For those making airline reservations, starting May 15th, there seem to be some new TSA travel protocols.
 
Notice from West End Travel:

Please be advised that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has
instituted new rules and procedures that require airlines to present to the TSA
certain specific identity information for all passengers. The TSA has branded
these new requirements TSA SECURE FLIGHT, which goes into effect on May 15,
2009. The purpose of this program is for the US government to pre-screen airline
passengers against its No Fly list 72 hours prior to boarding.

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Students in Accounting Schools will study subjects of finances, financial accounting, principles and theories of accounting, professional standards and ethics, management, cost control, budgeting, legal issues, taxes, auditing, reporting, statement analysis, research, planning and consulting, among others.

Look to an accredited business school, college or university for an associate, bachelor, or master degree in accounting. A college degrees in accounting is a prerequisite for becoming certified, and employers are looking for degree holders who majored in finance or accounting. Master degrees in accounting can increase employment potential, qualifying candidates for advanced positions and excellent pay.

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One of the major questions I ask business owners is: “Do you have a succession plan or exit strategy for your business?” I also ask employees: “Do you know if a succession plan or exit strategy exists in your company or organization?” You may be surprised to know that in my experience more than 90% tell me they have no succession plan or exit strategy. A 2004 CIBC Small Business Outlook Poll (conducted by Decima Research), indicated that 39% of small business owners plan to sell their business and 15% plan to have a family member take over. Yet, two-thirds (67%( of the entrepreneurs polled stated that they had not yet broached the subject of who will take over the company. To me that result is very telling and frankly is a motivator for writing this article.

Succession planning is a critical factor for the long-term success of any business. Leadership transitions in business affect the entire organization’s continuity, employee retention, client retention and returns on investment. It is essential to create and implement a process that creates visibility, accountability and greater integration of all facets of the business.

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In the not-so-recent-past, job seekers had to spend hours upon hours walking around visiting companies and career consultants hoping to get a good job. They had to pour over newspapers and job listings for hours and then call up every prospective employer to ask for an appointment. But the advent of the Internet has changed all that. Now one of the most effective and efficient ways to look for a job is by using online career services. Unlike days past, the new online job services offer comprehensive advice concerning interviews, resume writing, and even career coaching – all at reasonable prices, and some services are free of charge.

Online Career Sites- Job Searching Made Simple

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It is a real great feeling to be able to share additional affirmations of success in someone’s life or business. This month, In the spirit of continuing to celebrate success and sharing positive stories of success in what we do, I want to talk about Darek Potter and Harbor Engineering, Inc.

Darek Potter, P.E., Founder and President of Harbor Engineering, Inc. was referred to me during his first year in business. After we met, Darek made a very important decision that many business owners put off for years. Darek committed to developing a strategic plan and an Action Plan to direct and manage the growth of his civil engineering and landscape architecture business. Darek and his staff were involved in developing the strategic plan, which included a vision statement, a mission statement, a list of company core values and a list of short and long term goals. My role was as a facilitator, guide and business coach. Harbor Engineering, Inc. has experienced growth in number of employees and number of clients and continues to grow toward the established vision for the company. After 2004 ended, I asked Darek to share with me his thoughts on our strategic planning process and coaching and how the business performed. Here is what Darek said:

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Online Accounting Schools allow you to obtain an education without ever stepping foot in a classroom. You can earn 100 percent of the credits needed for a degree through an online school or distance learning program! An accounting degree obtained online is just as valid as a degree from a traditional school. An online accounting degree qualifies the graduate to perform important financial functions, such as bookkeeping, payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, tax auditing, and many more.

Online Accounting Schools instruct in professional accounting standards and ethics, financial accounting, management, cost control, budget control, taxes, legal issues, auditing, accounting principles and theory, reporting, statement analysis, research, planning and consulting.

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One of the serious mistakes businesses and organizations make in strategic planning is to use an “internal” facilitator, rather than an outside professional facilitator. Selecting a professional strategic planning facilitator is very important. Facilitation of your strategic planning process involves working with groups of people and requires that the facilitator be tuned in at all times to what is happening. The facilitator also must be able to suspend or change the direction of the process when necessary.

An experienced professional facilitator used in your strategic planning process will greatly increase the probability of a successful process and strategic plan and will also enable the participants to leave with positive feelings, a stronger cohesiveness, a sense of accomplishment and a stronger team. In selecting a professional facilitator, your strategic thinking business coach suggests that you look for the following key characteristics.

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You’ve established your company. You’ve hung out your shingle, printed up those marketing brochures, and launched your website. You may even have found your first few clients. Now what?

You can certainly continue to build your business through referrals from those first few satisfied customers. But that takes time because consulting and training industries are essentially relationship-driven. To leverage your contacts and build your business more quickly, consider the advantages of partnering with established companies that have already developed a solid client base, a recognized brand, and a solid product or service. Build partnerships with these organizations to give and get leads, referrals, and introductions.

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