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ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to Richmond on May 6.

ActionCOACH Chairman and Founder Brad Sugars

ActionCOACH Founder and CEO Brad Sugars offers free lecture for business owners on surviving economic “fall” and “winter” to succeed in economic “spring” and “summer”

RICHMOND, VA; …

Double-digit unemployment rates. Corporate bailouts. Foreclosures and slumping residential and commercial real estate markets.

So how can anyone truly say, “business is booming”?

Brad Sugars, founder and Chairman of ActionCOACH, the world’s number business coaching firm, says exactly that, and tells both why and how when his North American “Business is Booming” tour comes to the Greater Richmond Convention Center on May 6.

“History tells us that more money is made during economic downturns than during booms and that for every 10-month downturn is a 50-month boom,” said Sheri Winesett, ActionCOACH franchise owner in Richmond, Virginia. “Brad’s message is that the companies can prepare for the next boom by cutting costs, developing good lead generation strategies and implementing effective marketing programs that deliver A- and B-level customers that will thrive in any economy.”

In addition to an explanation of why business is indeed booming, Sugars will also discuss 28 proven strategies to massively grow any type of business during his three-hour presentation.

Widely acclaimed as the world’s number one Business Coach, Sugars founded ActionCOACH in 1993 after successfully owning and or running more than 30 businesses in his native Australia. Today, ActionCOACH is ranked as the world’s leading international business coaching firm, with more than 1,000 offices in 26 countries.

A best-selling author of 14 highly acclaimed business books – including four international best-sellers – Sugars has taught nearly a half-million people worldwide how to create business, real estate and financial success.

“Brad Sugars is to business coaching what Tony Robbins has been to the personal development industry,” continued Winesett. “With his ‘Business is Booming’ tour, he’s literally giving away his years of successful business knowledge and expertise. It’s a message every small business owner in the greater Richmond should want to hear.”

To register for the May 6 event at the Greater Richmond Convention center (located at 403 North 3rd Street in Richimond), simply visit http://businessisbooming.com.

There’s no charge to register, admission is free. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. with a 30-minute networking period prior to Sugars’ presentation.  

To find out additional dates and venues for the “Business is Booming” North American tour, please go to http://businessisbooming.com.

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Operating in 26 countries, the franchise has more than 1,000 offices around the world. That includes locations in the six states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Florida (Coral Gables, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, North Miama, Palm Harbor, Pensacola Beach and Tallahassee); Louisiana (Baton Route, Loranger, Mandeville, New Orleans and Shreveport); Maryland (Baltimore, Freeland, Fallston, Manchester, Rockland, Silver Spring); and Mississippi (Madison).

Founded in 1993, the ActionCOACH has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction, Best Overall Company and has been named the number one business coaching franchise for more than five years running.

To learn more about ActionCOACH, contact Karen Boyd, www.karenboyd.actioncoach.comwww.karenboyd.actioncoach.com, (410) 374-3536.

ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to Richmond on May 6.Read More

Your new travel guide…Mike Antonio opens Resort Maps franchise for lower Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia.

KILMARNOCK, VIRGINIA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 95 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Kilmarnock resident Mike Antonio as the new owner of the new map to be published for Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at rest and travel information areas as well by advertisers. The Best of the Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula Map will highlight local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, marinas, real estate and other services on the two peninsulas. Each advertiser on the map will be represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate.

“Other than a regular old highway map, there are no maps for this area that give tourists and visitors an idea of all that this area has to offer,” said Antonio. “Our new map, which we anticipate issuing over the summer, will really be the best resource for visitors to our area.”

A graphic designer by trade, Antonio has owned and operated Mike Antonio Graphics for the past five years. He sees the two businesses as complementary.

“Obviously having knowledge of graphic design is a real advantage in creating a map,” said Antonio. “The real advantage for me is I have been part of the local business community over the last several years and know the landscape of the area.”

A graduate of Mary Washington College, Antonio holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in art. Married, he and his wife Kelly live in Kilmarnock with their three sons.

The Best of the Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula map will offer a treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps will be on display at local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the Bay and “Rivah” region.

The Northern Neck map will also be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to all 95+ resort areas that Resort Maps covers. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

For information on how to advertise on the initial Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula map, you can e-mail Mike Antonio at mikea@resortmaps.com.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 95 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Your new travel guide…Mike Antonio opens Resort Maps franchise for lower Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia.Read More

Carol Nemet Curran named Loan Officer at Advanced Mortgage Services.

DATELINE: NORWELL and PLYMOUTH, MA…
Advanced Mortgage Services recently announced the appointment of Carol Nemet Curran as a Licensed Loan Officer. Advanced Mortgage Services, with offices in Norwell and Plymouth, MA, is a full service mortgage company offering a wide range of financing programs tailored to meet each customer’s needs.

As a Loan Officer at Advanced Mortgage Services, Nemet Curran will draw on her extensive experience in the mortgage industry, ranging from loan origination to risk assessment and underwriting activities. In addition, Nemet Curran has also been actively involved in the marketing, technical, and educational aspects of the mortgage industry.

Before joining Advanced Mortgage Services, Nemet Curran most recently served as Senior Loan Officer/Marketing Representative at Consolidated Mortgage Services, Inc.

Nemet Curran received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a Graduate Certificate from the Program for Women in Politics and Public Policy at the McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She is a dedicated advocate for mental health care services for children and is actively involved at the State House. In her free time, she is also devoted to her artistic passion as a professional photographer.

A native of Weymouth, MA, Nemet Curran resides with her husband and son in Kingston, MA.

Advanced Mortgage Services LLC
Advanced Mortgage Services LLC was founded as a mortgage lending company in 2005 by Michele Comer and her husband Brian Thomas Comer who is a financial services professional with more than 13 years experience in the South Shore real estate market. Advanced Mortgage Services is a full service mortgage company that values and nurtures long-term customer relationships, providing options and solutions with maximum benefit and genuine concern for their customer’s interests.

Advanced Mortgage Services team of loan officers maintains rigorous licensing requirements set by the Massachusetts Division of Banks and is committed to upholding the highest standards in the mortgage industry while offering customers the best possible solution for any mortgage-related needs.

Advanced Mortgage Services, which is an active participant in many community events and organizations throughout the South Shore, is located at 335 Washington Street in Norwell, MA 02061 and has an additional office at 25 Main Street in Plymouth, MA 02360.

For additional information on services offered by Advanced Mortgage Services please call 781-659-6555, 508-747-9520, or 888-665-6345, or visit www.ams-loan.com. A Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Lender, Advanced Mortgage Services is a fully insured and licensed Massachusetts Mortgage Lender and Mortgage Broker (license #MC3702.)

Carol Nemet Curran named Loan Officer at Advanced Mortgage Services.Read More

Interior Designer Nancy Werneken Joins Masters Touch of Medfield

Masters Touch of Medfield, a one-stop-shop providing architectural, design and construction services, recently announced that renowned interior designer Nancy Werneken has joined their talented team.

Ms. Werneken has many years of full-service design and project management experience. Previous to joining Masters Touch, Ms. Werneken owned and operated Medfield Interior Design Showroom, a full-service interior design firm, for nine years. She also worked at a national advertising agency, Ross Roy Advertising, Inc., as the Art Director and as an Account Executivefor a number of years before becoming an entrepreneur.

Ms. Werneken holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Central Michigan University and a certificate in Interior Design from Rhode Island School of Design. One of her first notable accomplishments as an interior designer was designing the Media Room at the Tara Drive Showhouse in Norwell, MA. She is an Industry Partner member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

“Nancy provides sound design recommendations, color coordination and visual concepts in the form of hand drawings, sketches and 2 and 3-dimensional scaled renderings. Our clients don’t need to visualize their new space because Nancy has the capability to provide presentation boards that show clients their new space – complete with carpentry, lighting, paint colors, window treatments, fabrics and so on. We’re very pleased to welcome Nancy to our team,” noted Doug Masters, president of Masters Touch.

A native of Grosse Pointe, MI, Ms. Werneken is a resident of Medfield, MA.
The Masters Touch
Masters Touch is a full service design/build and remodeling contractor. Renowned for their masterful, high quality work, Masters Touch has been named to Qualified Remodeler magazine’s Top 500 List for the past two years. With a team of more than 50, including architects, interior designers and project managers all working together, Masters Touch can handle all of a client’s home building or improvement projects and provide expert guidance to DIY folks.

Masters Touch was founded by Doug Masters in 1997. From high-end design and build projects; kitchen and bath renovations; exterior painting, roofing and siding projects to flooring, interior painting and decorating projects, Masters Touch caters to homeowners throughout the Metrowest area.

Masters Touch is a Showcase Priority Dealer for Hunter Douglas and offers professional design and installation service. The one-stop interior design and home improvement shop also offers Marvin and Harvey windows; six lines of custom and semi-custom cabinetry; over 150 types of granite and Corian countertops; paint; carpet; hardwood and tile flooring; home theater design and installation and much more.

The company offers written warranties on all their work. Masters Touch is located on Route 109 in Medfield, MA. For more information contact 508-359-5900, e-mail info@masterstouchweb.com or visit www.masterstouchweb.com.

Interior Designer Nancy Werneken Joins Masters Touch of MedfieldRead More

Can you say something nice about an ex…Does recommending former employees for social media and job sites open the door to possible litigation?

BOSTON, MASS.

It’s a natural occurrence in today’s economy. Companies downsize and employees are let go. As a parting gesture, the supervisor or manager offers to write a recommendation on LinkedIn, Monster or another social media site. While this may seem harmless, does it make the company vulnerable to a possible wrongful termination suit? Or perhaps another kind of lawsuit (e.g. age, gender, reverse discrimination).

It’s quite possible.

“When companies downsize, it’s natural to want to help former employees out to find a new position,” said Kerry Ryan, a member at Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. “What happens in many situations is the former employee’s job search goes on for a while and they start to wonder why they were let go and so-and-so was not. Having a glowing recommendation from their supervisor only feeds the fire that they were wrongly terminated and that’s where lawsuits arise.”

So what should a company do?

“There are some basic steps that can help protect a company,” says Ryan. “You need to balance the desire to help out a former employee with the realities of potential litigation.”

For starters, companies could:

  • Require any online recommendations to be reviewed and signed off on by a point person (e.g. director of human resources, company executive).  All requests by telephone for a recommendation should be referred to the same point person.
  • Adopt a company-wide policy barring employees from giving written recommendations for either current or former employees on a non-company Web site. This will give the supervisor a legitimate reason to tell the departing employee that the supervisor can’t give the requested recommendation.  The policy may help the supervisor out of a difficult situation. 
  • Provide additional career counseling and other outplacement services in lieu of online recommendations.
  • A supervisor could call other people in the industry suggesting that they interview the departing employee.  These introductions may be more valuable than a written reference on a networking site.

 “It used to be ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’. When it comes to recommending one of your former employees on LinkedIn or other social media sites, saying something nice could open the door to litigation,” said Ryan.

About Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.:

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients.  Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law and business transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, municipal law, and hospitality law.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com. 

 

Can you say something nice about an ex…Does recommending former employees for social media and job sites open the door to possible litigation?Read More

Scandex Announces New Veterinary Division

Scandex, LLC, one of the largest providers of Swedish ergonomic chairs and stools in the U.S. and Canada, has recently launched a new Veterinary Division to cater to the unique seating requirements of veterinarians and their staff.

Scandex is the top of the mind choice for veterinarians the world over. Vet practitioners who require superb back/lumbar support to help minimize lower back problems and reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders turn to Scandex. Veterinary professionals will be “sitting pretty” in Scandex Swedish ergonomic chairs and stools, which are designed for correct seating so the lumbar area is supported and the spine maintains the proper “S” position.

The most popular office staff seating is the Bruno Ergonomic Office Chair Series 300. The Björn Ergonomic Saddle Stool Series 400/600 helps to alleviate fatigue from standing for long periods at the examining/treatment table, thanks to positioning a veterinarian or technician closer to an animal which reduces overall strain on the back, shoulders and neck muscles. This type of upright, seated support is particularly helpful during surgical procedures.

The Björn Ergonomic Saddle Stool may be adjusted to proper height and tilt. Sitting on the Björn Swedish Ergonomic Saddle Stool with the angle between the torso and the legs (thigh portion) at 135 degrees (a 45-degree angle to the floor) automatically positions the body in a posture-perfect manner, even without a back support.

“Prolonged static, awkward positions are the most critical risk factor for causing debilitating back, shoulder and neck pain,” explained Sven Emilsson, Director of Sales at Scandex.

He continued, “Veterinarians and their staff understand this very well and the demand for our Swedish ergonomic seating has increased significantly so much so that we have developed a new division to cater to their specific needs.”

Veterinarians Can “Build” their own Ergonomic Chair

Scandex recently launched the second generation of their website, http://www.scandex.us which provides veterinary practitioners with a Selection Guide that provides guidelines for utilization of Scandex’s Swedish ergonomic chairs and stools in various settings. Scandex sales representatives are happy to help to “build a chair or stool to preference. Veterinarians may also take advantage of Scandex’s special “Rent-A-Chair” option.

To speak with a Veterinary Division sales representative contact 1-888-245-1367 or visit www.Scandex.us.

Scandex – A Uniquely Different Way of Sitting

Scandex, LLC is one of the nation’s largest providers of Swedish ergonomic chairs and stools. Renowned for their Bruno Swedish Ergonomic Office Chair and Björn Swedish Ergonomic Saddle Stool, the company provides equestrian style seating that is designed to eliminate positions of poor posture. For more than a decade, Scandex has been improving the seated posture of dentists, assistants, hygienists, doctors, podiatrists, veterinary professionals, business professionals, seniors and others.

Scandex is headquartered in Newton, MA. For more information, contact 1-888-245-1367 or visit their website at www.scandex.us.

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New England Based Bearing Company Cuts Costs with Green Initiative

Boston based Action Bearing is saving big bucks each month and they attribute it to their latest green initiative.

Action Bearing, providers of bearings and related products to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets throughout New England, decided to seek a more environmentally-friendly way to package each shipment of bearings and related products. The company invested in a $1,300 machine that recycles cardboard boxes by shredding and converting them into packing materials. Now, instead of expensive bubble wrap, Action Bearing packs most of their shipments in this environmentally friendly, biodegradable cardboard “fluff”. The bottom line? Not only is it better for the environment, but the company reduced their overall packaging costs by $500 to $1000 per month.

“We’ve obtained significant cost savings, upwards of $12,000 per year by simply seeking ‘greener’ alternatives. Had we been aware of this great technology, we would’ve incorporated it years ago,” noted Steve Katz, the company’s president.

Paper-Free Online Comprehensive Bearings Catalog

Action Bearing has also taken measures to reduce new paper consumption. They have recently launched a sophisticated new website that features an online catalog of more than three million bearings and related parts which can also be downloaded and saved to a PC/laptop and used as a reference guide. Spec sheets, conversion charts and more are available online at ActionBearing.com.

The Action Bearing Difference

In a proud tradition, the same families that started the company in 1957 keep Action Bearing rolling by specializing in bearings for OEM and MRO markets in New England. Action Bearing has a staff of 22 and a 23,000 square foot facility to provide bearings ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants.

Action Bearing offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over three million bearings; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Action Bearing has become the area’s leading provider of bearings to OEM and MRO markets.

Action Bearing maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, contact 617-782-1400 or toll free, 800-225-4587, email info@ActionBearing.com or visit www.ActionBearing.com

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Elder Care Expo to be Held on April 13th in Brockton

Older adults and caregivers are invited to attend an Elder Care Expo which will be held on April 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Brockton Council on Aging, located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

The Elder Care Expo, which is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Family Caregiver Support Program and Elder Education Community Outreach (EECO) is a free event that is open to the public. OCES and EECO’s goal is to broaden community awareness of the resources available to seniors and caregivers while promoting good health & well-being.

The event will feature resource exhibits and free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose and hearing. There will be give-aways and raffles. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Rochelle Sugarman, who is the Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES will speak to attendees about “Finding the Balance in Caregiving”. Shawn Smith, OCES’ Nutrition Program Director will also speak on the topic of how to “Enjoy a Balanced Diet on a Balanced Budget”.

Every guest will receive an EECO Resource Guide for Older Adults. For more information, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Rodman & Rodman CPA Offers Tips for Small Businesses on How to Avoid the Mistakes of “Big Business”

Can a smaller business make the mistakes that behemoths Chrysler and GM did? According to Larry Rice, CPA who is Director of Strategic Consulting at Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists, small businesses can certainly make those mistakes, just on a smaller scale.

According to Rice, “Many of the problems that plague huge multinational corporations are often the same problems entrepreneurial-type businesses face. We can see on a national basis what happens when businesses take their eye off the ball. Small businesses cannot afford to make these mistakes…there’s no government bail-out for small business.”

Rice offers small businesses owners tips on how to grow and flourish as the market recovers:

Always be aware of your competitors and their plans. Many of the problems that Chrysler and GM face today could have been avoided with an aggressive plan to address their Japanese competitors 30+ years ago. By not addressing costs, quality and management/labor relations aggressively, they left the door open for foreign competition to get a foothold that should have been much more difficult to obtain. Small business owners MUST periodically (at least annually) sit down and do a competitive analysis of your industry. Look at your competitors’ advantages and determine whether you need to do something now to address it. If you have lost business to your competition, find out exactly the reason they left. Do NOT assume you know why, ask them directly if possible. If you hear a trend of reasons, you better take action quickly.

Project your cash flow. What’s the difference between GM and Chrysler and Ford (who did not have government intervention)? Ford better understood the predicament it was in from a cash flow perspective more than two years ago. At that time, Ford mortgaged everything for cash in what it saw then as a fight for long-term survival. Nothing is certain moving forward, but Ford has thus far weathered the storm, while making small market share gains and important investments in new vehicles and technology which will keep the business moving forward. As a small business owner, it’s important to project cash flow forward, at least six months, and update your cash flow projection monthly, so that you will have an early warning system in place to help you take steps to avoid the catastrophe of running out of money.

Your team is not your enemy. Animus between management and labor has only recently been turned around in the automobile industry so that everyone has begun working together towrard common goals. They still have a long way to go, which only proves that implementing a management-by-fear-and-intimidation ideology (or for that matter letting your employees run the place) will get you nowhere. Often, it is your non-skilled employees who will come up with the best ideas on how to improve business processes. Treat them poorly and you’ll get nothing beyond the bare minimum of effort. Small business owners take heed and include your team in strategy sessions and obtain feedback from them constantly.

Perception is reality. It’s imperative for small business owners to understand customer perception because that is the reality of your relationship with them. If it is good, you can ask for referrals and ask them to buy more and so on. If it is poor, you must begin to repair that perception with some excellent reality. But, first, feedback must be solicited from them. This can be done via personal conversations, surveys (preferably anonymous to get the greatest amount of truth), customer advisory boards, any number of methods. Americans perceive things about American maker vehicles which are no longer true in many cases. Certain American cars have equal and in some cases better quality construction than their foreign competitors. As you can see, it has been very difficult for American makers to get that message across. Small business owners need to communicate positively, proactively and frequently with customers. This enables you to shape their perceptions and avoid being a business victim.

Rice is a CPA and business development guru who works with a wide range of small to mid-sized businesses at Rodman & Rodman. Rice’s expertise lies in profit improvement strategies, performance measurement, information system analysis and improvement as well as strategic visioning and planning. He is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their short and long term goals. He has been featured on Bloomberg Radio, CN8-TV and other media outlets.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com

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