Hiring and Labor

From W-2’s to W9’s and what you need to know when hiring those who will support your business.

group of coworkers putting their hands together in a circle huddle

Change the Culture, Change the Outcome

The title of the article reflects a principle that we are very familiar with. Culture has everything to do with everything! Peter Drucker, the world renown business management consultant, educator, and author has been quoted many times. Two of my personal favorites…

read more…
Man on the phone while using his laptop

A Key Reason to Explore Entrepreneurship

Whenever we experience any form of economic uncertainty, it is natural for workers to become much more sensitive to the relationships between inflation and wages. Workers do not have any control over inflation. The facts are: Most workers, in the traditional workplace…

read more…
A young blonde woman holding some books and looking off into the distance. She is standing in front of a brick university building.

Should College Students Embrace Entrepreneurship?

It is increasingly common for college students to feel uncertain about their future career paths, even upon graduation. With the ever-expanding number of opportunities available today, choosing the right direction is no easy task. One promising career path gaining…

read more…
Person using a calculator with coins and a piggy bank and an upward arrow signifying accrued interest

Entrepreneurial Choices Have Never Been Greater

The entrepreneurial choices available to Americans has never been greater. You can turn a hobby into an enterprise, at least your own small business. Underutilized assets such as time, skills, experience, passion, and purpose can enable a new income stream whereas you…

read more…
A jackass and an elephant wearing business suits shaking hands.

Democrat and Republican Small Business Owners Agree

Overall, small businesses express little confidence in current business policies and policy-making. Almost three-quarters (73%) believe these policies favor large companies over small businesses. This sentiment spans political affiliations, with 79% of Republican and…

read more…
Cupped hands holding a smartphone with a bar chart coming out of the screen

Beyond the Numbers

The recent U.S. Jobs report triggered some concerns throughout the economy as unemployment rose for the fourth straight month. These results have triggered much conversation relative to the state of the economy, interests’ rates, stock prices, virtually anything and…

read more…
A business man and woman setting up to race one another.

At What Pace Should Small Business Scale?

When it comes to scaling a small business, business leaders are often faced with a problem – should they prioritize rapid growth or focus on long-term sustainability? Rapid Growth: Seizing Opportunities Expanding rapidly can be a desirable strategy for businesses…

read more…
Man wearing glasses sitting at his desk, wearing a headset, smiling at the camera.

The Benefits of Customer Service Excellence

In the world of modern business, outstanding customer service is the key to lasting relationships and staying ahead in the competitive race. To provide excellent customer service, one must go beyond merely addressing customer inquiries or resolving issues. Taking…

read more…
Two hands cupping a small globe and the other cupping a small city

Profit for Purpose: Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurs strive for both financial sustainability and positive societal change, unlike traditional entrepreneurs whose primary goal is profit maximization. Social entrepreneurship goes beyond conventional business models by laying focus on social and…

read more…
Coins surrounding a small tree, jar of coins spilt over to the side.

Entrepreneurship’s Role In Economic Development

Entrepreneurship plays a prominent and vital role in global economic growth and the unification of cross-border regions through consumerism. Entrepreneurs actively foster technological innovation and advancement, permitting entrepreneurship to serve as a catalyst for…

read more…
A man in a suit at a laptop analyzing financial trends

The Future of Work – 4 Articles You Should Know About

Here are four key articles about the Gig Economy that you should read or at least know about: Critical Labor Coalition The Critical Labor Coalition addresses the pressing issue of labor shortages in the United States, where 8.8 million jobs remain unfilled while 6.3…

read more…
Graduation hat on top of blue book, with degree certificate rolled up next to it

How Valuable Is A College Degree?

For many young adults, you may be wondering how valuable a college degree is these days, and whether it’s really necessary for your future. While it’s true you can obtain a good job without a degree, consider the many reputable companies that don’t require a college…

read more…
Multiple colleagues sitting around a desk drinking coffees. Open laptop

Getting Connected With A Startup Incubator

Early-stage businesses can cultivate and amplify their innovative capacities by engaging with startup incubators.  Startup incubators are programs or organizations designed to facilitate a  startup’s evolution into thriving and viable business entity.  Startup…

read more…
Images of people drawn on a chalkboard with an X underneath them. Hand pointing to the person with a check mark.

The Process Of Hiring Talent

Hiring talent is necessary to build a skilled and effective body of workers. Much thought, comparison, and consideration go into choosing who to hire. When hiring talent, these are some things to consider and implement: Clearly Outline Job Requirements Ensuring the…

read more…
Young lady talking on phone while working on laptop

Rising Numbers In Workforce With Multiple Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released their most current reports, backing up what many of us are already aware of- Americans who hold multiple jobs is rising. Though not an outrageous comparison to this time last year, the report shows Americans holding down…

read more…
A stack of hands placed on top of one another

5 Ways Employers Can Help Employees During Inflation

Making ends meet during times of inflation can be extremely difficult. With the added pressures of higher gas prices and higher grocery bills, many people find themselves living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to get by. As a business owner, you want your employees…

read more…
Man sitting in home engaging in a virtual conference with employees

Can I Step Away And Still Have My Business Run Smoothly?

It’s essential that business owners feel confident when stepping out, whether that be for a day, a week, or even a month. And at some point, eventually, it will have to happen. You might be in business meetings all day or away with vendors. Your absence might be due…

read more…
Man on bicycle handing lady her delivery

Side Hustles-More Common Than You Think

Having a side gig is an excellent way to earn some extra cash. And with the gig economy’s rise in popularity and the expansive list of opportunities available, just about anyone can find some work to take up. A study by Prudential Financial Inc found that 81% of Gen Z…

read more…
Man standing in empty room, flexing his muscles, shadow of stronger man flexing appearing on the wall behind him

How Will Knowing My Strengths Improve My Business?

Successful small business owners know their strengths and weaknesses. By recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, you, too, can effectively build a more substantial business. It was once thought that focusing on your weaknesses and learning to build them up was…

read more…
Young man at work, his feet kicked up on his desk, contemplating

Do Side Hustles Hurt Or Help Your Career?

There are many reasons why people choose to pick up additional jobs or have a side hustle. Not only is living in today’s world expensive but there’s also a constant need to do better, want more. It’s hard not to compare ourselves to others we see displaying their best…

read more…
Business man working at desk, looking towards camera smiling

Acquiring New Customers: Are You Spending Too Much?

The general rule of thumb is that recruiting a new customer takes five times as long as maintaining an existing one. But is it better practice for your business to focus more on bringing in new customers or keeping the ones you already have pleased? Which will bring…

read more…
Lady standing with arms folded across her chest, smiling

Gig Jobs With High Pay 

The gig economy has a reputation of short-term tasks done in volume to obtain the desired income of their worker. This, however, is not always the case as some gigs may break this stereotype with higher paying opportunities with comparable volume. The typical gig…

read more…
Illustration of a business man and woman, each sitting on opposite sides of a giant scale

Importance Of Equality For Gig Work Pay

According to ZenBusiness, the hourly rates for 6,000 freelances billed over 100 hours of work on the freelancing website Upwork show that men charge an average of $22.28 more hourly than women. With the growing of the gig economy, it is important to ensure equality…

read more…
Tiny people of various jobs standing on a cell phone screen

Gig Workers: Pros and Cons of the Newest Biden Proposal

In early October, Biden had passed one of his newest proposals which, if enacted, can drastically change the gig worker economy and small business operation. The basic efforts of this proposal is to simply alter the status of gig workers from independent contractors…

read more…
Illustration of three people, a woman using a megaphone, another woman with a telescope and a man looking through binoculars

Top Three Ways To Let Candidates Know You Are Hiring

With limited labor markets it is important for companies to actively outreach to find satisfactory candidates without merely waiting for someone to fill the role. Here are three ways to let candidates know you are hiring.   Job Fairs Many colleges host regular job…

read more…
Business man on cell phone with his feet up on desk, not working

What is “Quiet Quitting”

“Quiet quitting” is a recent term that has flooded the workplace representing the effort of employees doing only the bare minimum requirements to maintain their job without further progression for substantial outcome. During the Covid-19 pandemic, confusion and stress…

read more…
Business man shaking another mans hand, three people in the background clapping

When Is The Right Time To Start Hiring Employees?

It’s easy to possibly go a little overboard in the beginning when starting your new business. Which is completely understandable. You don’t want to skip any step, so one by one, you check off all the boxes, making sure everything is perfect. With all this eagerness to…

read more…
Illustration of woman stopping a red that is decreasing

What A Recession Means For Business Owners

By now you know firsthand what it’s like to live in a not-so-great economy. With the prices of food, gas, and everyday essentials sky rocketing, as well as the challenges we’re facing with the supply chain, times are tough. Not only are you feeling this in your own…

read more…
Statue of Liberty placed off to one side, skyline of buildings with red arrow staggering downwards

Are We Headed To A Recession?

As if the effects of Covid weren’t enough, Americans are now dealing with inflation. Higher gas prices, rising interest rates and increased cost of food have many people unsure of just how they’ll get by. As prices rise, wages remain the same. This inflation has led…

read more…
A woman holding up a frowning face drawn on paper in front of her own face.

Small Business Optimism Drops To Record Low

The year 2022 brought enthusiasm to people. As our nation gained better control over the COVID pandemic, people were left thinking they would finally be able to get back on track. But fast forwarding to the present, many are left feeling rather bleak about the…

read more…
Illustration showing two computer monitors facing one another, with arms coming from the computer screens, shaking hands

How To Use LinkedIn To Hire Good Employees 

LinkedIn, the social media platform dedicated to business, is one of the best and most reliable online resources for finding employees and interns for you and your business ventures. Though it is not difficult to find individuals to fit your company’s specifications,…

read more…
Files marked with the words strategy, recruitment, company and candidates, along with sticky note reading top performing

Tips For Hiring Reliable Employees

Time is valuable. When running your own business, making the most of your time is one of the most important concepts to grapple. When it comes time to hiring new employees, you will want to find reliable candidates. To streamline the process and make the most of your…

read more…
Man smiling, sitting at desk, giving the okay sign with his fingers

Tips For People Working For A Startup

Working for a startup can be an amazingly beneficial feat that could lead to huge opportunities in the near future. Though this is true, there is risk, tediousness, and uncertainty throughout the process. By understanding what is to come in a startup position, one may…

read more…
Illustration of clouds surrounding a business man, holding a briefcase and looking through a telescope, standing on a red arrow climbing upwards

5-Year Business Milestones To Keep Up With

Entrepreneurs can run into millions of different problems over thousands of different markets. These problems lead to failure, which may or may not deplete the entrepreneurial spirit in the once exploring adventurer. Though millions will succeed, tens of millions will…

read more…
Newspaper ad, highlighter circled the words we want you, apply now

More Jobs and More Raises at Small Businesses

Although there seems to be inconsistencies in the U.S. economy, small firms are consistently persistent in their desire to hire new qualified employees. The National Federation of Independent Business have proven this fact true through their latest monthly employment…

read more…
Young lady shaking hands with a business man during her interview

How to Apply for Jobs After College

Applying for jobs after college is a scary process, you may have many questions like where am I going to live? How long before I find one? Maybe you are even trying to apply at Starbucks for the time being. Don’t stress; I know, easier said than done, but if you…

read more…
Asmiling man wearing a shirt and tie carrying a box of his belongings out of an office

The Great Resignation: Where are people turning for income?

The Great Resignation has been a huge topic of discussion—with 4.3 billion Americans leaving their jobs in December of 2021. So, many business owners are thinking to themselves: why did these people leave and where have they gone? Business owners, especially those who…

read more…
Man giving his female employee a high five

How To Show You Appreciate Your Employees

When you work for a company, it is easy for your employees to feel underappreciated and overworked. It is critical that you, as a business owner or a boss, are able to show your employees that they are appreciated. Here are some easy and simple things that you can do…

read more…
handwritten sticky notes lined neatly on a wooden desk

Tips for Delegating Tasks

We all know entrepreneurs are self-sufficient and well-driven. While most characteristics of an entrepreneur are favorable, the weight can be bearing, and delegating tasks may seem more difficult than doing it yourself. In order to boost your efficiency, delegating is…

read more…
Illustration of a woman interviewing a man

How to Prepare for an Interview

There may be a few thoughts that run into your mind when you read “job interview.” Maybe your heart rate increases rapidly because of a fear of public speaking, or a fear of failure, desperation for a job, or excitement about a new opportunity. Whatever the feelings…

read more…
A woman and a man on opposite sides of a table at a job interview

Mastering Your Interview Skills 101 

Mastering your interview skills is not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of ways you can up your skill set when it comes to interviews. Being prepared and focused is the most important thing when it comes to interviewing. Here are a few tips and tricks to…

read more…
Mobile app icons of assorted food delivery services are seen on a smartphone, including DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, delivery.com, Seamless, Postmates and Instacart.

Gen Z Sees the Largest Increase in Gig Work

It is no secret that the gig economy has increased exponentially in the last ten years, but what about in the last two years? Between COVID19, unemployment, and new societal policies, there has been the largest increase in gig work – and we have Gen Z to thank. Many…

read more…
A restaurant owner talks with one of his employees as they stand behind the bar

Here’s how rising costs are impacting restaurant owners

Entrepreneurs and business owners have experienced shortages in supplies and labor since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant industry was hit extremely hard, and continues to struggle with rising costs. According to Robb Report magazine, the price of…

read more…
a businessman holding a phone screen up and a clock icon is floating above the screen

4 Time Saving Hacks for Businesses

Everybody gets busy and can become too focused on the task itself that it actually wastes more time and you become less productive than you could be. Here are some simple ways to become more productive and actually save more time. 1. Set an agenda Creating an agenda…

read more…
Smiling flower shop worker making christmas compositions

Tips For Businesses Hiring Seasonal Workers

The holiday season is now in full swing and as a business owner, you may be wondering what the best ways to hire seasonal workers are. Here are a couple of tips.  The main thing to keep in mind when hiring seasonal workers is to start early. You should begin…

read more…
A woman wearing a business suit is working at her laptop and checking her digital wrist watch.

Most Common Timekeeping Mistakes Employers Make

Improper management of your resources, including time, is like leaving money on the table. How do you manage your company’s time effectively without becoming too overbearing? Is there a sweet spot? With these tactics, there is! Here’s how you can avoid the most common…

read more…
A woman laughing while on a video conference call with colleagues

3 Fun Icebreakers for New Remote Workers

Even as people return to the office, many businesses are still hiring remote workers. People can be a little shy, however, about giving these remote workers a rousing, warm welcome! Here are a few ways you can get to know your new employees (and vice versa!) even if…

read more…
An employee falling asleep at his desk

Is It Hard to Find Good Help These Days?

Every entrepreneur dreams of that moment — the one where your company hires employee number two. When that happens, you’ve just grown exponentially, and your business horizons have expanded to match. It’s exciting stuff. Nothing kills that honeymoon period faster,…

read more…
3 Things Every Boss Should Find in a Prospective Employee

3 Things Every Boss Should Find in a Prospective Employee

Good help is hard to find. It can be an overwhelming task to hire new staff for your company — and it’s even worse when new employees don’t keep their promises. We’ll be real: Nobody knows the kind of employee you need better than you do, but three key factors must be…

read more…
A woman opening her paycheck

Why You Should Outsource Your Payroll

Compliance is a huge issue when it comes to setting up a business payroll. Over 75% of all revenue collected by the IRS comes directly from payroll — and while you’d hope the government would maintain consistent regulations, it hasn’t. Governments are imposing MORE,…

read more…
An employment law book with a judge's gavel on top of it

4 Reasons an Ex-Employee Might Sue

You have very few “correct” ways to terminate an employee’s tenure at your company and many, many incorrect ways of doing it. If you want to avoid lawsuits after letting an employee go, here are a few key mistakes to avoid. 1: You don’t give a reason for firing. Just…

read more…
One hunderd dollar bill.

3 Tips for Communicating a Pay Raise

Rewarding employees with a pay raise can be a significant and heartening step to boost their morale and show sincere appreciation for their hard work and dedication, particularly in challenging times like the ongoing pandemic. However, it’s crucial to handle the…

read more…
One employee moving out of a desk at work and another, new employer moving in.

Do You Have a Healthy Employee Retention Rate?

Life is not static. It’s completely natural for every business to have employees who come and go. However, it’s best when those transitions are as peaceful as possible and they don’t involve your best performers. How can you determine whether you have a healthy…

read more…
excited female employee smiling and raising her hands up

Boosting Company Morale During COVID-19

At the moment, being a company leader can be extremely anxiety-inducing since anything you say sets a tone for the entire company. You want to be positive while also providing an authentic message to your staff. With the following strategies, you’ll be able to boost…

read more…
Red umbrella protecting merchants immune novel coronavirus pneumonia infection

Managing Reopening During COVID-19

Right now, companies are exploring their options for reopening. For some, even with all the government assistance, their success and their staff’s livelihoods depend on it. At the same time, their staff’s safety is a concern since they can’t afford to lose employees….

read more…
A man interviewing another man over video chat on laptop

Find the Right Employees During Quarantine

If you’re an essential business or you focus on eCommerce, you might still be scaling your company during this pandemic. If you’re still seeing a spike in growth, you need the right staff behind you, ensuring you continue building your customer base. Right now, there…

read more…
Directly above shot of delivery men unloading cardboard boxes from truck on street

What You Need to Know About the Employer Landscape

COVID-19 is changing the business landscape as we know it. And while it will likely revert back to how it was eventually, for the time being you need to be ready for anything the market will throw at you. This includes possible changes in customer needs, new…

read more…
Man being laid off and crying into tissue

Ways to Reduce the Pain of Layoffs

Nobody looks forward to delivering the news that one of their employees is getting let go. Still, presiding over layoffs is a part of leadership, and what you say, or don’t say, when you lay someone off can have an impact on the future of your company. Treating your…

read more…
3D illustration of candidates recruitment process. Applicants enters by the left then pass three steps resume, interview and finally get the job

Why Your Business Needs an Applicant Tracking System

Every hiring manager has been there: Your inbox is overflowing, and you’re working overtime to excavate the few qualified applicants from the rush of unqualified applications. Or, maybe you’ve been in the converse situation: You post a job, but the response is radio…

read more…
Hand putting Coins in glass jar for with retro alarm clock for time to money saving for retirement concept

What Does the Secure Act Mean to Small Business Owners?

According to the Government Accountability Office, up to 30% of American workers work part time. With the rise of the gig economy, there are more and more part time workers every single year, and if your business employs them, the SECURE Act that passed into law this…

read more…
boss man talking to a group of employees around a conference table

How to Talk to Your Employees About Rising Health Costs

No employer looks forward to telling their employees about an increase in health insurance costs, but in our current climate, the reality is that most employers are going to have to navigate that conversation sooner or later. When it’s your turn to communicate with…

read more…
businessman writing job description on paper

Power Up Your Job Descriptions to Attract the Right People

Creating just the right job description is tough, but it’s an essential part of attracting and retaining the right employees. According to Recruiterbox.com, the sweet spot for length is somewhere between 700–2,000 words. For context, that is between two-and-a-half and…

read more…
New Employee Receives Training At Delicatessen Checkout

Effective Employee Training

Professional development is essential to the growth and strength of your business, but putting together effective training can be difficult. Here are a few things to keep at the front of your mind as you develop your next training. Engage Different Learning Styles…

read more…
Young happy worker having break and resting after solving task

A Guide to Gig Worker Retainment

Gig Workers — or freelancers, whatever you prefer to call them — have woven their way deep into the fabric of modern businesses. Freelancers help bridge gaps during periods of staff shortage, and they bring specialized — and often expensive — skill sets to the table….

read more…
woman at her computer working at night looking tired

An Overworked Staff is an Underperforming Staff

According to the BBC, employees who use all of their leave are 6.5% more likely to get promoted or get a raise than employees who retain eleven or more annual leave days. Having a well-staffed company that can cope with a brief absence is one of the key ways employers…

read more…
business man leaving work, smiling

Balancing Work & Your Personal Life

Working on career goals and maintaining a balanced personal life is no easy task. More often than not, when you’re excelling in one area, the other suffers. But this doesn’t have to be the case. There are a few simple tricks you can utilize to improve your…

read more…
Tax Season and Your Employees

Tax Season and Your Employees

At the beginning of every year, there are two critical numbers in tax-law provisions that are adjusted for inflation. The IRS and Social Security Administration usually release these figures in October. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, these figures have…

read more…
Top Cost-Cutting Measures

Top Cost-Cutting Measures

As we approach a new year, companies are looking for new ways to save money and properly budget. As a small business, it can be difficult to save money and grow at the same time. There are, however, some unique things you can implement to trim your operating budget….

read more…
People at a conference table arguing

The Basics of Intraoffice Conflict Management

Conflict can arise anywhere at any time, regardless of how well team members work with each other. Failure to address conflict efficiently can lead to high turnover rates, which can cost anywhere from 16%–216% of the salary of the individual as noted in our last…

read more…
Does Employee Turnover Keep You Up at Night?

Does Employee Turnover Keep You Up at Night?

Employee turnover rates can have a substantial effect on the lifeblood of the business. It is estimated turnovers can cost anywhere from 16% to 216% percent of the employee’s salary. Another study found that 25% of all new hires quit within a year. There are many…

read more…
The Benefits of Healthy Employees

The Benefits of Healthy Employees

There are a plethora of benefits associated with having your employees in good health. Investing in perks like gym or health memberships can have notable upfront costs. However, there are also benefits that will make a substantial impact on your business performance….

read more…
interns gathered around a computer

Is Hiring Student Workers Worth It?

When hiring student employees, you need to consider several factors. While doing so can be beneficial for you and the students you hire, there can be some downsides you need to prepare for. Here are just a few of the pros and cons associated with hiring students for…

read more…
login screen for LinkedIn site

Hiring Via Social Media

Finding quality employees can be frustrating at times, and social media can make the whole process even more confusing. Running a small business is already very stressful. By using these strategies in your hiring process, you can eliminate another potential source of…

read more…
illustration of a manager reviewing candidates

Make Hiring Count

When on the search for employees, the amount of time and money you put into an individual can really add up, so you need to make it count. Unfortunately, it really is a candidate’s market right now, so you need to be aware of the current employment trends that will…

read more…
happy employee

Preventing High Turnover Rates

Hiring is one of the most crucial and tricky parts of any successful business venture. That’s why, ideally, it should be avoided as much as possible! Employee turnover is a huge strain on your business, so finding ways to increase employee retention is crucial. With…

read more…

Article Categories