Tuesday, October 21, 2014

New Training Course for Small Business Owners


The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has created a new training system for small business owners who are interested in working with the federal government.  The course will, first, help small business owners understand the Certificate of Competency (COC) program, and second, understand the importance of a contract with the federal government.  A small business will then be able to make its presence known to its competitors.

The course from the SBA will assist small business owners to understand the COC program.  This program allows a small business to establish itself as a supplier for the government or reestablish itself if it is able to supply but is unable to fulfill a requirement (Shoraka, para. 1-2).  The course would include requirements for eligibility and performance and the application process (Lonon, para. 4).  This would help small business owners understand what is needed to apply for the COC and how they can become a “viable government contractor” (Shoraka, para. 2).

Supplying the federal government can also be critical for small businesses.  It can help businesses gain credibility if a government contract is available.  “Small businesses are leaders in innovation and drivers of the economy” (SBA.gov, para. 3), and these businesses are able to supply the federal government with important products and services that other larger businesses cannot supply.

The training course the SBA has created will provide small business owners with the knowledge of what the Certificate of Competency program is and how the creation of a contract with the federal government can be important.  The program will help small businesses become better known, and it will provide a larger customer base.







References

Lonon, Sherri. (2014, September 30). SBA creates new training course for small business contractors. Business Administration Information. Retrieved from http://www.businessadministrationinformation.com/news/sba-creates-new-training-course-for-small-business-contractors

Shoraka, John. (2014, September, 18). SBA announces new certificate of competency contracting course to help small business contractors.  SBA.gov. Retrieved from http://www.sba.gov/blogs/sba-announces-new-certificate-competency-contracting-course-help-small-business-contractors

The U.S. Small Business Administration. Interagency task force on federal contracting opportunities for small businesses.  SBA.gov. Retrieved from http://www.sba.gov
/content/interagency-task-force-federal-contracting-opportunities-small-businesses-0


Thursday, October 9, 2014

What Makes a Professional Employee?



There are four important characteristics a professional employee must have: honesty, interpersonal skills, confidence, and ambition.  Professional employees must have these four characteristics to succeed in a company. 

First, honest employees will not hide mistakes they might have made.  If an honest employee makes a mistake, employers can be certain that they can rely on the employee to admit the mistake and try a different option when one option does not work (Ingram, 2014, para. 5). 

Second, an employee must be able to communicate to those in the company and to those outside the company.  “The best employees are excellent communicators in person, on the phone and via email” (Ingram, 2014, para. 4).  Employees with good interpersonal skills are also able to voice their opinions clearly and stay calm in a conflict (Ingram, 2014, para. 4). 

Third, professional employees who have confidence are able to take on challenges and tackle difficult problems that others might not be able to handle.  Confident employees are also able to capably produce results.  They can inspire confidence in clients who will trust the company and the product more (Sundheim, 2013, para. 10). 

Fourth, “Ambition is what makes a company innovative” (Sundheim, 2013, para. 5).  Employees must want to better themselves in their area of work in order for the company to grow as well.  Ambitious employees are creative and innovative when they solve problems (Sundheim, 2013, para. 5). 

Professional employees must have honesty, good communication skills, confidence, and ambition in order to succeed in the workplace.


References

Ingram, David. (2014). The qualities of a good & professional employee. Houston Chronicle.  Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/qualities-good-professional-employee
-10963.html

Sundheim, Ken. (2013, April 2). 15 traits of the ideal employee.  Forbes. Retrieved from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensundheim/2013/04/02/15-traits-of-the-ideal-employee/