Successful Blog

How Much Education Do Your Employees Need?

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Business Woman Executive ManagementYour employees are the engine that helps run your business.

With that being the case, do you feel your employees have the right amount of education at the time of hire and while they are doing their jobs?

As more and more companies are discovering, paying in full or in part to send employees back to school to further their educations can be a very beneficial move.

With technology ever-changing, many employers see a need to give their employees additional educational opportunities, allowing them to stay abreast of what is needed in contributing to businesses in today’s technological world.

So, how much education do your employees need?

Encouraging Workers to Grow

As an employer, you have myriad of responsibilities sitting on your plate day and night.

One of those responsibilities is making sure that you not only hired the best possible workforce, but that you make sure they remain on top of their work responsibilities each and every day.

But what if they’re falling behind as far as education? What happens when competitors have employees who are more advanced, especially in the area of technology? Do you run the risk as a business owner of letting the competition get the better of you?

One means whereby employers can stay on top of the latest in technology, accounting and other areas is by offering their employees the ability to continue their educations while working.

Although there can be issues with employees having enough time to work and go to school at the same time, letting workers study and gain more education online can be just the answer.

Through online accounting degree programs, employees can not only master skills necessary in the accounting field, but they can do so while not having to let their workplace responsibilities take a backseat.

If your business is open to such possibilities, there are several factors to keep in mind.

These include:

  • Support – First and foremost, make sure your employees know you fully support their efforts to further educate themselves while under your employ (whether you encourage the workers to gain more knowledge or they want to do it on their own). Some employees may feel like you will worry about them being able to juggle both work and school at the same time; this is where your support for their initiatives becomes so important.
  • Initiative – Face it; some employees need a little push from time to time. With that being the case, encourage those requiring such support to want to further their skills and knowledge. Some companies will put in place incentives for workers to increase their educations. Whether it is the ability to move up the corporate ladder or to get additional education which is essentially free, the possibilities can be endless. When you have a motivated team of employees, your business tends to do better than those just seemingly going through the motions day after day.
  • Finances – Finally, who will pay for each and every employee who wants more education to receive it? Some companies will foot the entire bill, while others will cover a portion of the expenses. In some cases, employers won’t pay for added education, but will instead offer other amenities (opportunities for additional salary and job responsibilities etc.). No matter which option your business chooses, be sure to figure out the financial end of things before signing off on online or in-person educational opportunities for your staff.

In looking at the big picture as an employer, always remember that the work world is literally changing each and every day.

As a result of this, it is important that your business stays abreast of what is necessary to outshine the competition. If you don’t stay on top of what is needed to successfully run your operation, you could find yourself and your employees watching the competition pass you by.

Lastly, always be supportive of those employees looking to learn more.

It is easy for many workers to fall into a rut and just show up on a daily basis for work.

The key is finding those employees who want to learn everything possible and more about their specific jobs.

When they do that, everyone benefits.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Will You Print More Growth Moving Forward?

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Build up a brand concept: Smiling businessman building the wordMoving your brand forward can sometimes be a challenging task.

For some companies, growing too quickly can actually lead to an early demise. Then again, when some companies grow too slowly, the same result can be equally devastating.

That said it is important as a business owner to know about how much to grow, when to try and start that growth, and when exactly to slow things down.

So, will your business print more growth moving forward?

Growing at Just the Right Pace is Crucial

So that your brand can grow at just about the right pace, print these tips up:

  • Planning – You can’t do anything in the business world (or for much of that matter in other parts of life) without having a solid plan in pace. With a solid plan in place, your business has the ability to not only grow, but sustain that growth over time. Part of that plan means keeping a close eye not only on your specific industry, but also the overall economy. Red flags such as major layoffs across the board, a slowdown in consumer buying etc. are telltale warnings of rough times. Don’t be oblivious to such warnings, heed them;
  • Services – Knowing when to bring on additional staff, when you might need to put in place a few cutbacks etc. can be challenging. Companies such as City Print Design and others in the business of promoting a company’s message through brochures, flyers, pamphlets, business cards etc. are almost always in demand for their services. The same holds true for necessities such as accounting firms, tax preparation services, healthcare services and others. The message being, some industries are almost all but assured of never ceasing to exist. That said make sure your business always works as if today could be the last day. Never take the foot off the gas in providing unparalleled service to customers the world over;
  • Technology – Another important component in growing at just the right pace is mastering technology. As technology continues to expand and play an even more dominant role in the business world, it is critical that your brand properly use it to the fullest extent. Doing so allows you to stay even with or even surpass the competition. Always look for ways to introduce more technology into your business operation, yet without compromising the core values that have made you a successful brand in the first place. Part of that technology is making sure you have a firm grasp of how the Internet can help not only grow your business now, but down the road;
  • Staff – The mention of technology a moment ago also plays into the importance of making sure your workers not only understand how to use the latest technology, but they also embrace it. While some businesses still exist and actually do okay with an old-fashioned approach to doing business (little or no Internet usage, shying away from social media, zero or little interest in mobile marketing etc.), your brand can capture even more business by encouraging your team to use the available technology out there to the fullest extent possible. In doing so, your brand will oftentimes be seen as a trendsetter, not one that is just trying to keep up with the competition;
  • Future – Lastly, while no business owners has a crystal ball to tell him or herself where their company may be 10 or even five years down the road, there should always be a desire to run one’s business as long as it is financially and feasibly possible. While some unforeseen events can certainly alter those plans at different stages, certain brands as mentioned earlier (accounting, printing, taxes, healthcare etc.) are all but guaranteed to be here many decades from now. As a result, always look at the big picture for your business. If it is a family-run company, will it likely be passed down from generation to generation? When it comes to bigger operations such as healthcare, the question oftentimes is how will technology and finances dictate procedures decades from now? No matter what your line of business, have one eye on today’s responsibilities, along with one eye on what the future holds for your growth potential.

Photo credit: BigStockphoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Marketing One of the Most Needed Legal Services

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Time For ChangeFor those going through a divorce, it can be one of the most unnerving times in their lives.

For those dealing in a divorce that involves children, property, animosity and more, the situation can be 10 times worse.

So, what role do divorce attorneys play in trying to keep both sides from going at each other?

As many divorce lawyers and attorneys will tell you, doing the most for their clients and keeping the peace are oftentimes the two biggest goals.

Finding such clients has become easier and easier for many in the legal profession over the last decade or two do much in part to better marketing efforts.

Whether it is legal websites, blog postings, content marketing, social media, the list goes on and on.

So, is your law firm doing its best to market your family law services?

Myriad of Ways to Get One’s Message Out There

For many lawyers and attorneys, the key to landing more clients is in fact through sound marketing principles, principles that involve a well-rounded approach.

Among the ways divorce lawyers and attorneys should be courting potential clients:

  • Content marketing – Whether it is through content marketing pieces on their own blogs, guest posting on other blogs of interest, press releases, white papers, the list is literally endless. By having a stellar content marketing plan in place, attorneys and lawyers have the potential to reach countless individuals (families for that matter too) in need. Once some of those individuals and/or families see the final results they can obtain, they might be noting that was the attorney who did a great job with my divorce. As a legal pro in the area of family law, make it a point to direct a sizable portion of your promotional efforts towards content marketing. While you never want to come across as trying to make a sale if you will, it is important that you make it clear in your marketing efforts as to why your firm stands above the rest;
  • Client testimonials – Some of your best marketing and advertising efforts can come right from the mouths of those you have helped. Client testimonials are about as good as it gets for a law firm in terms of telling potential clients why one divorce court expert is better than the others. In putting together client testimonials, you obviously want permission from any participant you consider to go in front of the camera or provide a quote for a publication. Anything that may come across as possibly being coerced etc. will not only look bad, it could damage your reputation in the legal field;
  • Video promotions – Along with the above-mentioned client testimonials, more law firms are coming to realize that video promotions can be another winning form of marketing. Allowing potential clients the opportunity to get to know you and your staff better certainly can’t hurt. The video doesn’t have to be long (in fact it should not be long and drawn out). Simply tell a story as to why your law firm is the best choice for those in need of legal services when it comes to divorce proceedings. Finally, be sure to include pertinent members of your firm in the video, allowing potential clients to put a face with a name or voice they speak with on the phone etc.

Family law can of course be both exciting and contentious at times.

That said lawyers and attorneys in this line of practice know that there are plenty of people in need of such services, not to mention plenty of legal pros nationwide looking to score their business.

Always remember as a divorce attorney to focus on demonstrating through myriad of marketing and advertising means why your law firm is a notch above the competition.

Sure, you certainly are not going to land every consumer out there in need of family law services, but you will attain your fair share when you stick to good marketing principles and of course stellar customer service initiatives.

Simply put, you are one of the most needed legal services out there.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business and marketing services on the web.

 

Is a Leader Emerging Within Your Company?

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Old New Life Future Past Goals Success Decision ChangeHow do you know if you have a budding leader or leaders within your company ranks?

In some cases, that individual or individuals will emerge from the ranks right before your eyes in no time at all. In other instances, the employee will take time (perhaps even years) to fully blossom.

No matter how leaders emerge under your guise, it is important that you give as many employees as possible the opportunity to work their way up the company ladder.

In doing so, you enable them to chart their courses for not only leadership opportunities within your company, but perhaps elsewhere.

So, as 2016 nears the halfway point, is a leader emerging within your company?

Why Leaders Are Important to Your Brand

Some employers may look at their rosters and feel like there is no one willing to step up to the plate and become the next leader within the ranks.

Others, meantime, see the talent they have onboard and note that any number of candidates could easily be a department manager in no time.

So, how do you encourage your staff to take their work games to the next level?

Among the ways to go about this:

  1. Encouragement – It is so easy at times to point out the wrong things that your employees do. Instead of taking a pessimistic view of things in the workplace, always do your best to be positive. Sure, constructive criticism is always necessary and should always be part of your company’s blueprint. That said don’t allow the criticism to take on negative tones. When you encourage your employees to strive for excellence, you will typically get more effort out of them than if you always pinpoint the bad stuff;
  2. Incentives – When employees are incentivized to strive for things in the workplace, they typically will provide you with even better efforts on a daily basis. Even though it is fine to offer a little friendly competition amongst employees, don’t turn it into a knockdown brawl. Encourage teamwork (see more below) and putting heads together to solve problems, especially as they relate to customers and their needs. One of the incentives you can offer is taking a customer problem, then bringing all company heads (in that related department) together to fix it. For example, if you have a customer feeling like the accounting team is not working with them on a payment issue, sit down as a team and figure out the best response. It could be someone lower down on the accounting totem pole that actually comes up with the best means to solve the problem. Make sure he or she is rewarded in doing just that. All voices in a select department should be heard, not just the individual who is wearing the title of manager or supervisor ;
  3. Speakers – Remember when you were in school and you would have guest speakers come in to speak to your class on a wide variety of topics? Business owners are best-served when they do the same. Whether it is someone like Michelle Stacy, a woman who has been focused on putting together first-rate cultures in companies, or Dana Perino, a woman who knows all about the importance of communication having served as a White House press secretary, make sure you tap some of the best minds out there. Bringing this kind of talent to speak to your employees can not only benefit them, but also allow them to hear from outsiders as to why their roles with your company are in fact so important;
  4. Unity – Finally, how much of an effort do you put into encouraging unity and teamwork in your business? If you’ve been a little lax in this department as of late, alter that thinking as you move forward. Your team is just that, a team. Yes, some individuals will shine more than others (there is nothing wrong with that). That said always do your best to stress unity in the office. This is not only true while everyone is working, but it can carry over outside the workplace too. From get-togethers after work to even an occasional weekend retreat, treating your employees as one big family can go a long way in making your brand the best it can be.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

 

 

Is Your Business Coming up Short in the Cash Department?

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Man using scissors to remove the word can't to read I can do itRunning your business might seem at times like more challenges than it is worth.

That said always remember why you likely got into business in the first place.

For many business owners, it was to grow something they created, allowing them to be their own boss and make some money along the way.

Ah, the money part.

In many instances, it is the lack of money that leads one to have to close down their businesses sooner rather than later.

So, take a look at your business operations to see if you’re in fact coming up short in the cash department.

Meet Financial Challenges Head-on

So that you can meet any financial challenges head-on, remember these tips in running your own business:

  • Don’t get in over your head financially – The biggest risk one takes in starting and running their own business is getting in over their heads financially. As an example, someone wanting to open a small eatery takes out a significant loan, not to mention taps into some of his or her savings, perhaps even gets family or friends (see more below) to invest in this dream entrepreneurship. In doing so, they must hope that the establishment does well sooner rather than later. In the event it does not, they could find themselves in severe financial difficulties and not even turn a profit along the way. If you are in need of fast cash for your business, it is important that you check around to see which establishment will give you the best deal, that is a deal that does not leave you handcuffed when it comes to your overall financial health. In the event your business is doing well and it might be time to expand, the same rules of commonsense apply when seeking cash. Always make sure you do your research before settling on a financial establishment to provide you with the cash infusion your business needs;
  • Family and friends – Some soon-to-be or struggling small business owners are inclined to turn towards family and/or friends for a financial investment in their business at some point. So, is this a smart or bad decision to make? On the plus side, you know where the money may be coming from. There is also more likelihood that someone close to you is not going to charge you an arm and a leg in possible interest fees. On the down side, there is always the possibility that such a financial arrangement could curtail a close relationship in the event things go bad and/or you are slow to pay them back the money they loaned or invested in you. Even when it is someone close to you, be sure to draw up an official contract when an exchange of money takes place. In doing so, you acknowledge that the person or persons have loaned or invested money in your business, just as a financial provider would be doing. If something goes wrong, it is imperative that those who helped you get all of their money back;
  • Recognize red flags and react – Finally, just about every small business goes through some ups-and-downs along the way. That said it is important that business owners know what red flags to be on the lookout for. A nosedive in the overall economy can be the first harbinger of bad tidings to come. Keep in mind that when the economy heads south, consumers typically have less money to spend. With less money to spend, they are less inclined to go on buying sprees. For example, if your small business is running a small eatery, one of the first things consumers typically cut back on when the economy is down is going out to eat. Another red flag is when food prices start to going up rather quickly. Lastly, if your health insurance costs to cover you and your employees suddenly explode, this can be another sign of trouble on the horizon. Always keep your ears and eyes focused on the overall economy and what is happening in the real world.

Running a small business is one of life’s greatest dreams for millions of people.

If you are one of them, do you have the business savvy to make your cash flow?

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

More Lawyers Becoming Adept at the Internet

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bigstock--125544251Would you be surprised to learn that more and more legal professionals are using the Internet to their advantage?

While that statement may surprise some, many others are not in the least bit surprised to hear such a thing.

As businesses continue to see all the Internet can do for their brands, law offices are certainly not standing on the sidelines. In fact, many lawyers are using their websites and social media on a daily basis, hoping to attract more clients in their time of need.

That said how can would-be clients reach out to lawyers, hoping to find those best suited to handle their respective cases?

Web and Social Media Getting Thumbs up Verdict

As more lawyers head over to the web and social networking venues to state their cases as to why individuals (and families for that matter) should choose them in their time of need, the former should keep these items in mind to present their best case:

  • Where to go? – The first question that someone in the legal arena will likely have when venturing over to the Internet is where should they start? While a formidable website is of course important for one’s brand, it is also quite beneficial to have a regular presence on social media. To start with the website, make sure if you’re not capable of putting it together and/or running it, you find someone who is. Even though having a website is great, one that is put together in sloppy fashion, along with not really serving a purpose to the public, is quite frankly a waste of your time and that of the public. You may choose to outsource such I.T. needs and find an individual or company specializing in website construction and website marketing. Just make sure you have a website that is not only productive for the public, but that is also secure. In today’s world of identity theft and other online issues, you need to make sure your site is as secure as it can possibly be;
  • Social networking is a bonus – As important as having a solid website in the legal field is, whether you are Scheiner Law in Houston or one of the many other law firms out there, it is also a good idea to put social media to work for you. Your social media efforts can also be done by outside sources if you neither have the time or expertise for such efforts. Don’ try and be too many things for too many people right off the bat. For example, if you specialize in DWI cases, there is not a specific social site obviously catering to that problem that will bring you instant business. On the other hand, having a Twitter and/or Facebook profile, you can tweet and share posts with hashtags such as #legal, #DWI, #DrinkingandDriving, #findalawyer and more. When you do that, each of your posts where you added those hashtags will end up in the respective category. Lastly, make sure you do not forget how important LinkedIn is to your law firm. The most popular of sites on social media for professionals, LinkedIn, can be great for bringing more awareness to your firm. Be sure you periodically update your LinkedIn profile, giving the public the latest information about your firm, cases you have been involved in, any new hires to the firm etc. As you can see there is a treasure-trove of opportunities waiting for you when you put social media to work for your firm.

While just about every lawyer will tell you that their top priority is making sure their clients get a fair trial (and hopefully the case goes their way), more in the legal field are learning how much of a role the Internet plays in bringing business their way.

When lawyers apply the time and effort to promoting their services with both a sound website and solid social media promotions, the possibilities for landing new business are endless.

If you are a lawyer looking for more of a presence on the Internet, start today to see how adept you can become at working the worldwide web to your advantage.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business and marketing topics on the web.