Detroiter articles from December 2001

Detroiter archives from December 2001

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
December 1, 2001... The name of Les Hays, chief operating officer of NuTechs, was misspelled in the October issue, The Bloomfield Hills-based IT consulting firm was among the 2001 Future 50 of Greater Detroit winners. An incorrect address was listed for...

A day in the life ...: Chamber tackles the border crisis.(From the President)
December 1, 2001... For years we've been telling you what we're up to at the Detroit Regional Chamber. We're the voice of business. We're powering the economy of Southeast Michigan. We're your resource for information. It's not always easy to...

Uh oh! it's down the drain: the majority of business start-ups fail within two years. Sadly, HandySolutions LLC is one of them.(A small business adventure: part 12)
December 1, 2001... After four years in business, HandySolutions, the handyman dispatcher service founded and run by Joe Chambers, was at a crossroads. It was time for Joe to decide whether to take some risks and continue operating his company. To stay in...

Chapter one: setting up your Website.(Technology)
December 1, 2001... If you're serious about being successful in today's economy, you need a Website. A well-designed Website is as integral to your business as a telephone number, business cards and e-mail address. "I can't think of a single industry that...

Chapter two: maintaining your Website.(Technology)
December 1, 2001... Today's Web surfers are much more Internet-savvy than ever before. If they log on to your site and keep finding the same old content, graphics and links, they re probably not going to return again. And that can mean a lost sale or a loss of...

Personal business consultant.(Technology)(Web design, new products)
December 1, 2001... You don't need a lot of money to make an impact on potential customers, but remember the adage: something is better than nothing. Today, not having an Internet presence is akin to not being listed in the Yellow Pages[TM]. The Internet is an...

Disaster plan: how to protect your information assets.(Technology)
December 1, 2001... Power outages, hardware failures and everyday problems an play havoc with your company's operations. For mall businesses dependent on Internet presence, anything that damages data or information systems is a disaster. Here's how to ensure...

Three steps to internet security.(Technology)
December 1, 2001... Step 1: Control user access The first key element to security is to identify who is using a system and why. Exposure to risk is minimized by providing access to only those systems as necessary. Firewalls perform a variety of functions to...

Glossary of terms.(Technology)(computer security)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2001... Firewall--A device or application resource that controls access between private trusted networks and public untrusted networks (e.g. Internet), or between sub-networks within a private network (e.g. intranet). Firewalls track and control...

Guide to security products.(Technology)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2001... Antivirus programs Norton Antivirus 2001--Effective protection, and a previous PC World "best buy;" includes one year of virus-signature updates; additional updates are $4 per year. PC-cillin 2000--Automatic updates, fast virus scans;...

All about palm pilots.(Technology)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2001... The Palm VIIx can be had now for $199. We recommend the Palm Vx or its Handspring equivalent, which to keep up now has a $100 rebate on a traded-in personal digital assistant (PDA). In another year the color models will be worthwhile, but for...

Guide to local services.(Technology)(Directory)
December 1, 2001... Good places to start: Printer repair/toner supplier: Laser Comp, one of our vendors at the Detroit Regional Chamber, has a service plan that we believe is unique in the industry. You don't pay for maintenance calls while you are buying...

Say hello to Internet phone.(Technology)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2001... The Internet phone is currently revolutionizing how we communicate worldwide. Although it's been around for some time, most people ignored it because of the poor voice quality. So why use the Internet telephone? First, with Internet phone,...

Online technology links.(Technology)(Directory)
December 1, 2001... News/Research www.itoverload.com/fraud/--This is a sample of a technical e-mail publication that you can subscribe to (one year approximately $280) that provides a consolidated summary of new technology issues in a format that gets past...

Online recruiting.(Human Resources)
December 1, 2001... Should you recruit employees on the Internet? Most experts in the burgeoning online recruiting field say the answer has a lot to do with who you're looking for. Finding professionals to fill technical jobs are the ones that work best online....

It's all in the wording: 8 tips to get the most out of your online job ads.(Human Resources)
December 1, 2001... 1. Pick a very specific, descriptive job title. When job-listing sites return search results, the first thing job seekers see is the job title. Pick something generic, and your "Mechanical Engineer" could be lost in a long list of other jobs...

A priceless gift: how to create a company mentoring program?(Human Resources)
December 1, 2001... Do you now have or have you ever had a mentor? If so, you know you have received a priceless gift. If you have experienced the professional and personal growth that comes from a great mentoring relationship, then you will already understand the...

Magnetic benefits: low-cost ways to attract and retain your employees.(Human Resources)
December 1, 2001... Attracting and retaining top-notch employees requires offering compensation, benefits and training and development opportunities in a new way. Here are some low-cost alternatives: Improve workplace morale: Give your employees more control...

Personal business consultant.(tips for helping teams work at peak efficiency)
December 1, 2001... My "Ten Demandments" for helping work teams perform at the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness: 1. Each team has its own way of making decisions and solving problems. Treat each of these unique units with flexibility and...

The screening process: how to avoid liability for 'negligent hiring'.(Human Resources)
December 1, 2001... From the angry, dejected factory worker to the disgruntled, gun-toting day trader, shocking headlines warn us of an increasing incidence of workplace violence. The untold story in these tragedies is the fallout facing those who employed the...

Danger signs: do you know when it's time to call the business doctor?(Finance)(preventing business failure)
December 1, 2001... Most adults know when they're sick enough to call their doctor. Not so with the illness of a business. Many corporate stewards, even the savviest of CEOs, misdiagnose or ignore serious problems until it is too late. Instead of being able to...

Business insurance: what's what.(Finance)
December 1, 2001... Adequate insurance protection is vital for businesses f all sizes. No matter how careful you are as a business operator, accidents happen. Here is a list of common business coverage options: * Property--Covers losses sustained as a result...

Personal business consultant.(Finance)(managing small business expenses)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2001... Small business owners have to watch their expenses very carefully to remain in business and out of personal debt. Incorporating your business may be your first choice to ensure you are protecting your personal assets. That is a good first...

You can bank on it: before you pick your banker, do your homework.(Finance)
December 1, 2001... Small business owners sometimes find it difficult to find a bank willing to work with them. After all, their financial needs are generally modest. They probably don't have as much money to invest nor require as much capital as the multinational...

A necessary expense? If used appropriately, consulting firms can add tremendous value to a business.(Finance)
December 1, 2001... In a tightening economy, the challenge for employers is handling their workload in the most efficient, yet effective manner. And sometimes this means bringing in experts from outside the company. If appropriate measures are taken when choosing...

A venture capital primer.(Finance)
December 1, 2001... I: venture capital funding Venture capital (VC) is the best-known type of funding. It is a high-risk equity investment by experienced fund managers in companies with dramatic, short-term growth potential. Investments should yield earnings...

Well is good: getting started on a cost-effective wellness program at your company.(Health Care)
December 1, 2001... Generally speaking, comprehensive wellness programs have three major components: health screenings, health and wellness education and fitness programs. Of the three, screenings are the most important, since they have the potential to uncover...

Yes, it really pays: wellness and fitness programs yield measurable bottom-line benefits.(Health Care)
December 1, 2001... The investment you make in keeping your workforce healthy is money well spent. A University of Michigan study of research conducted over the past 21 years concludes that some wellness programs do indeed produce significant cost savings,...

Personal business consultant.(Health Care)(health insurance)
December 1, 2001... Providing health-care insurance is an expensive proposition, especially for small businesses. But the only way to attract and retain quality employees is to offer good benefits--and sometimes this means biting the bullet and bearing the costs....

Be a smart shopper: before you buy, here's what you need to know about health insurance.(Health Care)
December 1, 2001... Shopping for health insurance can be a daunting experience. To help you make the right decisions, there are a few things you can do before contacting an insurance broker. The best way to start is to find out what types of health plans are...

Hip hip hooray for HIPAA? What you need to know about the new Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act.(Health Care)
December 1, 2001... It's a mammoth task that experts are calling the Y2K of the health-care industry. It could come with a price tag as high as $40 billion. And it must be addressed within the next two years. It's the Health Insurance Portability and...

Have you heard about HEDIS?(the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set is a standard measure for HMOs)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2001... Here's another acronym for you' HEDIS--the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set. It's the gold standard of measurements for health maintenance organizations nationally and can be used as a springboard for HMOs to improve the...

Generic drugs can save you $$$.(dramatic costs savings by switching to generic drugs)
December 1, 2001... There's absolutely nothing you can do about the high cost of prescription drugs, right? Wrong! Encouraging consumers-including your employees--to switch from brand-name drugs to less-expensive generic drugs can yield dramatic cost savings....

Training and retention: two success stories.
December 1, 2001... Training: Horizon Technology LLC When Taylor-based Horizon Technology LLC, primarily a manufacturer of automotive parts, decided it was the right time to retrain its workforce and upgrade its workers' skills, the first question was how....

The entry-level workforce: three key programs that can help your business.(Workforce)(recruiting and training workers)
December 1, 2001... If your business needs help recruiting and training qualified entry-level workers, here are three employer-based workforce initiatives you need to know more about. The Learning Network Founded in 2000 under the aegis of the Detroit...

Business/education partnerships: three workforce programs that get results.(Workforce)(educational and employment opportunities)
December 1, 2001... Detroit Compact A program of the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Detroit Public Schools, the Detroit Compact program provides educational and employment opportunities for students who maintain certain academic, attendance and conduct...

Personal business consultant.(consider the best way for your business to partner with a school)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2001... Businesses considering establishing a partnership with a school should sit down with key personnel and determine the greatest area of need. Before offering to donate a lump sum of money or volunteering to send a group of workers to a school,...

Workforce mega-trends.(Detroit region's workforce trends)
December 1, 2001... This is an excellent time to take stock of the Detroit Region's workforce trends. Employers who fail to understand the ramifications of the big picture risk a short tenure in the next quarter century. Despite the current economic...

Q & A: business-education partnerships.(Workforce)(Detroit Regional Chamber)
December 1, 2001... I'm a business owner interested in a partnership with a school. Where do I start? A small or medium-size business can partner with another business or alone with a school where the leadership is receptive. The Detroit Regional Chamber will...

Getting ready for ISO 14001: the top 10 most common mistakes to avoid.(ISO 14001)
December 1, 2001... Many companies will have to become ISO 14001 registered very soon. Here in Southeast Michigan, the Big Three automakers are requiring it--you MUST be ISO 14001 registered if you wish to continue to do business with them. ISO 14001 is a...

ISO 14001: a high five.
December 1, 2001... If your attitude about ISO 14001 is "I just want to get it done, get it done right and get it done quickly," here are some key ideas to keep in mind: 1. ISO 14001 is NOT ISO 9001 (or QS 9001). Most people say those programs were...

Who, us? Yes, you! Here's how one company got its ISO act together.(promotion agency adapts quality standards to improve client services)
December 1, 2001... Now let me see if I've got this straight: You want our company to adopt a quality assurance system like they use in places where they make widgets? Those were my thoughts when a major auto manufacturer invited a small group of its...

The paper trail: how to start a recycling program at your business.(Environment)
December 1, 2001... Four plain-and-simple facts from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality make a compelling case for implementing a recycling program at your business: * A typical business office generates about 1.5 pounds of wastepaper per...

Personal business consultant.(to reduce costs evaluate your environmental compliance program)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2001... In our lean times, businesses are searching for ways to reduce costs while improving the bottom line. One method is to evaluate your environmental compliance program. The changes that evolve from this provide a two-fold benefit: improving...

Investing in urban 'brownfields'.(financial incentives to encourage private and public investment in urban properties)
December 1, 2001... The state of Michigan now offers a whole package of financial incentives to encourage private and public investment in urban properties. The Brownfield Redevelopment Credit Package enacted by the Legislature in 2000 created new and improved...

Power writing techniques: six tips for writing brochures, press releases and sales letters.
December 1, 2001... Whether you are writing brochures, press releases or sales letters, here are six ideas that will give your writing pizzazz and sparkle. 1. Focus on your reader--Your reader always thinks (subconsciously, at least) "So what?" or "Big deal!"...

Direct to the point: do's and don'ts for a successful direct-mail marketing campaign.
December 1, 2001... Direct marketing is a $5-billion business in the United States. A large percentage of that is generated by direct mail--a one-to-one personal relationship between seller and buyer. The advantages are clear: * Direct mail can be focused,...

Building brand awareness at trade shows.
December 1, 2001... Branding is a basic marketing concept that is designed to set your products/services apart from the competition. By using a particular name, phrase, design, symbol or a combination of these, you can create a unique identity. When choosing a...

Guerilla marketing: tips from the Detroit-born marketer who invented the term.
December 1, 2001... Guerilla marketing--also known as convergent marketing--is considered by industry experts to be the perfect tool for companies with small budgets but big imaginations. In effect, it provides an element of surprise by using unconventional...

To see and be seen: how to comport yourself--and market yourself--at business socials.(Marketing)
December 1, 2001... Business socials are not strictly meant for business. They're also about relationship building. Each person is an ambassador of the organization they represent. Those who can connect with others, those who can build rapport quickly and those...

Take care what you wear.(Be sure to dress appropriately for television)
December 1, 2001... If you're going on TV, you're marketing both yourself and your business, so be sure to dress appropriately. Here are some tips: 1. When choosing your clothing, plain and simple is usually best if you want the viewer to listen to your...

Personal business consultant.(promoting your brand helps you stand out from competitors)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2001... Today's business world is ultra-competitive. When it comes to marketing your business, perhaps the greatest challenge is: How to stand out from the competition and stand out to potential clients. The first key in achieving "top of mind...

A supplement to 2001-2002 Detroit Regional buyers guide.(Directory)
December 1, 2001... Please add this page to your copy of the Detroit Regional Chamber Buyers' Guide. A Alpha Heaters, Inc. Mr. Gregory Anderson, President of Sales & Marketing (517) 629-4020 704 N. Clark St., Albion MI 49224 Heating Equipment &...