Blog

Team

jocelynlacoste

We know the biggest piece of running a successful business is having a solid team of people. Whether it be business partners, employees or your support system; who you are running this race with can make or break you. How your outlook is on your day to day encounters with your team will set the tone for future days to come. We came across a great article called “ 11 Comandments for an Enthusiastic Team.” (https://www.jfdperfsolutions.com/11-commandments-for-an-enthusiastic-team/)

Each point resonates well for any business owner and are pieces we should strive to attain. Here are a few good points.

 

  • Instead of focusing on what is wrong let’s teach to do things right. We can be so quick to jump when something goes wrong. Trying to take these situations and turn them into positive learning experiences can change the workplace and reduce mistakes.
  • Negative assumptions should be thrown out. Check things out if you feel something may not be right. Making accusations can and will cause a division between yourself and others. 
  • New ideas and changes can be a tough bridge to cross but embracing them and trying can make all of the difference. When someone discusses a potential new idea, shutting it down right away leads to negative views. Allowing for exploration can encourage growth and learning in both yourself and others. 
  • Scrap the all work no play attitude. Yes work needs to be priority but having an environment that is inviting, positive and fun will make everyone enjoy being there and is proven to increase productivity.teamwork

End of a Quarter

jocelynlacoste
Its that time. We are nearing the end of June meaning the end of Quarter 2. What does that mean for you and your business?
 
Now is a good time to get ahead on your filing, paperwork, receipt input, and income and expenses. If you don’t keep up with this work regularly, setting aside time quarterly can save you from a year end scramble. I’m sure we have all had the misplaced receipt and formulas not adding up which is frustrating to say the least.
 
Keeping on top of your business finances and paperwork will ensure your staying on the course you have planned. For more information or if your business could use assistance in accounting/bookkeeping, budgeting and payroll, don’t hesitate to send us a message. We offer a complimentary assessment to meet the needs of your business.
 

People Skills

jocelynlacoste
people skills
Let’s talk people skills. When owning and running your own business it’s common knowledge to know that your going to encounter people. How we represent ourselves, how we carry ourselves is going to set a certain tone to potential clients, employees and people we meet. We want to be inviting and personable. But what about the business you run from home or the business where you may not have any employees? These instances our ability to socialize even when its work related can diminish and quickly. From a personal standpoint running a dayhome I quickly became almost awkward around adults. Reason being a majority of my communication is with kids and from my own home. Having adult conversations became harder and I could feel my communication skills slowly slipping away. Once that happens, imagine how hard it is interviewing potential new families (insert face palm).
 
So what do we do when we feel a decline in our ability to connect with others? What are some of your go to’s to keep you involved? Are you part of specific groups work related or not? Here are a few ideas to get you out with others and to keep those communication skills.
 
Join your Chamber. Many are active in getting businesses together to network and learn.
 
Involve yourself with other business owners and like minded businesses. This allows for you to bounce ideas, learn from others and create relationships
 
Toastmasters International. This is something new I have come across which offers some great content. They focus on public speaking, communication and leadership skills. All which are so vital in a business. There are clubs all over where you meet and have the opportunity to learn and practice these skills.
 
(photo credit to career cafe)

Opinions

jocelynlacoste

changes ahead

 

Opinions

Recently there has been some changes introduced to legislature that will affect all business as a whole. We are looking at changes to:

Youth minimum wage: being moved to $13.00/hour on June 26th. The idea behind this to to encourage hiring of younger people to help them gain experience in the workforce.

Banked overtime: being brought back to an hour for an hour and if unused in 6 months then employer is paid out at time and a half.

Holiday Pay: an employee must work 30 days prior to being eligible to holiday pay. Also you are only entitled to holiday pay on the days you are normally scheduled to work.

These changed of course affect both businesses as well as employees and we want to know your thoughts on the changes. Do you agree or disagree? Do you think these changes will have a long lasting positive or negative impact? What changes would you like to see happen?