your toolbox as you build your company.
I thought this is a good example of The Panoramic View. I write about The Panoramic View in my blog, but here is an actual example! The company revisited the largest view of their world ( I think of the Grand Canyon, the ocean, the top of the mountain as analogies), then took a slice of that view which pertains to their business sector, then again took a slice within their sector to be experts of. Of course profit margins, etc. etc. enter in to the decision.
The economy such as it is, Exxon Mobile decided to sell off Japanese refineries. Now in the future, when they evaluate the world economy and their slice again, who knows maybe they will bring refineries back to one of their top priorities. This is what you do. You have a business plan, you act on that plan, re-evaulate it every 3 years or so, and if necessary change it. You have a focus. You make decisions based against that focus. If it doesn't fit, the answer is "no". Stay the course, don't weaken your expertise.
Did you go to the top and look at the great expanse and see the largest view? And when was that? Do you need to market your expertise, not depending upon one source of income, like many small businesses learned the hard way during the Great Recession? Do you need to research additional business sectors to see if you match better now to another sector? Do you know what you want to be an expert of and take actions every day to get there, improve, or stay at the top? How strong are you? Have you kept to your focus?
If you weaken, you could become like water which always flow to the lowest level it can find.
If you stay within your focus, your confidence grows and may be the strongest tool in your toolbox as you build your company.
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