It's the Spread “Thirty six thousand dollars!” “You’re proposing to pay him thirty six thousand dollars a year? We can’t afford that.” “It will be tight, but I’m pretty sure that’s what it will take to get him. I really like this candidate.” Discussions such as this happen all the time in small businesses. The company is in a hiring mode, the recruiting and interviewing has happened, and now it’s time to narrow it down to a specific candidate and make an offer.

Could you use a win? The last few years have left many small businesses battered and bloodied, just hoping to cover the next payroll. Is it getting better? If you’re the one in dire straits it probably doesn’t seem like things are improving. Your team feels it, too. Cut-backs and pay freezes aren’t fun for anyone. Maybe you’ve cut expenses to the bone, lost some key customers and generally hunkered down. If so, you and your people may have forgotten what it felt like to win.

Are "They" Hurting Your Business? Got accountability? Of the multitude of challenges faced by small business owners, lack of accountability among employees is at the top of the list. There are many reasons for poor accountability. Most folks come on board full of vim and vigor, eager to please and show what they can do, hoping this new job will live up to their expectations.

Thank God for Entrepreneurs “The few who do are the envy of the many who only watch.” – Jim Rohn As much as I enjoy being an entrepreneur myself, I feel so very fortunate and privileged to spend a significant amount of my time working with other business owners. The best part always is hearing about the entrepreneurial journey ... the start-up, the progress to date and future plans. Each story is unique, of course, but some of the common themes include enthusiasm, optimism, persistence and a clear vision of the future.

The year-end employee bonus ... it’s an American tradition. But it’s easy for a bonus to turn into an entitlement. While your employees no doubt appreciate the extra money, once it becomes automatic and expected it may as well be considered part of their regular pay. Here are 4 tips to put your incentive program on the right path, and to turn it into an investment in improved performance.