The rapid pace of change due to COVID-19 and its impact on hiring and retaining hourly employees demands a new source of insight to distinguish yourself as an employer. Historically, most employers turn to benchmarking as a first step toward enhancing their employee attraction and retention efforts. But a new source is emerging, and that [...]

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, new sanctions/restrictive measures have been issued by the U.S., EU, UK, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Iceland, Australia and New Zealand. As a result, Russia is now the most heavily sanctioned country in the world.  On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce hosted [...]

Every business owner I have ever worked with has always wanted to surround themselves with better people. Having a solid team of highly skilled individuals with differing strengths will ultimately make running the business easier. It’s really satisfying when you don’t have to look over every aspect of the operation. This confidence in the team [...]

Every business owner I have ever worked with has always wanted to surround themselves with better people. Having a solid team of highly skilled individuals with differing strengths will ultimately make running the business easier. It’s really satisfying when you don’t have to look over every aspect of the operation. This confidence in the team [...]

The recent proliferation of well-publicized cyberattacks has revealed ransomware to be a serious national security threat. Still largely hidden from public view, however, are the attacks on small businesses, including many within the industrial, specialty and advanced textile industry, that don’t make the headlines. Surprisingly, while ransomware attacks have become a multibillion-dollar threat, the average [...]

As we continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, many have been reflecting on the year that was—or perhaps wasn’t. For a vast number of folks, priorities have shifted from simply surviving to remaining strong in the face of what has passed and what is to come. Mental health remains a critical issue  In the [...]

Determining the true value of your company. by Larry Oxenham Succession planning can be a tricky matter, especially if you’re passing your business on to a family member. Sometimes keeping it in the family is viable, but not in every case. If it comes time to sell the business instead, you should be armed with [...]

Education is a valuable asset when it comes to success in life and business. Going to college is the standard road map many people use to get an education that helps them succeed, but I never really enjoyed the classroom. I wanted to get out and get busy. I did better with hands-on learning, either [...]

The keys to achieving sustainable growth. by Charlene Clark The concept of scaling a business is not interchangeable with growing a business. Consider this scenario: You are experiencing exponential growth, revenues are up, work is pouring in the door and you decide to hire more people. You and your team work longer hours, but it [...]

Tips for selling products and services during COVID-19. by Madeleine MacRae Determining the best way to sell and, even more so, how to effectively and appropriately market your products and services at a time of such widespread uncertainty and deep market disruption can be a daunting task. As a leader during this unprecedented time, you [...]