Small Business Tips and Ideas - BizSieve.com

Is Your Office Building on Solid Ground?

For the small business owner who rents or owns an office space, one of the bigger concerns can be whether or not the facility is secure and safe.

As some business owners have discovered over time, their offices can be located in areas that are prone to security issues, weather issues and general overall safety concerns.

One such concern can be whether or not the building could be damaged by water should there be excessive rains and/or leaks on the grounds.

flooded office — photo credit: Craig Does Stuff via photopin cc

If that is a concern for your company’s office location, one way to go about fixing that is by putting in place underground leak detection services.

In the event you are not up to speed on how such services can assist your business, take note of:

Potential damages – In the event your building is hit with heavy rains and/or leaks due to faulty equipment on the grounds, you could end up spending a large amount of money to fix the problem or problems. With the right underground leak detection provider, you can quickly determine where the leak is coming from to minimize damages. If the damages are left unchecked, it can lead to safety and health issues that could cost your business more money in the long run. One such problem if left unchecked can be the emergence of mold, which can impact the safety of you and your workers. Not only will mold appear around damp walls and floors, but it also can produce spores that eventually will work their way into the air you breathe;

Age of your equipment – As some business owners who have rented or bought space over time will discover, the equipment in the building can be going bad. Faulty water pipes as an example can break over time, leaving the business owner with a financial headache, along with inconvenience for them and their employees. With the right leak detection provider, you can check and determine where leakage is coming from with pipes, under concrete, pavements, walls, sewer lines, utilities and more. In the event the piece or pieces of equipment are old, you can determine exactly what needs to be replaced;

Energy audits – Another plus when using such services is that you can determine where you need to zero in on in order to save money. With an energy audit, you can see where dollars are being lost, and what needs to be done to fix such wastes. As many small business owners who rent or own spaces can tell you, office energy expenses can prove very expensive over time. Knowing where you need to fix things can save your business money;

Keep the future in mind – Lastly, letting potential water issues go in your office could lead to damages that prevent you from selling the building down the road. By using an underground service periodically or when you know there is a problem, you can lessen the chances of permanent damage to the building. With that being the case, you can maintain a decent resale rate for the property should you choose to unload it at some point.

With the New Year off and running, are you detecting it may be time to give your office space another look?

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers small business topics for various websites, including finding the right underground leak detection for your company.

Make It Your Business to Highlight the Success of Your Employees

For many business owners, making sure their employees have all the necessary tools at their disposal to their jobs is paramount.

From office equipment to the right office setting, making sure your workers are comfortably suited to handle their responsibilities at work is beyond important. Without the right tools and setting, not only can it impact the product or services you can provide for your customers, but it ultimately could end up determining whether or not you remain in business for the long haul.

happy employees — photo credit: Zach Klein via photopin cc

With 2013 kicking off, take a few minutes to review the tools and setting that your employees have to work with, including:

The office – Are you in a space where your employees can comfortably do their jobs? Do they have access to essential items like computers, printers, fax machines, phones, and other office supplies? You might be surprised to learn that many small businesses can’t answer yes to that question. Whether it is because of a shoestring budget or other reasons, many workers just get by at work, meaning the product may ultimately suffer. Without going on a major shopping spree, review what your expenditures are for office equipment and see where you may be lacking;
Office policies – Although protocol says you provide new workers with an employee handbook when they first arrive at your company, some business owners fall behind on this important detail. Make sure everyone in the office knows what is and is not acceptable. The last thing you want to do is potentially set yourself up for a sexual harassment lawsuit, a lawsuit involving a client, or an issue with law enforcement. Review these policies with your workers at least once a year so they know the importance of such matters. In today’s litigious society, you can never be too careful;
Before and after work – Do you review the conditions your employees encounter before and after work, most notably security? While many offices have proper security, including video surveillance, others do not. From simple things like the proper lighting to making sure the building is secure, review the surroundings for your workers. As some business owners have discovered over the years, an unsecure environment can lead to problems, including potential lawsuits;
Recognize the highlights – While your employees obviously get compensation during the year, do you do the little things to recognize their achievements? Things such as a year-end party, birthday and employment anniversary celebrations, an office newsletter and putting together an office video or photo album from the last 12 months are great ways to keep morale up. A photo book you can compile using blurb promotional codes is a great keepsake for all workers, noting some of the fun times you’ve shared together. Given that many employees work 40 hours or more in an office setting weekly, a photo book can show each and every one the importance of working as a team;
Individuals matter – Lastly, sit down with each of your workers for a few minutes and see if they are happy in their present position. Are they coming to work with incentive or just to collect a paycheck? Do they like the team they work with or are they unhappy? Would they be even more productive if one or more things changed in the office? While some may be hesitant to speak, some will also share their feelings and thoughts with you, meaning a better work environment for all involved.

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers small business topics for various websites.

Top Payroll Outsourcing Concerns That Really Aren’t Concerns

In the past few years, small and large business, start-ups and organisations from all niches are opting for payroll outsourcing. Apart from being cost effective and time saving, outsourcing payroll has been preferred as it reduces legislation hassles, minimises risk and prevents heavy penalties levied on incorrect payroll information. However, even after gaining considerable popularity, outsourcing of payroll is surrounded by myths and concerns that don’t really exist. Here are some concerns about payroll that should not be a cause for worry in the first place.

Data security – Is it a real concern?

Although a realistic concern with any business, data security is a top priority for any payroll outsourcing company. While several finance professionals of the company worry about data security, especially payroll data, they have no reason to. Most payroll outsourcing companies invest heavily in the best and most secure technology to ensure data safety. Back-up software and storage are also in place for additional security. Outsourcing providers place utmost importance to data security and employ physical and intangible methods to keep your private data private.

These measures include physical security at entry points, impenetrable infrastructure for data transfer, clear desk policies as well as firewall defences. A concern about sensitive financial information is also well handled by outsourcing companies, who often quote that company data is safest with them.

Control over payroll – Who’s in charge?

It is a common misconception that payroll outsourcing is equivalent to losing control over payroll processes. In fact, with the right definitions and with the right outsourcing collaborator, you stand to have more control over these processes. While the outsourcing is being performed on the client server, it is being operated from a different location. In this setup, the company has to define job responsibilities and goals while monitoring employee performance.

When collaborating, the outsourcing company manages the payroll without taking away any control from the company. Apart from taking advantage of the expertise of outsourcing professionals, you can take better control of assessing employees and assigning payroll.

On the other hand, some companies are under the impression that opting for payroll outsourcing relieves them of their payroll functions. It is important to know that an outsourcing company merely manages the payroll while the onus of the entire process still lies with the client. The company is still required to collect and input essential details like pay information, time and vacation.

Expertise, experience and performance of outsourcing companies

While it is understandable that any company is concerned over the credibility and expertise for payroll outsourcing, it is important to note that all trustworthy and reliable companies are experts at their job. When you choose a reliable company, you no longer have to worry about their performance, expertise or experience in the field. Managing payroll remains the main business function of these companies and it is what they do best. However, it is also important to run thorough background checks, seek references and ensure that the contract is clean and hassle-free.

About the Author: Penny is an expert associated with i3Group a leading payroll service provider. Its custom corporate payroll solutions have helped blue-chip brands across industries manage payroll obligations efficiently and cost-effectively.

How to Handle Conflict at Work

Conflicts will always arise at the workplace. Irrespective of how much we hate it, it is a universal truth that there is no organization in the world which is free of conflict.

It may be a small matter that can be easily resolved, or it may be a major conflict that threatens the existence of the business entity. This does not mean that the organization has to be in a chaotic state at all times. Conflict can be the beginning of interesting relations at work. The managers have to be meticulous in dealing with it. They must do so in a manner that is fair to all and the means used to arrive at a solution must be void of bias or prejudice.

Here are a few tips that are useful in minimizing and handling work related warfare.

1. Define what is acceptable

This is the first step in avoiding unnecessary rivalry. Ensure that all employees understand the kind of behavior that is expected of them. Clearly define a framework that highlights code of ethics. Let them know what will not be tolerated. In the same light ensure that everyone’s job description is crystal clear to avoid situations where there is conflict arising from ambiguity in roles. This framework should be used whenever there is a conflict, and the employees have to be aware of its existence. The policies which have been set up have to be utilized as the basis for conflict resolution.

2. Deal with conflict as soon as it arises

Tugs of war at the workplace should not be ignored for too long. Ignoring such clashes will only give them time to flare up. It may spread like bushfire, and before you know it, it is all over the organization. This particular reason necessitates prompt confrontation of the conflict before it goes out of control. Do not let it escalate to a level where you cannot effectively deal with it. Do not bury your head in the sand. A few conflicts will calm down naturally, but most conflicts do not die down without some sort of intervention.

3. Listen to all parties and then act

It is only fair that both parties are accorded an audience before action is taken. Sometimes it is not necessary to do so, especially when it is quite obvious that one party is on the wrong. However, it is only right that both sides of the dispute are heard so as to arrive at a conclusion that is free and fair. Listen to what each party has to say before taking any serious action. Ascertain the facts and then act accordingly.

4. Request a third party to intervene

Whenever there is a conflict, it is important to ask an impartial third party to mediate. This is particularly important when you have made attempts to resolve the conflict without any significant progress. A third party will bring in some fresh ideas and give the parties concerned a notion that someone has listened to them, which is a crucial step towards healing.

5. Aim at finding a lasting solution

The idea behind conflict resolution is to come up with a lasting solution. You have to be solution oriented. As much as you acknowledge the problem, you have to suggest possible solutions which will bring the dispute to an end once and for all. This will help the parties to open up as they give their opinions about the suggested solutions, which should improve the situation.

6. Keep emotions away from the process

The greatest mistake people make is to let their emotions interfere with their decisions. The same applies while solving conflicts. Emotions will only aggravate a bad situation. Try to remain sober and to think as straight as possible. Ensure that emotions are kept off the bay so that they do not interfere with the process.

About the Author: Suzan Morley has over 10 years of HR experience.

Start Your Real Estate Business with an Effective Business Plan

The real estate industry has faced a number of hurdles in the past couple of years. Now, this is an obvious trend in any emerging business sector. However, after 2 consecutive ruthless years the market has sprung back and there have been quite a few real estate firms that have participated in the rebound. With the rising number of refinance and loan modifications, the activity in the real estate market is obvious. In fact, if we start thinking from the basic point of view, then starting a real estate company itself isn’t that easy. It requires a lot of careful research and hard work.

Latest news reveals that Vornado Realty Trust is said to have acquired about 59 percent interest in Manhattan. This real estate basically happens to be a residential complex and the value of the deal is estimated to be somewhere around the likes of 844.8 million dollars. With the kind of money that’s raked in, it’s important that you have a grand plan before getting into real estate business.

Strategies to formulate a real estate business plan

It’s a fact that the real estate business is literally thronged with eager entrepreneurs. All of them are searching for the right niche. If you happen to be one of those innovative business people, then in spite of the housing and commercial estate being volatile avenues, there’s a lot of profit to be made as well. Formulate an effective business plan to take your first step into real estate business.

Study real estate trends

The ideal thing would be to educate yourself thoroughly on the real estate trends before starting a real estate business. Amongst other things that you need to write on the business plan, you should include the new techniques that you’d like to employ for reaching out to the customers. You can get updated information from online magazines like Realty News and various other such sources to get started with your business.

Lay out the principals

It’d be wise for you to lay out the principals as far as your advertising and marketing plans are concerned. There are quite a few real estate businesses that make use of guerrilla marketing tactics like say for instance street teams. On the other hand, there are other businesses which make use of traditional media to cater to the established property owners. Be careful and research thoroughly the promotional costs involved. At the same time, you should keep in mind the fact that there are advertising costs too.

Explain staffing needs

Your real estate business plan should include proper explanation for the staffing needs as well. Initially you should make sure that you’ve got a small group of agents who’ll take the onus of actively scouting for locations and taking care of customer service. Graphic designers, contractors, web consultants are others you should always keep in mind.

Include relevant biographies

For each member of your ownership team, make sure that you include a biography. This is important for those who read your business plan should be aware that the daily operations of your real estate business are actually managed by innovative and highly qualified professionals. Now, if it so happens that your team had participated in real estate ventures in the past, then you should include that in your real estate business plan as well. Highlight the certifications and real estate ventures clearly.

List the costs involved

You must have envisioned certain operational costs for your agency, at least for the next 2 years. Make sure that you include real estate investment costs, wages and the facility costs amongst the major aspects in your projections. Make sure that this section is put right at the beginning of your plan, so that investors can see it clearly. Remember, if you’re unable to adequately fund your operational costs, then there are high chances that you might have to refinance your real estate business some time down the line.

Another important fact is to include the costs that might be required for expansion in future. If you plan for new branch openings, then they should be there as well. Nevertheless, keep in mind the fact that refinancing doesn’t really come without its costs. Many businesses are known to salvage their businesses by refinancing undoubtedly, but there should be enough money to do so.

Finally, it’s for you to steer your real estate business, and if you feel that you need the anchor of refinance some where in between, then you have to take its help. However, make use of an effective plan and get going with your own business before anything else.