Business Management | BizSieve.com

What A Difference A Corporate Coach Can Make

In fields where an extremely high level of performance is expected, it is totally normal and accepted for individuals to have coaches. Perhaps the most obvious example is in the arena of sport. Even the most talented men and women in sport trust a coach to guide their progress in the unforgiving international arena. The best opera stars in the world, who perform night after night for critics and audiences, spend on average of fifteen years developing their art and skill with a vocal teacher and coach.

The truth is that in the sporting and music arena, coaches are not just there to teach and develop the skills needed to play tennis or sing Mozart; they actively help the individual to grow and learn how to set achievable short- and long-term goals, as well as how to deal with the disappointment when they fail.

So, why a corporate coach?

Perhaps you think that only an Olympic athlete really needs a coach, but have you thought of the potential that could be unlocked in the individuals who work in your business or team if they approached their jobs and the development of the company as a high-performance exercise? It is important to note that coaches do not fulfil the same role as a mentor, as they do not advise on the specifics of the job.

It is thought that it takes longer for powerful people in the business world (which is still male dominated) to admit they needed help. In the past it was seen as a sign of weakness, but perhaps the growing public awareness of personal growth and maybe even the presence of more women in the workplace have made it more acceptable. In any case, receiving coaching should not be seen as a remedy, but a way to make a good thing even better.

It is a way for your business to grow optimally rather than simply well or acceptably. Coaching is not just a fad that will blow over. Crawford Associates (seminar organisers) in the UK conducted a survey in which it was found that 75% of the largest companies use coaching as a way to train staff in some shape or form.

So what is it exactly that a corporate coach does?

Corporate coaches are highly intuitive and adaptable people who aim to help you unlock your creative and intellectual potential in the workplace. They build a trusting relationship with an individual and use a non-directive approach in their relationship with clients. They are trained to use techniques like skilful questioning to help the individual come up with their own solutions. Some companies make use of internal staff as coaches, but most companies prefer external coaches as it is easier to build up trust with someone who is not directly or indirectly involved in determining your salary, or possible promotion outcome.

Corporate coaching has developed mostly as a one-on-one relationship, but more and more companies are starting to use it in group and team context, which shifts the focus from personal development to team performance.

It is important to make sure that whoever you employ as a corporate coach is well suited to do so, because, as with any other industry, there are a lot of scammers out there. Always look for a company or individual with a proven track record and good references.

About the Author: Louisa Theart writes for a South African-based company that offers corporate, executive, and business coaching services.

Smart Scheduling: Tips for Keeping Shift Workers Happy

The workday world is a challenge for nearly everyone. Savvy businesses have learned that the key component to a productive and successful workplace is workers that are content. For instance, a high turnover is a sign that some changes need to take place. What makes the situation even more taxing for businesses is how to deal with multiple shifts that workers are often required to accommodate.

Organization

The person responsible for shift coverage should take the time to organize the employee schedule efficiently. This includes being aware of work loads and tweaking them as necessary. An already over-worked employee is less likely to be interested in covering certain shifts than those who are well rested and have adequate support while working.

Research competitive benefits to offer in terms of time off. For example, if the company requires that major holidays are covered, provide ways for the employees who volunteer or agree to work to have that time off on other days. Including an extra day off is another tactic that can increase motivation to work those shifts.

Flexibility

Whenever possible, give workers some flexibility. When employees are offered some choices as to which shifts they will work, they can feel more in control of their lives in general. Have discussions with workers to determine what their preferences are. Doing this creates a sense of mutual respect. Therefore, when it is necessary to ask a worker to stay longer or work a different shift, they will more than likely remember how they were accommodated in the past and be more receptive and cooperative.

Incentives

The best way to get shifts covered in workplaces is to offer incentives. There is a reason that swing shift workers and those working extended hours and on holidays get paid more. Capitalize on this and offer more reasons that may make working these shifts more appealing to workers. For example, in addition to the extra pay, offer the chance to accrue time toward a paid day off. For some workers, the extra pay associated with working undesirable hours is not enough, especially when taxes are factored in. This is where other perks can go a long way for businesses. Below are some other inducements to consider:

a. Ending the workday earlier with full pay
b. Catering lunch, snacks or other meals
c. Special awards for good attitudes
d. Gift cards

Holiday Shifts

Few workers enjoy working over a major holiday. However, for many businesses, those shifts need to be covered in any case. The service industry is one that often needs round the clock shift coverage. Doing something special for those who work on those holidays is easy to do. For instance, drop by the office on that day with a tray full of treats or arrange to take them out to lunch or cater in. This not only gives you a chance to thank workers in person, but it shows that you are thinking about them and want to make it easier for them to get through their work.

Above all, remember that making a connection with workers is what matters most. Companies that take the time to do this find that their workers are far more receptive to change when they know that their hard work and willingness to go the extra mile is being recognized.

Ann Bailey provides these suggestions for any small business shift scheduler. Wheniwork(dot)com is an online vendor of a comprehensive employee schedule program, and brings all of the benefits of a full scheduling department to small businesses with just the click of a mouse.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/huffstutterrobertl/3731977453/

Guidelines For Choosing A Payroll Service

The function of payroll for any business goes much further than keeping the books. Every year the IRS penalizes numerous businesses for errors and non-compliance with the set regulations. The best way to save yourself the headache, avoid any penalties and save time and money therefore is by getting a professional service to handle your payroll. You can concentrate on making money whilst leaving the payroll function to an external service provider. Additionally, the cost of hiring this service is much lower than the cost of trying to do the job internally. Below are several tips that will help you to choose the best service provider for your business:

1. Online research

An online search will help you to get information on different payroll service providers in the market. There are many options to choose from but you need to carry out research so that you can get the company best suited to your specific business needs. Be sure to read reviews and get recommendations from people you can trust if you have any business connections for example have used a similar service themselves.

2. Expert advice

Talk to an accountant, attorney or someone who has experience in the industry so that you can get the information you need to enquire about how to get the best service provider. Getting references from similar businesses in your industry can also help you to make an informed decision. You can find out the various packages available from the different service providers and compare quotes too.

3. Determine your needs

Before you talk to any service provider, you need to determine exactly what you need. If you are unsure about your needs, you might end up with a costly package that has additional services that do not benefit you. Establish your requirements for the year and be wary of a provider who tries to talk you into paying for services above what is necessary and adequate. Make sure that you consider any growth projections or new employees that you plan to hire within the year into your specification too.

4. Your budget

You need to know how much you can afford to pay for the service so that you can get a firm that will offer a package that is within this. Most companies have packages that are tailor made for different clients and you can get something that is affordable. The cost will often be determined by the package you choose and the number of employees you have.

5. The features

Establish the features that you need. Some packages come with extra services such as human resources services so determine how often you want to pay your employees or issue paychecks. You need to ensure that you get a provider who can handle your particular industry and the kinds of employees in your business. This is especially important if you have unique business requirements like union rules or you are in the hospitality industry where tips and other bonuses are included – a service that is familiar with your line of work will offer all the features that you need.

To conclude, before you hire a service, carry out research to ensure that there are no complaints filed against the company. Contact the Better Business Bureau and other bodies to get all the information that you need then give yourself a few options before making a final decision.

About the Author: Lucy is working with a number of expanding businesses that have benefitted from outsourcing their payroll. She suggests going to Ceridian for a quality service.

Recurring Meetings in DC? Surprising Ways a Condo Can Save Your Business Expenses

Small business owners understand the expenses associated with traveling. In addition to the flight, airport fees and meals, you could be talking about serious costs, and you haven’t even booked your lodging yet. The following are advantages of condominium ownership, and ways it can improve for your business savings.

Great Resale Value

Washington DC is one of the few areas around the United States experiencing a rise in home prices in recent years. Not only have the values on homes, condominiums, and town homes increased, the area is reporting substantial housing property growth within the community. For companies with employees consistently traveling in and out of Arlington VA and the Washington area on business, you’ll find buying a substantial savings to renting or booking an expensive hotel. Depending on the location, you can find affordable condominiums for sale in a great neighborhood. Also, with interest rates at an all-time low, your payments will be minimal compared to expense-budget money on lodging.

Savings on Meals

Meals on the road can be expensive for business owners and eating out several times a day can add up. With a condo, you have the opportunity to trim your budget by eating in-house and preparing your own food. Hotel gift shops, convenience stores, room service and the mini bar can be expensive, and you won’t find the healthiest of choices. Storing your own food, beverages and toiletries can save many a traveler on unnecessary costs.

Centrally Located

Condominiums that are centrally located make it easy for you and your co-workers to get to your meetings and trade shows on time. The urban destinations are also ideal for entertaining, and you’ll have an assortment of restaurants, shows and historic sites to select from.

Additional Benefits

In addition to saving on expenses such as food, lodging and time, you’ll find owning a dwelling in the Washington DC area an added tax benefit compared with renting. Not only is your money going down the drain by renting, your company’s monthly mortgage amount will stay the same, and the debt reduced significantly every year until it’s paid off. Maintenance on the building and other common elements are also taken care of so you don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or general upkeep. Many condominiums have an assortment of amenities at your fingertips such as a fitness facility, clubhouse and security.

Using a Real Estate Agent

Utilizing the services of a real estate agent can help small business owners when selecting a Washington DC condominium. Not only are they an expert in the realty industry, they can also offer sound advice on selecting the perfect dwelling for your needs. A Realtor is also a tough negotiator and can provide you with the data to make the right offer on a property.

Business owners traveling to the Washington DC area regularly may want to think twice about wasting their hard earned cash on renting or reserving a hotel room. Investing in real estate can save you money on an assortment of expenses and help you place the funds saved on your company’s growth and success.

A small business owner, Ann Bailey shares these pointers for saving business travel expenses on Arlington VA and DC trips. The dedicated Realtors at Northern Virginia Avenue Realty work tirelessly to help their clients find exactly what they want and need in property around the nation’s capitol.

Is Outsourcing Your Accounting To An Offshore Company A Good Idea?

Tracking your business’ expenses is an important part of keeping your financial goals on track. For this reason, it becomes important to hire a team of professionals that can help you and your business stay strongly footed for a successful financial future. Quickly it will become apparent that part of your financial success team will need to be an accountant. There are many great options you will have including those in your local community as well as offshore options. Offshore accounting options are a great way and option to keep costs low. The following explains what you will want to consider, however, before answering the question of whether or not outsourcing your accounting to an offshore company is a good idea or not.

Accessibility

One of the most important items that you will want to consider when outsourcing is whether or not you will have sufficient access to the offshore company. This is one of the biggest downfalls of using any company that is not locally, regionally, or even internally, connected with a company. An offshore accountant may not be available on a consistent basis. They may have many clients and could find that they are not going to be able to deal with the mass amount of work that comes in in an equally divided way. For that reason, it becomes important that you choose a company that will work for you as and when you need them to. This can help you to make sure that you get the most from your experience and ensure your work is completed on time. Those with lots of accounts will be better off sticking to local based companies.

Cost

One of the greatest advantages of outsourcing your accounting to an offshore company is the cost. You do not want to spend too much on accounting and yet, want the work to be done efficiently. An offshore company can be a great way to achieve this desire as a low cost option for your business. Again, though, be sure to evaluate quality over singularly looking at price. Just because it is cheaper does not mean it will meet the same quality of service that you require. It does not necessarily mean you will not either. For that reason, weigh the cost and the service quality promised against each other and make the best decision for your business.

Trust

If you are going to choose an offshore company, one way to assess whether or not they will be able to work well with you is to really focus on the reputation and recommendations from past and current customers. Reputation for success and trust is important when you are trying to get a good service from a company, no matter what service or product they offer. Be sure that you look into the reputation of the business as this can help you to better understand whether or not outsourcing to them would be a good idea. This is an important step in any assessment of an accountant or accounting company, no matter whether they are local or offshore. Choose and plan wisely.

About the Author: Laura writes for www.liptrottandwoosey.com, a highly reputable accounting firm based in Manchester.