Archive for the ‘Economy’ Category
Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Building a company with great culture is one way to help your small business thrive. What other tips do you have for small business success?
It seems like we blog about everything under the sun…the best food, great travel destinations, social media, government agencies, and we can go on and on. We, however, haven’t focused on small businesses or entrepreneurs in a while. So, we wanted to share four tips that every small business and entrepreneur should consider for success.
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Build a company with great culture. In an article on Monster.com, Michael Burchell, author of The Great Workplace—How to Build It, How to Keep It, And Why It Matters, gives a number of reasons why organizational culture can mean success for small businesses. At e-Management, our CEO strongly believes that culture starts at the top and makes it a priority for the company’s leadership to model the culture we want employees to experience and promote. Great work culture can reduce staff turnover. In addition, employees tend to be happier at companies with great culture and their happiness can mean customer care that stands out from the competition. Not to mention, great workplaces are oftentimes centers for creation and innovation. So, don’t underestimate the value of culture taking your business to the next level.
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Reward your staff. A recent report from Bersin by Deloitte (formerly Bersin & Associates), The State of Employee Recognition in 2012, suggests that rewards programs have “a much more measurable role in business performance than previously believed.” Specifically, the research indicates businesses with defined recognition programs see a 14% improvement in “employee engagement, productivity and customer service” over organizations without formal staff acknowledgements. Employee recognition works at e-Management and is a key component of our management philosophy. We highlight staff achievement in a variety of ways. At our All-Hands Meetings held quarterly, we present awards to employees who have received commendations from clients and their peers. Award recipients are treated to a special awards dinner and other perks. In 2014, e-Management handed out more than 90 awards to staff.
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Take risks! But, you have to be smart about it. Drew Hendricks, a contributor to Inc.com provides tips for knowing the difference between good risks and foolhardy endeavors. Hendricks asserts that all “successful business owners must learn the art of taking calculated (i.e. “good”) risks. Calculated risks come with identifying risks, anticipating risks, having mitigation plans in place, and having a strategic vision that includes financing, marketing, and sales among other components. Remember, when it comes to growing your business: No calculated risk. No glory.
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Take cybersecurity seriously! Cybersecurity is a buzz word in business and in the news. Why? Well, it’s a big deal. The average cost of a targeted cyber-attack to a small business is $188,242, according to a 2010 survey from Symantec. And according to the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), 60% of small companies go out of business within 6 months of a major cyber breach. Yet, many entrepreneurs and business owners don’t know what their exposure is or don’t have a response plan in place in the event that they are targets of hackers. At the very least, small businesses should learn about the new Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Framework from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and find products like CyberRx that help to simplify and automate the framework for small business success.
Your Success in Business
Those are our tips. Now it’s time for you to sound off: (1) How important do you think organizational culture is to the success of businesses? (2) Do you think small business owners and their staff should be concerned about internet hackers? (3) What tips do you have for small business success?
Tags: CyberRx, cybersecurity, Dennis Powell, , entrepreneur, great place to work, Leadership, NCSA, NIST, Ola Sage, Small Business, smallbiz
Posted in Corporate, Economy, Information Security, Leadership, Small Business | 29 Comments »
Don’t Be a Target
Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
In response to a significant data breach of Target's systems during the holiday season, Reuters reported last week that the retailer is investing more than $100M in a "smart card" program, which takes advantage of more secure credit/debit cards that uses microprocessor chips.
Recently news outlets around the country reported large hotels experiencing significant data breaches resulting in customers debit and credit card information being misused. During the holidays, large retailers reported they had been victims of data breaches exposing tens of millions of consumers to financial risk. It seems like everywhere you look someone is stealing sensitive information. So what can consumers do to protect themselves from becoming a target of cyber fraud, whether online or offline? Look no further, we’ve pulled together a short list of suggestions designed to help consumers.
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Replace bank cards immediately: If you hear of a data breach including debit or credit cards at a retailer you’ve used, you may want to call your banking institution and request replacements. When it comes to protecting yourself from cyber criminals, it pays to take immediate action, before they do!
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Consider signing up for fraud monitoring services: Providers of fraud detection solutions offer a variety of options for consumers. Fraud monitoring services may include bank account protection, e-mail alerts for suspicious activities, and insurance protection some up to $1 million. If you don’t know where to start searching for monitoring solutions, check out the online which gives side-by-side comparisons. Be sure to call your financial institutions before purchasing new services, because you may already be covered.
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Manage passwords and PINs: Changing your password periodically can help to protect your online accounts and mobile apps from hackers. It’s a good idea to retire passwords every 90 days or more frequently if you believe you are at risk for fraud. Be sure to create strong alphanumeric passwords. In fact, passwords are strongest when they have at least one special character (e.g., #, $, % etc.) and an uppercase letter. Additionally, if you hear of data breaches involving any brick and mortar or online retailers you’ve accessed, then consider changing your personal identification numbers (PINs).
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Be mindful of the pitfalls of the web: The Internet is the number one source for malware distribution today. Malware is software that can be used to steal sensitive information from PCs, smartphones, and other tech devices. The malicious software can also disrupt your computer’s overall performance and operation. In addition to malware, cyber thugs are using evolving techniques and technologies to rip off your information (identity) or your money. So, be careful about providing personal and sensitive information to websites; and be extra cautious of unexpected or strange invitations from social media sites (Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.) and other websites. You should also be aware that your PC, tablet, or smartphone can become infected by viruses from instant messenger-type services and apps.
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Use caution when accessing free wireless or public Internet connections: Many wireless (Wi-Fi) hot spots of your favorite coffee house, bookstore, or hotel may not be secure, which can invite hackers to sensitive information stored on your tablets, PCs, and smartphones. So if you are accessing the Internet using free or public wireless, you may want to visit encrypted websites only. The Federal Trade Commission’s OnGuardOnline.gov site offers up a few more tips for identifying encrypted websites and protecting yourself on public Wi-Fi systems.
We could go on and on…
There are so many ways to protect personal information from cyber criminals and identity thieves. Education is a good start. It is a great idea to share with the entire family the importance of being savvy in an age of data breaches. The Consumer Federation of America operates IDTheft.org, which offers additional tips to consumers about protection against fraud in the Electronic Age. So, (1) what would you do if you were suddenly a victim of a cyber crime or identity theft? (2) Have you or a loved-one been a victim of identity theft? (3) What tools are you currently using to protect yourself?
Tags: breach, cybersecurity, data, Dennis Powell, , fraud, identity theft, Ola Sage
Posted in Corporate, Economy, Information Security, Internet/Intranet, Lifestyle, Risk Management, Social Media | 11 Comments »
Too Small to Fail?
Wednesday, November 20th, 2013
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Did you know the Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources to help entrepreneurs start their own businesses?
“Small business is the backbone of our economy.” We hear that catchphrase all the time but what does it mean? Well, there are about 27 million small businesses in the U.S.A. Yes, a lot of those companies employ only one person. But thousands of those companies employ hundreds of workers. According to data collected by the Census Bureau, small businesses make up of total private-sector jobs. Between 1993 and 2011, small business accounted for of new jobs! Okay, you get the picture, right?
Size Does Matter…
One of the best resources for the small business owners is the Small Business Administration (SBA), the government agency that “helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses.” Since its creation in 1953, SBA has been a loud advocate for small business success.
For this government spotlight, we’ve pulled together a short list on how SBA helps small business.
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Providing resources for how to start a business. Entrepreneurs, who have the drive and great ideas, but lack the knowledge needed to see their ideas blossom, can turn to SBA. The agency is loaded with resources for starting a business. For example, SBA offers up practical information for creating a business plan, which is an important tool for obtaining financing.
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Providing resources to help small businesses grow. SBA helps entrepreneurs with business development, networking, or sales initiatives. The agency pulls together local resources nationwide to advance the growth goals of businesses. Those resources include listings of local Chambers of Commerce, small business friendly financing institutions, incubators, and nonprofits dedicated to the success of entrepreneurs. Such resources can help to build the business network of entrepreneurs, which can be useful in securing new business/customers and partners.
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Providing training to help small businesses succeed. SBA provides a Small Business Learning Center online. The center allows business owners to learn about best practices to not only grow their business but to safeguard their intellectual capital, customer privacy, and more. Through the Small Business Center, owners and staff can learn about cybersecurity to protect their computer or technology systems. Business owners can also find out how to plan for emergencies that could shut a small business down. The Small Business Learning Center is a resource every new business should check out.
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Connecting entrepreneurs with government contracting. The U.S. government operates with a budget that exceeds $1 trillion. This makes the federal government the largest buyer of goods in the world! SBA can help small businesses navigate the often tricky road of government purchasing. SBA can provide small business owners with information regarding special small business set-asides. For instance, many women-owned, veteran-owned, and businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zones have special contracts reserved just for them if they meet certain size criteria. SBA services are useful in helping business owners to demystify the government buying process and grow their business to new heights.
Reality Check…
The lifespan of a new business can be short. About 50% of new companies close doors within the first 5 years of their founding; and only about a third of companies survive more than a decade. Still, entrepreneurs should not feel discouraged. SBA could easily stand for small business advocate. Clearly, SBA is a resource to help new companies survive in the highly competitive market place. With that said, (1) What do you think about the role of small businesses in our economy? (2) What other things should SBA be doing to assist entrepreneurs? Other than SBA, (3) What other local or national resources are available to help entrepreneurs or small businesses to thrive?
Tags: Census, Dennis Powell, , Ola Sage, SBA, Small Business
Posted in Corporate, Economy, Government, Leadership | 43 Comments »
Who Would Name an Agency ‘Noah’ Anyway?
Monday, September 9th, 2013
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Did you know NOAA helps to safeguard the seafood you eat?
What do seafood, beach communities, and national security have in common? The answer is simple: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A few years back I was surprised to learn that NOAA, pronounced “Noah,” is an operating unit with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Although its mission does affect commerce, NOAA is also an agency focused on the science of the environment, water masses, and the atmosphere. The agency consists of several organizations called line offices including the National Weather Service (NWS), the National Ocean Service (NOS), and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Other NOAA line offices include the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS); the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR); and the Office of Program Planning & Integration (PPI).
What’s the Deal with NOAA?
On the surface, NOAA may seem slightly boring or even somewhat uninteresting; but NOAA’s work is more interesting and far-reaching than you may think. Here are a few interesting aspects of NOAA’s work.
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NOAA supports our national security operations. Information from NESDIS satellites helps our military around the world by providing real-time data. For example, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) provides intelligence on global environmental data, including surface conditions, cloud covering, and snow. Such data are crucial to military operations.
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NOAA promotes commerce and a stronger economy. Research from NOAA encourages economic development and commerce. The NOS focuses on the well-being and resiliency of coastal communities around the U.S.A. including the Great Lakes region. Coastal communities around the country attract tens of millions of visitors annually and add more than $6.6 trillion to the U.S. economy every year according to NOS. The NOAA agency is supporting the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Strategy, which will help the economic recovery of New Jersey and other coastal areas affected by Superstorm Sandy. Additionally, NOS data and services help to “inform decision making” and to ensure the future safety of our shores.
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NOAA forecasts potential disasters. NOAA scientists are committed to providing research that supports better understanding of the weather, climate, air quality, as well as costal and oceanic resources. OAR sometimes referred to as “NOAA Research” provides information, which enables better forecasts of natural disasters and other phenomena. OAR assisted in the modernization of the NWS, which provides “weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.” This means that forecast of potentially devastating weather events will improve overtime and allow us to be better prepared for looming catastrophes.
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NOAA protects our seafood. If you like seafood, then you may love NOAA even more. Why? One of the agency’s responsibilities is to safeguard the food you eat. Specifically, NOAA’s Law Enforcement Program keeps a watchful eye over coastal regions to ensure “domestic laws and international treaties” are followed by people and corporations. NOAA monitors seafood mislabeling, unlawful fishing, and other infractions. So, the next time you have your favorite crab cake, tilapia, or salmon dish, be sure to think about how NOAA helped to ensure your safety.
From 1807 to Today
NOAA’s origin goes way back to 1807. Then, it was known as the Survey of the Coast—the first science-based agency in the U.S.A. Today, NOAA warns the public on weather disturbances and operates satellites that provide important data for commerce, national security, and the scientific community. So, (1) were you familiar with NOAA or any of its line offices (e.g., NWS, NOS) prior to reading this blog posting? (2) What are your impressions of NOAA? (3) What are the kinds of projects you would like to see from NOAA in the future?
Tags: Dennis Powell, Department of Commerce, fisheries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, national security, NESDIS, NMFS, NOAA, NOS, NWS, OAR, ocean, Ola Sage, PPI, seafood, weather
Posted in Dining, Economy, Government | 18 Comments »
Monumental Learning and Fun
Wednesday, August 7th, 2013
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park? When is your next trip there?
What federal organization manages more than 400 national parks, conservation and historical lands, and national monuments? If you guess the National Park Service (NPS) you are absolutely correct. NPS is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior and has been around since President Woodrow Wilson signed a law establishing the organization way back in 1916. NPS, supported by 28,000 workers and professionals, has an annual budget of about $3 billion. More than nearly 2.5 million volunteer for the National Park Service.
Every year more than 275 million people visit the 400+ U.S. national parks every year. Now, that’s a lot of people. The system includes more than 84 million acres of land in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Now, that’s a lot of land. But, wait…did you know that Delaware is the only state without a national park? Who knew? 
What Makes the National Park Service properties so special?
Well, NPS offers something for everyone: breath-taking parklands, recreation, cultural heritage, and history. For your convenience, e-Management has pulled together some of the popular NPS destinations and points of interest.
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African-American Heritage: As discussed earlier, NPS oversees historical land and monuments. The bureau manages African-American Heritage Sites, which spotlights the roles blacks played in American history. Popular sites include the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site. The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., is also part of NPS’ African-American Heritage Sites. Douglass was a 19th century black abolitionist who advised President Abraham Lincoln on issues from emancipation to fair pay for black soldiers who fought alongside whites in the Civil War.
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Hispanic Heritage: The Hispanic Heritage Sites preserve the history of Hispanic Americans. These sites are comprised of at least 20 properties. Each site spotlights Hispanic heritage. For instance, the popular Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas is more than a place for recreation or relaxation. The park has become a symbol for reconciliation. Why? According to park’s website, this site represents “the peaceful settlement of a 100-year border dispute between nations.” The park features a museum that provides the history of U.S.A. and Mexico border disputes and eventual resolution. Other parks in the Hispanic Heritage Sites include the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton (Florida), Presidio of San Francisco, and the San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico.
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Women’s History: Women’s History Sites throughout the National Park Service feature information on the contributions of women in the U.S.A. Popular sites include the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. Another site, the Sewall-Belmont House is considered by some historians to be the birth place of the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S.A. According to its website, the site “is committed to sharing the untold stories of women’s history.”
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The Grand Canyon: Who remembers the Brady Bunch episode that featured the family’s annual camping trip? Where did they go? The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. This national park is very much a part of American popular culture. Really, the site is featured in numerous movies including the Grand Canyon; Thelma and Louise; and Transformers. So, it should come as no surprise that the canyon was the second most visited NPS property last year. What’s to do there? You can hike, take mule trips into the canyon, and camp. This is the perfect destination for people who love the great outdoors. Perhaps the most interesting aspect to the Grand Canyon is its spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen this spectacular view!
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The Great Smoky Mountains: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s popularity may come as a surprise to some. Spanning the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is by far the most visited national park—beating out the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and even Yellowstone National Park. Nearly 10 million people visited the park last year. That’s twice as many as the Grand Canyon! What’s the attraction? The area is a natural and cultural history treasure. The park offers diverse landscapes, plants, and wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains region also has one of the largest collections of log cabins and preserved buildings in the country. Beyond historical structures, other points of interest and activities include viewing wildflowers, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and bicycling.
What’s Your Favorite NPS Treasure?
The National Park Service’s official mission is to care “for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.” NPS resources are places for monumental learning and fun. As we have seen, NPS is more than just parks. NPS showcases our country’s diverse history. So, (1) when was the last time you visited a national park, monument, or heritage site? (2) What is your favorite NPS destination, treasure, or points of interest?
Tags: African American, Dennis Powell, , Government, government spotlight, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, heritage, Hispanic, National Park Service, Ola Sage, women's history
Posted in Corporate, Dining, Economy, Energy, Entertainment, Events, Family, Gadgets, Government, Healthcare, Information Security, Social Media, Travel, Uncategorized | 37 Comments »
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