The Bull Stops Here Blog

One of the most important steps you can take as a part of your hiring practices procedures is to check credit on potential employees.  Just like checking motor vehicle reports and drug testing, checking credit will help protect your business.  Why?

Unfortunately, tough economic times can make normally ethical people do bad things.  If you hire someone who has  access to money or private customer information, then you need to do your due diligence to make sure they won’t steal your money or customer’s identity.  Think it won’t happen?  Think again!  There are too many cases where “trusted” employees stole from their bosses.  I had a client who had a bookkeeper steal over $25,000 in a two-year period.  His comment, “I would have never guessed she would do that!” 

No kidding.  If you did, she wouldn’t have been in that position.

People who have poor credit histories are more likely to steal money from employers than those who aren’t suffering financial hardships.  They are more likely to steal sensitive information you have on your customers.  You are liable for that.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not making a blanket statement that everyone with less than a perfect credit score is a thief.  What I am saying is that you have a duty to your business and your clients to make sure you are reducing the chance of employee theft.  Making credit checks part of your process will do that for you.

P.S. Check out this video of a good person who made some bad decisions based on financial issues - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOYUD4xTZqI

I am thankful for so many things this year….

My family, friends, clients, readers, mentors etc. have all added value to my life.  Yes, I know we are facing challenging economic times.  But, I hope we will always be open to counting the blessings we have. 

My best wishes to you and your families for a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving.

As I sit here and write this post, my one-year old Jack Russell terrier, Captain Jack, is going wild chasing his tail.  As the old dog Charlie watches him thinking he’s lost his mind, I’m trying to focus on this blog.  What makes a dog chase his tail incessantly?  After all, once he catches it, he’s just causing pain to himself (this is an assumption; having never had a tail, nor chased and caught it, I wouldn’t know).

OK.  I figured it out.  A brand new rawhide bone has given me peace.  And reflection…

Are you chasing your tail when it comes to managing your risk?  Do you have grand plans to hold monthly safety meetings, bid out your business insurance, improve the work environment for your employees, etc?  In the end, you find yourself chasing your tail by consistently doing the same thing over and over again without the results.  Ouch.  We’re talking loss of time, efficiency, and money.  Now that’s painful!

Stop chasing your tail.  As 2008 comes to an end, plan on making 2009 the year that you will create a risk management plan that is structured, easy to implement and montitor, and has measurable results tied to it. How to do it?

Consider getting help.  Yes, I know that might cost a little extra money.  I understand this is a tough time for most businesses.  Imagine how tough it will be if your risk management fails and you suffer a catastrophic situation like an employee being seriously injured, an avoidable liability lawsuit, or having your identity stolen.

Good business people manage their company’s risk.  It’s not foolproof, but it’s a proactive way to avoid potential pitfalls that can damage you and your company.

Take a cue from the old dog - leave the tail chasing to the others.  Take control of your risk and relax.

P.S.  Looking for help to manage your risk?  One of my services is to help business owners strategize and develop plans to improve their bottom line through risk management and insurance assessment.  Contact me to find out how - dan@toroic.com

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation’s ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America’s veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom’s defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America’s veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

It’s starting to get cold and wet outside…at least here in the Pacific Northwest.  I’ve found myself turning on the heat virtually every day.  As the weather gets colder, your exposure to fire increases.  Just in the last three weeks, five homes have caught on fire with damages ranging from fairly minor (if there is such a thing) to deadly.  I don’t know all the causes, but the bottom line is that there has been an increase.

Whether you are a business owner or homeowner, now is the time to re-visit your fire safety procedures…

• Is the heat turned off when nobody is around?
• Is there anything blocking the heating vents?
• How’s the housekeeping in your home or business?  What about outside?
• Does everyone know the escape plan?  Do you have an escape plan?
• Who is your emergency contact?  Does everyone know it?
• Is the wiring up to code?
• When was the last time you checked the batteries in the smoke detector?
• Does everyone know how to use a fire extinguisher?  (You’d be surprised)

These are just a few things to consider.  Fires will increase this winter.  They always do.  Don’t let your home or business become part of that statistic.

P.S.  Is your business prepared to survive a catastrophe like a fire?  I can help you make sure that you are through Agility Recovery Services. As a team member for Agility, I can set you up with peace of mind.  Contact me today.