With contracts, know what you’re agreeing to before you sign

Typically there’s conflict between obtaining business (sales) and managing risk. Instead, of having your sales force promising anything and everything to get a deal, Arthur J. Gallagher’s Alan Pepoy shares how to minimize contract risk before it significantly affects your bottom line.

Friend or foe? Employers struggle to find the FMLA answer

The Family and Medical Leave Act took effect to help balance workplace demands with the medical needs of employees and their families, but many employers feel powerless to stop FMLA abuse. Douglas Fleisner of JRG Advisors discusses solutions for the concerns employers have about the FMLA.

Weighing the potential of wearable fitness technology

Devices that measure physical activity, heart rate, caloric expenditure and other biometric measures — wearable fitness technology — hold the promise of dramatically changing the face of the health care industry, says Stephen T. Doyle of UPMC Health Plan. But this innovation is not without risks.

Is emoji marketing OK?

Seventy-six percent of American workers admit to using emojis in professional communication, according to a research study by mobile messaging company Cotap. Just about everyone (92 percent) said they use emojis in personal communication.

How to secure your retirement plan in a volatile market

When the market is volatile, it makes investors nervous. This is especially true with those close to retirement, who face pressures to pay for their children’s college or take care of elderly parents. Michael Fertig of Fragasso Financial Advisors discusses retirement security during volatile markets.

Angel investors vs. venture capital funds

I am always frustrated by comments that “limit and label” angel investors and venture capitalists by simple definition. These labels tend to categorically define them as two simple and separate buckets of capital deployed for different purposes.