Unfortunately, most professionals are lacking in this skill and it is critical to every business; both internally and externally.  In fact, a recent survey of the academy of Certified Administrative Managers asked which managerial skill was “super critical” to business.  The overwhelming response was “active listening”.  Surprisingly enough it was followed by the ability to give clear and effective instructions, accepting responsibility and identifying problems.

Administrators and managers need to actively listen to their employees in order for proper discourse and feedback to occur.  Sales and marketing professionals need to actively listen to their clients and prospects to determine needs and create relationships.  Active listening will also enhance our personal lives as well; since nothing demonstrates care and concern as does effective listening to friends and loved ones.  Listening is a skill which is vital; but is much neglected.  Most of us are not good listeners.  We have become conditioned to filter and apply passive listening skills – which will limit our success in both business and personal aspects.

Effective listening is becoming a big business.  There are countless consulting groups and seminars which focus exclusively on the process of listening.  Did you know there is actually an International Listening Association?  It has members from several countries and promotes effective listening through the exchange of information, methods, experience and materials.  This group is pursuing research on further development of active listening techniques and their application.

How can you become a better listener?  In a book published by the American Management Association; the Ten Golden Rules of Listening are as follows:

• Look at the speaker
• Question the speaker to get clarification
• Show concern about the speakers feelings
• Repeat occasionally to confirm
• Don’t rush the speaker
• Have poise and emotional control
• Respond with a nod, a smile or a frown
• Pay close attention
• Don’t interrupt
• Keep on the subject till the speaker finishes his or her thoughts

Some of these seem very simple – but the next time someone is speaking to you; see how many you neglect or apply.  Changing our behaviors and attitudes is the only way to improve our listening skills.

1. Environmental Consulting – Going green is no fad – it is a very real and growing industry and is valued at $17.8 billion and is expected to grow by 9 percent per year for the next 5 years.  Every business sector can expect to be affected by the green wave.  Expertise will be in demand for air, soil and water quality management.
2. Translation and Interpretation Services – The old adage that “talk is cheap” does not apply to the new global economy and basically any service that can bridge the communication gap is very valuable.  This segment grew at 18 percent last year and is a $2.7 billion industry.  Budding segments within this industry would include healthcare, website translation and multi-language marketing materials.
3. Home Health Care – Even with the current legislation – this segment is expected to expand by an average of 4.9 percent for the next 4 years.  Out of hospital care and less expensive alternatives are very appealing to the growing elderly population in America.  Physical therapy fields and non-medical home-care hiring are expected to be the leading segments.
4. Mobile App Design – It all started with the iPhone and now with the iPad and all the web-enabled devices available – the market for mobile apps has never been greater.  Demand will be high for programmers, developers and designers.  According to the Dow Jones Venture Source – in the past three years – location based apps have received $656 million.
5. Ferryboats and Inland Water Transportation – Yes – believe it or not – the old fashioned ferryboat is making a comeback.  Sparked by a rise in urban highway congestion – privately run ferry services as well as tourist excursions are on the increase.  A high concentration of success has been found in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes.  As part of the 2009 Economic Recovery Act – the production of ferryboats and terminals is expanding.  This industry grew about 17 percent last year.  One new Coast Guard certified ferryboat that carries 150 passengers costs about $6 million.

While no new business venture is a sure thing – these trends certainly deserve some attention and those who are able to offer complimentary services to these industries are targeting a very real and successful goal.   Whatever industry you serve – we at Harvard Business Services, Inc. are happy to serve you!

The total number of LLC’s filed in DE from 2004 to 2009 was 519,000. The total number of Inc.’s filed during the same period was 189,000. There were 329,000 more LLC’s filed in DE than Inc.’s in that six year period. The most dramatic increase in the LLC’s filed occurred between 2005 and 2007. Through that two-year period there was an increase of 40% more LLC’s filed when compared to 2004. In 2007, there were 112,982 LLC’s filed in DE versus 68,807 filed in 2004. The total number of Incorporations has fallen every year since 2005. The dramatic economic crisis which began in 2008 had an impact on each entity type; although the LLC still out paced the Inc. by more than 50%. Why are these numbers important? What can we learn from them?

Well, first of all when you consider that the Delaware Incorporation has been in existence since the 1800’s and the Delaware LLC since 1991 – this change has obviously occurred over a very short period of time. The LLC is now the most popular type of entity filed in America. In fact; according to the study, the LLC is being filed by almost 11 to one over the Inc. in some other states.

Business people from all walks of life are placing a great deal of trust in this relatively young corporate entity type. In the past, most business endeavors sought the structure of the corporation to provide stability. The security, flexibility and informalities associated with the LLC have made it an obvious choice for many entrepreneurs and investors. We now live in a world that is more litigious than ever and your business deserves ample protection as do you and your assets. The LLC can typically shelter any type of business or assets and provide separation for the individuals involved. It is very simple to operate and the burden of management associated with a stock company is greatly reduced.

However, the most important factor is still – trust. The LLC has withstood the legal challenges of the past 19 years and has established itself as a very worthy entity. Also, we can conclude that the LLC is helping many individuals and small groups realize their business potential. The LLC is very well suited for a more intimate business strategy. The privacy offered is also appealing to many; since we are all faced with the threat of identity theft in this age of immediate information.

Harvard Business Services, Inc. has been filing LLC’s since 1991. We know firsthand how valuable the LLC is to most business people. The LLC may be just right for you and if there is strength in numbers…..well you will be joining a very strong group!  We can help you file your LLC today.

FEMA and www.business.gov are two groups who will offer helpful support with regard to disaster preparedness. Basically, they each assert the importance of having a plan which stresses the following elements:

1.)    Be Informed – know what kinds of emergencies will affect your company

2.)    Continuity Planning – careful assessment of how your company functions, both internally and externally.

3.)    Employee Emergency Training – your employees are your most important asset – applying internal training and structure before an event will ensure proper reaction and better results.

4.)    Emergency Supplies – make sure you have the basics of survival covered – water, food, clean air and warmth.

5.)    Evacuation Scenarios and Plans – deciding when to stay and leave can be the most important decision you can make in light of a pending disaster – preparing both an evacuation plan as well as an internal shelter plan will prove valuable in times of crisis.

6.)    Fire Safety – Always remember that fire is the number one cause of most business disasters – take the obvious necessary steps to prevent such an event – smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and a plan of escape are all crucial, and usually prescribed by local laws.

7.)    Prepare for Medical Emergencies – employee first aid and CPR training, keeping first aid supplies in stock and accessible, gathering information on existing employees medical issues and maintaining proper and accurate emergency contact information are all stressed. Installing a defibrillator in your company is also a good idea.

8.)    Pandemics – get as much information as possible with regard to signs and symptoms from local health management officials and recommended prevention and control, adopt policies designed to isolate sick employees form the group – stay home directives, practice overall good health practices and programs supporting good hygiene – such as hand washing

9.)    Protect your information – using techniques such as back up info. storage structure and off site information storage will help greatly reduce the risk of losing valuable data.

In addition, having a risk assessment audit done on your business is one way to plug the holes before they become giant leaks. The important thing is to follow the old Boy Scout Motto: “Be Prepared”!

What about your business?  How can you apply insurance to your business, your assets and their future? The answer is INCORPORATION!

You can find many essays and articles on the web which reinforce the advantages of incorporation. Most will stress the benefits of credibility, tax advantages and asset protection. The process of incorporation also adds security and stability to any business; much like auto insurance makes us feel more comfortable when we drive. Being incorporated will ease the strains of business risks and allow you to focus on the business itself. It will establish a separate entity apart from the individuals involved and offer the protection and separation from the negative impacts that can face your company. Liability, judgments by creditors, debt and litigation are all real worst case scenarios that every business must deal with. Incorporation will typically shield and shelter the business owners involved from those fears and isolate them and their personal assets from issues pertaining to the business.

There are still many sole proprietors who are not insuring their businesses or their assets. They and their personal assets are directly at risk with every transaction. At best, sole proprietorship is a quick way to get a business started; however once established, incorporation will typically offer immediate business stability – much like your insurance policy.  After incorporating, the risks are minimized.

Harvard Business Services, Inc. has been providing peace of mind to sole proprietors for more than 30 years by incorporating them. If you have about 15 minutes or less to spend with one of our incorporation specialists or on our convenient and informative website www.delawareinc.com – we will help you form your corporation or LLC today. Life is full of risks…….we all need insurance! It’s so easy, with our help. File today!