How to use data collected by VoIP systems to build business strategies
VoIP phone systems offer companies the opportunity to gather data on phone usage and gauge employee performance, or even develop revenue-generating strategies.
Tips from today’s top companies on developing and utilizing your workforce
Having the right people on-board who can grow and contribute is central to the success of any company. But competition for the best and brightest is high.
How Kent Elastomer earned its employees’ trust and saved itself in the process
Lean manufacturing, the ubiquitous process-efficiency practice, is fairly common. Thousands of companies use it and its results are well-proven. For Kent Elastomer Products Inc., a manufacturer of latex and thermoplastics, the lean principle became a lifeline that, without which, could have meant its end. But before it could implement the practices it was so convinced […]
Employees whose humanity is valued will never feel like rats in a maze
The rat race. I’ve heard the phrase a hundred times, but never understood how it came to mean our tiresome work life. Turns out it is an analogy to lab rats racing through a maze, expending great effort running around, but ultimately achieving nothing. I am fortunate to have a career that I love, one […]
Olivia Wakeling sees the person, not the disease at Stewart’s Caring Place
Stewart’s Caring Place is a resource for cancer support services, providing hope and compassion to patients and caregivers. Olivia Wakeling, executive director, says too often nonprofit organizations are mired in program guidelines, eligibility and other restrictions that sometimes prevent a successful outcome. At Stewart’s, the aim is to set that aside and help people heal […]
The company holiday party — what could go wrong?
Deck the halls with boughs of holly and don your ugly sweater because ’tis the season to be jolly — at the company holiday party.
Partnering with third-party specialists can often improve customer service and operational efficiencies
Even the highest-level managers in certain businesses find it almost blasphemous to talk about partnering with other entities to accomplish activities that they have been doing for years. The discussion usually finds its way to someone stating that paying someone else to do work currently done in-house would reduce profit. Although such an assertion could […]
Keith Greggor revitalizes Anchor Brewing’s iconic brand
Anchor Brewing was a forebearer of the modern microbrewery and the No. 1 brand of craft beer in 1990. But in 2010, it’s flagship brand had fallen.
Planning is critical to a sale you can feel good about well beyond closing
While business owners strategically plan for growth and other key initiatives, when it comes to selling a business, preparation is often lacking among those who are nearing the next phase of life.
There’s still time to make a lasting impact with your charitable donation
While many charities can benefit from a one-time gift, donating through a community foundation can extend the impact of a donation and meet year-end tax deadlines.