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.
Panoramic View
Friday, May 25, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, May 21, 2012
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?
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?
Saturday, May 19, 2012
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:
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.
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.
Friday, May 18, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, May 14, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
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.
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.
Alone in the Car: Americans to the Extreme
The media are covering a story this week about the prediction that 42% of Americans will be obese by 2030. Currently the nation is at 30%. Another report recently mentioned is that Americans spend an average of $27,021 on their wedding in 2011. I think we need to tone it down a bit as a nation. But I can honestly say in my little corner of the world, NOBODY spends that much on a wedding. That is the cost of a car, a down payment on a house, or a nice savings account. As far as the obesity goes, I do try the balanced meals and exercise thing. I do buy a little bit of organics, but usually I can't afford them. I grow some of my own fruits and veggies.
It is a well known fact that the United States has a consumer spending economy. Your business may indeed have sprouted because of this. I am sure there are countries who depend upon the buying spree of Americans for their own fiscal security. I am glad to see we citizens are doing our part to keep the global economy going.
If citizens really thought about the panoramic view, it would have to include the federal government spending spree as well. This has gone on for quite some time. I think those at the top would just as well not have citizens think about it. And since several political parties have had high level responsibilities, they all don't want us to know and would rather keep the spending/debt numbers to themselves. Currently our government is $16,000,000,000,000 in the hole (in the red).
Sadly, there is another way to look at "American extreme". Because we are the good guys: a country who believes in helping those less fortunate(and yes, I believe it is because most of us were raised with Judeo-Christian values) and therefore donate our time and money. We help those in trouble around the world say after a natural disaster, a submarine goes down, or mining accident. And this happens whether they are a "friendly" nation or not. The people in danger are worth saving.
The sad part comes into play because many think Americans are also barbaric. According to other countries, we are gluttonous, course, and egotistical. We are possibly intelligent and inventive, but without refinement or humility. Many of the countries who saw the worst of the devastation of WWII turned pacifist. But they need someone to protect their global interests and that is where USA comes in--because that is our nature to do so. They needed us and we could not stand by and see a friend get hurt.
But pacifism cannot succeed unless it is set up correctly. Look at Europe today with countries in default and yet their citizens still wanting all the benefits. You cannot get something for nothing. Everyone must pitch in. Basic tenets of trust, accepting any skill as equal to others, and the bigger picture is more important than a single disagreement, must be agreed to by the community. Most of the time people are used to, and look for, leaders. Once leadership is established, sooner or later power takes over and leads to the destruction of pacifism. Look at who they just elected. It will be interesting to see if pacifism can endure, if they will still expect the United States to protect them, or if it is a precursor to something else.
It is a well known fact that the United States has a consumer spending economy. Your business may indeed have sprouted because of this. I am sure there are countries who depend upon the buying spree of Americans for their own fiscal security. I am glad to see we citizens are doing our part to keep the global economy going.
If citizens really thought about the panoramic view, it would have to include the federal government spending spree as well. This has gone on for quite some time. I think those at the top would just as well not have citizens think about it. And since several political parties have had high level responsibilities, they all don't want us to know and would rather keep the spending/debt numbers to themselves. Currently our government is $16,000,000,000,000 in the hole (in the red).
Sadly, there is another way to look at "American extreme". Because we are the good guys: a country who believes in helping those less fortunate(and yes, I believe it is because most of us were raised with Judeo-Christian values) and therefore donate our time and money. We help those in trouble around the world say after a natural disaster, a submarine goes down, or mining accident. And this happens whether they are a "friendly" nation or not. The people in danger are worth saving.
The sad part comes into play because many think Americans are also barbaric. According to other countries, we are gluttonous, course, and egotistical. We are possibly intelligent and inventive, but without refinement or humility. Many of the countries who saw the worst of the devastation of WWII turned pacifist. But they need someone to protect their global interests and that is where USA comes in--because that is our nature to do so. They needed us and we could not stand by and see a friend get hurt.
But pacifism cannot succeed unless it is set up correctly. Look at Europe today with countries in default and yet their citizens still wanting all the benefits. You cannot get something for nothing. Everyone must pitch in. Basic tenets of trust, accepting any skill as equal to others, and the bigger picture is more important than a single disagreement, must be agreed to by the community. Most of the time people are used to, and look for, leaders. Once leadership is established, sooner or later power takes over and leads to the destruction of pacifism. Look at who they just elected. It will be interesting to see if pacifism can endure, if they will still expect the United States to protect them, or if it is a precursor to something else.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Random Facts Friday: May 4, 2012
May Day for my mother meant she would tell the story of standing in a circle with other students around a tall poll outside her elementary school. Each student held a ribbon which was tied at the top of the pole. She and the other children would go in and out of the circle, weaving the ribbons around the pole, creating a pretty sight for their school yard. Americana at its best. Our world travels much faster now, but perhaps I can give you repose for a few minutes while you check these random facts out:
1. A moon's perigee means it is closest to Earth, due to its non-circular rotation. This weekend's full moon will also be the year's best perigee, 221,802 miles or 356, 955 kilometers from earth. The term "supermoon" describes this event.You will see this best at the moon's rise and sunset when it is closest to the horizon.
2. Lanolin is the greasy wax produced by woolly animals' sabeceous glands. It acts as a form of waterproofing.
3. Flagpole definitions include: "Halyard"--the rope or cable used to raise or lower the flag and "Truck"--the cap at the top of the pole, usually with holes for a pulley to help raise and lower the flag. An ornament or finial would sit on top of the Truck.
4. On April 19, 1897, President William McKinley is the first President to throw out the first pitch on opening day. He did so for the Washington Senators in Washington, D.C.
5. Recipe: Do you have iron skillets around but they need to be refurbished? They still have value for cooking our food because they can help put iron in our diet(see: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/IronCastIron.htm) and some have investment value. The step-by-step instructions are found at: http://www.ibelieveicanfry.com/2010/12/reconditioning-re-seasoning-cast-iron.html
1. A moon's perigee means it is closest to Earth, due to its non-circular rotation. This weekend's full moon will also be the year's best perigee, 221,802 miles or 356, 955 kilometers from earth. The term "supermoon" describes this event.You will see this best at the moon's rise and sunset when it is closest to the horizon.
2. Lanolin is the greasy wax produced by woolly animals' sabeceous glands. It acts as a form of waterproofing.
3. Flagpole definitions include: "Halyard"--the rope or cable used to raise or lower the flag and "Truck"--the cap at the top of the pole, usually with holes for a pulley to help raise and lower the flag. An ornament or finial would sit on top of the Truck.
4. On April 19, 1897, President William McKinley is the first President to throw out the first pitch on opening day. He did so for the Washington Senators in Washington, D.C.
5. Recipe: Do you have iron skillets around but they need to be refurbished? They still have value for cooking our food because they can help put iron in our diet(see: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/IronCastIron.htm) and some have investment value. The step-by-step instructions are found at: http://www.ibelieveicanfry.com/2010/12/reconditioning-re-seasoning-cast-iron.html
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Working Wednesday: Inflation Hurting Small Business
The Columbus Dispatch ran an Associated Press article on April 18th about how small businesses are coping with inflation. Not very well. Most are trying to absorb rising costs without passing it on to their customers. I understand that. As noted in the news column, small business know their customers well and usually the connections are face-to-face. In fact, many times the customer comes to a small business for the personal business association and trust they receive instead of "corporate America" with their headquarters in another state.
Inflation and rising costs have been written about in various media news reports. It's here and here to stay. The nation may have a good "consumer month" followed quickly by a bad one. Americans are skittish right now. From my perspective those seeking a trend will not find one.
What can small business owners do about inflation? Where can they make cuts? The journalist interviewed several owners and they said the usual: cut staff, make current staff work harder and longer, reduce travel, and one even raised prices. One food contractor changed to lower priced cuts of meat.
Let's get creative. What else is there?
1. We all know about Skype and other means to talk over the internet. What about giving your most valued customers the means to talk to you anytime by purchasing them the application, a smart phone to have "face time" with you, or a mobile tablet? You could lease it to them for a $1.00 a year, providing they don't destroy it, etc. etc. Let them use it for other professional business purposes and of course check with your legal counsel. The idea is you and your customer have face time instead of you traveling there. And of course you need to do a cost analysis.
2. Think local. Have you really looked at your local (within a day's drive) demographics lately? What can you act on to raise your sales within a 300 mile radius of your business? Some businesses lay off during hard times. Dependent upon your situation, you may actually have to hire someone if your coverage could be better. And don't rely on old stats. Remember, stats aren't great and they certainly are bad if they are 2 years old. I mean, what was your business like in 2010?
3. Flexibility. The most expensive time for business costs is 8:00am to 5:00pm. That includes utilities such as electricity, phones, HVAC, etc. Can you change your hours of operation, even just an hour or during one season of the year? Can you have part of your staff work from home? Can part of the manufacturing process be done before/after the hours listed above? Can part be created from another location that has cheaper rent? What can be done with mobile devices? What meeting rooms are available in the community at minimum cost (for example the library)? Can I move to smaller office space and have meetings elsewhere? Can I live where I work?
Inflation and rising costs have been written about in various media news reports. It's here and here to stay. The nation may have a good "consumer month" followed quickly by a bad one. Americans are skittish right now. From my perspective those seeking a trend will not find one.
What can small business owners do about inflation? Where can they make cuts? The journalist interviewed several owners and they said the usual: cut staff, make current staff work harder and longer, reduce travel, and one even raised prices. One food contractor changed to lower priced cuts of meat.
Let's get creative. What else is there?
1. We all know about Skype and other means to talk over the internet. What about giving your most valued customers the means to talk to you anytime by purchasing them the application, a smart phone to have "face time" with you, or a mobile tablet? You could lease it to them for a $1.00 a year, providing they don't destroy it, etc. etc. Let them use it for other professional business purposes and of course check with your legal counsel. The idea is you and your customer have face time instead of you traveling there. And of course you need to do a cost analysis.
2. Think local. Have you really looked at your local (within a day's drive) demographics lately? What can you act on to raise your sales within a 300 mile radius of your business? Some businesses lay off during hard times. Dependent upon your situation, you may actually have to hire someone if your coverage could be better. And don't rely on old stats. Remember, stats aren't great and they certainly are bad if they are 2 years old. I mean, what was your business like in 2010?
3. Flexibility. The most expensive time for business costs is 8:00am to 5:00pm. That includes utilities such as electricity, phones, HVAC, etc. Can you change your hours of operation, even just an hour or during one season of the year? Can you have part of your staff work from home? Can part of the manufacturing process be done before/after the hours listed above? Can part be created from another location that has cheaper rent? What can be done with mobile devices? What meeting rooms are available in the community at minimum cost (for example the library)? Can I move to smaller office space and have meetings elsewhere? Can I live where I work?
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