There is an old story about two CEO's who once went on a camping trip in the woods together. At night, after they'd eaten dinner, they were sitting around the campfire toasting marshmallows when an enormous grizzly bear came roaring into their campsite. Terrified, the two CEO's jumped into their tent and listened as the bear ate their remaining food and destroyed all of their equipment.
 
"We're going to have to run for it." The first CEO says.  "Good idea" says the second CEO as he starts changing from his hiking boots into his running shoes.  "Why are you putting on running shoes? They won't help you outrun a bear!" says the first.  "I don't need to outrun the bear." says the second with a smile. "I only need to outrun you."
 
This story illustrates the axiomatic truth that in business you not only need to be good; you need to be better than those you are competing against. A large part of being the best is having the best people, and that is where total compensation comes into play. Employees today are demanding not only a competitive base salary, but the best benefits as well. If you aren't willing to deliver these, the odds are that one of your competitors will, leaving you behind for the bear.
 
Finding the right balance of salary and benefits isn't easy, especially if the current business climate is forcing you to tighten your belt. Let CCM and Mercer help you maximize your returns on salary investments and stay safely ahead of the competition.with our audio conference, Compensation Planning: Maximizing Total Remuneration, on Tuesday September 30th, 2008 at 2:00 PM.