A Good Boss Makes for Good Business

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: I run a very busy business and as a result, I really don't have the time, nor the interest frankly, to be all warm and fuzzy with my employees. I feel that I pay them a fair wage and as a result they should just do their job. They should ... Read More Article Arrow

Signs You are a Good Leader

Written By Steve Strauss

President’s Day is a reminder that like, small business owners, not all presidents are great leaders. It’s ironic of course given that the highest political office in the land is one where effective leadership would seem to be a ... Read More Article Arrow

Attracting Top Talent

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: I am in the process of hiring some new employees but I really can’t pay a lot, given the economy and all. How do I attract top talent, and keep them, given my financial situation? Jocelyn A: A couple of years ago I saw a survey t ... Read More Article Arrow

The New Era of "Mom-preneur"

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: My wife is both a terrific mom and a terrific businesswoman. So on this Mother’s Day, I would just like to say thank you to her, and to all of the great moms out there who juggle life and business. Zachary A: Like many people, I ... Read More Article Arrow

Hiring Family: How to Handle the Tension

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: My wife convinced me to hire her nephew. He did a good job for us – until he started dating my assistant. They broke up last month. Now there is tension in the air, he’s heartbroken, he’s not concentrating at work, and ... Read More Article Arrow

Employee Loyalty: A Competitive Advantage

Written By Alerus Small Business Connect

Most likely you spend time, energy and resources focusing on customer loyalty. After all, it’s important. Equally important, though, is employee loyalty. Are you giving the same type of focus to employee loyalty? You simply cannot aff ... Read More Article Arrow

Top Tips for Managing Mellennials

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: Steve - I am in my 50s, have been part of small businesses as long as I can remember, and these days manage a busy store. Despite all of this experience, I am running up against an issue I have not encountered before - namely, how to eff ... Read More Article Arrow

Traits of a great small business employee

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: Having worked in both large corporations and now a small business, I can attest to the fact that being an employee in a small business is a lot different than being one in a large conglomerate. My friend thinks there really is little dif ... Read More Article Arrow

Retaining Top Talent

Re-recruit your best employees

Written By Dawn Kaiser

What's your philosophy for recruiting and retention? Is it similar to that of the "build it and they will come" mentality? Maybe something like "hire them and they will stay?" Even though we are in the worst job mark ... Read More Article Arrow

Laws Every Employer Must Know

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: I have an employee who is demanding overtime. I classify her as management and as such I say I don't have to pay her overtime. Do I?BarryA: Let's start with the issue at question. Your classification of the employee really is not ... Read More Article Arrow