... From Biz2Biz NWA / February 2009
A: The human body was not designed for sedentary desk work; even the most ergonomic environment can risk of injury.
Seemingly “insignificant” discomforts can zap your energy, decrease your productivity and leave the most exemplary employee dreading work.
“Chiropractic care will keep your spine in proper alignment and counteract the destructive effects of the modern workplace,” says Dr. Jeff Smith, D.C., of Smith Family Clinic in Bentonville.
“As prevention specialists who understand the mind-body connection, chiropractors are experts in injury-reducing techniques.”
Don’t wait until your work posture causes long-term problems. Be proactive. Be preventative. Most insurance providers cover chiropractic care as safe and effective treatment.”
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Q: How do I create an ergonomic environment?
... From Biz2Biz NWA/ February 2009
A: “Get an office check up,” says Dr. Jeff Smith, D.C., of Smith Family Clinic in Bentonville. “We can actually schedule a walk-through tour of your facility to evaluate posture efficiency and identify where you can improve ergonomics.
“We can determine if your workspace is increasing the risk of injury, such as muscle and bone disorders (known as musculoskeletal disorders) neck pain, carpal tunnel, and spinal subluxations that provoke chronic backache,” says Dr. Smith.
“Eliminating and preventing musculoskeletal barriers responsible for keeping employees from working at top capacity–and being healthier and happier– is important.
“So is providing them with wellness strategies that can dramatically boost productivity and performance at work.”
A: “Get an office check up,” says Dr. Jeff Smith, D.C., of Smith Family Clinic in Bentonville. “We can actually schedule a walk-through tour of your facility to evaluate posture efficiency and identify where you can improve ergonomics.
“We can determine if your workspace is increasing the risk of injury, such as muscle and bone disorders (known as musculoskeletal disorders) neck pain, carpal tunnel, and spinal subluxations that provoke chronic backache,” says Dr. Smith.
“Eliminating and preventing musculoskeletal barriers responsible for keeping employees from working at top capacity–and being healthier and happier– is important.
“So is providing them with wellness strategies that can dramatically boost productivity and performance at work.”
Q: Can I prevent posture-related injuries?
... From Biz2Biz NWA / January 2009
A: Good posture in the workplace can actually increase productivity and decrease sick days caused by back and neck pain.
“You can start by providing office workers with sturdy, adjustable chairs that offer support for the lower back,” says Dr. (first name) Smith, (credits) of Smith Family Clinic in Bentonville.
How can you make your workspace more ergonomic? Here are few tips from Dr. Smith:
• Position your chair so that your thighs are angled horizontally and your feet rest flat on the floor.
• Lower your chair so that your knees are angled at 90 degrees – if your feet still dangle, use a footrest.
• Rather than using a traditional mouse, consider switching to a “roll ball,” which eliminates forearm movement.
• Always position your mouse as close as possible to the keyboard, and never higher or lower than the keyboard.
A: Good posture in the workplace can actually increase productivity and decrease sick days caused by back and neck pain.
“You can start by providing office workers with sturdy, adjustable chairs that offer support for the lower back,” says Dr. (first name) Smith, (credits) of Smith Family Clinic in Bentonville.
How can you make your workspace more ergonomic? Here are few tips from Dr. Smith:
• Position your chair so that your thighs are angled horizontally and your feet rest flat on the floor.
• Lower your chair so that your knees are angled at 90 degrees – if your feet still dangle, use a footrest.
• Rather than using a traditional mouse, consider switching to a “roll ball,” which eliminates forearm movement.
• Always position your mouse as close as possible to the keyboard, and never higher or lower than the keyboard.
Q: Are you breaking your employees’ back?
... From Biz2Biz NWA/ January 2009
A: “Techno-stress” is a byproduct of today’s workplace that frequently takes it toll on the spine. You may be designing computer programs that revolutionize the world, but you could be damaging your spine in the process.
“Sitting hunched over a keyboard can wreak havoc on your spine and can actually force your spine out of alignment,” says Dr. (first name) Smith, (credits) of Smith Family Clinic in Bentonville. “This misalignment can result in areas of restricted motion we call vertebral subluxations.”
What can employers do?
“Most chiropractors are enthusiastic proponents of on-the-job stretch breaks and encourage employers to provide employees time and space to take those posture breaks several times a day,” says Dr. Smith. “Stretching elongates and relaxes weary muscles and actually counteracts the destructive effects of sedentary work posture.”
A: “Techno-stress” is a byproduct of today’s workplace that frequently takes it toll on the spine. You may be designing computer programs that revolutionize the world, but you could be damaging your spine in the process.
“Sitting hunched over a keyboard can wreak havoc on your spine and can actually force your spine out of alignment,” says Dr. (first name) Smith, (credits) of Smith Family Clinic in Bentonville. “This misalignment can result in areas of restricted motion we call vertebral subluxations.”
What can employers do?
“Most chiropractors are enthusiastic proponents of on-the-job stretch breaks and encourage employers to provide employees time and space to take those posture breaks several times a day,” says Dr. Smith. “Stretching elongates and relaxes weary muscles and actually counteracts the destructive effects of sedentary work posture.”
Sunday, July 12, 2009
What makes trade shows work?
... From Biz2Biz NWA June/July 2009
Face-to-Face Marketing: The 3-D Experience
By Ken Abernathy/ Big Hats Consulting/ Springdale
During the current economic downturn many companies are debating the value of their marketing efforts and making tough decisions on what brings the best return on the dollars spent. With that in mind how do you make an informed decision about face- to- face marketing like events and trade shows?
Trade shows and exhibitions work because they are face-to-face. They provide an opportunity to speed up the selling cycle by matching attendees’ needs with our ability to fill those needs. They also allow us to demonstrate our passion and commitment to give those attendees the best product or service available.
Shows work because adults are visual learners, and events and trade shows are a visual medium with exhibits, graphics, demonstrations, collateral media, promotional products and literature. People are experiential and trade shows can let even the smallest of companies create a great experience.
During my seminars I like to compare a trade show to a shopping mall or a 3-D magazine. Trade shows are no more than temporary malls with targeted shoppers all looking for your products or services all under one roof. Have you ever spent hours, days or weeks trying to design that perfect magazine ad all the time hoping that it attracts attention? A trade show floor is a lot like a flat piece of paper that allows you to have a 3-D ad and interact with prospective clients and say all the things face –to- face that you could never print.
Face-to-face is about human interaction and conversation that will give us a feel for the other person or a company that other forms of advertising never will.
With that in mind, consider these tips when participating in your 3-D experience:
1. Build strategy. Plan your exhibit and approach right down to the eye-catching, eye-candy details. Think of your booth as bait for fishing in the aisles.
2. Go big. Use simple, professional, well-designed signage that zooms right in on what you do.
3. Location, location, location. Choose you spot carefully. A corner, island, peninsula or near the water cooler offer good traffic flow and visibility.
4. Get up network. Remove the chairs from your booth so you won’t be tempted to sit. Instead, leave the booth to a colleague and network the room when you have a slow period. Make quality (not quantity) contacts and be sure to follow up.
Author/ expert Ken Abernathy is president and CEO of Big Hats Consulting, a full service tradeshow program consulting firm in Northwest Arkansas, and has more than 25 years experience in the tradeshow and event industry. Have a question for Ken? Email: ken@bighatsconsulting.com
Face-to-Face Marketing: The 3-D Experience
By Ken Abernathy/ Big Hats Consulting/ Springdale
During the current economic downturn many companies are debating the value of their marketing efforts and making tough decisions on what brings the best return on the dollars spent. With that in mind how do you make an informed decision about face- to- face marketing like events and trade shows?
Trade shows and exhibitions work because they are face-to-face. They provide an opportunity to speed up the selling cycle by matching attendees’ needs with our ability to fill those needs. They also allow us to demonstrate our passion and commitment to give those attendees the best product or service available.
Shows work because adults are visual learners, and events and trade shows are a visual medium with exhibits, graphics, demonstrations, collateral media, promotional products and literature. People are experiential and trade shows can let even the smallest of companies create a great experience.
During my seminars I like to compare a trade show to a shopping mall or a 3-D magazine. Trade shows are no more than temporary malls with targeted shoppers all looking for your products or services all under one roof. Have you ever spent hours, days or weeks trying to design that perfect magazine ad all the time hoping that it attracts attention? A trade show floor is a lot like a flat piece of paper that allows you to have a 3-D ad and interact with prospective clients and say all the things face –to- face that you could never print.
Face-to-face is about human interaction and conversation that will give us a feel for the other person or a company that other forms of advertising never will.
With that in mind, consider these tips when participating in your 3-D experience:
1. Build strategy. Plan your exhibit and approach right down to the eye-catching, eye-candy details. Think of your booth as bait for fishing in the aisles.
2. Go big. Use simple, professional, well-designed signage that zooms right in on what you do.
3. Location, location, location. Choose you spot carefully. A corner, island, peninsula or near the water cooler offer good traffic flow and visibility.
4. Get up network. Remove the chairs from your booth so you won’t be tempted to sit. Instead, leave the booth to a colleague and network the room when you have a slow period. Make quality (not quantity) contacts and be sure to follow up.
Author/ expert Ken Abernathy is president and CEO of Big Hats Consulting, a full service tradeshow program consulting firm in Northwest Arkansas, and has more than 25 years experience in the tradeshow and event industry. Have a question for Ken? Email: ken@bighatsconsulting.com
HR Talk: Recession offers an opportunity for HR to shine
... From Biz2Biz NWA June/July 2009
By Darrin Coon / Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association
I vividly recall the day my wife and I embarked on our second canoe trip down Missouri’s Jacks Fork River, one of the top ten scenic float trips in the world. In contrast to our first trip, the water was up. It had rained for several days, and the river was transformed from an amateur-friendly class to a challenge that demanded advanced canoeing skills.
In a matter of minutes our canoe ended up wedged in some tree branches, and it was only with the help of an experienced boater that we were set on our way again. I still recall his wise advice: “If you are going to enjoy your trip today, you had better learn to paddle into the current and navigate the obstacles to your advantage.”
His counsel was right on target. There had been a change in the environment since we had maneuvered that river last, and if we wanted to be successful on this journey, we needed to change our behavior.
During robust economic times there is a tendency in human resources to over-emphasize soft skills and positive employee relations. Everyone likes a friendly, service-oriented HR department where “mission-fit” and “core competencies” work well.
Problem is, when a company is threatened with its own economic survival, the HR department –like a boat on a swelling river – faces a new environment. Pressures associated with layoffs, benefit reductions, hiring freezes, and stressed employees dominate. Instead of viewing it as a problem, consider it an opportunity to confront the challenge and navigate the obstacles to the company’s advantage.
• Encourage employees to think like owners. When times are tough, this mindset makes us more prepared to make the changes needed to support the company’s survival. As the source of staff communications, HR language can encourage everyone to see themselves as stakeholders.
• Take a hard look at succession planning and talent management. HR can help ensure the right people are staying (or leaving), as well as identify and develop future leaders. Use employee appraisal systems that emphasize the business acumen needed to restore profitability.
• Re-work your training programs that rely primarily upon personality approaches. Instead, place greater emphasis on critical business behaviors. It takes more than the ability to read a P&L to know how a company makes money. Training should emphasize behaviors that actually increase sales, reduce costs, and grow market share.
• Rein in out-of-control benefits. HR can shop healthcare providers, educate employees on the value of their benefits, and implement strategies to share the costs.
• Consider the costs and benefits of implementing new technologies. HR can bring cross-functional insights about how tasks get done. As people and technology interact, HR can spotlight how staffing costs might be reduced, quality of work improved, and customer service enhanced.
Author/ expert Darrin Coon, SPHR, is President Elect of the Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association (NOARK).
By Darrin Coon / Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association
I vividly recall the day my wife and I embarked on our second canoe trip down Missouri’s Jacks Fork River, one of the top ten scenic float trips in the world. In contrast to our first trip, the water was up. It had rained for several days, and the river was transformed from an amateur-friendly class to a challenge that demanded advanced canoeing skills.
In a matter of minutes our canoe ended up wedged in some tree branches, and it was only with the help of an experienced boater that we were set on our way again. I still recall his wise advice: “If you are going to enjoy your trip today, you had better learn to paddle into the current and navigate the obstacles to your advantage.”
His counsel was right on target. There had been a change in the environment since we had maneuvered that river last, and if we wanted to be successful on this journey, we needed to change our behavior.
During robust economic times there is a tendency in human resources to over-emphasize soft skills and positive employee relations. Everyone likes a friendly, service-oriented HR department where “mission-fit” and “core competencies” work well.
Problem is, when a company is threatened with its own economic survival, the HR department –like a boat on a swelling river – faces a new environment. Pressures associated with layoffs, benefit reductions, hiring freezes, and stressed employees dominate. Instead of viewing it as a problem, consider it an opportunity to confront the challenge and navigate the obstacles to the company’s advantage.
• Encourage employees to think like owners. When times are tough, this mindset makes us more prepared to make the changes needed to support the company’s survival. As the source of staff communications, HR language can encourage everyone to see themselves as stakeholders.
• Take a hard look at succession planning and talent management. HR can help ensure the right people are staying (or leaving), as well as identify and develop future leaders. Use employee appraisal systems that emphasize the business acumen needed to restore profitability.
• Re-work your training programs that rely primarily upon personality approaches. Instead, place greater emphasis on critical business behaviors. It takes more than the ability to read a P&L to know how a company makes money. Training should emphasize behaviors that actually increase sales, reduce costs, and grow market share.
• Rein in out-of-control benefits. HR can shop healthcare providers, educate employees on the value of their benefits, and implement strategies to share the costs.
• Consider the costs and benefits of implementing new technologies. HR can bring cross-functional insights about how tasks get done. As people and technology interact, HR can spotlight how staffing costs might be reduced, quality of work improved, and customer service enhanced.
Author/ expert Darrin Coon, SPHR, is President Elect of the Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association (NOARK).
Maximize Your Web Site Performance
... From Biz2Biz NWA June/Jul 2009
By Shan Pesaru / Sharp Hue / Springdale
While giant corporations can easily finance elaborate online presences, small businesses and entrepreneurs are pressed to develop their own Web sites. With a little help and insight, business owners can strengthen the digital side of their enterprises. Here are 10 ways to maximize your business web site performance and achieve online success for small business owners.
1. Use professional Web hosting. Your visitors expect speed and continual availability. A professional Web hosting company might charge more than GoDaddy, but prospective customers will have a good experience at your site and become regular customers.
2. Use a professional Web design company. Internet technology changes quickly. It takes an experienced Web designer to keep up with the latest development and design standards so your site looks good on every computer and device. A professionally designed site ties together your online and off-line marketing, branding and identity.
3. Have a visually appealing home page. When people first access your site, they should land on a home page that represents you well. They should know immediately what you have to offer. They also should say, “Wow,” and want to click deeper into the site to learn more. A home page that accomplishes this will be a valuable member of your sales force.
4. Make navigation easy. Don’t frustrate your visitors. Present your navigation in a clear and intuitive manner. Have no more than five to seven main navigation buttons and then create sub-pages below them with relevant information.
5. Optimize for search engines. Your site competes with millions of others for traffic, so your content must be written to attract both search engines and people. Search engines give preference to well-designed, well written sites.
6. Create a call to action. Make sure you drive visitors all the way through the sales pipeline by creating text and buttons that make their next steps clear. Invitations like “Buy Now,” “Sign up” and “Schedule an appointment” keep your visitors’ experience easy.
7. Understand your traffic. The numbers tell the story: Which products interest your visitors? How long do they stay? On what pages do they exit? Install Google Analytics into your site to get the data you need to make informed business decisions.
8. Maintain a blog. A blog can be a great way to communicate with customers on a more personal level.Your blog can educate visitors about your industry or provide fresh perspective on your company. Interesting content keeps visitors coming back for more.
9. Engage your visitors. Use social media such as Twitter or Facebook to keep your customers in the loop and also to let them help you promote your products and services.
10. Keep your site fresh. It is important to add new content to your site so customers and search engines visit your site frequently. If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, engage a professional to keep your site up-to-date.
By Shan Pesaru / Sharp Hue / Springdale
While giant corporations can easily finance elaborate online presences, small businesses and entrepreneurs are pressed to develop their own Web sites. With a little help and insight, business owners can strengthen the digital side of their enterprises. Here are 10 ways to maximize your business web site performance and achieve online success for small business owners.
1. Use professional Web hosting. Your visitors expect speed and continual availability. A professional Web hosting company might charge more than GoDaddy, but prospective customers will have a good experience at your site and become regular customers.
2. Use a professional Web design company. Internet technology changes quickly. It takes an experienced Web designer to keep up with the latest development and design standards so your site looks good on every computer and device. A professionally designed site ties together your online and off-line marketing, branding and identity.
3. Have a visually appealing home page. When people first access your site, they should land on a home page that represents you well. They should know immediately what you have to offer. They also should say, “Wow,” and want to click deeper into the site to learn more. A home page that accomplishes this will be a valuable member of your sales force.
4. Make navigation easy. Don’t frustrate your visitors. Present your navigation in a clear and intuitive manner. Have no more than five to seven main navigation buttons and then create sub-pages below them with relevant information.
5. Optimize for search engines. Your site competes with millions of others for traffic, so your content must be written to attract both search engines and people. Search engines give preference to well-designed, well written sites.
6. Create a call to action. Make sure you drive visitors all the way through the sales pipeline by creating text and buttons that make their next steps clear. Invitations like “Buy Now,” “Sign up” and “Schedule an appointment” keep your visitors’ experience easy.
7. Understand your traffic. The numbers tell the story: Which products interest your visitors? How long do they stay? On what pages do they exit? Install Google Analytics into your site to get the data you need to make informed business decisions.
8. Maintain a blog. A blog can be a great way to communicate with customers on a more personal level.Your blog can educate visitors about your industry or provide fresh perspective on your company. Interesting content keeps visitors coming back for more.
9. Engage your visitors. Use social media such as Twitter or Facebook to keep your customers in the loop and also to let them help you promote your products and services.
10. Keep your site fresh. It is important to add new content to your site so customers and search engines visit your site frequently. If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, engage a professional to keep your site up-to-date.
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