November 2007 1201 Placer Street - Redding, CA - (530) 246-7911

Veterans Day is November 11 If you are a business owner and you're getting ready to hire, consider a veteran. Here are 10 Reasons to Hire a Vet. If you are a veteran and a business owner, the links on the page below are for you. Small Business Ownership Source: www.hirevetsfirst.gov California Adopts Military Spouse Leave Law This new law applies to public and private employers with more than 25 employees and provides for up to 10 days of unpaid leave for a qualified employee whose spouse is on leave from deployment in a combat zone during a period of military conflict. It was signed on October 9 and went into effect immediately. Click here to learn more on www.mondaq.com. Employers’ Legal Obligations to Employees in the Military "Citizen soldiers bring many assets to the workplace: They tend to follow instructions and respect authority; they have leadership skills and work well in organizations. Some have service-acquired skills that translate well in the business community such as computer skills. With these many talents provided to the employer come responsibilities." Read the rest of this article from the October 21-28 issue of the Workforce Week Newsletter to learn the laws governing their treatment that every employer needs to know.

What can you do to keep your customers happy? There is good customer service, better customer service, and then there are these 6 companies with extreme customer service (CNNMoney.com) For those of you who don't want to (or can't afford to) go that far, check these out. SCORE's 60-Second Guides to: Establishing Great Customer Service Making a Good Impression Managing Upset Customers Ho, ho, ho... 8 tips for getting your biz in the holiday spirit No, no, no... 5 mistakes that could ruin your holiday sales (microsoft.com) National Fraud Awareness Week November 11-17 Fraud comes in all shapes and sizes. It can affect any business - your business. Increase awareness and you'll reduce the risk. Take a moment to check out the following: See what you're up against Scams Against Businesses www.fraud.org How much do you know? Take the Fraud IQ Test What can you do? See Resources on www.fraudweek.com

Workshops The Smart Business Resource Center presents two workshops in November for the salesmen and women among us. Overcoming Sales Challenges November 6, 8-10am at BloodSource in Redding Learn how to distinguish your company from the others, creative ways to reach the key decision-makers, and how to utilize alternative approaches to meet your goal. View the flyer | Register online Generating the Lead/ Negotiating the Sale November 21, 8-10am at BloodSource in Redding Discover the different outlets for generating a lead, get tips on negotiating, and learn how to leave the client with a memorable experience. View the flyer | Register online Do you have what it takes to manage your toughest, and often best, employees? What a question! You're the boss, right? Well yes, you are, but it's not always easy. You may want to read the following articles for inspiration: Keeping a Large Stable of Hard Chargers in Line Normally Lax Musicians Step to the Beat of This Director Source: www.workforce.com Thanksgiving Day November 22 It's a national holiday, but how much do we really know about the celebration of Thanksgiving? Take the Thanksgiving Trivia challenge on brownielocks.com. Happy Thanksgiving!