Employee Management Using Right Type of Payroll Software
11 May 2012 | Category: accounting-payroll | Author: admin
There are many different types of payroll software that you can buy to help you manage the payroll of your company. These payroll software packages are even further broken down into the specifics of your company. For instance, if you have a company that is a part of the entertainment industry you'll want to have a payroll system that keeps track of the information that is unique to your industry. You'll need payroll software that will keep track of union information, meal penalties, and credits. The software that you use will calculate time sheets according to industry standards, including hours worked, any advances, or other adjustments. From these timesheets you'll be able to see exactly how much each employee is paid. From there it's up to you to pay your employees.
If you have a large company, or you just don't feel confident, you can hire a payroll service to calculate all your payroll information for you. This may cost you a bit more than if you do the work yourself using payroll software, however if your company is large enough you may find that the hours spent inputting payroll information simply takes you too long to do yourself. Both options are viable for you and your company and will give you the accurate payroll results that you need to correctly pay your employees and to keep the precise records that you need to keep.
One thing to keep in mind when you're using payroll software: if you're going to have the software installed on more than one computer you're going to have to make sure that you have more than one license for the software. This may cost you a bit more in the initial startups costs but in the long run could be more beneficial if you want to be able to enter payroll information on more than one computer.
What is a Bodyguard?........ A Secret Service Agent lookalike?........A Goon?........
11 May 2012 | Category: uncategorized | Author: admin
What does one envision when thinking of a "bodyguard"? When one considers the historical image of a "bodyguard", most people envision a large, tall, mean looking individual, capable of lifting you in one hand and tossing you across the room, seemingly without effort.
In today's world, security professionals refer to "bodyguards", our associates, as "executive protection specialists" or "EP agents".
In terms of answering the first question, "What is a bodyguard"; let's first ask the question: What is Executive Protection?
Executive Protection is the integration and deployment of physical & technical security measures and countermeasures to protect the life of the protectee (person protected) and/or corporate asset or property.
Executive protection is not simply the traditional image of a "goon" guarding a dignitary, V.I.P. or celebrity. The modern protection agent image is centered on:
o a "non-confrontational, incident avoidance" professional.
o the offensive, tactical, assault minded individual serves his/her purpose in a "compound" environment.
o today's executive protection specialist is trained to "cover and evacuate".
PAST or TRADITIONAL IMAGE of an EXECUTIVE PROTECTION AGENT
o large stature
o flashy clothes
o always armed - legal or not
o forceful & aggressive
o "gofer" or "lackey" role
o site protection only
o overuse of personnel
o not always trained or educated
CURRENT IMAGE of an EXECUTIVE PROTECTION AGENT
o average height
o business dress
o armed when necessary
o diplomatic & flexible
o security professional
o 24/7 total protection
o technology used when possible
o educated & computer literate
The above comparison and/or delineation leads to an issue which is dear to my heart, because all too often in today's business world, an unsuspecting client attempts to seek out a qualified professional and without knowing or realizing, the client calls on a firm or individual whom he or she has located through the yellow pages or internet, and winds up discussing their very serious issues with an individual directly from the above list: the past image of an Executive Protection Agent.
All too often today, alleged professionals emerge, almost on a daily basis, having received their state license or 'no' license at all and hang up 'shingles' and conduct business. In New York or Florida, for examples, the requirement for providing Executive Protection or bodyguard services is possession of a Private Investigator's license. There is no other training or experience required. This occurs all too often and these so called professionals present themselves as the Executive Protection expert "extraordinaire!
They forego any semblance of proper operational protocols such as 'security advance work' and usually without even conducting a proper threat or vulnerability assessment, offer to provide clients protective services and worse of all, at 'cut' rates.
They not only compromise the quality of service rendered the client, but they also dilute the profession, undermining the 'qualified professionals' out here and completely undermine the profession from a 'business aspect'.
The bottom line is the unsuspecting client can't understand why he or she is being quoted rates as low as $40 and as high as $200 per hour.
Note: The truth be known, a client can easily procure services of a qualified professional for around $100-$125 per hour domestically and somewhat higher for international assignments.
The truth also be known, the majority of these 'shingle hanging non-professionals' couldn't explain or expound on the essence of "Executive Protection, it's procedures and concepts and probably do not know or understand the basic difference between a threat and vulnerability assessment.
Another untruth in this business is the belief that experience in the military, specifically, the 'special ops' experience, is critical to this field. This is so not true. Domestically, in the continental U.S., highly strategic, offensive combat experience is not the 'end all' and 'be all' when it comes to protective assignments. This experience, however, does have a seriously important role in some 'very high risk' environments, such as Colombia or Iraq, but the normal, routine, every day protective assignment is usually a 'one man' and sometimes a 'two man detail' and seldom more. In fact, this routine type protective assignment is usually nothing more than 'armed escort' without the luxury of advance security work.
Essentially, protective service without the use of the security advance is simply 'armed escort'. In this scenario, the protectors, especially, the 'shingle hanging non-professionals' will be just as vulnerable to attack as the person protected.
Lastly, another point to mention and a sad point at that, is, these individuals' incredible lack of understanding of the importance of attention to detail and in being prepared. If a protection agent abides by nothing else, he/she abides by the slogan, "failure to prepare is preparing to fail". This mentality was constantly ingrained into the mindset of all Secret Service Agents and the result was evident in all aspects of operation.
Essentially, clients should be diligent in their scrutiny of the 'Protective Services' provider. Prospective clients should take a close look at the principal behind the firm and look to see if the website offers BIO's on any of the principals. In many instances, clients can not determine the background or credentials of the principal(s) behind the firm because the 'page' subject matter in "About us" is conveniently light or skirted altogether. There may be general statements about background, experience and credentials.
So, in conclusion, as in most other consumer purchases, "the buyer must beware".
CNC Machines
10 May 2012 | Category: uncategorized | Author: admin
What is a CNC Machine? CNC stands for Computer Numeric Control. Sounds complicated, but it isn't. Years ago, it was just NC, or Numeric Control. Since, they've added computers to control the machine.
In the simplest of terms, think of a drill press. It's a machine that drills holes. But before you can drill the hole, you have to loosen the chuck, install the correct drill bit, drill the hole in the correct place, turn off the drill, and remove the drill bit. Manually, this could be time consuming and cause fatigue over the course of numerous parts. This is a simple example, but throw in some lathe or milling machining and you have a greater chance for error.
With the CNC machine, all of this drilling can be done automatically instead of the manual process listed above. Machining has to be precise, and whether you use a CNC lathe or milling machine, you have to make sure the part is right. The computer takes a lot of the guesswork out of the machining of these parts. In fact, a CNC programmer can sometimes get bored watching the machine do all the work.
But there is more programming for the machine than you would think. The operator has to enter a set of instructions. The programming uses about 50 words and tells the machine how fast, how deep, and location for machining.
What can you do with a CNC machine? In manufacturing, you can use this tool for milling, drilling, reaming, boring and counter boring. You can also groove and thread parts in a CNC turning center. You may have several setups including CNC lathes, CNC drill and tap area, CNC milling, or even CNC grinding.
EDM (electrical discharge machining) can also take advantage of CNC operations. EDM can be either vertical or wire. A vertical EDM machine uses an electrode to make a cavity for a plastic injection-molding machine. A wire EDM machine uses a wire to cut metal for a tooling operation for fabrication. EDM is more closely related to making tooling for other machines, people often overlook the use of CNC with these machines.
CNC machines can also be used with routers in the wood industry. CNC can also be used with lettering and engraving.
I hope this gave you some basic information about what a CNC machine is and what they are used for.
Foreign Language Learning For Business Success
09 May 2012 | Category: uncategorized | Author: admin
If you understand a language then you will understand to a large extent the culture that goes with it, and if you understand the culture you will pick up on subtleties that you might otherwise miss. In any negotiation or business relationship the more you understand about the needs and wants of the other party the more likely you are to be able to reach an advantageous outcome (for both sides). This is well recognized, but less widely taken into account is the favourable impression that speaking another language gives about you, and this is what I want to consider.
In the international business world of today the English speaker is at a disadvantage in this regard because the international language of business is English. If you are not a native English speaker the obvious language to learn is English, whereas if you are and you want to learn a new language where do you start? Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Russian or French are just a few in no particular order which come to mind.
Naturally if you are going to learn a language for business purposes, the language you choose will depend primarily on where you do business. However, in this era of the internet, cheap flights and cheap telephone calls, it is common to establish business relationships world-wide.
It is not realistic to start learning multiple languages well, and so the interesting question is what strategies can be employed to maximise the possibility of foreign language use, with the aim of increased business success in a global market?
The answer is to learn enough of a language to be polite. The potential impact of this is rarely considered, but what impression do you have of a visitor to your country who does not speak a single word of English ? My guess is not a great one. The thought process is often 'that's a bit rude' or 'it's not that difficult to learn hello and goodbye'.
Exactly the same thought takes place in a business relationship because initial impressions count. Nevertheless how many English speakers who are building relationships with non English speaking countries take the time to learn hello or goodbye in the language. Even fewer bother to learn a few pleasantries and use them on the phone or face to face. The person who does that will stick out from the crowd and become human. It helps build and improve a relationship.
There is no need to become fluent in all the different languages that your customers speak. It is not possible and anyway English is recognized as the international language of business, but it is useful to remember that learning enough of a language to exchange pleasantries breaks through barriers and opens doors which might otherwise remain closed. Clever use of some words and phrases in languages other than English is going to improve your personal relationships with foreign clients.
Secrets of Donald Trump Revealed!
08 May 2012 | Category: uncategorized | Author: admin
If you're like most of the television-watching public, you're hooked on Season #2 of "The Apprentice" and the flamboyant entrepreneur in the "starring role."
Love him or hate him, you can't deny that Donald Trump is one of the world's most intriguing success stories... arrogant, conceited, and an absolute lightening rod for wealth of the largest magnitude. Trump is a billionaire! His accomplishment speaks for itself.
I like the man a lot.
One of the "big guns" leveled at "The Donald" is that he's boastful and egoistic. But while his attitude may or may not make him good company in a lifeboat, I think a "super" ego is a great characteristic to have in business.
I'll admit it: sometimes I have a big ego myself. My "ego strength" comes naturally out of the fact that I absolutely, positively believe 100% in what I do.
I have a little gadget on my desk saying, "I might be wrong, but I am never in doubt."
If that makes me an egoist... so be it. Because if you show me a person with low self-esteem, I'll show you a loser.
Self-esteem is the foundation of all achievement. You gotta love yourself. You gotta stand up for yourself. You gotta believe in yourself. And don't be afraid to toot your own horn!
Many people are conditioned that "bragging" is unseemly. But seriously, if you don't shine the spotlight on yourself, who will?
In most businesses, the owner is the "face" of that business, and he must sell himself as well as his products and services. Trump understands the concept, and what's why you see his brand "Trump" on everything.
"The Donald" knows that you've got to be your own full-time marketing campaign 24 hours a day...because nobody else will!
Especially if you're an entrepreneur.
Starting a new business is like having a new baby. In the first weeks and months, you're surrounded by support and encouragement...love from friends and family eager to help you with your "newborn."
But how long does that last? Not very. Suddenly you're out there on your own, and you've got to trust yourself. If you don't have confidence in yourself and in your decision-making abilities, you'll be paralyzed...unable to move.
Here's something huge: you have to believe that you'll be able to bounce back no matter what comes your way. Trump certainly has! And you can bet it was his unshakable ego that made the difference.
So, before you judge "The Donald" for being arrogant and full of himself, consider how having an over-developed ego can be a real asset.
One of the most important lessons I've learned in business is - don't criticize the negative traits of super-successful people. Instead of looking at their flaws and mistakes, say...
"What can I learn from this guy? What are some of his characteristics? How can I adapt this concept to my business?"
Frankly, if you can't pick up at least a good idea or two from a billionaire, you're pretty hopeless.
OK, enough of this "appetizing" chitchat. Let's get to the meat...
What I'd like to do is share some of the key insights I've learned from Donald Trump and successfully applied to my own life.
I'll give it to you Trump's way... then, I'll "Lok and load" it with my own personal spin.
Fasten your seat belt, because this first insight is probably THE concept that completely changed my life.
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Trumpism #1: Making It Big
"I like things big. I always have. To me, it's very simple: if you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big."
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Several years ago, I set a goal for myself: to make a 6-figure annual salary as a copywriter. What a small thinker I was!
Today, I've more than achieved my goal, but I didn't get the fulfillment and satisfaction that I expected. It's more like, "OK, I've achieved my goal, now what?"
What if I had set the goal to become a millionaire copywriter?
What if I set the goal to utilize my marketing and copywriting and build a $10-million company?
Would that make a difference? Would I be even more successful?
I think so.
As motivational speaker Les Brown said, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars."
My mother didn't raise any ignorant kids, and you don't have to tell me something twice. I've learned my lesson and adopted this philosophy in both my business and personal pursuits.
My long-term goal is building a $100 million-dollar company.
Isn't that pretty outrageous? Does it sound 'impossible'? Well, I've got a lifetime to work towards it!
And if I reach that goal, I'll set a new one!
You'll experience a paradigm shift when you think BIG. You'll look at things differently. You'll look at yourself differently.
And most of all, you'll approach your business differently.
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Trumpism #2: Accentuate the Negative
"It's been said that I believe in the power of positive thinking. In fact, I believe in the power of negative thinking. I happen to be very conservative in business. I always go into the deal anticipating the worst. If you plan for the worst - if you can live with the worst - the good will always take care of itself."
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More success, more wealth and more money are created out of knee-knocking, nail-biting desperation than out of "touchy/feely" positive thinking.
Positive thinking alone won't get you anywhere unless you combine it with practical plans, well-defined goals, follow-through, action, knowledge and persistence, etc.
I'm living proof.
I got into the copywriting business out of desperation. I still remember when I was to the world of business and no one would hire me. Feeling helpless and hopeless, I was motivated to become my own boss.
It was do or die for me...and I sure as hell wasn't about to die. And I found out that if I used the power of "negative thinking" in a good way, it was an extremely powerful motivator.
I always like to put myself in situation where I HAVE to grow, I HAVE to adapt, and I HAVE to change. I am constantly pushing the envelope and stepping outside of my comfort zone because...
The success that you want can only be found outside your comfort zone!
Any time you have a decision to make, ask yourself this, "What's the worst possible outcome? Can I handle it? Will it kill my business?"
Expect the best, but plan for the worst. Don't assume things will go smoothly because 9 times out of 10...they won't!
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Trumpism #3: Hiding Your Light Under A Bushel
"You can have the most wonderful product in the world, but if people don't know about it, it's not going to be worth much."
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I've pitched this concept until I am blue in the face to clients who stubbornly say, "I have a great product, so I don't have to advertise it."
That's insane!
No business can survive without a constant stream of qualified prospecting coming to your business. So it doesn't matter what industry you're in or what product/service you make available, whoever you are...
Essentially you're in the marketing business!
Having a good product or service is NOT enough...although it's certainly mandatory! Quality and value what brings your customers back for more.
But how the heck do they do how "wonderful" your stuff is if they haven't even bought from you yet?
In order to make a sale, you need someone you can sell to. To achieve that you need effective marketing systems to get these people in your "funnel" in the first place.
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Trumpism #4: Show Me the Money
"Don't believe the critics unless they love your work."
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I have a reputation for being blunt and aggressive. It's well deserved.
I am tough on my clients. I slap them around (figuratively, of course!). I use swear words when I write. I use even more "colorful language" when I talk.
I could be a real SOB sometime. I don't sugarcoat stuff and I definitely don't care about hurting someone's feelings. I've even fired clients on more than one occasion.
Because of my straightforward and tell-it-like-it-is style, I get a lot more criticisms than other marketing experts. Do you think I care what other critics say or think or about me? Not for a microsecond.
Because my clients either love me or they hate me. But regardless of how they feel about my style, all my clients put up with a manic like me because I make them rich, enormously rich.
And it's my satisfied clients that pay me... not dissatisfied critics.
The world is full of "naysayers" eager to find fault and point to the negative. You can't avoid them. They're a fact of life. Elbert Hubbard said it best, "To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing."
I am a firm believer that the best way to fail is to try to please everybody. So the only criticisms I take to heart are the ones from my mentors, my closest associates, and my advisors.
Period.
Remember...
Your critics aren't buying from you
Your critics don't want to see you do well
Your critics probably aren't qualified enough to criticize you!
Okay, I've "distilled" the essence of the four most intriguing concepts I've learned from Trump's books that have put money in my pocket. If you're motivated to go deeper "The Donald" has written seven incredible books (and you'll notice that each of them has "Trump" in the title!)
- Trump: How to Get Rich
- Trump: The Way to the Top
- Trump: Surviving at the Top
- Trump: The Art of the Deal
- The America We Deserve
- Trump: The Art of Survival
Some people like them. Some them say they're crap. And whether or not you shoot over to Amazon.com to get them for yourself is totally up to you, my friend.
But I'd ask you to consider this: if you can beg, borrow, or steal just one or two ideas from a man who's sitting on a billion-dollar empire...ideas that could jumpstart your business empire...wouldn't it be worth 20 bucks?
The choice is yours.
Dan
Copyright 2004 Quick Turn Marketing International, Ltd.
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