In the heat of July, your lawn may be dying, but your business can grow like never before. The series of posts about growing your business that we've been running on the COATS blog just concluded; you can read the rests of the posts in this issue.
We've also got a free eBook on how to use COATSsql to reach your clients immediately with texting. Click here to get your free copy!
But the flow of information doesn't just go in one direction: we'd love to know how you use COATS. In fact, we're so eager to learn that we'll put your name in a drawing for a $25 VISA gift card if you send us an email telling us the most innovative way(s) you use COATS.
As your business heats up, feel free to drop into the COATS Users Group on LinkedIn to get advice from your fellow staffing leaders, and check out the COATS blog for staffing stories and legal roundups.
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New Version of COATSsql on the Way
 We're updating COATSsql this quarter! The new version number will be 4.3.
Changes in the new version include: - Allowing for Social Security numbers beginning with 8 or 9
- Allowing 20 characters instead of 15 for employee names
- Letting you text or email all employees assigned to a particular client who meet your search criteria
- Correcting known issues in uploading files to Global Cash Card
If you'd like to help us beta-test these new versions, email us. |
Changes in Social Security Numbers
 The Social Security Administration (SSA) is changing the way Social Security numbers (SSNs) are issued, in a move called "randomization." This method will help make Social Security numbers a little harder to "hack" and give us additional years of using the 9-digit SSN. What randomization means:
- The first 3 digits of the SSN, currently referred to as the area number, are no longer the area number; they'll be assigned randomly.
- Previously unassigned area numbers will be introduced for assignment excluding area numbers 000, 666 and 900-999.
These changes to the SSN will require systems and/or business process updates to accommodate randomization. Fortunately, COATS is on it! If you have any questions about SSN randomization or its possible effects to your organization, please see the SSA's Frequently Asked Questions or email your questions to them. If you have any questions about how COATS is responding to randomization, contact us! |
Are You Ready for Growth?
 We're in the middle of a seven-part series about how staffing firms can prepare for more business in the second half of 2011.
Is your staffing business ready to meet the needs of businesses experiencing growing demand? Being able to handle growth isn't an accident; it's the result of a step-by-step plan that puts your business in the best possible position to deal with any change in the economy.
Part 4: Be Prepared for New Developments-Health Insurance As national health insurance policy is debated and adjusted, many people grow more anxious concerning their coverage. Employers are unsure what they'll be required to provide, while employees are unsure what options they'll have. And everyone worries about the cost. Already courts in Florida and Virginia have ruled the health care law unconstitutional. Its journey through the appellate courts may well culminate in a debate before the U.S. Supreme Court. Read more -->
Part 5: Market Yourself for Growth-Become a Local Expert Your experience in staffing has taught you about recruiting, interviewing, hiring, employment trends and job-hunting. Many different audiences in your hiring area would love to hear your insights on these very newsworthy topics. Offer to speak at local business expos, job fairs, meetings of professional societies and other relevant events.
Read more -->
Part 6: Market Yourself for Growth-Use Social Media for Marketing Not only is social media low-to-no-cost, it adds an interactive element that's been missing from traditional marketing. You don't have to jump onto every social site or spend every minute blogging to have an impact that can result in more sales.
Read more -->
Part 7: Market Yourself for Growth-Sell to Value, Not to Margin In a tough economy, the tendency for staffing to be seen as a commodity made it difficult to sell clients on anything other than a low price. Unfortunately, that race to the bottom makes it harder for staffing as an industry to rebound to pre-recession levels of pricing. Our industry is long past due in changing the selling proposition. We must sell value.
Read more --> |
Join the COATS Users Group on LinkedIn
 The COATS Users Group on LinkedIn is starting to heat up! We created this group for COATS users to discuss the software with us and with each other so we can all get more out of it. This is a members-only group, so you don't have to worry about anyone wandering in and spamming us. Unfortunately, that means you do have to apply for membership, but we promise you'll get in; all you have to be is a COATS user. We look forward to seeing you there!
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 IT Department Contacts: COATSsql Users on SQL Server 2005 SP1 and SQL Server 2000 SP4, click here.
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Miss a Newsletter?
COATS has been sending an emailed newsletter since August of 2008. If you missed one of our monthly newsletters, click below to see what you've missed!
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Contest: How Do You Use COATS?
Tell us and you could win a $25 gift card!Whenever we talk to you, we're amazed at the innovative uses you find for the capabilities of COATS. Send us an email telling us what special way you've devised of using COATS, and we'll enter your name in a drawing for a $25 gift card! We'll also publish the best COATS tips in our newsletter. |
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Upcoming Training Times for COATS
Group training times for COATS customers: August 2011 11-12: 10 am - noon, EDT September 2011 14-16: 10 am - noon, EDT October 2011 24: 10 am - noon,
2 - 4 pm EDT Click here for more info |
Welcome to Our New Clients!
These companies joined the COATS family this month:
- Always There Staffing
- Business Resources Unlimited
- Champion Staffing
- Inspired Staffing Solutions
- MCS Recruitment
- Quick Temps
- SK Services
- The Employers Choice
And these existing clients added more users:
- Force Staffing
- Intelligent Employment Solutions
- Halpin Staffing
- Labor Staffing
- Locate Staffing
- Temp Associates
- TopLine Staffing
Thanks to all of these companies; let's grow bigger and better together!
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Compliments of:
Stacey E. James
Littler Mendelson P.C.
501 W. Broadway, Ste. 900
San Diego, CA 92101-3577 (619) 232-0441
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