Monthly Archives: January 2012

Tax Deductible- So What?

We have done ourselves a disservice as business owners. Too often we have justified an expenditure to non-owner friends as “tax deductible” to show how clever we are. In doing so, we have confused the public. They see the Federal … Continue reading →

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Employees aren’t Partners

Many of my clients are recovering from the recession. They are running lean, and have restored their profitability, even if at lower revenues than prior to 2008. Those that had to reduce or freeze employee compensation are seeking ways to … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Management | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

3 Responses to Employees aren’t Partners

  1. Ted Reynolds says:

    This is an excellent article and I completely agree with the concept that only Exectuive Mgmt should profit share. Incentive based pay for the employees is a good practice, but needs to have flexibility to ebb and flow with the needs of the business being met first and foremost.

  2. Larry Amon says:

    John, I disagree. I used profit sharing with my employees for 15 years. Each employee in my company contributed to the profits of the company. We were a maufacturing company and everyone contributed, not just the managers. We did set up a system whereby each employee’s share of the profit was based on compensation, years of service, and a performance factor. We met monthly with all employees and reviewed our financials with them. They knew where they could help by controlling expenses and where they could cut costs. they knew the cost of the materials that they were using in the process and could increase the yield and productivity of the operation. When the company was sold the employees were given over $500,000 to be dived up according to the previous criteria. After 25 years they are still there.

    • John F. Dini says:

      That sounds lile a great system, Larry. I note you said “performance” was a key criteria. I have absolutely no problem with using company profitability as a funding scale for incentive programs. My piece criticised companies that distribute profits as an entitlement, without defining what individuals need to do to earn their share.

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Another Lost Generation?

I had the opportunity to present “Beating the Boomer Bust” twice this week, one of which was recorded for a Texas Public Radio show this weekend. For those who aren’t familiar with the piece, it discusses the massive changes that … Continue reading →

Posted in Exit Options, Exit Planning, Management, Thoughts and Opinions | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

2 Responses to Another Lost Generation?

  1. Richard pace says:

    Thought I would use the conventional method and mix it up. Excellent article. Hopefully, the readers will have enough experience to appreciate it. Go Giants.

  2. John,

    While it might be true that millenials work longer, is this a manifestation of the the experience curve, learning the ropes, etc. Perhaps the working for less is a case of “you get what you pay for”?

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A Return to the Handshake?

There are five words that strike fear into the heart of every business owner. They are “Let me call my lawyer.” I’m not talking about threats. If I had a nickel for every person who threatens “I’m going to call … Continue reading →

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2 Responses to A Return to the Handshake?

  1. Tim DeBlaey says:

    Well said! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve let people know that my handshake is my contract and my work is my signature.

  2. I agree. A clear statement of what we both agree needs to be accomplished is great. I find an hourly rate with a guess as to how many hours works well. It allows you to change the scope without anyone getting concerned. It protects the provider and assuming the consultant does not draw things out, usually the client gets the project cheaper because no fudge factors are added into the price to cover the unexpected.

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Do Goals Make a Difference?

To start the New Year right, let me tell you a true story about a goal. It was a little goal; or at least it started out that way. It certainly wasn’t a goal that was intended to be life … Continue reading →

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