Header Image
Our Site                Company                Portfolio                Services                Contact
In This Issue
Establishing A Credit Policy
Follow Us on

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our profile on LinkedIn 
View our videos on YouTube Visit our blog Myspace Icon
Business Dictionary


What is Hierarchical Organization? 

 

Common, pyramid-like organization where one person is in charge of a functional area (engineering, finance, marketing) with one or more subordinates handling the sub-functions. In an hierarchical organization (whether business, military, political, or religious) higher levels imply greater superiority and domination than the lower ones, and the chain of command extends straight from the top to the bottom.

What is discovery?

 
Pre-trial disclosure process during which several legal devices can be employed by any litigating party to obtain relevant non-privileged information from the opposing or non-opposing party/parties. These devices include depositions, examinations of witnesses, inspection of documents, and interrogatories. If any party is unwilling to cooperate, the court may subpoena the party or the documents, or (after failure to make discovery) dismiss the action or enters a summary judgment.   

 

What is normal profit?


Minimum profit necessary to attract and retain suppliers in a perfectly competitive market (see perfect competition). Only normal profit could be earned in such markets because, if profit was abnormally high, more competitors would appear and drive prices and profit down. If profit was abnormally low, firms would leave the market and the remaining ones would drive the prices and profit up. Markets where suppliers are making normal profits will neither expand nor shrink and will, therefore, be in a state of long-term equilibrium. Normal profit typically equals opportunity cost.

   

Hints & Tips
Save Energy & Money by Using Laptops

Laptops can be a bit more expensive to buy but they're much cheaper to run when it comes to energy costs. A laptop or notebook computer consumes around 90 percent less energy than desktop computers. You don't have to buy all new laptops; just replace as you go--and enjoy the savings on your energy bills.



New Year's Resolution: Get Mobile


If you want customers to find you in 2012, you must be found on the mobile web. Converting your business website to display and operate correctly on smartphones needs to be a top priority in 2012. If you don't know how to do this, get help.

 

Nicolas Azar
Nick Azar is Managing Director/Partner of Azar and Associates, a full service business consulting and executive coaching firm specializing in the dental industry.  Visit our website, or E-mail Nick.

  

The Dental Post's
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE FOR TODAY'S LEADERS  
Greetings!

Understanding the Emotional Intelligence Quotient. Take a Free Quiz


How Savvy are you about Emotional Intelligence? 
Many professionals engaged in Corporate Coaching focus on Emotional Intelligence. It seems as if "book smarts" and your IQ are just one piece of what contributes to a person's overall success in business and in your personal life as well. It seems as if  Intelligence in no way guarantees success in anything. After all, intelligence will only take you so far!

 


Leadership & Emotional Intelligence:  
Real leaders have the ability to Persuade and influence others.  
As a leader, manager, or decision maker, or when recruiting your future leaders, sales personnel, and staff members, the old model of just possessing information and knowledge has changed -because modern business has changed. Market demand and organizational structures have shifted. What worked yesterday will not move your organization, or yourself, forward tomorrow.  
Many who have the intelligence to do the work lack the emotional intelligence to build relationships.
Your ability to apply emotional intelligence in a variety of settings and through a vast array of relationships can predict your success in today's leadership roles. Read the full article. 

 


Credit and Collections - Establishing a Credit Policy

Because the availability of credit has a direct relation to the business's sales and profits, establishment of a credit policy is a central concern in business planning.

A credit policy essentially establishes three criteria:
1. Credit availability - Will credit be freely available or will it be restricted?
2. Credit limits - How much credit will customers be granted?
3. Repayment terms - When is payment required?.    Read the full article.

 

Mobile App's 101
If you pay attention to both technology and marketing you can't get too far without hearing about "Mobile Marketing." Mobile Marketing is about engaging your customers and prospects on their mobile devices. It covers text message marketing or "SMS," Apps, Location Based Marketing and Mobile Websites.

The proliferation of Smart Phones are the main driver of this trend. In fact, it is predicted that by the end of 2011 there will be 140,000,000 smart phone subscriptions in the U.S (maybe more). To say "you can't ignore this" would be an understatement. So let's start with "The Mobile Internet" and get you up to date.

The Mobile Internet is where web-enabled smart phones do their browsing. About twenty percent of Google Searches are originated on mobile devices right now. (this number is increasing). Google dominates the mobile search market. So what can you do to take advantage of the Mobile Internet long before your competitors? Let's explore...
Question & Answer

Question: Nearly every employee has a personal cell phone that they bring to work. Most employees only use their phone during non-working hours. Others aren't as respectful. Can you requires employees to lock up their cell phone at the beginning of their shift and not carry them?  

Answer: Employees do not have a right to carry or use cell phones at work. If employees have a place to lock up their cell phones like a locker or a disk, then you can require the phones to be placed in those areas prior to the start of the shift. The same is true for music players and camera devices. In addition, time spent on company equipment for personal matters can also be limited. You should ensure, however, that employees' family and friends have a way to contact employees in case of emergencies.

 

Question: We recently witnessed our employees comparing their paychecks and discussing how much they are compensated. Per office policy, we do not allow this. Can we discipline and/or fire staff for clearly violating our policy?

 Answer: Your policy cannot be enforced. You should change your office policy as soon as possible. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives employees the right to engage in concerted activities, including the right to discuss the terms and conditions of their employment with one another. The NLRA applies to both union and non-union businesses. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has made it clear the employers are prohibited from creating policies, written or unwritten, restricting an employees' right to discuss their pay and benefits.  

 

Question: What is the requirement for retaining I-9 forms for former employees?

 

Answer: I-9 forms must be kept three years from the employee's date of hire, or one year from the employees date of termination, whichever is later. For example, an employee was hired on January 19, 2011 and is terminated on November 5, 2012. you must keep his/her I-9 form until January 19, 2014 because that is three years after his/her date of hire, which is longer than one year after his/her termination.   

 - For personnel questions or advice on a specific personnel issue, contact us on-line at www.azarandassociates.com- 

Do not forget to take the Emotional Intelligence Quotient Quiz.
Use the coupon below for a FREE-Quiz.

 
Sincerely,
 

Nicolas Azar - Coach & Consultant
Azar & Associates
Azar & Associates
PO Box 800914 - Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0914
Phone: (661) 810-2446 | Fax: (661) 299-2221 | [email protected]

Content copyright 2011. Azar & Associates. All rights reserved

Take the Emotional Intelligence Quotient Quiz

NO STRINGS ATTACHED, REALLY!    

Click here to take your free Emotional Intelligence Quiz.    

100% FREE   

Offer Expires: February 29, 2012