July 4^th

So what is going on in the world?

Europe is struggling. Why should we care? Oh, yes I forgot, they are those places from which most of us trace our roots. Our ancestors, some not all that far removed, left those places to come here because those places were messed up. Not much has changed, except that we are now trying to copy them in many ways.

Additionally, if Europe doesn’t buy as many Chinese products, China will have a problem with unemployment. To solve their problem the Chinese will subsidize its businesses and ship cheaper goods to the USA. Good for the consumer, bad for jobs.

On the subject of jobs, as the internet grows to represent a larger portion of the retail sales areas to reduce their rent expense. Some retailers are becoming mere pickup locations for online purchases. Harris Teeter supermarkets, for example, offer online order with pickup at store service. Think about how that might affect your business. Fewer employees need to be better trained because I only come in to the location IF I need information/advice. This translates into a need for fewer but better trained employees. The key is better trained. What is your plan to get your staff ahead of your competitors? What kind of training is needed? What kind of training makes them better at their job? What kind of training simply makes them better people? Overall, both help you and your business succeed. If you don’t know the answer to these questions we can help you work through the list of possibilities and find affordable solutions.

Keep your eye on Europe. If they end up in chaos, our economic recovery could be facing some really stiff headwinds and may well slip back into recession. Whether we meet the technical definition of recession or not, it isn’t going to feel good.  Second half of 2012 and First part of 2013 could get ugly. Be prepared.

If you need help getting ready contact us at www.northbrunswickfinancial.com . We can help with strategic plans, training and all the other management issues you face.