One of the defining characteristics of man is our ability to know ourselves.  If we appropriately take the time to learn about our own purpose and meaning, it can help us improve the things that we do to succeed.  Our business identity will allow us to learn about who we are elsewhere as well.  Here is an interesting video about how we learn to “know ourselves.”

Compliance is a critical part of doing business.  That is why most major companies have hundreds of attorneys ensuring that they are up to date on the relevant regulations and requirements.  It can be costly to avoiding being compliant with the necessary regulations and can even shut down your business.  Here are three things you can do to better manage compliance.

1) Know Your Responsibilities.  The internet is a great help because it allows us to have an increased access to information.  Make sure you know how your business is regulated.  Know about license and other requirements.  And stay up to date on filing timelines and costs.  Use those to evaluate your business plan and in cost analysis.

2) Create a Timeline.  Once you have research what your regulatory requirements, make a calendar and create alerts for your business so that you can stay on top of those requirements.  Give yourself sufficient time to complete the requirements that will be requirements of you.  You can even use phone or Outlook reminders to stay on top of deadlines.

3) Hire Someone.  Especially if you are in a regulated industry, it is always better to hire someone to manage compliance in your company.  Depending on the level of complexity, you can hire clerical assistance in-house or ensure that you have an attorney on retainer.  It is always easier to manage compliance when you have someone who is fully dedicated to that task.

To put your business at risk by not meeting the legal requirements that you are subject to.  Compliance is always important for your business.

In order to have success that endures, it is critical to sustain the attributes of one that has excellent character.  In a society so intent on debating the latest soundbite or finding a quick fix, we need more.  We need leaders in all sectors that are willing to stand up and make a difference.  Not simply talk about it, but do it.  Find a way to improve the situation of others.  Sustain principles, not just profits.

Our society and your business need you to be a person of character.  As such, the situation of all can improve.  This will make success even sweeter and longer-lasting.  Be THAT person of character that your community needs.

Here is an interesting video from the Harvard Business Review about some of the challenges that we face as we try to innovate.  What do you do to innovate and what challenges have you overcome?

We all know that person.  The one that can never seem to make a choice regarding what to do, what to buy, what to wear, etc.  The ability to choose is a great benefit to all of us, but it is important to be decisive when using that ability.  Here is an interesting video that discusses choices and the efficiency with which we make choices.