Trivia question: What was the first law that President Obama signed
into law after being elected? Answer: President Obama’s first act upon taking office
was to sign the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Although it hasn’t
received much fanfare, the ramifications of the Act are only now starting to be understood.
Advertising is only one way to get your message out to customers and prospects. Be sure to use all the marketing tools at your disposal. For a low-cost way to promote your HVACR business, take advantage of publicity opportunities.
Why do you need to worry about recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? If you answered, “Because I’m going to start losing lawsuits,” you would be right. In a nutshell, the amendments expand the definition of disability and broaden the number of employees who will be covered by it.
Now more than ever contractors are searching for ways to cut costs. How you go about cutting costs is just as important as where you look for cuts. Begin a systematic examination of your expenses in the office and the field. Then use the list in this article to generate thinking on possible new areas for cost reduction.
When someone mentions the Family and Medical
Leave Act (FMLA), many people immediately think of pregnancies. And FMLA is a
resource for employees impacted by pregnancies, but it’s much more than that. New regulations governing the FMLA have become effective, so it’s a good time to review FMLA issues.
The immediate reaction by many companies during a recession is to cut their advertising. Advertising is seen as an expense and all expenses are subject to trimming in difficult times. However, advertising should be looked at as an investment that helps to increase your sales now and in the future.
A recent survey found that a substantial number of employees admitted to stealing confidential employer information. Your proprietary company information is vital and there are a number of steps you can take to greatly reduce your risk of theft.
One of the old sayings in the pubic relations field is “Do good
and then take credit for it.” HVACR contractors should take this to heart. When
you do something good for the community, make sure they know about it.
In the old days, a background check consisted of a couple phone calls to a former employer and a reference check. Modern background checks involve a comprehensive investigation. But the law draws some clear limitations on what can be considered valid criteria and what crosses the line into unfair discrimination.
Consumers are always looking for a bargain. In today’s struggling
economy, that is especially true. No one wants to pay full price for anything.
So why not offer a coupon with a discount?