Manhasset Minuteman Press

They say that the only sure thing about communication is that we tend to get it wrong. If communication between two family members is a challenge, how much harder is communication at work? Have you ever experienced a team “fail” like this? After meetings, people don’t seem to know what was said or what’s coming next. It’s like the meeting never occurred. After training on a new procedure, only one person recalls the protocol. Following a brainstorming session, everyone assumes someone else is covering the “next step.” The ball is dropped, resulting in blame, disillusionment, and embarrassment. Make Your Messages Stick Everyone knows communication is critical to success. To run a thriving business, employees, managers, and CEOs need to communicate clearly and effectively. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of short circuits in this process, which can result in angry employees, difficult HR situations, and lost profit. What can you do to improve team communication? Here

How will the economy affect your business this year? Economic conditions impact all businesses, but small businesses often feel the effect of changes sooner. Upswings in the economy mean more disposable income, which can provide a rush of new or expanded business opportunities for your firm. But dips in the economy may make it harder for you to break even, to cover payroll, or to qualify for loans that will increase your growth opportunities. While you can’t control the economy, you can take steps to ready your small business for unexpected changes. One simple tool to consider is a stress test. Ways to Stress Test Your Business A stress test is a simulation to gauge your financial risk under different economic scenarios. The results can aid your financial planning and let you know where your business is at the greatest risk in the event of economic hard times. Here are three ways to stress-test your business to stabilize it during unwanted slowdowns. 1. Solicit advice from