kiera mitchell

Hiring the right values fit individual with the appropriate skill set is a big challenge for leaders. It will only get harder as the boomer generation begins to retire. Let’s put this in context of a consumer purchase of a home computer.

Can you remember the last time you went into a store to buy a new computer? Did you know what you were looking for? Did you have a clear idea of the capabilities, the features and the benefits it would provide to you? Did you know what it could do? Did you think about the computer lifecycle? Many of you took the recommendation of the sales clerk, made your purchase and took it home. You knew that it came with some basic programs that the clerk told you about, right? Once you got it home, you unpacked it, plugged it in and wanted to start using it immediately without ever reading the manuals, right?

I would suspect that the above scenario is a rough depiction of many computer purchases. The reality is that many computers have a wealth of programs and capabilities that never get utilized because you never know they are there, you’re afraid to explore the possibilities and venture beyond your comfort zone or you won’t ask for help. How can you get or make the most of this new resource if you don’t know the full extent of its capabilities?

When leaders hire employees, the same thing happens. You get a resume, conduct an interview and based on what the sales clerk (candidate) tells you, you make your purchase. Oftentimes you purchase without a clear idea of the full capabilities, features or benefits the new hire can bring to the company. You probably don’t look beyond the programs (skill sets) that you want them to perform and end up missing a wealth of other resources that could benefit your organization. Did you ever consider their lifecycle? How you might be able to rotate them to cross-train your force?

What can you do?

• During pre-hire phase, determine what other areas of the organization need strengthening. List the necessary skill sets or attitudes.
• During the interview phase, ask the candidates what other areas of your organization interest them. Ask them if they have skills sets that could benefit any other business unit in your organization and if they would be willing to venture out to other areas should the opportunity arise.
• Train new hires that they can perform a variety of tasks, not just what they were hired to do. Explain that their role and pay are not based on the time they give, but the value they bring; efficiency, productivity, creativity and profits.

Download your free eBook copy of The Soldier’s Method: Leadership Tactics for Business by visiting http://www.thatvalueguy.com

Wesley Ford is known as That Value Guy. He is a leadership, retention and technology expert, professional speaker and consultant who helps develop your leadership skills while getting employees to retain you.

This is a question which came to mind today, and so I thought I’d share the answer.

I asked myself the question as I was preparing to send out my weekly newsletter. I was mentioning my new book ‘Make Money From Sport,’ and was listing a few examples of sports which people could use the technique on.

As is my way, I decided to come up with a list that might get people wondering, so after things like tennis, boxing, football, etc, I put tiddlywinks.

It’s not unusual for me to write first and think second, but on this occasion I knew I was right - I had written a book about it after all, so let’s go over some methods for making money from tiddlywinks.

Firstly you could be a professional tiddlywink player. Hmm…

You know how some sports have big earnings for the world elite, and other sports don’t have any money even for the world’s best? I suspect tiddlywinks falls into the latter, so let’s move on to method 2.

You could set up a tiddlywinks website, featuring articles, book offers, equipment offers etc. Ok, this idea is more solid, but there are already several authoritative sites out there, and not only would you have to set up and maintain the site, possibly invest in stock, you’d also have to compete with those established sites.

The third method, and this is the technique I use, is to provide tiddlywink players and fans with something that most people want - a cost free way to earn income online.

For tiddlywink players, the benefits could include being able to collect tiddlywink memorabilia, or being able to afford trips to go to the major championships wherever they may be.

Of course, if they then turn their attention to the other sporting markets, their opportunity for income rises dramatically, more than you’d get from a lifetime of playing!

So I hope you’ve seen that yes, it is indeed possible to make money from tiddlywinks.

Gordon Bryan is the author of ‘Make Money From Sport,’ a guide where he takes you through the single technique he uses again and again to profit from any sport - even tiddlywinks - for just $7! Find out more at: http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport

Rating disability insurance companies is important to ensure that you are only investing in the best policies that can back you up financially. There are certain points to follow in order for you to assess and compare the reliability and performance of the insurance company.

When you are bombarded with a variety of benefit options, business insurance promises, and lifetime pension opportunities, use these features to eliminate other companies that do not serve the best of your financial and professional interests.

Disability is a boon, especially to starting business owners and beginning employees. Your presence is virtually the most important factor in keeping the business running and making a living; and without good and qualified disability insurance, your chances of returning to work may be slim. Some features will be helpful in rating disability insurance companies, in order for you to choose only the best, in accordance to your needs and preferences, during periods of disability.

Most companies are primarily rated on their financial strength, which pertains to the funding that allows compensation to policyholders. Financial strength is the foundation of the policy, so you need to know how much funds are allocated for certain disability benefits and quote preferences. You would not want to keep paying for a premium if you know financial security is compromised or jeopardized because of the company’s lack of funding.

Health insurance rating analysts are available to help you determine exactly the financial strength of your chosen insurance company. Analysts also have independent companies; and all you need to do is write a letter and pay a certain fee and the rating company will deliver an insurance rating system that depicts essential information about your disability insurance company, to help you know its strengths and weaknesses.

Policy benefits are also included in most insurance rating systems and these show you the current options you have with your existing disability insurance company and rate it against other companies, which, in turn, will leave you only with the best offers to avail of. Provisions governing the whole insurance policy are also indicated, which states updates and better options and preferences in benefits and waiting periods, tax exclusions and advantages, and many more.

There are guidelines on how to rate disability insurance companies, based on financial strengths, insurance benefits, policy specifications, and time periods. Some companies may claim to have scored high in every feature but, the truth is, you always get what you pay for in insurance.

You may have paid a lesser premium with more benefits without knowing. Benefit periods may have been prolonged or that benefits were made taxable, so make sure that you have checked every feature as you plan your disability quote.

Most top-rated disability insurance companies are excellent when it comes to financial strengths and provide immediate reimbursements. They rank high in their ability to pay under insurance policies and agreements.

Other special features are their excellent skills in handling senior policies, investment strategies, business ventures and operations, and underwriting commitments. Services should be very satisfactory and they all should simply have the resources to deal with the most severe economic conditions with less risks overall. These added features are determinant in guiding you in boosting your disability insurance company ratings.

Teresa Tam is an insurance specialist and contributor for WealthProtector.NET. If you’d like to get affordable rates with companies that you can trust, take a look at this information article for getting disability insurance quotes online.