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.

A watchdog group and a non profit legal organization have announced that they are starting a plan to regain donor confidence in Muslim charities and tho help protect them from unfair government scrutiny.

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.

 Getting to Yes!!!!

Photo by John C Abell

Photo by Inky

Cartoon by Steve Heath

Networking is about building a foundation of communication.  The success of that communication network has to do with getting your name and organization in front of your connections.  Pose questions, provide an answer, and keep a pulse on your connections.  That means have a sense of what connections are thinking about thorough observation and listening.  The web is the easiest means to do this by seeing and reading the communication among the network of connections you have.  Be at that the forefront of knowing what is happening.  The competitive edge is knowledge and what you do with it.  Yes, you can be successful.

Scott Takac writes a great piece in the Boston Business Journal about worker burnout.

Check out his article.  The electronic version of the article does not include his Three Phases of Burnout. 

I thought his three phases of burnout summarized things well; Early Stress, Energy Conservation and Burnout.  Here is my visual impression of the phases.  

Photo by Arthus Erea

Phase 1 : anxiety, panic, illness

 Photo by Isaac Z. Schlueter

Phase 2: procrastination, lateness, absentee

Photo by Molito66

Phase 3: Depression, self destructive, alcohol and drugs.

Photo by Program Witch

Money should be headed to California charities that are led by minorities now that an agreement has been signed by ten of the states wealthiest foundations.

Photo by Urban Data

Photo by Ksionic

I am a strong believer that whenever possible an organization should offer a 401k option for its employees.  Don’t treat the 401 K as an option that is mystical or a political statement for urban legends.  Most employees put off for many years the savings towards their retirement.  One option to explore is a web base retirement service.  John Wasiejko from The Online 401(k), a provider of 401(k)s for small businesses has agreed to provide today’s post to support the efforts of nonprofits.

“When it comes to a 401(k), the obstacle for most small businesses is cost and complexity. Most small businesses think that they can’t afford a 401(k) plan, or that it’s going to take too much time to manage.

A Web-based 401(k) is ideal for small businesses, as technology can be leveraged to simplify the setup and day-to-day management of a 401(k) plan and cut down on the expenses of paper-based 401(k) plans.

Why a Web-based 401(k)?

The benefits of an online 401(k) plan are endless, but here are a few:

*Low cost
Significant cost savings come from simplifying or even eliminating many of the tasks required to set up and maintain paper-based 401(k) plans. With new Web technologies, providers can strip away many of the unnecessary expenses and cost savings can be passed onto small businesses.

*Ease of use
Online tools and up-to-date information make it easier for small businesses to walk through every step of the process, and live customer support is still a phone call or an e-mail away.

*Ease of management
On-demand, online tools greatly simplify the day-to-day management of a 401(k) plan. A plan can be managed 24 hours a day from anywhere.

*In-depth investment education
This is a very important aspect of any 401(k) and one that can be made even more effective with a Web-based 401(k) plan. Instead of having to sift through stacks of generic, paper-based investment education booklets, employees have easy access to a library of investment education and interactive calculators and questionnaires — all in one Web site.

By enabling small businesses to easily manage 401(k) plans online, online providers finally offer them access to powerful retirement plans that large businesses enjoy — giving employees a greater chance at achieving their retirement savings goals.”

For more information or a free consultation on your 401(k) plan, contact John Wasiejko at jwasiejko@theonline401k.com or call him at 415.477.8800 ext 828.

Photo by Ross Myfield

Katrina was by far one of the single worst events to have created the largest migration of people to other states.

Photo by the voice of eye

Government has grown tired of supporting displaced individuals in temporary housing situations  and stops benefits.  However, it never rebuilt the housing that was destroyed. So what does that say about what government defines as displaced?

Photo by Rosefirerising

Many parts of the areas effected by Katrina are still closed, people have been unable to rebuild, businesses gone, jobs lost, and families disrupted.  Today the economy is on the edge.  The perfect storm of economic pain I believe began with Katrina families and now people throughout the country have begun to feel the same economic pain these families have.

If you want to learn how not to do something you only need to look to the local, state and federal government efforts.  The various actions on mobilization and the ongoing progress in recovery efforts from Katrina are so different but the overall failure is still one of the worst in history.  The media just grew tired of reporting it.  Nonprofits, individuals and businesses have had some of the best results in the shortest period of time.  Maybe it is your turn to give it a try.

Former President Bill Clinton recently finished his African Philanthropy Tour in which he went there to promote economic development and antimalarial efforts.

Photo by Kmakica

Each state is responsible for educating the children in its state but yet cities and towns are left to fight over whom should.  Schools from Florida to California have hired private investigators and created anonymous tip lines.  The recent wave of foreclosures is estimated to effect 2 million children in 2008 and 2009.  Most of these children will be effected this year.   If you or an employee is effected by foreclosure,  the Department of Education of your state can provide the requirements of a school district for educating children whom become homeless.  If your an employer this is another area Employee Assistance Programs help employees in getting connected to the right information.