As a manger, it’s important that you educate yourself about the ins and outs of the Family Medical Leave Act. You need to know your obligations under this important law, as well as being familiar with the rights of your workers as protected by the legislation. After all, you’ll likely face situations on a regular basis that require employees to miss work for medical reasons. Whether they’re out for maternity leave, major surgery, or something like Plantar Fasciitis, you need to make sure to correctly apply FMLA, making the right decisions and completing the correct paperwork.

People often buy in bite size pieces. That’s why we recommend a gradual marketing approach where you offer people a variety of low or no cost opportunities to experience you before they invest in your business!

In our profession, a classic example of gradual marketing is the “two step” approach: market yourself in a way that sparks interest and then funnel the prospective client into a complimentary sales session or consult. The fact is, people are more likely to respond to a free, value-added offer then to a full-priced service. That’s why offering the complimentary session works so well! Prospective clients get to know you and understand and appreciate the value of your service BEFORE they plunk down $1,200 for your services.
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“In the business world, the rear view mirror is always clearer than the windshield.” - Warren Buffett

Mr. Billionaire Buffett’s quote is a more colorful way of expressing the saying, “hindsight is 20/20″.

Taking action is a key characteristic of a successful solopreneur. So what is stopping you from moving forward and gaining the insight from hindsight?
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Do you have a reliable resource for industrial supplies? It’s important to have a go-to company that you can call on whenever you need supplies for repair or production. Look for a company that you can rely on to meet all of your supply needs, whether you are out of industrial cleaning solvents or you need to find fasteners or magnets for a special project. Don’t put yourself in the position of having to look for a new supplier every time you need to place an order. Instead, cultivate a relationship with a reliable resource that you can depend on no matter what you need or when you need it.

Does dishonesty in business pay? The answer to this question is: Yes, No, Maybe, and Sometimes. Dishonesty may pay, but usually only over the short run, and the consequences may be severe. Honesty may not always pay, although it’s still the “best policy.”

Examples

Bernie Madoff, the famous Wall Street Investment Advisor is a prime, and recent (December, 2008) example of business dishonesty on a large scale, and for a long period of time. While, at this writing, details of his scheme are still emerging, it appears as though an elaborate Ponzi scheme was perpetrated over at least a twenty year period. The total amount involved could be as much as $50 billion, as the $17 million that Mr. Madoff had under management was highly leveraged. In the meantime, Mr. Madoff was released on $10 million bail. The primary concern about this story is that Madoff was a highly regarded Advisor, practically above reproach,with heretofore unquestioned integrity. The man was an icon, as one of the founders of the NASDQ exchange. The damage to investor confidence may be considerable.
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