How to take your VoIP conversion at your own pace
Overhauling an office phone system is often a necessary part of growing, improving and updating an organization’s technology. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a common upgrade that offers a variety of options to fit a business’ needs, whether it has a small, medium or large employee base. Each VoIP system can be custom built […]
How GOJO has made sustainability a business imperative
GOJO Industries Inc. was one of five 2013 Summit of Sustainability Award (SOSA) winners, an award that recognizes companies for their sustainability efforts. The awards acknowledge organizations that are helping to fulfill the SOSA mission of introducing green best practices to Summit County’s business community, showing the value of the triple bottom line: People-Planet-Prosperity through […]
Joe Takash: Three keys to get you focused on the real issues holding back your business
Do these terms sound familiar? ■ Vision ■ Strategy ■ Quality ■ Mission ■ Commitment Come on, you can admit it. Aren’t there times when corporate-speak makes you nauseous? Don’t get me wrong; I live in the corporate world. It’s from there where my bread is buttered and bills are paid. Yet, those running the […]
How the ACA could change Ohio workers’ compensation
Although it appears the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was not intended to affect the workers’ compensation system, it may influence it. Ohio may be less likely to experience some of the hypothetical outcomes discussed for other states, but there is a correlation and potential impact. Smart Business spoke with David D. Kessler, medical director at […]
How InStep Software grew from a startup to a global provider
John Kalanik, Jim Chappell and Tony Maurer brought a lot of engineering experience to the table when they launched InStep Software in the mid-1990s. In those early days, the company’s co-founders focused on solving engineering problems with software solutions. “The Internet was really starting to take off,” says Kalanik, the company’s president. “We knew there […]
How companies can improve security of sensitive data
It’s difficult to protect your data when you don’t know where it is and who has access. “Most companies don’t go through a data classification process. The No. 1 thing businesses can do to protect their data is to know where it is and the value it has,” says Joe Compton, CISSP, CISA, a principal […]
Dennis Seeds: Developing a one-on-one relationship can be rewarding
When a breakdown happens in your production line, you’re ready to do whatever it takes to get things running again. What business leader hasn’t been there? And, if it hasn’t happened to your production line, maybe your computer system has crashed or some other essential aspect of your business. When these breakdowns happen, you’re ready […]
How organizations can create a climate for ethical decision-making
We’re in the midst of a crisis of leadership — a situation that has weighed down economic development in the public and private sectors, says H. Eric Schockman, Ph.D., chair and associate professor at the Center for Leadership at Woodbury University, where he focuses on nurturing the next cadre of leaders coming up through the ranks. “We know that leaders aren’t born,” he says. “There’s […]
Marcia L.Fudge: Tax vehicles can help rebuild places — and rebuild lives
It’s exciting to see new projects revitalizing downtown Cleveland and older neighborhoods that have endured generations of neglect. Redevelopment of the East Ohio Building and The 9 on East Ninth Street, Fairmont Creamery in the Tremont neighborhood and St. Luke’s Pointe on Shaker Boulevard come to mind. All of these projects incorporate mixed-use design. People […]
Helping baby boomers find their footing in the franchise industry
Baby boomers are a big reason why the franchise industry is bouncing back, but their vast experience in the working world does not guarantee profitability. “They’ve totally changed what they are,” says Thomas Leaper, partner in-charge of the Franchise Services Group at RBZ, LLP. “The ones who are successful know what they don’t know.” The franchise model allows frustrated baby boomers — not yet ready […]