Take the Bank Customer Truth or Consequences Test 
Robert Katzman, ERA Advisor Answer "yes" or "no" to the following ten questions to assess the role your banker plays in your business. 1. Can you recall the last time your banker sat down with you to discuss ways to improve your treasury and cash management processes and services? 2. Did your banker offer specific suggestions and ideas during the visit? 3. If your banker introduced new services or process enhancements, did he or she indicate whether any of your current services could be eliminated or reduced? 4. Did your banker discuss the costs of the enhanced services? 5. Do you know if you have incurred a price increase in banking services during the past year? 6. If so, did your banker discuss the impact on your business before the price increases went into effect? 7. Did your banker proactively offer ways to minimize the impact of the increased pricing? 8. Does your banker follow through and deliver on stated intentions to proactively help you grow and improve your business? 9. Have service levels deteriorated despite your business paying more for services? 10. Do you hear from your banker other than when there is an issue with your account (such as a covenant violation on borrowings or an occurrence of an overdraft?) Score How many questions did you answer with a Yes: 8-10. Your banker is a true partner and advisor, delivering on his or her commitment. 5-7. Your banker is likely carrying an ever increasing client load - but at your expense. 2-4. Time to join the bank-customer exodus sparked by new fees and poor customer service. 0-3. Run, Forrest, run. |
Let's Talk  About Illegal Drugs
Jim Caldwell, ERA AdvisorNot dark street-corner drug dealing, but how businesses deal with illegal drugs in the workforce. Drug screening is an ongoing practice of many companies in the US. It can be critical to ensuring a safe and productive workplace, but can also have an emotional impact on employees. And of course there are legal issues and tangible costs. Workforce drug testing is done for three basic reasons: Pre-employment Screening Applicants are required to be "drug free" prior to employment. Ongoing Monitoring A certain percentage of employees are "randomly pulled" to be tested, typically monthly or quarterly. Post Incident Testing Employees are tested following an accident or other incident. Click here to read more about drug testing.
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