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Guidance on Taxes and Employee Benefits in the Year since the U.S. v. Windsor
In June 2013, Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Windsor. In particular, Section 3 of DOMA defined marriage for the purposes of federal law as being between one man and one woman, therefore, legally married same-sex couples were not considered […]
Beware of Hidden Dangers in Inadequate Indemnifications
Amy manufactures miniature springs. Brad wants to buy those springs to install in plastic frogs he sells to a burger chain as kids’ meal prizes. Brad knows that if a spring in one of his frogs malfunctions and injures someone, he’ll be sued. So, he insists that the contract with Amy include both an indemnification
It Takes the Right Tactics to Improve Sales Performance
In Lee Child’s book “Without Fail,” a Secret Service official simplifies a disturbing problem. “If the Yankees come to town saying they’re going to beat the Orioles, does that mean it’s true?” And then he adds, “Boasting about it is not the same thing as actually doing it.” It’s the same with sales, where there’s
Integration, Not Balance — Focus, Not Prioritization
“The main thing is keeping the main thing the main thing.” — Stephen Covey I am often amazed at how many of us have been given the same bad advice over the years, and, in retrospect, how often I have given it myself. I mean advice such as: live a balanced life, create work-life balance,
Take Charge of Your Internal Communications
In any organization — whether you are a CNY Top 100 corporation or a much smaller business — employees should be your number-one audience. The most successful organizations are those with engaged employees who are involved in frequent two-way dialogues with leadership throughout the organization. These top-performing companies give employees the chance to provide their
Do We Need Price Controls to Stop Exorbitant Hospital Fees?
After the birth of my first child, my wife and I noticed we were billed for a very expensive bedpan and box of tissues we never used. We challenged the charges and were told not to worry. Because of our fixed co-pay, these items did not cost us anything. Although we were skeptical, the hospital
I Don’t Have Any Competition … or Do I?
Often, business owners will say a variation of, “Well, at least there is no one who is doing exactly the same thing I am. That’s what competition is, right?” Not necessarily. It’s impossible to run your business successfully in a vacuum; someone out there is going to attempt to one-up your idea. That’s the philosophy
True Community Relations — “Creating a Lovemark”
People get a certain feeling when they think about brands like Disney or Wegmans (Note: neither is a client of ours). That emotion is built proactively, consistently, and very intentionally by these companies. It takes their bands to a higher level — almost untouchable by any negative publicity. This success is founded in community relations
Employer Mandate Hits in 2015: Make Sure Your Business is Ready
If you were like most business decision-makers in the winter and spring of 2013, you were frantically trying to prepare for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) employer-mandate provision that was set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2014. Business decision-makers at large employers across the nation heaved a collective sigh of relief
Small Business Tip: Communication is a Priority
Communication: The exchange of ideas, messages, or information by speech, signals, or writing. Or, a system for sending and receiving messages, as through telecommunications. How are you getting messages from your customers? Do you have the tools in place to allow them to provide you the feedback critical to your business success? Moreover, how do
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