It’s true, I have a scrapbook filled with lies. I started this scrapbook years ago when I received quite a bit of resistance to background checks on applicants prior to making job offers.

Managers and VPs would say, I worked at such-and-such large company and we never did background checks there. Rather than fight over this, [...]

It’s a great feeling to come to work each day and find yourself in comfortable, easy-going surroundings. You feel close to the employees and there’s an easy camaraderie. What could be wrong with that?

The answer is quite simple. You’re the boss. While it’s great to be friendly with your employees, you can never forget that [...]

       Over the years I’ve been in HR, it’s been interesting to hear other people’s comments about how HR fits within a company. I’ve met executives with large company experience who feel HR is “the dreaded HR entity” that exists simply to make it impossible for them to do business.  I’ve met small business owners who [...]

The huge number of California employment laws can leave business owners with the feeling that they aren’t actually in charge. While it is true that there are plenty of laws dictating your behavior in the workplace, you need to remember there are even more areas where you need to take charge and set the rules.

Recently [...]

Have you ever used a consultant, or started to, then decided to hire someone instead? How did you make the decision that the person you were hiring was good enough? What did you gain or lose in that decision?

As an HR consultant, I run across companies that decide it’s more cost effective to hire an [...]

Have you ever really thought through how many different systems you have in place to keep your company running smoothly? Are any of those systems documented to ensure proper duplication each time?

I was recently at a seminar on systemizing a business. It’s been proven that businesses are worth more money if your "how-to’s" are fully [...]

Are you using a Non-Disclosure Agreement or Employee Handbook or other form of agreement with any or all employees? Are you sure you’re protected?

I recently met someone who used a Non-Disclosure Agreement. However, he had neglected to follow-up with employees to make sure he actually received back signed copies. When he was terminating an employee it [...]

As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I’m doing a bunch of networking these days. Once I got used to the process and walking into rooms full of people where I may not know anyone, it’s actually turned out to be fun and very interesting.

The interesting part was finding there are two basic types of business owners. One [...]

I’ve tried numerous ways to keep track of all my to-do’s. Each method offers advantages and disadvantages, depending upon our personal likes and dislikes. For instance, I hate to file paperwork. Once I finally get myself doing it, it’s never is as bad as I felt it would be and it normally takes me less [...]

Have you already planned out your company’s holiday events? Did you include the company itself in those plans? I don’t mean your employees, I really mean the business.

Employees will stay more engaged … more connected … to your company when they know more about the company. This is a great time of year to proclaim [...]