The minimum wage debate continues. I originally wrote this article in 2012 when Oregon was going to increase the minimum wage from $8.50 to $8.80 and become the state with the second highest minimum wage in the country. Even in 2016, this debate drudges on. The primary wage earner in a family generally does not earn the minimum wage. The jobs that are paid minimum wage are far from menial, they include customer service jobs in restaurants, entertainment centers, and gas stations. High school and college students, as well...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Not all consultants are the same. I hear time and time again about disappointing experiences that business owners have had when working with other business consultants. They have said things like, “business consulting doesn’t work” or, “business consultants are a dime a dozen.” Business consultants have varying experiences, education, and expertise, not to mention capacity, affordability, and reliability. However, it’s hard to know the level of quality a business consultant will deliver prior to hiring. Here are 4 questions you need to ask before hiring a business consultant: Experience Before...

  Actions speak louder than words.  I guess I could end the lesson right there; however, it would not put into perspective the damage that business owners and managers do to their organization when they contradict written policy, procedure, or proclamation by their actions. Clients often ask me if I practice what I preach.  I can honestly say that we do.  Does this mean that I don’t contradict my own statements or instructions? Absolutely not.  However, how I react to being called out sets into motion for anyone involved the...