Don’t be naive about employee expenses

A yearly audit from your CPA cannot – and should not – be replaced by internal auditing. But during the year, keep a trained eye on your company’s expense accounts. That’s an important step that can avert problems and bring savings to your company. After all, there is...

New managers need grooming to succeed

The job of recruiting new managers does not end with the new hire – or the promotion from within. It begins there. It is now up to you to groom your new manager for success. Grooming managers is a hands-on, proactive process. Kicking back will not get the job done. In...

How to write focus group questions

Customer focus groups can provide clues for increasing sales and revenue, but only if you ask the right questions. Here are some tips for coming up with a first-rate list of questions for your groups. Decide on the objectives for your focus groups. What are you trying...

Don’t avoid subject of succession planning

We’ve all heard the news. The Baby Boomers have begun turning 65, the traditional retirement age. Over the next 19 years, all the Baby Boomers will hit that milestone. While not everyone wants to retire at that magic age, it is a reminder that time is ticking by...

Your Energy Credit May Be All Used Up

The nonbusiness energy property tax credit was extended for one year by Congress in the December tax bill. It allows homeowners a credit for the cost of making certain energy-efficient home improvements. But before you make a qualifying purchase during 2011, be sure...