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Frequently, contractors will ask how much volume should a salesperson or project manager be able to sell. This is a very difficult question to answer because there are so many variables. 

Happy New Year! These three words always bring on thoughts of new beginnings and new challenges. I like that the beginning of the calendar year is the time when we look forward instead of back. It is the time when we resolve to do new things or to do old things better.

Most bosses tend to see themselves as leaders even if they are not. Leadership comes in all shapes, sizes and forms but is one of the most misused buzzwords business academics and consultants like to pontificate about.

In general, trade associations in many industries are decades removed from their peaks in membership, participation and influence. 

There are many ingenious methodologies designed for motivating safe work practices among your employees. One of the most popular methods of controlling the way in which workers make decisions concerning jobsite safety is to offer them incentives.

A recent survey by allbusiness.com determined that the average cost to defend a Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) lawsuit is $80,000, even if you win. 

The first column of this year had me looking forward with an optimistic point of view. I must tell you that compared to some other years my numbers have actually been off in 2010, but the outlook has really worked for me. Not only with my business, but on a personal level as well. I am not a born optimist so I have to work at it.

The Experience Modification Rate (X-Mod) is a percentage-based multiplier (pricing mechanism) established by each state’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB). It’s used to calculate an employer’s workers’ compensation premium based on a number of empirically confusing statistical factors.

With a tougher economy, rising financial pressure and less overtime, field employees doing “side work” and competing with employers is a growing issue. Throw in an environment with more and more subcontract installers and things are even worse. Side work is not a new phenomenon; it has been going on forever. 

Now more than ever, it’s important to dot the i’s and cross the t’s when it comes to reporting your employees’ workplace injuries and illnesses. Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began sending inspectors to company offices and worksites to assess the accuracy of their injury and illness records.