]]>Which small businesses are hurt most by rising gas prices? What can they do to save money?
Sponsored by HP.I got the answer for this. Small businesses that don't hire locally mostly - but all really.
Telecommuting, flexible work hours and actually allowing car pooling (tried that once to save money commuting into Tempe... my boss was not happy). In today's technology world, telecommuting can even be tracked with CRM software, somewhat... but generally performance. If it slacks (from them slacking) find someone who really wants the job.
Also outsourcing. Virtual Assistant. I work as one often close to the actual brick and mortar business so I can go in and have face to face and deliver projects/develop a relationship. I should have thought of this first since I tend to work as a virtual assistant (some on-site but I reserve my flexibility). Below is a list I found comparing to an employee. It is great for both in regards to gas prices. The VA can write it off their car and commute. That helps.
OBLIGATION / BENEFIT
EMPLOYEE
V.A.
You pay only for "Time on Task" or by project. -
Is a sounding board, if you need one. -
Helps you stay on track and on schedule. - Handles your seasonal or periodic projects. - No need to buy additional computer equipment or fax machine. - No computer training needed. - Convenient when your current staff gets overloaded. - No time wasted on breaks or personal issues. - Works only when you need services. - No extra office space is required. No extra rent and/or loss of privacy. - No need to buy an extra desk, chair, phone or supplies. - You must pay employer social security taxes. - You must collect and pay FICA taxes. - You must pay worker’s compensation insurance. - You must pay federal and state unemployment taxes. - You must comply with OSHA. - You must comply with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) including - minimum wage and overtime payment. - You must comply with Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) - You may possibly have to pay medical benefits, dental benefits, vision care benefits. - You may possibly have to pay vacation time, sick time and holiday time. - You may possibly have to pay for other employee benefits such as 401K, retirement plans, etc. - You pay someone to administrate the above. - You have legal responsibilities that include employee policies on working hours, sexual harassment, vacation time, sick time, leave of absence, holidays, benefits, performance reviews, grievances, terminations, substance abuse and training. - If you hire someone and lay them off, your unemployment rate may increase for years to come. - If you have the unpleasant experience of needing to fire an employee, make sure you have legal grounds or you may face a lawsuit.
