Written by Michael Goldberg
As Billy Joel says, “Times they are a changing.” But did he ever need to carry a business card?
Virtual meetings have changed the way we network and conduct business. Conversations are often more focused, more efficient, and we can have more of them. Also, taking notes, doing “at the moment” research, and exchanging contact information is easy.
Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville
In speaking with two prospective clients today, I was reminded once again that what we know is irrelevant. What we believe and what we practice is what has the greatest impact on our lives.
One “knew” that she was the problem in not achieving her dreams. She has worked tirelessly yet at the same time has been treating her business as if it was a hobby. She was charging far less than she needed to if she was going to make any real profit. When I mentioned to her that one factor of a business is actually making money she just laughed. It was a ridiculous thing to say; something she knew and yet something she hadn’t really considered when looking at the costs of what she was offering compared to what she was charging.
Written by Stephen Trimboli
Do the federal or state constitutions prevent a New Jersey business owner from terminating employees for their off-duty speech? According to a new state court decision, the answer is “no,” at least when the off-duty speech is harmful to the business owner’s interests.
McVey v. AtlantiCare Medical System Inc. involved a medical system’s Corporate Director of Customer Service. The medical system’s social media policy warned that social media activity, even outside of work, “has the potential to affect AtlantiCare employee job performance, the performance of others, AtlantiCare’s brand and/or reputation, and AtlantiCare’s business interests.” It further warned, “When you identify yourself publicly as being employed by … AtlantiCare, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself with colleagues and clients.” The policy specifically warned employees to avoid “topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory – such as politics and religion.”
Written by Machen MacDonald
We all have most likely heard things like - givers gain and it is better to give than to receive. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want."
However, to really give you have to G.E.T.
Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville
This week happened to be one of those weeks where I was in many conversations about what I do. My standard response is “Leadership Coach and Consultant.” I believe however like so many of us “What do you do?” could have a thesis response and it still wouldn’t fill in all the gaps...
What do I do?
Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin- Neville
Have you ever noticed that whenever you feel the least bit insecure, someone shows up to convince you, that you shouldn’t even think about taking that risk or doing that “out of the box” thing? Or, how do you become the leader of your own life when it feels as if so many others have opinions that challenge you every step of the way?
Taking risks, reaching further than ever before, or having the audacity to create a new path whether for you or your company can be frightening, exhilarating, and life-giving. It’s a calling. However, the cost frequently is being judged by those closest to you. Those who are frightened of risks, change, and growth, with the best of intentions may want to protect you but the fact is they are protecting you from their fears, not your reality.
Written by Machen MacDonald
Leaders with a Mentor Mindset B.R.E.A.T.H.E. when the going gets tough so they can continue their progress and breakthrough. They show those they lead how to B.R.E.A.T.H.E. as well.
There will always be adversities, obstacles, and challenges on the path to success and greatness. Learning to navigate effectively through, over, and around them is what sets achievers apart from the rest.
Reframing Biases That Cause You to Get What You Expect
Written by Susan Fitzell
Everybody varies a little from the definition of the ‘standard’ human. Some of us are tall. Some of us are short. Some of us are right-handed. Some of us are left-handed (unless you are a baby boomer and went to Catholic school). Do those things really matter? Not really. It gets more complicated, however, when we factor in cultural differences and distinct ways of doing things.
Every manager or business owner knows they need to look past superficial differences and concentrate on choosing the right people for the right job.
Written by Stephen Trimboli
Cannabusiness. The mere utterance of this word generates excitement at the thought of the new business opportunities available. But those with visions of operating a cannabusiness in New Jersey need to be aware that other than “microbusinesses,” all licensed producers, growers, transporters and vendors will be required to enter into union agreements or face having their licenses revoked. Having a “labor peace” agreement with a labor union – that is, an agreement not to contest the union’s efforts to organize one’s workers, often in exchange for the union’s promise not to strike or picket – is a requirement for applying even for a temporary license. Once the license is granted, the licensee must maintain the labor peace agreement or enter into a collective bargaining agreement (or at least make good faith efforts to conclude such an agreement) within 200 days of opening for business. Failure to do so can result in license suspension or revocation.
Cannabusiness entrepreneurs face obstacles unique to that industry. But collective bargaining, even in a harmonious, constructive union relationship, imposes a new set of mutual rights and obligations that cannabusiness entrepreneurs may not be aware of. A short article can only skim the surface of these rights and obligations. But some key points are critical to understand.
First, an entrepreneur cannot simply begin to bargain with any union he or she chooses.
Written by Joe Curcillo
There are no bad ideas. Once you can accept that simple phrase, you will be open to anything that comes in your direction. When we pre-judge the things that we hear, or we listen to the skeptical opinions of others, we are no longer allowing our minds to remain open.
People are not scripted. People do not all think the same way. When someone offers a suggestion that may, to most people, sound ridiculous, hearing that suggestion or idea could be the springboard to something much greater. The converse is also true. If we do not listen to that person’s idea, we may overlook our next great opportunity.
Written by Joe Curcillo
The pandemic taught us that we are all dealing with situations that we may not anticipate. An inability to market, and the inability to grow and develop new business. We can, however, seize opportunities to keep our network alive. The backbone of every business is its network. Your network may be your employees, your customers, your business associates, or, most likely, all three.
As we look at social media, we are confronted every day by concerns that Facebook or LinkedIn change their algorithm affecting the number of people that we see in our respective feeds. When we lose contact with our real-world network, we can’t blame Facebook. We must look inside and determine whether we have forgotten to do what we must.
Having a compelling vision of your future is perhaps the most powerful ingredient to your success.
Have a vision and you are hopeful. Lack a vision and you suffer feeling hopeless.
Oh! and all your other employees, too!
Neurodivergent employees approach work a little differently than their neurotypical colleagues. Depending on their specific challenge, whether they’re on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or have another learning disability, certain aspects of what others would consider a “normal” workday are very challenging for them. For some, it’s a sensory issue; for others, being distracted or having their schedule changed may zero out their productivity for the day.
Written by Stephen Trimboli
Starting April 18, 2022, private sector employers in New Jersey who knowingly use tracking devices for the sole purpose of tracking the movement of a vehicle, person, or device will face civil penalties unless written notice is provided to employees that tracking devices are being used.
A “tracking device” is defined for this purpose as an electronic or mechanical device that is designed or intended to be used solely for the purpose of tracking the movement of a vehicle, person, or device. Devices used for the purpose of documenting employee expense reimbursement are not considered “tracking devices” under this new law.
Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville
This has been one of those weeks where I have been called to step back and see the miracles that take place in my life on a regular basis. For each of us, if we are willing to step back into spiritual detachment, to take that 30,000-foot view, where we get to see things objectively, without an agenda or a need to see things in a certain way, so many, many, things become clear.
I had been talking to a friend about spending so much time working IN my business, I had little to no time to work ON my business. As I stepped back, I could also see however that I had been saying for a while that I wanted to do more. I wanted to touch more people and support them in stepping into their own lives and/or their own businesses. Well, my prayers had been answered. Many more clients showed up or came back after years away.
Written by Susan Fitzell
Strategies to Help Neurodivergent Workers Help Themselves
Now, more than ever before, businesses are embracing innovation and flexibility when it comes to meeting the needs of their workforce. If the COVID pandemic taught us anything, it’s that with a little creativity, solutions can be found for even the most insurmountable obstacles. Since early 2020, nearly every single business has had to make accommodations for their workforce of one kind or another to keep their “doors open” and ride out the instability and uncertainty that defined this last year and a half.
Are you winning your game and how are you impacting people profoundly?
To win at the people business you have to win at the numbers game. You have to find your way to get to the people so they can benefit from your expertise and what you do. You have to win the numbers game of prospecting.
Neurodiversity Terms and Definitions in the Age of Inclusivity
Written by Susan Fitzell
In my work to help businesses and educational organizations develop and implement strategies that optimize learning and productivity in a neurodiverse world, I have come to realize that there is quite a bit of confusion out there about the simple terminology and vocabulary we use to discuss neurodiversity and the neurodivergent community.
An AHA Moment in a Podcast
Written by Stephen Trimboli
We are told that labor unions are close to a spent force in the private sector. Only 6.1% of private-sector workers were unionized in 2021, down from 6.2% in 2020. This being so, there is nothing for a small- or medium-sized business owner to worry about when it comes to labor law or the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency that enforces private sector labor law, is there?
Guess again.
