How to send a strong message through events

Whether the purpose of an event is to strengthen the company brand or deliver a message from the internal team, every detail of the event must be handled with care. The signage, décor, centerpieces, handouts and every other element of the event is a reflection of the company’s ability and reinforces its approach to business, says Rock The House’s Matt Radicelli.

How to determine if a captive program is right for your company

Any company with good cash flow that’s looking to reduce its insurance costs should explore a captive insurance program. These programs can cover all the same risks as a traditional insurance program — workers’ compensation, automotive, employee benefits, etc. — while offering an opportunity to customize coverage, says Imprise Financial’s Andrew Seger.

Fake news has been around longer than you think

In 1769, John Adams wrote in his diary that he’d spent the evening in “a curious employment. Cooking up paragraphs, articles, occurrences, etc. — working the political engine!” Adams along with his cousin, Sam, and other Boston patriots were planting false and exaggerated stories to undermine British authority in Massachusetts. In other words, fake news. […]

These three steps can keep your business on the right path

As leaders, we are busy in our business. We need to count on the team around us to do their jobs without close supervision or distractions from company goals. To get the most out of our staff and ensure they are prepared to perform at their best, it boils down to three critical areas. Trust […]

When it comes to investing, patience is a virtue

Investors benefit from developing their own checklists based on their own criteria, experiences and circles of competence. I consider myself a value investor. In “The Little Book of Value Investing” author Christopher H. Browne writes, “The beauty of value investing is its logical simplicity. It is based on two principles: What’s it worth (intrinsic value), […]

How businesses can improve their chances of getting a loan

Financing a business takes research, preparation and patience. No matter how small or large a business is, when meeting with a bank to secure a loan, business owners should be able to present plans, strategies and goals as clearly as possible, says Northwest Bank’s Cheryl Madsen.

How the design of your space can impact the bottom line

Companies like Google, Pandora and Apple sport colorful, hip headquarters that capture who they are and what they do. Now more than ever, business owners of companies of all sizes and sectors are grappling with the changing workplace, says Bialosky Cleveland’s Tracy Sciano Vajskop.

Companies must hone their interview process to land the best candidates

Some employers have a very effective interviewing process and are adept at identifying the best candidates for open positions. Others, however, struggle. The problem most organizations have is a lack of structure and coordination in their interview process, says Paul Brown, a branch manager at Nesco Resource.

Succession planning relies on the passing of knowledge

My 26-year-old son, Eric, made me a very happy man when he joined my company six months ago. He had worked part time for Visual Marking Systems Inc. throughout high school and during summers while attending college. Therefore, he knows the basic manufacturing processes and products. My goal is for him to have an in-depth […]