Background Checks are NOT Just for Companies! Background Checks can Help You, Too!

I recently had lunch with a fellow small business owner.  She was intrigued by my business and wanted to know more about it.  As we talked, I happened to mention how I was trying to expand my clients to include individuals, not just companies.


Her reaction?  “I didn’t know people could hire background check companies!”  She had always thought that only other companies would use my services.


When I started to mention the various ways people would benefit, I could see that “light bulb” go off!


This got me thinking.  Most likely, many others believed the same thing.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  The reality is that Background Checks are a useful tool for anyone.


For one, Background Checks are a great way to protect your family.  They can be used to determine whether a nanny or other in-home caregiver has a criminal record.

 Most families that hire caregivers through an agency assume that background checks are already part of the package.  I suggest you verify this and, even if the agency conducts screening, it is important that you  find out how and what is checked.


If a database is used, make sure the results are verified directly through the courts.  Also question how far back the records go and if the courts in previous places of residence were also searched.


Any “red flag” on your part as to the agency’s procedures and it may be best for you to get your own background check done.  Especially in the case of those caring for your children or an elderly parent, safety is key. 


Background Checks can also be used to vet contractors or repair companies you hire for home improvement.  In this case, it is wise to go beyond criminal records and check the company or contractor himself for any civil suits either filed against him or by him against former customers.

For more tips on how You can use background checks, check out my previous blog article, “The Top 6 People You Should Run a Background Check On”


The bottom line here is that Background Checks are a great way to make sure the people you hire to work in or on your home are as safe as possible.


I also suggest that anyone looking for a new job or even seeking a promotion consider getting a background check done on themselves.


Many companies run at least some sort of background check during their hiring process.  The check will most likely look at past criminal behavior and may even include a “social media check” to see what may be posted online.

The more you know about what is “out there” about you, the more prepared you can be to explain or mitigate what the company may find.  A Background Check company can help.


I have outlined what a good personal background check should include here.


As you can see, Background Checks are not only important to companies.  They can be a helpful, and sometimes necessary, tool for you too!

Take a moment to visit my website and blog to find out how my company, Access Profiles, Inc., can help!  Thanks!

And for more on Small Business and Background Checks, subscribe to my weekly online paper, Access Profiles - “Week in Review”!

Small Business Spotlight - Siostra Artistry & Marketing!

Introducing Lara McKusky-Taylor, Kate McKusky and their business, Siostra Artistry & Marketing, in this week’s “Small Business Spotlight”!


Siostra Artistry & Marketing is owned and operated by two sisters, Lara McKusky-Taylor and Kate McKusky.  They specialize in “coaching your at-home business, small boutique business or side-job passion to the next level!”.


Just what does “Siostra” mean?  The word means “sister” in Polish and is pronounced “sew-stra”.  The McKusky sisters thought this was a fitting name to honor both their Polish heritage and to describe their company.  They also believe it illustrates perfectly their ability to work together as a team!


Lara and Kate were born 12 years apart, and they believe this “mixture of decades” provides their clients with “a youthful approach coupled with business acumen”.  This helps encourage a “what box?” approach to their business.

The sisters started Siostra when they were both underemployed and struggling!  Their central philosophy is “doing what we love”, and this has carried them from the beginning.


Lara and Kate also believe in the ability to be flexible.  Lara excels as a graphic designer and Kate is a professional writer, although Lara writes often as well.  Kate also minored in photography.  This unique mixture allows them to offer their clients a broad range of services.


Siostra can help you create your “brand” through the development of a Facebook page, Twitter page, and blog.  Each will be integrated in order to provide a consistent and professional extension of you and your company.


They can also design a new logo, labels, tags, and signs for both promotion and packaging.  Lara and Kate create them with the idea of making your company look polished and professional.

Siostra extends their services by being able to provide you with a polished bio and professional head shots.  They have even recently added Brand Coaching.  Siostra is truly an all-inclusive marketing company.      







Lara and Kate invite you to contact them at siostramarketing@gmail.com
with any questions.  Let them know what your business needs to expand your brand, and they can help!


You can learn more about Siostra Artistry & Marketing and what they can do for you by clicking on the following links:


Website:  www.siostramarketing.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/siostra.marketing
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/SiostraMtkg
LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/company/siostra-artistry-&-marketing?trk=company_logo
Etsy:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/siostramarketing

And for more in the “Small Business Spotlight” series, be sure to check out my blog at http://www.accessprofilesblog.com/.  I can also help you with your small business.  Find out how by visiting my website (www.accessprofiles.com).  Thanks!

It is Time to “Unplug” from Your Job!

"Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold.  But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow."  ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You


With the “official” vacation season fast approaching, I thought I would take a look at this question.  Are we able, or willing, to “unplug” from our jobs?


Much has been written and discussed about the need to “unplug” from technology.  There have been movements to shut off our televisions for a week, turn off our smart phones, or shut down our computers and tablets.  Each is touted as a way to decompress and de-stress from our everyday demands.


But that is only a small part of what keeps us busy and driven.  Many of us are absorbed by our work.  We don’t recognize the concept of “9 to 5” or even a 5 day work week.

This is the reason I think we need to expand the “unplug” movement to our jobs.

Are You able to take a break from your work?  Is this something you can or want to do for a week, or even a weekend?  Have you ever taken a “real vacation” from your job?


Many of us would answer “No”.  We either don’t want to or don’t think we can really disconnect from our work.  We will pay lip service to the notions that we need “downtime” but, in reality, we don’t think it is possible.


I think that is misguided and, potentially, unhealthy.  Let me state for the record, I am a small business owner.  It is me, and only me, that deals with my clients, does the billing, and runs every other aspect of my business.  When I am “off”, my company is in virtual “shutdown”.


Despite that, I have come to realize that I am no good to myself or others if I never get the chance to “unplug”.  One look at the infographic in this post by Geoffrey James in “Inc.”, and you can see the number of Business Owners who feel the same.  Many fear that if they take time to themselves their business will suffer.

  The bottom line is, You need to Take Back Your Life.  You are more than your business.  You have family, friends, and interests that need to be nurtured and appreciated.


In order to be your best self, you have to recognize that taking a break will allow you the time you need to regenerate and refresh.  


Even if it is only for a weekend, try these tips:

• Take No Business Calls
• Don’t Check Your Email or Social Media Accounts
• Do Something You Enjoy - read a book, take a walk, etc.

The goal is to rejuvenate and relax.  Of course there are times that emergencies or a big project can interfere.  What is important is to make this the exception, not the rule.


For the past few weeks, I have made the concerted effort to follow this advice.  I have Taken Back my Weekends.  

To accomplish this, I have found a few ways that make it easier for me.  I pre-schedule my weekend social media posts.  This way I can still keep up my social media presence without logging on.  I also use Friday afternoon to update my calendar for the following week so I can jump right in on Monday morning.
 

I have found that with those things out of the way, I am able to really enjoy my weekends.  I can reconnect with my family and I have time to do some of the things that I love.


Give it a try for yourself.  You may find that, when the “unplug” is over, you come back with a fresh perspective and new energy for your work.....and you can really look forward to your weekends again! 

I can also Help You take more Stress out of Running Your Business with my Background Check Services.  Visit my website to find out more!  Thanks!

Small Business Spotlight - Sincerely Yours by Tracy!

This week my “Small Business Spotlight” is focused on Tracy Weslager and her company, Sincerely Yours by Tracy!


According to Tracy, she has “always had a passion for design, fashion, and staying in touch with friends and family”.  These interests came together in her business, the Sincerely Yours stationary company!


Founded in 2006, Sincerely Yours by Tracy is a specialty greeting card company.   They design customized, hand crafted cards perfect for your personal life and business.  Sincerely Yours by Tracy cards are truly unique.


Tracy’s focus is on “bringing back the hand written card into our crazy email, texting world”.  Her goal is to help you “WOW those important people in your life” by sending them a custom card!

Besides wonderful greeting cards, Sincerely Yours also sells unique Notecards,  personalized Notepads, and card tags.  There are many designs to choose from.


In addition, Sincerely Yours also offers a one-of-a-kind greeting card service called “Unforgettable Cards.”


When doing the initial testing of her products, Tracy had the opportunity to meet with some corporate professionals at a business event.  She found they all agreed on the importance of sending cards to family, friends, and their professional connections, but their hectic schedules often got in the way.

This is where Tracy’s service, “Unforgettable Cards” comes in!


"Unforgettable Cards" is a unique greeting card service that will keep track of your greeting card needs, all year long.  You provide them with some background information for each person on your list, and Sincerely Yours by Tracy will design a one-of-a-kind, high quality, greeting card for them. Tracy believes that is what makes this service so special.


Sincerely Yours will automatically send you each card prior to the event so you can include your own message.  Tracy even includes a stamped envelope for your convenience.  This way you will always have the perfect greeting card when you need it!

Sincerely Yours has also started a new GIVE BACK program in honor of our Military.  For every card you order from them, Sincerely Yours will send a card to an active member of our Armed Forces as a thanks for their service.  Each card will include your family or business name.  It is that simple!

Tracy invites you to visit the Sincerely Yours by Tracy website (www.SincerelyYoursbyTracy.com).  You can check out all her designs and find out more about the “Unforgettable Card” and “Give Back” programs!


You can also reach her on Twitter (@Sincerelyyours1) and on Facebook.

Keep up with the “Small Business Spotlight” Series in my blog and learn more about Small Business and Background Check news on my website, www.accessprofiles.com!  Thanks!

4 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need to Use Background Checks

Many Small Business Owners think Background Checks are just for “the big boys”. 


Maybe it is because as a small business owner you mostly hire “people you know”, or you think that Background Checks are just “too expensive” for your Small Business.


Neither of these arguments are true.  Using Background Checks is actually a cost-effective and sound business strategy for any Small Business.

Here are 4 Reasons Why Background Checks and Small Business make Great Partners:

• Small Businesses have a Limited Budget for Hiring and Training:

Most Small Businesses operate on a tight budget.  Your resources are split among the many costs associated with running your businesses - payroll, insurance, utilities, and more.


Wasting any of your funds on hiring and training the wrong candidate is bad business. Using a Background Check as part of the hiring process can help eliminate some of this waste.


A good Background Check will help you in two basic ways.  It will save you money and time.  Advertising costs will be reduced by eliminating the need to re-post a position due to making an initial “bad hire”.  You will also save the time it takes to train what turns out to be an unqualified or unsafe candidate.

• The More "Intimate Setting" of a Small Business Requires Safer Hires:

Many times, Small Businesses have their employees “wear many hats”.  Employees may have their hand in many aspects of the business.  That puts them in contact with more co-workers and customers.  It also gives them access to company funds and possibly sensitive company information.

A Background Check will give you, as a Small Business Owner, a tool to avoid a potential problem.  It will give you the knowledge that your new hire does not have a history of violent or abusive behavior.  It can also forewarn you of past incidents of embezzlement or other crimes that could jeopardize the stability of your company.

• Background Checks Help Small Businesses Avoid Litigation:

Businesses are increasingly being sued due to the behavior and actions of their employees.  There have been news stories on how employees have stalked a co-worker or stolen from a customer’s home.  

The fact is, each of your employees is an extension and representative of your company.  You need to make sure that how they interact with your customers and their co-workers is as safe as possible.  Background Checks can give you a “heads-up” to past behaviors that may put your company at risk.

• Small Businesses Rely Heavily on their Reputation:

Your Small Business is built on a solid reputation.  Your customers rely on your honesty and integrity, and will keep doing business with you because of it.


Having unsafe employees can ruin that reputation.  If your company is not taking the time to hire wisely, customers will notice.


If your reputation is ruined or tainted by the actions of your employees, it is hard to bounce back.   Small Businesses especially have to be vigilant in protecting the good reputation they have built.

By using Background Checks, your Small Business can avoid many of these pitfalls.   Your Background Check company will work with you to develop the sound and cost-effective hiring program you need. (see my article on what to look for in a good Background Check company here).
Being forewarned is being forearmed....a good position for any Small Business!

Now you know.....Background Checks and Small Business make great partners!  Find out for yourself and learn more about Background Checks and Small Business by visiting my website, www.accessprofiles.com, and my Facebook page.  Thanks!

Small Business Spotlight - Old Town Flowers

This week the “Small Business Spotlight” shines on Dana and her company Old Town Flowers!


Old Town Flowers is a family-owned, full service floral shop located in Allyn, WA in Mason county.  Old Town Flowers has been owned and operated by Dana and her mother, Linda, since 2007.


According to Dana, she has “worked in the floral industry all her life”.  Her two children are even learning the trade today.  The family’s interest in flowers began when Dana’s grandmother opened the very first floral shop in Belfair (Naomie’s Flowers).  Her mother, Linda,  took over operations in 1998.


While that shop did not last much longer, both Dana and Linda continued to freelance and remain in the “floral world”.  In 2007, when the owner of the shop Linda was working in wanted to retire and sell the business, Dana and Linda jumped at the opportunity.


In 2009, with the economy down, they moved Old Town Flowers to their current location in the Allyn community.  They operate out of a quaint little house they turned into their flower shop.

Old Town Flowers prides itself on being different.  They believe in providing the ultimate in customer service.  They also pay particular attention to detail - no matter how large or small the order!  Dana feels that their practice of valuing their customers really shows in their work and their service, helping to set them apart from typical chain stores.


Old Town Flowers offers unique gifts, consignment plants, cards and a newly added garden center.  They also specialize in weddings and provide free consultations.  You can even sign up for one of their monthly floral classes!

May 1st marked Old Town Flowers 6 year anniversary.  If you live anywhere near their shop, take the time to stop in and see their unique floral and gift items.  They can be found at E. 18640 Hwy 3 just as you come into Allyn in the “brown house on the highway”.  Their address is:

Old Town Flowers
E. 18640 state rt 3
P.O. Box 1954
Allyn, WA 98524
360-275-6062
877-763-6062


Dana hopes you visit www.oldtownflowers.com to see their original designs.  Old Town Flowers can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.  Thanks!

Find more articles in this “Small Business Spotlight” series in my blog and online paper, Access Profiles - “Week in Review”.

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter  and check out my website for more on Small Business.  I have information and tips that can Help You!

Small Business Spotlight - The Cupertino Soap Company!

This Week, Small Business Spotlight shines on Veronica Nourse and The Cupertino Soap Company!


One day while working for a fair trade company, Veronica Nourse and a friend started discussing what they would do if they could simply do anything they wanted. Veronica’s friend said she wanted to make handmade soap.

What was Veronica’s response?  “You can make your own soap?”

Nourse had never given soap-making any thought.  It seemed so much easier and cheaper to simply buy it at the local grocer.  

But Nourse was intrigued.  She asked her friend a million questions about soap-making and, according to Nourse, this started her head spinning “in all sorts of directions”.


Nourse then began her own research, and what she found amazed her.  The number of chemicals in commercially produced soap was staggering.  Many of the ingredients she couldn’t even pronounce.


At that same time, both Nourse and her son had skin problems.  Nourse’s dry skin and eczema were something she had thought she would just have to live with.  She had even tried consulting doctors, but nothing seemed to help.

So while doing her soap research, Nourse discovered ingredients she could use that were both beneficial to the skin and wonderful to the senses.  She found that quality soap could be made using natural and nourishing oils, butters, and essential oils that make your skin really healthy.


Through a lot of trial and error, Nourse started making soap that actually made a huge difference in her and her son’s skin.  She wanted to share this with her friends.  Despite meeting with very little interest at first, Nourse decided to give her soap to them as gifts.

Soon her friends discovered that Nourse’s soaps lathered better, made their skin feel softer and smell better than any commercial soap.  They also no longer needed to use moisturizer.  They were hooked.....and The Cupertino Soap Company was born!


The Cupertino Soap Company is a small, family owned business located in Cupertino, CA.  Nourse is proud to offer the quality, handmade products she herself developed.


Cupertino Soap’s mission is to make safe products for your body while also keeping the planet safe.  Nourse works hard to be a “Green Company” and never tests on animals.

Most of The Cupertino Soap Company’s handcrafted soaps contain shea butter, cocoa butter, hemp seed oil and olive oil.  Some contain goat’s milk.  All ingredients are organic and natural.  Nourse prides herself on only using the best herbs, botanicals, and spices in her soap.


 Nourse admits that she is now a “soap-a-holic”.  She loves trying a new soap fragrance or blend, and keeps multiple soaps throughout her house.  She considers her soaps “an affordable luxury”!


Visit The Cupertino Soap Company website, Facebook page, and etsy shop to see for yourself the wonderful soaps Veronica Nourse has to offer!  You will be glad you did (and I know since I placed my first order not too long ago!).

For more in the Small Business Spotlight series, check out my blog and online paper, Access Profiles - “Week in Review”.  
You can also discover more on Small Business and my company, Access Profiles, Inc. at www.accessprofiles.com.  Thanks, and remember to “Shop Small”!