Deciding when to raise your prices … and by how much
A price increase is sometimes unavoidable — and now might be one of those times as many businesses are dealing with cost increases, supply chain bottlenecks, and labor shortages. The key to implementing a price hike with minimal loss of customers is timing. It’s hard to be the first one in your industry to raise your prices. If others don’t follow suit, your business could be in the embarrassing position of having to...
In the Great Resignation, ESOPs matter more
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs in August 2021. That’s 2.9% of the total non-farm workforce, the highest rate ever recorded by the BLS. For closely-held companies in search of retention solutions, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) could play a key role. What’s Driving the Great Resignation? This trend began in early 2021 and has accelerated since then. Delayed departures...
Cybersecurity at the highest level
OPTIMA collaborates with LANCOM Systems to develop a novel VPN solution for machines The Optima Group from Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, has joined forces with cybersecurity specialist LANCOM Systems to develop a new type of VPN solution for machines and systems. As a result, it is now possible to establish an even more secure connection with the systems installed at the customer’s site and maintain them remotely. The solution,...
The Plastic Tax would hurt the economy and the environment
There’s a lot buried in the multitrillion-dollar social spending package currently moving through Congress. One provision under consideration that has largely flown under the radar, is a massive tax that would increase the cost of everyday household goods by over 25% and threaten tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs across America. In the scramble to find “revenue raisers,” the REDUCE Act – introduced earlier this year by...
Predicting peak season warehouse volumes
For several months each year, warehouses face a surge of activity due to skyrocketing product demand. This peak season begins as early as October as people begin preparing for the upcoming holiday season and ends sometime in January as warehouses are still dealing with high return volumes. During this time, supply chains often get disrupted, and warehouses must dig deep to find ways to operate more efficiently. One of the ways a...
Year-End Tax Planning Tips for small businesses
You still have time to significantly reduce this year’s business federal income tax bill even with all the uncertainty about proposed tax law changes. Here are five possible moves to consider — but stay tuned for developments. Congress is currently considering some major tax changes. If approved, it’s unclear when they will all take effect. Claim 100% First-Year Bonus Depreciation for Last-Minute Asset Additions Thanks to...
Building a new skilled talent decade
Recently I spoke at a forum on my White Paper, “Job Shock: Moving Beyond the COVID-19 Employment Meltdown to a New Skilled Talent Decade,” at the Cliff Dwellers Club in Chicago. My presentation and responses to it can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/gnLBrOiMSYA. In my remarks, I pointed out that history was now repeating itself as workplace technology change is again shifting education and skills requirements. PAST LABOR...
Our Current Issue
Free Magazine & eNewsletter
Current Supplements
