PHOTO by S Christopher

The Internet has created a forum for which almost everything posted is interpreted as fact and is immediately available to any part of the world.  Ignoring the Iternet as a tool of communication and publication is asking for more rumor than fact to be stated about you and the organization. 

Does your organization run in accordance to rumors?  If you observe the stock market that is exactly how most investors are investing in their future.  The result has been disastrous lately, so why would you have the organization do the same.  

The collapse of the SEMGROUP has hurt nonprofits in the Tulsa area since it was a huge contributor to the areas nonprofits.  Folks are still asking what happen? 

How about the fact that Bill Gates will now concentrate more of his time and effort accomplishing goals of the the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  I would advise reading some of the articles in which he speaks about making a difference in countries even when you know that the government is corrupt.   

Will the new IRS tax form make it easier or harder for individuals to see how nonprofits spend their money?  My basic view is that those really trying to hide what they do, will and those whom do not know how to report may inadvertently hurt themselves.  I have worked with a number of nonprofits where the 990 was filled out wrong to adequately show the allocation of costs.  So if a document is filled out depicting one fact, when in reality it should be a different fact would you consider it rumor or fact.  It is important to remember most people read documents and it is the first impression that sticks.

What impression do you and or your organization leave a person with?  Remember it is individuals that make decisions on behalf of organizations. 

Photo by Daniel Y Go 

Having trouble sleeping at night?Feeling on edge or in fear?

Has your stomach has been uneasy and giving you some indigestion?

The title tells it all.  Is it because you need to lay someone off? Telling the truth will empower you. While I am not saying it is ever easy, there is a need to separate the needs of an organization and the needs of an individual.  However, one key to successfully communicating to an employee is letting them know why and making the termination immediate or the shortest time possible.  The other key element to keeping good employees is knowing where in the organization hiring may be occurring that the individual may be able to fill.

The individual whom does every avoidance mechanism to put off telling some one they are no longer needed does not help the organization or the employee.  There is no way to avoid having this employee feel they are not valuable enough to the organization to be the priority employee to retain.

 Photo By Michael C Swigart

To the degree possible it is important to identify unbias resources.  I look to the federal government to be that neutral party to suggest information and variables to consider in making decisions about 401k’s.  Transparency is key. 

There’s never been a better time to think about putting a retirement plan in place for your small business. Recent legislation is forcing 401(k) providers to be more transparent about their costs and fees.

We think that’s a good thing.

Read about what this means for you at the San Francisco Chronicle.

This article comes to you from The Online 401(k), a provider of 401(k)s for small businesses. For more information or a free consultation on your 401(k) plan, contact John Wasiejko at jwasiejko@theonline401k.com or call us at 415.477.8800 xt 828.

Photo by Framapix

Nonprofits have a tendency to place barriers around what they can accomplish.

Most individuals want immediate gratification in everything they see or do.  The same happens when it comes to grant writing.  A person selects a foundation or corporation and submits a proposal.  If the person does not hear a positive result with a 30-90 days their thoughts tilt towards it is a waste of time and gradually they stop submitting.  However, I would like to point out that such an approach is like playing the lottery.  Success comes with a logical laid out plan of the work that is necessary over a 12 month period.  I remind you that the industry standard is a success rate of 10-17 percent.  I further wish to remind you that one other measure should be whether you have obtained three times the cost of the effort.  The first year can sometimes be difficult because the organization may be going through change.  However, the feedback foundations is usually very useful in helping to better define the areas of improvement the organization should make.

Photo by Kid Paparazzi

This year has been a tough time for college students to juggle all of the changes going on in the obtaining funds for college.  NPCM committed some resources  to try to make going to college a little easier for students and their supporters.  Check out http://funding-college.net/.  It has lots of information on how to access loans and grants, how to save money or cut costs while at college, and provides lots of tips to get the most out of college while a person is a student. Feel free to make it a resource for your employees.

Just barely making it is not what a company should do.  Nonprofits should not have to be lucky to break even.

Photo by DS4832

Nonprofits making money needs to stop being considered a bad thing.  Investing in the community and building assets is good for everyone.

Photo by Tracey O

Abyssinian Development Corporation, is the nonprofit development corporation created by Abyssinian Baptist Church,   It is a great example of a religious organization building on the strength of its institution and making a bigger impact on a community.  In conjunction with New York city the development arm built the first new school in 50 years, another major achievement.  The achievements of this development corporation show how the creation of a nonprofit service arm of a religious organization can provide lastly and important functions in a community.

Vaccinations are not just for children.  What a shot in the arm will do for your health.  If a child can do it, so can you.

Photos by Tango Pango

They are the least costly way to maintain a persons health.  Parade Magazine’s August 17 issue is a quick read summary for learning why.   Providing information to individuals is a low cost and as simple as sending an email or an electronic newsletter.  When it comes to health care there is never too many reminders.   Reminders and information will improve employees attitudes, understanding their choices, manage their health better and yes improve their health.  The end result is more productivity from healthy employees and maintaining or lowering an organization’s health care premium costs.

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Photo by Hrychowian

Too many times 401k fees are mysterious and magically appear.  But that is not what needs to happen.  Nonprofits and individuals let fees go unchallenged.  Demand to know what the fees are and why.

Are you a small non-profit that’s on the fence about putting a 401(k) plan into place?
You’re not alone. Only 43% of the smallest companies (10-19 workers) polled in a recent survey   offered 401(k) plans, yet it’s an essential tool for hiring and retention. In fact, 91% of workers in the same survey rated employee-funded retirement plans as very/somewhat important — nearly as important as health and disability insurance.

So what’s holding these companies back? Many companies have misperceptions about 401(k) plans. We’ll debunk some of these popular myths:

401(k) plans are too expensive for small businesses
One of the biggest hurdles that small businesses face is cost.  Many 401(k) plans are built for larger companies, with bigger price tags.

However, with technological advances, more providers are offering efficient, online 401(k) plans that can help small businesses cut costs and meet their individual needs. Depending on the provider, the cost of a 401(k) plan can be as little as $100 a month.

We don’t want to provide an employer match
Some businesses believe that all retirement plans require an employer match. Not 401(k) plans. Employers are not required to provide an employer match, but can add one at any time.

Our employees won’t participate because they don’t make enough money
This is where selecting a good 401(k) provider is crucial. The 401(k) plan you ultimately select will offer participant education programs and resources that will help educate your employees on the importance of savings. And with a 401(k), there’s no minimum — your employees can contribute as much as they want to.

It’s too complicated
Putting a 401(k) plan into place shouldn’t be complicated. Depending on your 401(k) provider, getting a new plan up and running should only require a few hours of your time. And the 401(k) provider you select should make it easy for you to administer your plan: Easy-to-use tools and reports should be at your fingertips.

So now that these fears are put to rest, it’s time that you get out there and start looking at establishing a 401(k) plan. Your company and its employees deserve it.

This article comes to you from The Online 401(k), a provider of 401(k)s for small businesses. For more information or a free consultation on your 401(k) plan, contact John Wasiejko at jwasiejko@theonline401k.com or call us at 415.477.8800 xt 828.

Photo by Adamomaximus

 Photo by Ncavillones

 Photo by Viva la Vibs

 Photo by Erichews

When individuals strain to find that perfect job, it just may have to do with perception.  It is the same perception issue for those individuals whom think money will solve their woes or make life perfect.  Attitude can build a healthy mind and a healthy organization. When you come across a difficult decision reach out to others. Do not let the decision consume your energy, smolder or become uncontrollable by inaction.   Being positive usually will eventually turn things around.  Leadership which provides positive vibes throughout the organization creates an atmosphere for individuals to feel that their job is worthy of their time.

Photo by Molito66

You thought you were exempt from paying taxes because you got tax exempt status from the IRS?

Photo by Sage

Not paying payroll related taxes and fees can end in bankruptcy and personal liability. Know your fiduciary responsibility.

According to the General Accounting Office 1.6 million businesses owe $58 billion in unpaid payroll taxes.

25% of the unpaid total is from businesses with more than three years of unpaid payroll taxes.

In recent reports on the nonprofit companies there has been lots of discussion of the viability of many organizations to survive during an economic downturn.  The choices that a nonprofit has to make between services and expenses at times can be difficult.  It is important to note that while not paying bills to certain creditors may be an option, if Management and/or the Board make such a  decision not to pay taxes, you can become personally liable for said decision.  Consult an authority before taking such an action.  Late is one thing, not paying is another.