Happy New Year and best wishes for a prosperous 2021.
I have an important offer for your consideration! We at Bright Water Consulting would like to ensure that your IT Infrastructure is supporting your needs. I am sure that you will agree that with all the turmoil of 2020, this area needs to be reviewed. When IT is in sync with operations, success is assured. We will evaluate everything from cyber-security and employee safety to data analytics and supply chain. We will validate that IT is in sync with your operations and/or identify needs for improvement.
Bright Water Consulting a full-service IT and Business consulting firm. Everything we do is with an agile mindset for getting to market quicker, while reducing risks, and cost. We serve companies from SMBs to Fortune 500, like The Coca-Cola Company, Fiserv, and Georgia Pacific Corporation. Although we are based in Atlanta we service clients nationwide.
Let’s schedule a discussion, at your convenience, to determine how Bright Water Consulting can ensure your success. To make it easier for you, just click here to find the most convenient time to talk.
2020 was quite an unpredictable year, and employers are still working to restore stability as the nation transitions Presidents. One thing the past year has taught business leaders is the flexibility to adapt to such fluctuating environment. And businesses need to stay compliant because some major HR deviations are due to transpire. President-elect Joe Biden has communicated his initiatives to considerably change employment and labor laws that currently reside in the workplace today. His actions thus far prioritize filling his cabinet and surrounding offices with individuals that have deep roots in labor relations. Therefore, it’s imperative that Human Resources leaders be aware of the predicted upcoming modifications.
Key Human Resources areas possibly impacted by the new administration in 2021 will be:
COVID Management
There are strong indications that the new administration will move very fast to implement new guidelines and standards. In fact, this first action could come as soon as a few days after the President-elect takes office. Instilling remote work and holding companies accountable for that, strengthening sanitation procedures, social distancing, and employee training is also on the shortlist of items that could be implemented quickly. We may see a band at any social events of more than 25-50 people. And if it is allowed, masks will be required or a fine can be imposed. These guidelines could take effect until the number of death cases drops substantially. To support these efforts the new administration is considering doubling the number of OSHA inspectors.
COVID-19 Direction
OSHA to issue more binding rules outlining workplace exposure prevention, testing, temporary closures, and penalties for employer COVID violations. We will also see a push for more monetary relief for those economically harmed by COVID.
Healthcare
Expanded coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This will take some time to see major reform. The only thing we see happening quickly is increased attention to health plans covering all care related to COVID. Another popular offering is to add Telemedicine as a requirement in ACA qualified plans.
COVID Paid Leave
Extended paid leave of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) is currently voluntary for employers to retain through March 31, 2021. We may see swift action to require this Act to be followed as it was through December 31, 2020, and even extending the act several more months past March 31, 2021.
Previous communications of 12 weeks of paid leave have since dissipated. Most states that have implemented a paid family leave program are paid through a state tax charged to the employee as a payroll deduction. Also, this may be mandated by the size of the company.
Wage-And-Hour
Push for a nationwide minimum wage increase, overtime rule changes, and “wage theft” provisions to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be seen in the first 90-days of the new administration. There may be some occupations that will be allowed to sustain a lower wage such as agricultural and farming positions, for example.
Secretary of Labor
President-elect Biden has nominated Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to be the next Secretary of State. This is the first union member to fill this role in over 50 years, indicating the new laws will focus on employee-centric policy versus employer-supported rules.
Non-Competes
Only a few states today prohibit non-competes in employment agreements. However, President-elect Biden has strong commitments to supporting the California elected Vice President in following her state law of not allowing non-competes for all workers.
No-Poaching Agreements
This is where employers and employees agree not to poach and hire each other’s employees. The new administration has a strong commitment to ban this practice.
Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination
Broadening on discrimination and harassment (gender, age), and possible required anti-harassment training every year or two. There are some state laws requiring this now so it would not be hard to model off of one of those states.
Immigration
Transference in executive orders affecting immigration and increased work visas. However, this may help support the shortage of high-tech open positions and other jobs for Nurses and even Doctors but resulting in the burden of bringing them to work for US companies at the expense of the employer. We most likely will see fees escalate your VISA applications, H1B’s, and green card administration services. And you guessed it, the cost will shift more to the burden of the employer.
Labor relations
Most likely there will be a drive to enforce the “Right to Organize” Act, supporting major changes for Unions, which they will welcome. Over the past four years, the Labor Relation Board has not been at the forefront in labor activity. Under the Biden administration, expect to see the NLRB very active in employee-centric activities.
About Flex HR
Jim Cichanski – CEO FlexHR
Flex HR is an Administrative Services Organization (ASO) that provides leadership to deliver customized, scalable, and cost-effective HR outsourcing solutions. Flex HR offers a highly collaborative approach to consulting and outsourcing by aligning core human resources competencies needed to achieve the value expected from your company’s most important assets: your people.
I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.
BONUS: The first 30 people to register and attend receive a free copy of “The Franchise MBA”
David Roemer
Dave Roemer has more than 30 years of experience as a franchisor and a franchisee. He gets both sides of the relationship as he has been on both sides.
After several years as a restaurant operator and trainer, Dave began working with franchisees as a business consultant for Dunkin’, Arby’s, and TGI Friday’s. He then purchased a Business Coaching franchise and began working with small business owners in the Columbus, OH market. After a couple of years, he decided to go back to the restaurant business and was a Director of Franchise Operations for Long John Silver’s and the Einstein’s/Bruegger’s/Manhattan Bagel brands.
Today, Dave is an independent Franchise Consultant who helps people interested in purchasing a franchise determine which brands are the right fit and then helps them through the due diligence and discovery process. His services are free to the client as his fees are paid for by the various franchise brands with which he works.
I get excited when I see a franchise uniquely servicing a high demand, essential need.
Wednesday, January 27th at 12:00 pm ET – Join me for a 20 minute online preview of what I believe is one of the best business-to-business franchises to consider launching in 2021. Click here to sign-up.
What’s so compelling about this franchise opportunity?
20 year history of success (through 2 recessions and COVID-19).
Meticulously refined model resulting in 90% customer retention year over year.
Organic expansion through synergistic profit centers; increasing lifetime customer value.
Growing catalog of commercial national accounts.
Rapid startup and expansion.
Monday – Friday bankers hours; no night/weekend/holiday emergencies.
Low investment; low ongoing overhead.
SBA loan approved.
Can be owner-operator or oversee a small team.
Down to earth company culture with a focus on results, family, kicking butt and FUN.
Own a huge service territory for modest franchise fees.
Blue ocean opportunity in a $100B highly-fragmented industry; grow an empire if you wish!
Curious to learn more but cannot make the live event? Sign-up anyway to receive the presentation recording.
Here’s what else is coming up….
Building Wealth through Franchise Ownership (During and Beyond COVID-19)
Hosted by SCORE ($20)
Friday, February 5th
10:00 am ET (60 minutes + Q&A) Learn more and sign-up
Best Senior Home Healthcae Franchise for 2021
Hosted by Leslie Kuban, FranNet (no cost)
Wednesday, February 17th
12:00 pm ET (20 minutes) Learn more and sign-up
Want to chat with me now? Please use my scheduling link to choose a time to take my call: https://calendly.com/leslie_kuban
To your success,
Leslie
Jim Weber is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting Featuring David Shavzin.
David will present: What Has COVID Done to Value, Timing, Exit and Business Sales? Helping Business Owners Adjust.
David Shavzin
David Shavzin, CMC, is a Certified Management Consultant, and a passionate and experienced exit and succession planning, expert. He created The Value Track to help business owners improve profitability, build value, and maximize their business transactions. A frequent speaker on these topics, David is President and a co-founder of Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta and past president of the Institute of Management Consultants – Georgia Chapter. David has over a dozen years of experience in senior corporate roles followed by nearly 20 years of consulting to privately held businesses. His industry experience includes manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and professional services firms: law, accounting, architecture, engineering, and design.
– Identify weaknesses in your current networking approach
– Define who are the best people with whom to engage
– Choose more effective venues/organizations
– Establish productive agendas to guide interactions
– Set goals and measure results
Richard Kirby is an executive coach and small business coach with 30 years of corporate management and 16+ years of independent coaching successes. His diverse corporate experience has ranged from engineering/technical to sales/relational in company environments that ranged from a Fortune100 bureaucracy to a pre-IPO entrepreneurial start-up. He is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC®) and a Board–Certified Coach (BCC).
Richard has a unique combination of analytical and creative talents that allow him to successfully coach key executives and business owners, with a focus on improving individual and organizational results.
Core Competencies
Executive Coaching and Mentoring
Recruiting and hiring strategies
Small business owner mentoring
Outplacement
Background
Chair (Small Business Coach) for Vistage International
Executive Coach and Outplacement Coach for Executive Impact
Regional Sales Director for ADC Telecom
Regional Sales Director for Siemens
Various Engineering Management positions
BS in Electrical Engineering
BENG Mission
BENG provides mid- to senior-level professionals with a platform to enhance their networking activities and skills.
Members in-transition benefit from tools to accelerate their job search (including opportunities for networking), targeted employment information and emotional support.
Employed and self-employed members benefit from a platform to network and cultivate relationships with community leaders and professionals interested in expanding business.
We rely upon the generosity and cooperation of our members – whether in-transition, employed or self-employed – to accomplish the mission of “Members Helping Members.”
We at ITB Partners appreciate your loyal business and referrals. I have heard from many of you how difficult 2020 has been and wanted to offer some assistance. Since I’m not comfortable giving advice beyond my (Service type) expertise, I have contracted with an expert Business Coach to help.
Adrian Sasine is a serial entrepreneur and client I have known and worked with for nearly 10 years. He runs a Business Coaching Firm specializing in small and medium-sized businesses like yourselves. I fully trust his expertise in Sales, Marketing, and Business Fundamentals and have seen the resources at his disposal firsthand.
Adrian is offering a complimentary coaching session to focus on what you can do to drive more business in 2021. He is committed to finding you more money, selling ideas, and marketing strategies to help you!
The first 15 businesses that take advantage of this will receive a free coaching session and FREE access to a robust online Business Academy packed with tools, resources, and training. This alone retails for $997 and includes a powerful resource library containing over $100K in previously created and tested marketing collateral.
There is absolutely NO COSTto you as I have negotiated everything as a special gift to my clients.
To book your complimentary Coaching Session NOW, send an email to adrian@salesmarketingresults.com
This offer is only good through January 20th so I highly suggest you take advantage. It is a special offer that Adrian has offered specifically for (company name) clients.
Unfortunately, Adrian isn’t able to offer this to an unlimited number of companies but we’ve secured 15 spots for our clients.
We’re glad to partner with Adrian to give you more opportunities for success in 2021!
Wishing you all the best in the year to come.
Adrian Sasine
Adrian Sasine is a Business Coach and a Marketing & Sales expert! From Start-up to Sale – Adrian delivers customized, results-based coaching for every business owner! With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Adrian offers a proven ability to increase profits and drive business growth. His clients receive invaluable business knowledge and insight from his own successes, failures, and thirst for business knowledge. What began as a hobby consulting with entrepreneurs, has turned into an undeniable passion to help serious business owners generate more clients, close more sales and increase their overall revenue and profits >> quickly and inexpensively. His expertise is as diverse as his resume, which includes having owned and exited several small businesses and leading the marketing division of a Fortune 500 company.
Today I’d like to chat about the different types of support staff you need and what makes them so important.
There are essentially three key roles that need to be filled to set your business up for success:
The Technician
The Manager
The Entrepreneur
All of these roles need to be played simultaneously by different people with the right talents. It’s all about balance.
The Technician
This person represents the present and all that needs to be done for the physical aspects of the business-building process. They are the “doer”. This is usually the most visible person in the entire operation.
The Manager
This person represents the past and works to fix problems through learning from past mistakes. They are on the practical side of the business and is in charge of putting together the business and overseeing the planning.
The Entrepreneur
This person represents the future and the vision for the business. They are responsible for the creative side of the business and are always considering ways to enhance products/services, business image, branding, and more.
All three of these characters are essential in the success of any business and to build a solid foundation from the start, you need to work harder to find the right people to put in these roles. Obviously, you need to be one of these key people, but ensure you find the role that fits your skills and talents, not necessarily what you THINK you should be doing.
This may be a hard process for you as you will need to relinquish some control over the business and instill trust in people to allow them to do their jobs.
After all, change is HARD. A business coach becomes not only your mentor but your accountability partner during this process.
Michael Gerber, in his book “The E-Myth”, explores this concept deeply. For more information, or to set up a discussion with a coach devoted to helping you grow a profitable business, visit http://www.salesmarketingresults.com/
Helping businesses isn’t one thing we do. . . It’s all we do!
Adrian Sasine
Adrian Sasine is a Business Coach and a Marketing & Sales expert! From Start-up to Sale – Adrian delivers customized, results-based coaching for every business owner! With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Adrian offers a proven ability to increase profits and drive business growth. His clients receive invaluable business knowledge and insight from his own successes, failures, and thirst for business knowledge. What began as a hobby consulting with entrepreneurs, has turned into an undeniable passion to help serious business owners generate more clients, close more sales and increase their overall revenue and profits >> quickly and inexpensively. His expertise is as diverse as his resume, which includes having owned and exited several small businesses and leading the marketing division of a Fortune 500 company.
I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.
I began 2020 with a great sense of optimism. However, within weeks of my New Year’s post, the world was in lockdown. Was I ever surprised! I did not anticipate the Covid-19 Pandemic. Honestly, we were all surprised. Sure, we knew it was a possibility. The concept had been discussed in the culture, complete with dire warnings mostly ignored.
I had just completed a COO search when the lockdown began. My placement’s start date was March 16. I was sure that my client would rescind their offer. But I was wrong. The new COO became an integral part of their organization, helping them navigate through the challenges created by the pandemic.
My first blog post of the year is meant to establish a theme for the New Year. It is somewhat different this year. It seems appropriate to put 2021 into greater context, given our experience in 2020. As we begin 2021, we are into the second flair-up of Covid-19, tracking the normal influenza cycle. The residual effects of 2020 will be with us for a while, certainly through 2021. Companies are still looking for a handle on the situation. They have learned much but need more time to adapt and thrive.
My ‘beginning of the year message’ of 2020 was a typical opener, The setup spoke to the importance of planning and goal setting. I wrote that companies are more likely to achieve their objectives, whereas individuals abandon their New Year’s Resolutions within a few short months. I observed that the difference might be due to a lack of systems. Goal attainment requires a system that incorporates learning. Creating virtuous habits is the key to success. That was my thinking at the beginning of 2020.
A chronological review of the topics for my 2020 posts is revealing. In the first quarter, I was writing about making a productive start to the new year. Pre-pandemic thinking. In the second quarter, I was writing about situation awareness. I wanted to understand the effects of the pandemic and assess the needs of our clients. By the third quarter, I was writing about developing strategies to reconnect with customers. The fourth quarter was the setup for 2021. I wrote about the need for a clear positioning statement, supported by a communications program.
My 2020 Blog Themes by Quarter
!st Quarter Planning and Strategy -Typical Start of New Year Message
2nd Quarter – Understanding/Responding to the needs of clients – Communications.
A catalog of my 2020 articles is listed at the end of this post.
The lockdown made it clear that business models need to adapt to a new paradigm. Many trends already working their way through the economy accelerated. Remote working and internet shopping are obvious examples. Other changes were not expected, especially health protocols surrounding Covid-19 mitigation. There was a noticeable impact on the supply chain due to bottlenecks at the manufacturing/production node. The service sector was hard hit as ‘high touch’ retail concepts collided with social distancing, PPE, and sanitation protocols. Our clients struggled to adapt. My goal was to help them understand, adapt, and reposition themselves for success. This is still my focus. Find a defensible niche, organize around that strategy, and market your brand (communicate) accordingly.
My take-away from 2020 is that most companies are not investing in strategic threat assessments or developing contingency plans. This leads me to believe that their planning systems are not generating information to protect their flanks. Actionable information is the foundation for planning. A robust strategic analysis discipline will validate strengths, mitigate weaknesses, identify opportunities, and surface threats. This approach to planning creates a learning culture. An effective planning system is a learning system. Good companies employ a planning system. Great companies create a learning culture that guides their planning.
Beginning a new year is still exhilarating. Maybe even more so this year. We face a fluid situation as the second phase of the Covid-19 Pandemic takes its toll. And a new Political Administration will soon be in place. We know that further change is coming, but its size and scope is unclear. The challenge is to gain clarity to ensure our continued survival. This requires more experience and solid analysis.
I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.
How many hours are spent every year in meetings conducting strategic planning sessions only to find the plan ignored? Or, in today’s Agile approach to business, the confusion reigning with a lack of effective and timely communications of shifting priorities. The human element cost can be tremendous with employees left confused with engagement levels constantly fluctuating, impacting output.
Two very successful entrepreneurs have combined forces providing your organization with access to a fresh and effective approach to strategic planning and execution:
Dr. Stephen Dawson is a strategic internal or external consultant who provides exceptional-business building outcomes in the United States and Southeast Asia by utilizing his visionary abilities to design and deliver the next generation business productivity tools to assist regulators in accomplishing economic development. He has maximized his postdoctoral work in ways to blend his exceptional education with his outgoing personality and strong communication skills. He is also an Adjunct Professor with Regent University, serving with the Department of Business, Leadership, & Management.
Dave Daniels (BA/MA) is an accomplished senior business, human resource, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) executive. Having held leadership positions throughout the country, Dave’s business approach is intended to exceed financial objectives by inspiring exceptional capabilities on the part of all team members. He is an accomplished facilitator and leader of results-oriented cross-functional teams. Additionally, Dave is a Certified Coach of the IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) process, the most respected Diversity and Inclusion (D & I) assessment in the world. While he brings a wide range of experience, Dave’s expertise in the D & I space provides for full integration of this critical piece in our approach.
What we do:
Troubleshoot (assess) current plans and levels of communications and results
Create “real” alignment and commitment to the best actions
Become a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
Define/refine desired outputs and impact
How are we different:
Identify and solve key pain points, immediately
Provide a strong and relevant D & I lens to every aspect of your organization
Access to the IDI process, as a value, add
Flexible and Agile customization
Contact Information: Stephen and Dave may be reached via phone or email:
