MultiBriefs - Your source for industry specific News Briefs

CFOs reveal their employees’ most outrageous expense report submissions

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

If it's your job to monitor and approve expense report submissions, you may have noticed an uptick in employees trying to submit inappropriate requests. According to a recent survey by Robert Half Management Resources, 56% of chief financial officers have observed an increase in unsuitable expense report submissions during the last three years. There are at least two factors contributing to the rise in inappropriate expense report submissions.

3 takeaways from the recent Business Roundtable statement

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Why should small businesses care about the recent statement from the Business Roundtable? After all, the lobbying group represents some of the largest and most powerful companies in America and thus is not necessarily representative of the thoughts, feelings and challenges of our country's smaller organizations. However, before moving on to the next headline, business and HR leaders should consider these three takeaways.

5 ways to harness the power of microinfluencers

Lisa Mulcahy Marketing

When you think of social media marketing these days, one of the first things you probably think of are influencers. But the most beneficial influencer for your brand definitely doesn't have to be a celebrity with a massive amount of followers. Microinfluencers — who have fewer than 10,000 followers — are often extremely important in terms of directing their fans to niche brands and products. These influencers are often ignored by advertisers, which is a huge mistake. Working with them can definitely position your brand in a desirable and highly lucrative way.

Concerns about online hotel scams grow

Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

For years, hoteliers have lobbied Congress to act against growing online scams that lead to fake confirmations of reservations, unnecessary fees, customer harassment, and deal a significant blow to hotel brands. It seems that their calls are finally being heeded. A bipartisan bill, the Stopping Online Booking Scams Act, has been reintroduced in both chambers of Congress to combat online hotel booking scams. If passed, hotel scams would become punishable by law, and scammers would find it harder to get away with their schemes.

Joint checks: Make sure you follow these guidelines to get paid

Nate Budde Construction & Building Materials

Simply put, a joint check is a check made payable to two or more parties, such that both parties must endorse the check prior to deposit. A joint check agreement, therefore, is a contract through which one party agrees to (or gives permission to) make payment in the form of joint checks. While joint check agreements are just contracts, and can exist in any industry or between any group of parties, they are most common in construction, and used to manage payment on construction projects far more than anywhere else.

Can you recession-proof your job?

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Whether you believe that Big Macs or RV sales predict recessions, it seems at least that the continued talk of a recession is certainly on the horizon. Yet, with more of us gainfully employed and the job market so seeker-friendly, should we care? Yes; just like how it is easier to find a job when we already have one, it is easier to plan for a recession when we are not in one. Here are a few things to consider when trying to recession-proof your job.

What does Target’s new in-store food brand mean for retail?

Bambi Majumdar Retail

Experts say that retailers should be looking at the writing on the wall and go lean. It’s said that only the biggest guns like Costco and Walmart have the resources to weather the Amazon storm. So, Target's announcement that it is launching a new grocery brand, Good & Gather, came as a surprise. Confident projections that it will also be a multibillion-dollar brand by the end of 2020 raised eyebrows as well. Good & Gather is based on a better-for-you groceries model and includes over 2,000 items ranging from fresh salad mixes, organic snacks and frozen meals.

What makes a good speaker? The buy-in

LeRon L. Barton Business Management, Services & Risk Management

In business, the presentation matters. How an idea is conveyed, communicated, and relayed is important. For example, there could be a scheduled department meeting focusing on the most mundane concept, and it can become captivating. As I have learned and believe in — it is all in the delivery. Corporations, universities, and organizations often hire speakers to present a new idea, facilitate workshops, and entertain audiences. With speakers becoming ubiquitous in corporate culture, the question becomes: What makes a good speaker? As a writer who is an up-and-coming speaker, I wanted to find the answer.

7 ways new managers can shine

Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

"Psssttt…Can you keep a secret? I’ve just been made a manager and I haven’t a clue what to do!" This was exactly what went through my head over 20 years ago when I found myself suddenly in charge. My focus should have been on what I could do to shine from day one. But instead, I worried that it would only be a matter of time before my secret was out. It's no secret that those who find themselves tossed into management with little more than a hope and a prayer aren't ready to fully engage in all that is required of more experienced managers. But there is certainly something about you that indicated you were right for this job.

The road to organizational excellence

Bob Harris and Desiree Bennyhoff Association Management

"Organizational Excellence" is a class taught at the Institute for Organization Management (IOM), sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The class starts by asserting, "Organizational excellence starts with a commitment. To be the best you must have a hunger." Reaching excellence will distinguish the organization from mediocre ones. An inward evaluation is an important part of the process. Do not let identified weaknesses be roadblocks.

Industries