Q: I want retirement plan for my employees that doesn’t bust my company’s budget. Is that possible? Company retirement plans are a terrific incentive for attracting and retaining top talent. Employees are far more likely to participate in an employer-provided plan than…
Q: What steps should I take to preserve my company’s electronically stored files in the event of a lawsuit? A Lawsuit or Investigation– never a pleasant process – can become even longer and costlier if you’re required to produce files…
Q: It’s as if the different generations speak distinct languages at my company. How do I improve internal communications so everyone gets the message? A: Some of us look around our workplace and wonder who let in all those interns…
Hawaii’s heat and humidity can be relentless in the summer. However, your appearance remains critical to your career success year-round, so it’s important to know how to look good while staying cool. 1. Know your company’s rules. There are…
Q: Two-thirds of my staff are Baby Boomers and that terrifies me, because the last time one retired, I couldn’t find a replacement half as good. How do I keep these folks from leaving? A: Every industry is dealing with…
"My store got blasted on Yelp. What do I do now?" You and your staff can deliver great service and products, all with a smile, yet still get a bad review online. You can’t control what people say about you,…
My company doesn’t have a budget for an end-of-year party, but I wanted to do something to show my gratitude to my employees for their hard work. Any low-cost suggestions? There are ways to say “thank you” that are reasonable…
Conflict in the workplace is natural and normal, says mediator Catherine Lampton. In fact, she says, avoiding conflict costs money. Research shows almost all terminations are due to unresolved conflict, and leaders spend up to half of every day dealing with…
Question: We are forming a limited liability company with multiple owners. Does our LLC need an operating agreement and, if so, what makes one effective? Answer: Yes, you should have one. An operating agreement, which defines an LLC’s operations and…
J.P. Schmidt President & CEO, Family Health Hawaii familyhealthhawaii.com Question: What steps should I take to make sure I choose the right health insurance for my employees without breaking the bank? Answer: Dealing with health insurance doesn’t have to be…
Steady leadership is essential when bad things happen to good companies. Public relations expert Julie Ford shares advice on how C-suite executives can be prepared for – and effectively meet – a crisis. 1. Be prepared Even the best…
Question: How do I attract travelers from Asia to my business? Answer: First acknowledge that Japan, China and Korea are culturally unique. Understanding this key principle will enable you to create tailored campaigns that are relevant to the consumer…
Eloquence, confidence and command of material are important characteristics of a competent presenter. But to become a master presenter, you’ll need to pay more mind to an intangible factor that most executives overlook when preparing for public speaking: their image.…
1. Keep It Short People are more likely to read your e-mail if they see a short message, ideally no more than three to five lines. Few have time to wade through a long, dense e-mail and read until the end. …
Question: The Chinese have been investing heavily in the U.S. mainland. Now their interest is spreading to Hawaii. How do I ensure that, once I meet with potential Chinese investors, I can attract them to my local business? Answer: Creating…
1. Target the Trinity Always talk to the most important person in the room, such as the guest speaker. Also challenge yourself by meeting someone who might intimidate you as well as someone you can learn from. Meeting these individuals…
Question: As electricity rates rise, so do operating costs. How do I make my business more energy-efficient? Answer: Invest in energy-efficiency solutions. The savings are immediate and the benefits are lasting. Here are some ideas: Switch to Smart Lighting Hawaii’s…
Question: My family owns a local business. I am a second-generation clan member who helps run it, but I want to change careers. How do I get out gracefully and keep the relationship with my family intact? Answer: Deciding…
Leaders who thrive know the importance of having a strong team. David S. Chang offers these tips to position yourself for success: 1. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. You can’t be an expert at everything, so…
Small-business consultant Patrick Snow is frequently asked for the best way to attract more paying clients. His answer: Write and publish your book and give it away to prospects. This works, he says, because it allows you to stand out…
Question: I’m in the early stages of growing my small business. What are my best loan options if I have limited qualifications for financing? Answer: Securing capital through a loan can be challenging when you are just starting or…
Question: I want to open my own restaurant. How do I pick the right location? Answer: For many people, there’s no more romantic notion than opening a restaurant. While the business is a lot less glamorous than it appears…
Public speaking is a great way to build your business by educating the community on how you can serve it. Motivational speaker and speaker trainer Annette Lynch shares these steps to help you overcome nerves and engage your target audience.…
Question: What are the best retirement plans for the self-employed? Answer: If you are self-employed or have a side business in addition to another job, the best retirement-savings options are solo 401(k) plans (either Roth or regular) or a…