General Business
Measuring Employee Performance
The other day I sat with one of my employees to do his 30 day performance review and was reminded of how truly important a performance evaluation truly is to employees. According to Abraham Maslow (1968), a fundamental psychological desire of every human being is the need to “be”. In other words, all of us, [...]
Are you ready for 2012?
This time of year we are all asking the same question “is my business prepared for 2012?” What does being prepared really mean? Do we have enough employees? Do we have enough sources for working capital? Or is a more important question “is my business organized enough to withstand whatever may come?” That is the [...]
Was 2011 a good year for your business?
Great AP article today about how 2011 will end better than most would have thought (the media-grrr). Rather, most macroeconomic numbers are pointing positve where not only is the National unemployment rate lower at 8.6% but consumer confidence is at its highest point since April of this year. So what about you and your busienss? [...]
Consumer confidence is better than expected
Unemployment numbers are good if not getting lower and gas prices have fallen where some economists are positve in their outlook for 2012 but still some economists are “Debbie Downers”. Where do you stand? Are you prepared for 2012 regardless economic ups and downs? There is an interesting short article on CNNMoney.com today that makes [...]
Is the housing report good news?
Tuesday reported better than expected housing starts where as we come into a new year I wonder, is there good news for business via these housing numbers in 2012? Housing starts are up 24.3% from last year and almost 10% from the provious month October. Data such as this as well as positve consumer confidence [...]
National News on The U.S. Economy
This past Saturday I found myself in the local BMW dealer for service on my car and to my surprise, the showroom floor was packed with potential buyers. What gives? According to the National news and some local news reports (Houston KPRC), the U.S. economy is still in turmoil and we are still headed for [...]
Business Success in this Economy?
Is it possible to profit from your hard efforts in managing your business in this economy? Yes it is! Besides, what is all this talk about a double dip recession and the U.S. economy being near bankrupt? It’s fear mongering really. I recommend we all stop listening to National news because according to the National [...]
Market Turmoil
This last week the market was pretty crazy – or was it? Some would say yes and some, like me say no. I have not bought or sold a stock in a couple of months but I do still track the market overall (I have to as people still ask me how it works). Actually [...]
Texas recession proof?
Now that I sheepishly admit I hail from Texas (Houston to be exact) and this state’s Governor has formally thrown his hat into the race for President of the United States, there seems to be an interest in this state’s job market and it’s impressive growth despite the state’s drought, brutal and muggy heat, terribly [...]
Investors search for signs U.S. will avert a double dip
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Wall Street will remain on edge this week as investors continue their search for more signs that the economy isn’t heading toward another recession. The economic data this week will provide insight on multiple aspects of the economy, including housing, durable goods and the labor market. The biggest event of the [...]