Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs have brought benefits to the workplace. But as with any change, some expected and unexpected challenges arise. DEI programs offer several benefits to organizations willing to embrace them. They foster enhanced productivity and innovation. Diverse teams comprised of individuals from various backgrounds, cultures and work styles often generate synergy […]
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees several types of business loans. The 7(a) loan program constitutes the primary SBA program for providing financial assistance to small businesses.The 504 loan program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets. This column addresses the highlights of the 7(a) program. Before going into the basics of 7(a) […]
Business owners typically dream of creating greater freedom, wealth and happiness — to exert greater control over their destinies. More specifically, they usually start companies to achieve professional, personal and financial independence and often use these to travel, relax, give back and enjoy their lives as much as possible. For many, however, this remains a […]
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued its first workplace harassment guidance since 1999. Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace supersedes several dated guidance documents that were adopted as early as 1987 and reflects changes in the modern workplace. Guidance documents aren’t law, but constitute significant resources the EEOC uses in making enforcement […]
After four years of sweeping human resource legislation in Colorado, employers could be wondering — and worried — about what will happen during the 2024 legislative session. Rest assured the Colorado Legislature remains engaged in creating new HR laws in addition to those enacted over the last four years. But that legislation also appears less […]
The answers to the following questions can go a long way to determine whether an individual is emotionally secure as a leader — or not. Do you trust you’ll be OK no matter what challenges come your way? Emotionally secure people know life can be difficult and accept hardships. They maintain a deep sense of […]
While diet and exercise constitute key components of a healthy lifestyle, don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. You’re already a sleep expert. You have been since you were born. Yet, quality sleep could elude you in a fast-paced society that fills every moment of your day with work, activities and screen time. Quality sleep […]
Leading the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has afforded me a front-row seat to the diverse challenges and triumphs companies experience in seeking funding. Whether it’s a startup or established company, the key lies in clearly defining financial goals. Articulating goals through storytelling lies at the heart of securing investment. Capturing an investor’s interest […]
If your business has 50 or fewer employees, there’s no penalty for not offering a group health insurance plan. But there are many bottom-line benefits that come with group insurance. Together, these benefits can make providing group health insurance more than worth the cost. According to a recent survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, […]
Business owners and managers frequently ask me, “How do you teach people to think?” It’s a powerful question that can lead to significant improvements in results. The answer: by learning to become a mentor and effective communicator and consistently encouraging team members to think for themselves. There’s a tendency among some business owners and managers […]