by Marsha Oliver, CPA, Mize Houser & Company P.A. UPDATE: Obama Administration Delays ACA Employer Mandate The Obama Administration on July 2 announced a one year delay of the employer mandate portion of the Affordable Care Act, which had been scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2014. Read more ... While most businesses hoped the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would … [Read more...] about Payroll Systems Can Help Determine ACA Responsibilities
Business Strategy
From Surviving to Thriving: Lessons Learned When Adding Services to the Bindery
by Melissa DeDonder With increased competition and a shaky economy, one of the biggest challenges facing binderies today may be keeping the doors open. Many binderies have been able to move from merely surviving to thriving in today's marketplace by investing in the equipment needed to expand the range of services that they are providing. Four companies share the secrets to … [Read more...] about From Surviving to Thriving: Lessons Learned When Adding Services to the Bindery
The Mechanics of Delivering Online Value
by Landy Chase When it comes to providing quality content to your online community, you don't need to be an expert, and you don't need to be personally responsible for creating new ideas. You need only to be skilled at redistributing information produced by others to those who follow you. To illustrate how this process works, consider a common traditional selling … [Read more...] about The Mechanics of Delivering Online Value
Understanding Business Strategic Planning
by Kenneth B. Lerman The following current and often-expressed description of our 2011 US business economy suggests business erosion: "there are fewer opportunities to pursue and most of those have lower margins." Like it or not, U.S. business opportunity is not what it used to be. So what? During 2008-2010, the lethargic response of many US business owners to uncertainty, … [Read more...] about Understanding Business Strategic Planning
From Partnering with Printers to Achieving Independent Certification
by Amy Bauer In the three years since its launch, Sustainable Green Printing (SGP) certification has been awarded to 35 printers, designating their commitment to environmental, social and ethical standards of operation. Today, binders, finishers and loose leaf companies also can pursue this certification specifically tailored to the graphic arts industry. While there are a … [Read more...] about From Partnering with Printers to Achieving Independent Certification
Sacred Cows in an Economic Downturn
by Ed Rigsbee What better time to grind sacred cows into hamburger than during an economic downturn? The sacred cow protectors in your organization experience lowered resistance when times are not so good. It is much more difficult for them to defend the pet projects, products and services that have reached their sunset when placed under the tight economic microscope. If You … [Read more...] about Sacred Cows in an Economic Downturn
Directions for New Leadership
by Richard G. Ensman, Jr. Many centuries ago, leadership positions often demanded the right family connections. Later, an ability to read and compute became a requisite for leadership. Later still, demands on leaders included an understanding of production systems and today, leaders are expected to possess superb people skills. The skills demanded of leaders will continue … [Read more...] about Directions for New Leadership
A Supplier’s Take: Meeting the Needs of Binders
by Renée Varella When it comes to the bookbinding industry, Rob Mauritz, vice president of sales at LBS, Des Moines, Iowa, does it all. Not only does the supplier work with equipment manufacturers such as Kolbus, Muller Martini, ODM and GP2 to learn what materials its customers need to operate its equipment, the company offers a variety of cover and reinforcing materials, more … [Read more...] about A Supplier’s Take: Meeting the Needs of Binders
Job Costing: Know Your Costs, Know Your Profits
by: Mark Porter, Diemanic MIS There is a simple equation in business that must be followed: PROFIT = SALES - COSTS If a business doesn't know its costs, then how can it know its profits? In good economic times, companies must know their costs to maximize profitability. In tough economic times, they must know their costs to survive. These days, understanding true costs … [Read more...] about Job Costing: Know Your Costs, Know Your Profits
Troubled Times Demand Dynamic Supplier Relationships
by Renée A. Varella In a challenging economy, strong supplier relationships are more crucial than ever. According to Tom Stein in an article at AllBusiness.com, a recent study showed that more than 90 percent of small- and medium-sized businesses reported that solid supplier ties saved them time and money and helped them in this difficult business environment. Here, three … [Read more...] about Troubled Times Demand Dynamic Supplier Relationships