Showing posts with label Entrepreneur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entrepreneur. Show all posts

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Happy Holidays!

 Happy Holidays!

It is that time of year again…holiday festivities are in full swing and the current year is winding down to welcome in the new.

It is a time of wonder, reflection, hope, and yes, exhaustion!

It is also the time of year when we at Access Profiles take a break from our business and shift our focus to our wonderful family and friends.

To that end, this will be our last blog post for the year. We will resume with our annual “Best Of” post in the beginning of January.

We look forward to being able to share many more blog articles to help you with your own Small Business in the coming year.

We hope that you will all be able to take the break you need too!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season and all the best in the coming New Year.

Here is hoping that 2023 will be amazing!


Authored by   

We invite you to check out our site. Here you will find many articles focused on you and your Small Business.

Take a look at Our Services and find out a little more About Us too!

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Why Celebrating this Labor Day is more Important than Ever!

Labor Day has a special meaning this year.

Our nation is in the midst of a crisis. Unemployment is rampant. Many are unsure whether they will be called back to jobs that have suffered during the pandemic. While others are faced with the fact that the company they once worked for is no longer in business. All of this leads to uncertainty and worry. 

Yet, there are companies and individuals who have not only weathered the storm but have actually thrived. Some of it is due to sheer luck. But then there are those who found a way to adapt. They put their entrepreneurial thinking caps on and got creative. They discovered a “new” way to do business and keep themselves not only viable but successful.

But no matter what circumstance each of us find ourselves in, the importance of a strong labor force is not to be overlooked. It is something to be cherished and celebrated!

“Without Labor, nothing Prospers”! Sophocles

Our nation’s workforce is important to our success as individuals and as a country.

Jobs help people feel productive and proud. Earning a living allows us to take care of ourselves and our families. It provides for our current needs and allows us to make future plans. 

And, collectively, our efforts contribute to the making of a stronger and happier nation.

That is why, despite the struggles we currently face, we can’t forget that recognizing Labor Day and every American worker is important. 

So this Labor Day, we celebrate…..Those who work hard each and every day. Those who continue to pursue the work that will provide for themselves and their families. Those who will never give up in trying to find a job that makes them proud. And those who, day in and day out, know what it means to do a good day’s work. You all are the heroes of your own story and an important part of what makes this nation work. Thank you!

Happy Labor Day! 


Authored by  

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Sunday, June 30, 2019

What are You Celebrating this Independence Day?



There are all kinds of Independence.

For some, being independent means freedom from parental control. That may mean graduating from high school or college, landing that first “real” job, or even moving into a first apartment or new home.

For others it may mean having independence of thought. The freedom to think what they want and to do what they want ~ as long as it is legal!

Then there is the larger kind of freedom we celebrate in the United States on July 4th. On that day we honor and commemorate the independence fought for by the colonists. These brave people dedicated themselves to creating a country free from English rule and the right to form a nation where they were represented in government. 

Many immigrants continue to come to this country looking for much the same thing. They seek freedom from persecution for their beliefs, freedom from the ravages of war and poverty, and freedom to love and care for who they want ~ without risk of death or imprisonment for doing so.  


All of these types of Independence are to be celebrated and embraced.

Entrepreneurs Celebrate Our Independence! “Tweet This”

But when the word Independence comes to mind, we should also think  about the entrepreneurial spirit that is strong in our nation ~ and the many Small Business Owners that embody this spirit!


Independence Day really speaks to Small Business Owners. 
Entrepreneurs believe in and appreciate the rights we have in this country to pursue our dreams ~ and owning our own businesses are a large part of those dreams!

We recognize and continue to fight for those freedoms. We cherish the opportunities that allow us to reach our goals and build something of our own we can be proud of. 

As Business Owners…."our businesses are what drive us, worry us, and sustain us. Daily, we celebrate our ability to create something that is ours and to take it in the direction we want to go!", excerpt from “Celebrating Our Small Business Independence

You can discover even more about what Independence means to Small Business here!

So, this Independence Day, as we enjoy our time with family and friends, we will recognize how much our freedoms mean to us as a nation and how we continue to fight to protect them.


But, let us also take the time to celebrate the way each of us fights for our own independence and freedom. This includes the freedom to make  choices that not only will better us as individuals, but also our nation as a whole ~ and that includes our Small Business Owners!


Happy 4th of July to You All!

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Sunday, March 25, 2018

Do You have what it Takes to be a Good Leader?


Do You have what it takes to be a Good Leader?
To answer that question, it is important that you first consider this….What are the top traits that the most inspirational leaders you know really have?

When we think about the best people we have known, we often look to our parents, teachers, friends, and our business connections.

Many of them have had great impact on us personally and in our professional careers.

But when it comes to who among them we believe is a good leader, our list becomes more selective. We find ourselves looking for qualities in these people that bring out the best in those around them. 

Soon a pattern emerges and we discover that there are traits that all the best leaders have in common

Whether these leaders are found in business, our personal lives, or among our nation’s government, we believe the characteristics of a Strong Leader are:

They Lead by Example, not Force
Instead of demanding things from those around them, the best leaders demand the most from themselves. They “walk the walk, not just talk the talk”. These leaders persuade instead of command and control.

They Inspire Others
A true leader must a driving force. They must embody the strength of character and ideals that others want to emulate.

They Practice Mutual Respect
Mutual Respect is when people are given the freedom to share their opinions and ideas without being dismissed. Good leaders consider all these opinions, even if those ideas are different than their own. Practicing mutual respect also means that everyone’s rights are protected and they feel safe and valued.  

They are Fair, Kind, and Honest
Good leaders are strong believers in fair play, right from wrong. They are completely honest with themselves and others but, most importantly, that honesty is tempered with kindness. 

They Act with Humility 
The best leaders don’t believe they are better or smarter than everyone else. They understand that they don’t know and can't do everything. They are willing to own their mistakes and learn from them.

They Recognize Strengths, Weaknesses, and Know how to Delegate
Whether it is individuals or the team as a whole, good leaders are able to pin point what is working and what is not. They also recognize what each member of the team brings to the whole. Because of this, good leaders can identify the best person for the job and then empower them to get things done.

Being a Leader is more than a title, it’s your character! "Tweet This"


But perhaps the most important trait of a Good Leader is that they are comfortable placing their focus more on how they can help others than on how they can get ahead themselves. 

In business, there are those who think that to get ahead you need to be cutthroat and focused squarely on your own goals.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. Instead, the very best leaders find ways to make a difference in the lives of those around them and to help them unselfishly reach their own goals.

This ideal is called being a “Servant Leader”.
In 1970, Robert K. Greenleaf coined the phrase “Servant Leadership”. This concept focused on the importance of good leaders being a “servant” first.

A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.” *Source1

Servant leaders value and encourage diverse opinions, cultivate an atmosphere of trust, and selflessness. They also focus on developing future leaders out of those around them.
These types of leaders are not afraid of the success of others. They consistently help and support those around them in order to help others achieve their own goals.

But, to be a true Servant Leader, compassion is the key. 
These leaders create strong relationships and show true caring through their actions, not their words. They actively look for ways that they can benefit others, and they work hard to help solve their problems and listen to their concerns.  

Many times this willingness to help another person succeed takes the form of mentoring. 

“Being a Mentor requires that you be genuinely interested in another person’s growth, with no real expectation of tangible personal gain. Invite the mentee into your “inner circle”. Introduce them to who you know and include them in your professional groups. In other words, “Pay it Forward”, “Make A Difference”, and Pave the Way”!”, excerpt from “Are You Ready to be a Mentor?”.

Good leadership should not be about demanding. When you have to demand respect, loyalty, or dedication, then you are doing something wrong. 
Instead, the really great leaders lead by example. Day in and day out they act in the way they want those around them to act. They work hard, build relationships, and value others.  

So, to get back to our original question, “Do you have what it takes to be a Good Leader”?
You do if you have the drive to inspire, a strong sense of fair play, true compassion, and the willingness to be a positive force in the lives of others. Then you are ready to be the kind of Leader that can truly Make a Difference! 

Authored by  


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Source *1 ~ “What is Servant Leadership”
https://www.greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Ready to Take Your Holiday Break?


Are You Ready for Your Holiday Break?

Another holiday season is upon us and once I again I find myself ready to shift my focus away from my business and place it squarely on my family and friends!

The prep is done and I am ready to soak in the wonders of the season...are you?

The Holidays can frazzle the best of us!
We find ourselves pulled in a million different directions. We have to make time for family, work, and friends. Not to mention the extra “holiday specific” tasks this season brings ~ decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping ~ and the list goes on!


The hectic pace definitely can take its toll!

And while I love everything that is “holiday”, I know it is not in my or my family’s best interest to let it wear me down.


That is why I am a firm believer in taking a Holiday break!

Time off allows me to thoroughly enjoy my favorite time of the year and get some much desired “me time”. To accomplish this I gradually lessen my workload and go into “wind down” mode for the rest of the year.

I recommend that, if possible, you all do the same!

The question then becomes….How?


Top Tips to Help You take the Holiday Break You Need! “Tweet This” 


It is possible to take the holiday break you need ~ and these tips will get you started!

All it takes is some serious pre-planning! Working overtime to complete outstanding projects, notifying clients in advance you will be taking time off, and even pre-paying any bills and invoicing for completed work will help.

While all that extra work certainly adds to the controlled chaos of my pre-holiday schedule, it is worth it!

As an added bonus, by the time my holiday break is over, I find myself more than ready to dive head first into the coming year”, excerpt from  “Need a Holiday Break? Why We All Require Time Off!”.

Learn more about what you can do to get away “work free” and “unplugged” in my article “8 Easy Tips to Help You Take a Vacation”.

The reality, however, is that not everyone can take their break during the holidays.

For some companies, this is their busy time of the year. They rely on holiday sales for much of their revenue and simply can’t scale back. 

I suggest these companies schedule a break after the season ends instead!


No doubt these business owners, and their employees, will be more than ready after the whirlwind holiday season. Some businesses may be able to coordinate company-wide time off. Others may need to employ a rotating schedule to allow everyone to take a break.

But no matter when or how, taking that break is important. It will re-energize and refresh you and, after it’s over, you will find yourself ready to get back in there give it your all!


To jump start my own holiday break, this will be the last article I share this year! 

Look for our next post to come out in the beginning of January! I hope to once again share with you new information and tips to help you and your business succeed.


We wish for each of you the time to truly enjoy whatever celebrations this season will bring! Happy Holidays!

Authored by  



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Sunday, December 10, 2017

Need Help Starting Your Small Business? Contact Us!


Many people dream of becoming their own boss. 

They imagine the flexibility of setting their own hours. The freedom of taking their business in any direction they choose. And many, wish for the chance to do something that is meaningful and "speaks" to what is important to them. No doubt each of these goals sounds wonderful!

But oftentimes it is hard to know where to start.

Or, even if you do manage to get your business off the ground, obstacles can often get in the way that derail you from your goals.

This is where We can Help!
At Access Profiles, we offer Small Business Mentoring!

Our mentoring service was created out of what we saw as a real need. Many times our small business clients, and many of  the people we ran across, had a dream of succeeding as small business owners.

The trouble was, they didn’t know how to make their dream become a reality! 

For the past year or two, I have had people contact us who are thinking of starting their own small business. Most have been interested in a background check company, but others have been all over the board.

And if you have read any of our articles in the past, then you know that we believe in Paying it Forward.  


I have spent numerous hours on the phone and through email fielding questions and offering support to these budding entrepreneurs.  


It was during one of these phone calls that an idea began to form. My contact asked if I would be interested in actually mentoring her in starting her own business ~ and she offered to pay me for my time!


She wanted to “pick my brain” on the things I had learned in the past 20+ years and give her real guidance in getting her company up and running. 


This started me thinking ~ maybe I can start helping others on a more formal basis too.


And our Small Business Mentoring Service was born!”, excerpt from “Are You Ready to Start Your Own Small Business?”.


Do You Dream of Starting a Small Business? Start Here! “Tweet This”

Are You Ready to Start a Small Business of Your Own?
Whether you need help with one specific problem, or simply need real advice to help you get started, we are here!

At API we have developed a list of Mentoring Sessions designed to address the many issues faced when starting a business. These topics cover everything from Setting up Your business, Hiring and Outsourcing, Building Your Brand, and much more!

You can find a complete list of the mentoring sessions we offer at Access Profiles here!

We are also able to customize individual sessions, or an entire plan, just for you!

Do You already run Your own Business?
We can help you too! Our sessions can help you overcome those inevitable roadblocks and get you back on the path to success!

So, if you are ready to begin your journey into entrepreneurship, if you are on the fence, or even if you simply need help with your existing business,  Contact Us!

We are here to answer your questions and help you choose the best path for you! Let’s Get Started!

Authored by   


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Sunday, November 19, 2017

Do You Know What You are Thankful For?


What are You Thankful for?


Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays always makes me reflective.

I think about how quickly the end of the year is approaching and I take stock on me, my family, and my business.

And while I always find some areas where I would like improvement (and more often than I care to admit they are mainly about me!), I am also aware of how truly thankful I am. My thanks extends well beyond what I physically have, and falls more squarely on the wonderful group of people in my life!

This past year has been rough.

My mom was diagnosed with cancer in the late spring and I was rocked. Suddenly everything else was put on the back burner and she became my primary focus.

Our days consisted of doctor’s appointments, treatments, and worry. It was a whirlwind.

I am happy to say that her prognosis is now good and she is solely in recovery mode!


But despite the stress, this experience has reinforced with me, and the rest of my family, what is truly important……that each and every day is a gift, not a certainty. And, most of all, how important it is to take time to appreciate the people around you.

For that, I am truly thankful!

And I know I am lucky to have so many different wonderful people in my life.

I am Thankful for ~

My Husband ~ we have been together for almost 37 years (most of my life!). He is my love, my friend, and my partner in everything. I couldn’t ask for more.

My Children ~ who have each found their own happiness and reasons to give thanks. They have been a continual sense of wonder to me for the kind of people they are now and for the adventures yet to come. 

My Family ~ who have been, and always will be, there for me as I am for them. You can choose your friends, but your family is your family. And I am lucky!

My Friends ~ They make me laugh, offer support, and are always there for a quick chat or an evening out. I am fortunate enough to have some of the best!

My Business Friends ~ They are my “go to” when I need a pep talk, some advice, or a sanity check. I am also grateful to the ones who practice “paying it forward” and recommend me to their other business friends. To them I say a big “Thank You”! 

My Clients ~ I appreciate their business and, most of all, their loyalty. I am grateful to have had some of them since I started my business and I don’t take that for granted! And I am also thankful for the new clients that have recently come my way. I hope to provide you with the quality of service and attention that will keep you coming back for years to come.

And, finally, I thank you, My Readers ~ Your interest and feedback have been invaluable. It has been hard during this past year to find the energy and time to get the writing in. But you have kept me going. For that I am continually grateful.





 To honor those that have done so much for me, I try to practice “paying it forward” myself whenever possible. I believe there is no greater gift than to give back. Helping others in even the smallest way can have a big impact. Try it and you will see what I mean.


While I am thankful for so much from so many, I can only hope that I give to all of you as much as you give to me!

So, during this season of thanks, I hope you can find, even in your darkest times, something to be truly grateful for.

That feeling is what keeps each of us going and gives us hope for the future. And, truly, nothing is more important than that!

Authored by    



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Sunday, August 20, 2017

Happy Anniversary! Join Me in Celebrating 5 Years of Blogging!



This August, I am celebrating 5 years of blogging! 

In that time, I have written almost 300 articles covering everything from hiring, workplace issues, employment discrimination, and even business marketing. Through it all, I have shared my knowledge, my thoughts and opinions, and, even learned a lot myself. 


However, the most important thing I have gained through my blogging journey is the connections I have made. 


I have grown my client and reader base, “met” (both off and online) other business owners, and forged relationships with other bloggers. These connections have not only been invaluable to my business, but also to my mental well-being!

Running a “solo” business can be a lonely venture. All decisions rest on your shoulders and second guessing yourself often comes with the territory. Having real-life and online friends to reach out to can make all the difference.

They have been there. They know the ins and outs and can give advice or just lend an ear.

Blogging has given me the opportunity to reach them in ways I don’t believe would have been open to me if I hadn’t started writing.


For that I will always be thankful.



So, in celebration of these past 5 blogging years, I am sharing my favorite articles. 


While not all of them may have gotten the most traction, these have been a pleasure for me to write ~ and many have found their own audience who sees in them what I do.


First up is an article I wrote way back in 2012! “Why You Should Run a Background Check on Yourself", speaks to my desire to help both employers and job seekers. 


Knowing what is “out there”, and prepping your resume BEFORE you even apply, makes sense. It puts you in the best position to land the job and helps the employer easily do the screening they need. Anytime you can save an employer time and money, you are ahead of the game! 

Find out more by visiting my article here!


Since Hiring and Background Checks is my primary business focus, I have written many articles dealing with this subject. But this particular one has always stood out to me. It dealt with a subject that I truly believe in ~ the need for people to be given a second chance!

In my article, “Once a Criminal Always a Criminal, Why We need to Believe in Second Chances”, I discuss the very real problem of recidivism and hiring ex-offenders. My solution focuses on balancing cautiousness with fairness. I explore how employers can find a happy medium between giving people a chance and keeping their company safe. Check it out here!


Sharing what other “at home” business owners have to say about what it really takes to run a business from home was a pleasure. In this article, I polled some of my “work from home” entrepreneur friends for their tips, suggestions, and concerns. 

Read more in “The Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business from Home!”.




5 Years of Blogging ~ Time to Celebrate! "Tweet This"



The next few choices focus on my love for Small Business and Small Business Owners!


This favorite is really a collection of 5! It was my Small Business tips from “People in the Know” series. It was the first long “series” type of blog article I had ever written and it got a lot of feedback and interest. It’s success illustrated the power to be found in the blog “series” and the people it could reach. 

Most importantly, however, it fostered my love of sharing tips from real business owners about what has worked for them and the challenges they faced. I covered everything from set-up, finances, hiring, marketing, and more.

Check out Part 1 (Set Up & Finances), Part 2 (Hiring, Outsourcing, & Background Checks), Part 3 (Social Media & Marketing), Part 4 (Networking), and Part 5 (General Tips & Tricks) to discover what they had to say!  



Throughout many of my blog articles, there has been a recurring theme ~ the Power of Small Business! 

Here I shared the reasons we should all be “shopping small”. But the real focus was on why, as a group of small business owners, it makes sense for us to Band Together!

Building a Small Business Community helps us all “tap into the power of support and collaboration” we get from joining forces. This is something I really believe in. It drives me to help other entrepreneurs whenever I can. That is why this article has continued to be a favorite of mine!

Learn more about how to foster and grow the strength of Small Business in "Small Businesses Need to Band Together"!



I am closing with my #1 Favorite Article ~ 

It is this article that truly sums up everything I want to share about myself and my business.

I found my “Why” by taking a hard look at my core values and what was truly important to me. These values then became the cornerstone of my business.

Knowing“Why” has also helped me really focus. Simply said, it drives everything else I do. From how I treat my clients, the kind of services I offer, my social media presence, and, of course, my blogging!


While these 6 articles sum up a lot about me and my business, and have continued to be my favorites, I don't intend for it to stop here.


I am intend to share more tips and news in the years to come. I hope they will help You succeed while I continue to share my take on all things business. 


I hope you will join me! Subscribe Now and receive one new article each week, and no spam!

Authored by  







Sunday, August 13, 2017

How You can Achieve Your Entrepreneurial WIN!



We all want to succeed. For some, success may mean finding your dream job or owning your own home. For others, it can be as simple, and as truly fulfilling, as finding someone to love who loves them back.

But if you have the drive to become your own boss, then your ultimate triumph is to create your own viable and successful business!

And while that may seem like an easy and straightforward feat at first, more often than not the road to entrepreneurial success is fraught with roadblocks and detours.

I often find that it is those challenges that hold the biggest lessons. They help us focus and discover what really works for us and our businesses.

There is no doubt that you will learn a lot along the way. To help you get a jumpstart on your own journey, I share some tips that have not only helped me but also my entrepreneurial friends! 


What You Need to Know to Run a Successful Business! "Tweet This"


Here are my Top 10 Business Lessons:

  1. Be Focused & Find Your Business Niche
  2. Have a Business Plan ~ and Write it Down!
  3. Be Smart & Market Wisely
  4. Understand that Time is Money
  5. Be Willing to Outsource or Hire Others 
  6. Find Ways to Stay Motivated
  7. Forge Your Own Path & Do What Works for You
  8. Be Honest in Your Business Dealings
  9. Don't Shy Away from Being a "Solopreneur"
  10. Find Time for a Personal Life & Remember to "Unplug"

Learn more about each of these tips and what they can do for you in "10 Lessons to Help You Find Success in Your Small Business".




Over time, I have found two other tips that I believe will also help you realize your business goals.

Number 1, Get Your Family and Friends Onboard. Let them in on everything that you are doing and what you hope to achieve.

They can be your best cheerleaders and your biggest support system. No one can make a go of it truly alone.

Number 2, Never Stop Learning! No one knows it all. But keeping your mind and eyes wide open to all the resources around you will help your business stay current and succeed. As in most things in life, curiosity and a thirst for knowledge is never a bad thing!


Running your own business can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. The key is to put in the work, know when you need help, and strive for a well-rounded life.

Accomplish that and you will truly be a success!

Authored by   







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Visit our About Us, Background Investigation & Applicant Services, Business Mentoring, and Security Consulting pages to learn more about Access Profiles and what We can Do for You! 

Monday, July 3, 2017

Celebrating Our Small Business Independence!


Business Owners value our Independence!

Other than the love and dedication to our families, our businesses are what drives us, worries us, and sustains us. Daily, we celebrate our ability to create something that is ours and to take it in the direction we want to go. 

We relish the idea that we are able to build a company that speaks to our core values and fulfills our biggest goals.

For us, that has always meant creating a company that is dedicated to helping others achieve their own entrepreneurial dreams ~ and that is still our ultimate goal today.

So this 4th of July, we are celebrating our, 
and our fellow entrepreneurs, own Independence Day!

We are celebrating our independent spirit and embracing our entrepreneurial freedoms. 

That is why we believe that Independence Day really speaks to Small Business Owners.

We believe in and appreciate the rights we have in this country to pursue our dreams ~ and owning our own businesses are a large part of those dreams!

We recognize and continue to fight for those freedoms. We cherish the opportunities that allow us to reach our goals and build something of our own we can be proud of.
We believe Small Business Owners are trailblazers, and nothing says “independence” more!

"I personally celebrate the freedom and independence I feel in running my own business.  The ability to pursue my own dreams is unequaled.  To me, this is true independence", quote from "Independence and What it Really Means to Your Small Business"!
  

Small Business Owners Celebrate Our Independence! "Tweet This"

We leave you with one last thought from our article on Independence and Small Business,

"This 4th of July, while we celebrate the independence of our nation, let us also remember that it is alive and well in the hearts, minds, and businesses of our Small Business Owners - our innovators, our inventors, and our instigators!".
Happy Independence Day!


Authored by   



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Your Small Business! Learn more about our Background Investigation & Applicant Services, Business Mentoring, and Security Consulting services too!

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Monday, April 24, 2017

Do You Need Laws to tell You to Do What’s Right?


Why Do We have Laws?

Laws provide guidelines for how we should treat each other and the world around us. They are also designed to protect us from those who choose to do harm. 

Sadly, we can’t always count on people doing the right thing. That is why laws are also used to punish those who break them.


But, should we really need laws and regulations to tell us to do what is right?

Many of us recognize the need for doing what is right in our personal lives. Few would argue that, except under the most dire circumstances, it is wrong to kill another human being. As people, we also rally when we see the need to protect those that can’t protect themselves. 

Essentially, we know how we should treat others, and most of us try to live our daily lives this way. 

But when it comes to the laws and regulations that govern our businesses, things can be less clear cut.

Do Your run Your Business by Doing What is Right? “Tweet This”

Every time we elect a new president, or a new justice is appointed to the Supreme Court, laws and regulations that govern our businesses can change. Even voting in new local representatives can make a difference.

Suddenly existing labor laws, regulations, and guidelines may come under fire. Minimum wage laws may change. Guidelines concerning equal pay, workplace accommodations, and even what is considered a “protected class” may fluctuate under a new administration.


But does this mean our businesses 
should follow suit?

There are some laws and guidelines that, to my mind, are simply the right way to do business. They focus on the fair treatment of our employees, from hiring to the workplace, and our impact on the environment.

Currently, many of these laws and regulations focus on employee hiring and background check guidelines, especially for those applicants who have a criminal history. 

The biggest, and often most controversial of these, is “ban the box”.

At its most basic, ‘ban the box’ is the removal of the question or “box” on an application that asks whether the person has a criminal history. The belief is that by disclosing that (a criminal history) early in the application process, many are being automatically rejected”, excerpt from “Background Checks and Ban the Box ~ The Pendulum Swings”.

The EEOC started the ball rolling by enacting guidelines recommending employers ban the box. Many states then followed suit. 

Even if this law didn’t exist, its spirit, giving people a second chance, is often the right thing to do. Along with individual assessments (find out more about them here), recognizing that people people are different, that they have their own unique experiences and stories to tell, is what makes us human. And hiring for our businesses this way makes sense.

Other hiring legislation focuses on discrimination. Hiring those of different races and genders, applicants with disabilities or of different sexual orientations, all currently fall under what is described as “protected classes”.

Existing laws not only govern the hiring of these types of employees, but how we treat them in the workplace. 

Hiring policies that show, or even suggest, employment discrimination against protected groups can result in consequences for your Small Business.

When we hire, we have the power to make a difference in someone’s life. For me, that is reason enough to do everything possible to make sure people are treated fairly.



The problem of Equal Pay and Gender Wage Bias is also addressed in current legislation.

Sadly, what should not be a novel concept, getting equal pay for equal work, is not always the reality. In many industries, women continue to make less than their male counterparts doing the same job.

The ramifications of this impact not only women, but also their families. Learn more in “Discrimination ~ Gender Bias Keeps Us from Earning What We are Worth”. 


The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and many states have addressed the issue of equal pay. The EEOC pushed for companies to release their pay data in the hopes of identifying those that are guilty of wage bias (when a new administration took office in 2017, this requirement lost steam). 

But some states continue the fight. Laws barring companies from asking salary history, ending pay secrecy, and enforcing “equal pay for equal work”, are all designed to if not eliminate, but lessen, the occurrence of wage bias.

Find out more about these state laws here.  


There are also regulations that address the impact our businesses have on the environment. Manufacturers must lessen the amount of waste produced by their businesses. Chemical run-off into our waterways must fall within acceptable guidelines. Even recycling efforts are encouraged. 


But what if these laws, or ones like them, 
no longer existed? 
What would you do?

The bottom line is, why should we need laws and regulations to force us to run our businesses ethically? 


Shouldn’t we simply want to do what is right?

Choosing to hire as fairly as possible. Striving to achieve a more inclusive and tolerant workplace. Paying our employees the same for doing the same job at the same skill level. All these are not only good business, but are fundamentally right!

How we treat our employees is a strong reflection on us as people, and it speaks volumes about our business. 

Recognizing that our employees matter, that no one is “less than” anyone else, should never come in question.

Creating a welcoming workplace not only helps our employees, but it is good for our business. It will help us attract and keep top talent because word will spread and people will want to work there!

When it comes to our environment, we need to remember that we are all part of one world. Doing what we can now to protect it makes sense.


While presidents, judges, governors, representatives, and administrations 
will change, and laws and regulations 
may come and go, 
doing what is right should not! 

There will always be laws and regulations in place that concern our businesses. They will be designed to shape how we hire, how we run our workplace, and how we impact our world.


But no matter what current dictates require, running your company with a focus on 
treating people fairly, as unique individuals, and caring about our planet, 
is simply right. 
And that is good for everyone!

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