Key Person Life Insurance Protects Your Business

by Andrea Ames

A&D Advisors, LLC

Andrea has served as a financial services professional for the past three years and joined her father, Don Ames, a successful financial advisor, to launch A&D Advisors, LLC in June 2013. Andrea's role at A&D Advisors is working with successful business owners to preserve their assets and protect their legacies; using advanced life insurance planning, disability income protection planning and long-term care planning. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for NAIFA Austin, and serves as the Young Advisors Team (YAT) Chair. Andrea was recently accepted to the Leadership in Life Institute with NAIFA Texas.

What is your human capital worth?

As a business owner, you understand that you need working capital to keep your business going: operating expenses, inventory, salaries, etc. But who in your business handles the growth and success? In other words, what is your Human Capital worth, and did you know it could affect your bottom line? 

Topics: Business Operations, Featured

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Committing to an Office Lease Term

by Nathan Smith

Austin Tenant Advisors

Nathan Smith is a commercial real estate advisor and owner of Austin Tenant Advisors, a local commercial real estate company that specializes ONLY in representing the best interests of business owners and companies in the search, selection, negotiation, and occupancy of office, retail, and warehouse space. Early on Nathan saw a need for business owners and companies to have the same expert advice as Landlords when it comes to leasing and purchasing commercial properties. In fact, he doesn't want to just level the playing field, he strives to educate and advise them in a way that puts them in a position of strength so that they find the best spaces and negotiate the best deals possible. Nathan graduated from Texas State University and had the opportunity to serve his Country in the Air Force Reserves. Nathan is married to Jennifer and has two children. He is also a die-hard cyclist and runner and has competed in numerous short and long distance triathlons and Ironman competitions.

So you’ve chosen the office space that meets your company’s needs. The next step is to negotiate the contract. One of the deal points that you will be negotiating is lease term. What is the right lease term length for your company?

Before committing to anything, ask yourself these 5 questions:

Topics: Business Operations, Featured

Calculating Office Building Areas

by Jennifer Keaton

Red Design Studios

Jennifer Keaton is a registered Architect and Interior Designer and has practiced all around the country in such metropolitan areas as Boston, Atlanta, Portland, and Raleigh/Durham. Throughout her 22 year career, Jennifer has produced award-winning, nationally-recognized, and locally-admired work. When she moved to Austin in late 2007, she knew that she had everything necessary to start her own firm: the experience, the talent, and the charisma; and thus, Red Design Studios was born. Red Design Studios analyzes every budget, space, schedule, preferences, and company philosophy. Jennifer personally ensures that these needs are successfully interpreted into an efficient physical environment that projects the client’s desired image. Jennifer is well versed in every aspect of interior projects from property searches, programming needs, design, material and fixture selections, documentation, project management, and construction observation. She finds that documenting the design herself allows for better coordination resulting in a more complete set of detailed documents for the contractor and therefore, a harmonized environment for the client at a conclusive price. The name, Red Design Studios, stems from the red hair Jennifer inherited from her great Aunt Clairol. The logo was designed with sparks to symbolize her passion for lighting design and the recognition she has had in that field. Jennifer loves the challenge of renovations but also the evolution of shell buildings and spaces. She specializes in corporate interiors but has also designed, documented, and managed several restaurants, medical-office suites, retail tenants, furniture specifications and bid packages, corporate cafeterias, shell buildings, and hospitality spaces.

As an architect who specializes in commercial office space, I am often asked to help interpret the areas of buildings. Unfortunately, many of these requests come after a purchase has already been made based on gross figures. While the gross area is valid and useful, “rentable” area per BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association International) standards is the most widely accepted. 

Topics: Business Operations, Featured

The 25% Approach: Legal

by Peter Duff

PDC Consulting

Peter is a seasoned financial and operational executive who is passionate about enabling  businesses to reach the next profit and cash generation level. He brings to consulting a broad experience of over 30 years as EVP, COO, and CFO roles in diverse consumer, industrial and technology businesses. Peter has been responsible for significant improvements in revenue, margins, expense as well as cash levels in manufacturing and service oriented businesses. He has a solid background in domestic and international settings with top 500 companies, middle market, start-ups and service operations. Peter is a trusted adviser to private equity and other fund managers.

In the manufacturing world, the process for cutting material costs is well-established. Manufacturing companies take competitive bids for their key raw materials. Major suppliers bid for pieces of the business. This is usually done every year, but some companies will opt to do it every two to three years.

Topics: Business Operations, Featured, Accounting & Finance

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Taking Control of Your Healthcare

by Mike Martin

The Karis Group

Mike was born, raised and spent a large portion of his professional career as a healthcare CEO in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before moving to Central Texas in 2003. He achieved success as a senior-level executive in several different industries and career paths but most enjoyed those that afford him the opportunity to make a positive impact on peoples lives. The attainment of a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Public Administration degree from Louisiana State University after completing military service was the foundation for Mike’s life-long career of service to others. After serving in the administration of Louisiana Governor David Treen, he began a career in healthcare as the CEO of a regional, non-profit, cancer treatment, research and education center. It was during these years that his passion for the patients led him to champion causes for quality, affordable patient care – regardless of ability to pay. Mike’s experience as a seasoned healthcare executive coupled with a real desire to serve others led him to The Karis Group in January, 2010. Having witnessed the devastation that the incongruences in healthcare pricing structures, reimbursement mechanisms and collection systems have on the average family in America, Mike saw an opportunity to “have a transformational impact on peoples’ lives” through the products and services offered by Karis. Mike resides in Georgetown, Texas with his wife of over 33 years, Mary Beth. His spare time is devoted to involvement in his church and community service.

The Important Role of Women in Healthcare Decision Making

Healthcare is complex, expensive and often confusing. More and more people are entering the healthcare world with little experience or knowledge of how to become a more empowered consumer.

Topics: Business Operations

Employee Engagement in the Workplace

by Kay Oder

Insperity

Kay Oder has owned six companies, has been a resource to thousands to businesses and brought solutions to help business owners minimize risk, improve business performance and navigate today’s highly regulated and complex “business of being an employer”.

Today, Kay uses the insights gained throughout her career as a speaker, business owner and business advisor. Audiences enjoy her candid, informed perspective on HR related topics as well as her razor-sharp southern wit.

Kay is also a Certified Business Performance Advisor with Insperity, the $2.6 billion business performance solutions provider she has called home since 1993. Kay has consistently been among the company’s top producers during her 20 plus years with the organization, earning Insperity’s highest honors, including the Top Volume, Circle of Excellence and the Chairman’s Club awards.

Prior to Insperity, Kay was the President and Co-founder of Texas Valve Specialists, a supplier in the oil and gas industry. She has also owned companies in the construction, demolition, machining and promotional apparel arenas. She spent four years as a client of Insperity and upon selling her last venture, joined the Insperity team.

From an early age Kay demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, beginning at age six when she sold cantaloupes from her parents’ front yard, which she offered three for fifty-cents, with a free puppy.

Kay and her husband, Dale, relocated to Austin from the Houston area in 1996 when a theft occurred in their family: their granddaughter was born and stole their hearts, so they had to follow.

Insperity, a trusted advisor to America’s best businesses for more than 30 years, provides an array of human resources and business solutions designed to help improve business performance. Insperity® Business Performance Advisors offer the most comprehensive suite of products and services available in the marketplace. Insperity delivers administrative relief, better benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve productivity through its premier Workforce Optimization® solution. Additional company offerings include Human Capital Management, Payroll Services, Time and Attendance, Performance Management, Organizational Planning, Recruiting Services, Employment Screening, Financial Services, Expense Management, Retirement Services and Insurance Services. Insperity business performance solutions support more than 100,000 businesses with over 2 million employees. With 2016 revenues of $2.9 billion, Insperity operates in 61 offices throughout the United States. For more information, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.insperity.com.

Most workers can probably think of a few people in their office who are not overly engaged, or may even be completely disengaged. It is not as rare as one might think.

Topics: Business Operations, Featured, Content Type

From Boomers to Millennials: Managing Different Generations

by Kay Oder

Insperity

Kay Oder has owned six companies, has been a resource to thousands to businesses and brought solutions to help business owners minimize risk, improve business performance and navigate today’s highly regulated and complex “business of being an employer”.

Today, Kay uses the insights gained throughout her career as a speaker, business owner and business advisor. Audiences enjoy her candid, informed perspective on HR related topics as well as her razor-sharp southern wit.

Kay is also a Certified Business Performance Advisor with Insperity, the $2.6 billion business performance solutions provider she has called home since 1993. Kay has consistently been among the company’s top producers during her 20 plus years with the organization, earning Insperity’s highest honors, including the Top Volume, Circle of Excellence and the Chairman’s Club awards.

Prior to Insperity, Kay was the President and Co-founder of Texas Valve Specialists, a supplier in the oil and gas industry. She has also owned companies in the construction, demolition, machining and promotional apparel arenas. She spent four years as a client of Insperity and upon selling her last venture, joined the Insperity team.

From an early age Kay demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, beginning at age six when she sold cantaloupes from her parents’ front yard, which she offered three for fifty-cents, with a free puppy.

Kay and her husband, Dale, relocated to Austin from the Houston area in 1996 when a theft occurred in their family: their granddaughter was born and stole their hearts, so they had to follow.

Insperity, a trusted advisor to America’s best businesses for more than 30 years, provides an array of human resources and business solutions designed to help improve business performance. Insperity® Business Performance Advisors offer the most comprehensive suite of products and services available in the marketplace. Insperity delivers administrative relief, better benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve productivity through its premier Workforce Optimization® solution. Additional company offerings include Human Capital Management, Payroll Services, Time and Attendance, Performance Management, Organizational Planning, Recruiting Services, Employment Screening, Financial Services, Expense Management, Retirement Services and Insurance Services. Insperity business performance solutions support more than 100,000 businesses with over 2 million employees. With 2016 revenues of $2.9 billion, Insperity operates in 61 offices throughout the United States. For more information, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.insperity.com.

Corporate America is faced with balancing all areas of diversity, but one area that often has been overlooked and is becoming increasingly common is age diversity. For the first time in history, as people stay in the workforce longer, four generations of employees are now working together. Each group has unique strengths and differences, which can be an asset, but can also lead to misunderstanding, conflict and miscommunication if managed incorrectly.

Topics: Business Operations, Featured, Content Type

Coaching Employees to Success

by Kay Oder

Insperity

Kay Oder has owned six companies, has been a resource to thousands to businesses and brought solutions to help business owners minimize risk, improve business performance and navigate today’s highly regulated and complex “business of being an employer”.

Today, Kay uses the insights gained throughout her career as a speaker, business owner and business advisor. Audiences enjoy her candid, informed perspective on HR related topics as well as her razor-sharp southern wit.

Kay is also a Certified Business Performance Advisor with Insperity, the $2.6 billion business performance solutions provider she has called home since 1993. Kay has consistently been among the company’s top producers during her 20 plus years with the organization, earning Insperity’s highest honors, including the Top Volume, Circle of Excellence and the Chairman’s Club awards.

Prior to Insperity, Kay was the President and Co-founder of Texas Valve Specialists, a supplier in the oil and gas industry. She has also owned companies in the construction, demolition, machining and promotional apparel arenas. She spent four years as a client of Insperity and upon selling her last venture, joined the Insperity team.

From an early age Kay demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, beginning at age six when she sold cantaloupes from her parents’ front yard, which she offered three for fifty-cents, with a free puppy.

Kay and her husband, Dale, relocated to Austin from the Houston area in 1996 when a theft occurred in their family: their granddaughter was born and stole their hearts, so they had to follow.

Insperity, a trusted advisor to America’s best businesses for more than 30 years, provides an array of human resources and business solutions designed to help improve business performance. Insperity® Business Performance Advisors offer the most comprehensive suite of products and services available in the marketplace. Insperity delivers administrative relief, better benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve productivity through its premier Workforce Optimization® solution. Additional company offerings include Human Capital Management, Payroll Services, Time and Attendance, Performance Management, Organizational Planning, Recruiting Services, Employment Screening, Financial Services, Expense Management, Retirement Services and Insurance Services. Insperity business performance solutions support more than 100,000 businesses with over 2 million employees. With 2016 revenues of $2.9 billion, Insperity operates in 61 offices throughout the United States. For more information, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.insperity.com.

If it ain't broke...

We’ve all heard or read the popular adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” When it comes to employee coaching, however, such guidance is misplaced. Business leaders should coach employees on a regular basis to ensure ongoing, solid work performance.

Topics: Business Operations, Content Type

Top 5 Business Expenses to Review for 2014

by Nathan Smith

Austin Tenant Advisors

Nathan Smith is a commercial real estate advisor and owner of Austin Tenant Advisors, a local commercial real estate company that specializes ONLY in representing the best interests of business owners and companies in the search, selection, negotiation, and occupancy of office, retail, and warehouse space. Early on Nathan saw a need for business owners and companies to have the same expert advice as Landlords when it comes to leasing and purchasing commercial properties. In fact, he doesn't want to just level the playing field, he strives to educate and advise them in a way that puts them in a position of strength so that they find the best spaces and negotiate the best deals possible. Nathan graduated from Texas State University and had the opportunity to serve his Country in the Air Force Reserves. Nathan is married to Jennifer and has two children. He is also a die-hard cyclist and runner and has competed in numerous short and long distance triathlons and Ironman competitions.

The new year is a time of celebration for team and business success, reflection on the business and processes and planning to start 2014 off on the right foot.

Topics: Business Operations

Solid HR Practices are Key to Achieving SMB Success

by Kay Oder

Insperity

Kay Oder has owned six companies, has been a resource to thousands to businesses and brought solutions to help business owners minimize risk, improve business performance and navigate today’s highly regulated and complex “business of being an employer”.

Today, Kay uses the insights gained throughout her career as a speaker, business owner and business advisor. Audiences enjoy her candid, informed perspective on HR related topics as well as her razor-sharp southern wit.

Kay is also a Certified Business Performance Advisor with Insperity, the $2.6 billion business performance solutions provider she has called home since 1993. Kay has consistently been among the company’s top producers during her 20 plus years with the organization, earning Insperity’s highest honors, including the Top Volume, Circle of Excellence and the Chairman’s Club awards.

Prior to Insperity, Kay was the President and Co-founder of Texas Valve Specialists, a supplier in the oil and gas industry. She has also owned companies in the construction, demolition, machining and promotional apparel arenas. She spent four years as a client of Insperity and upon selling her last venture, joined the Insperity team.

From an early age Kay demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, beginning at age six when she sold cantaloupes from her parents’ front yard, which she offered three for fifty-cents, with a free puppy.

Kay and her husband, Dale, relocated to Austin from the Houston area in 1996 when a theft occurred in their family: their granddaughter was born and stole their hearts, so they had to follow.

Insperity, a trusted advisor to America’s best businesses for more than 30 years, provides an array of human resources and business solutions designed to help improve business performance. Insperity® Business Performance Advisors offer the most comprehensive suite of products and services available in the marketplace. Insperity delivers administrative relief, better benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve productivity through its premier Workforce Optimization® solution. Additional company offerings include Human Capital Management, Payroll Services, Time and Attendance, Performance Management, Organizational Planning, Recruiting Services, Employment Screening, Financial Services, Expense Management, Retirement Services and Insurance Services. Insperity business performance solutions support more than 100,000 businesses with over 2 million employees. With 2016 revenues of $2.9 billion, Insperity operates in 61 offices throughout the United States. For more information, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.insperity.com.

One of the most difficult jobs to undertake is operating a small business, which requires the owner to wear multiple hats and work long hours. According to a 2012 report from the U.S. Small Business Administration, when it comes to longevity, seven out of 10 new companies remain in business two years, and only about half of those survive five years.

Topics: Business Operations, Featured, Content Type

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