If I only knew then...
Brent King, Managing Director, IntegreatHR Technologies
Brent has two decades of experience helping companies take care of their people. He brings extensive knowledge of HR and technology solutions to IntegreatHR.
You sit there one day and say what do I want to do now? I know I will start a PEO! What makes some PEO’s good and others better? Over the years we have talked with hundreds of leaders and two very distinct groups emerge from these peer-to-peer conversations.
Group #1 - Normally produces a common quote, “This business of being a PEO is hard…. if I only knew then….” These people have furrowed brows, an intensity in their voice and a very specific idea about what their organization can be. They are focused on their mission.
These leaders want to build an organization of importance and to leave behind a better way of doing something for the clients they serve. Their desire is to build a PEO which can be self-sustaining, give their clients business the opportunity to do the same, while creating real wealth for their family.
Group #2 - Tends to communicate with an “oh my” sigh in their voice, what have I got myself into. These business owners sound like they are employed in a dead-end job, not in charge of their own destiny. This group can’t see what is possible because they work with a survival mentality, stuck working inside their business instead of on it.
The common theme with Group #2 is frustration……frustration with their past circumstances, with previous bosses and now with what is not happening in their business. It seems like this group initially felt that starting a business would get them a job that gave them the freedom and respect they deserved. But instead they only develop more frustration.
Numerous pundits are always trying to sell a magic formula for easy success in business. But anyone who has been around the block - once or twice - knows that there is no magic formula and Jack’s bean stalk isn’t going to lead to a golden-egg goose!
What sets them apart?
The traits of the “This business is hard…. if I only knew then….” group are:
- Really good at their mission because they have learned how to put the pieces together
- These leaders know being good means doing your homework
- They are practiced, work hard and are scarred from many past mistakes
- They're not afraid to ask for help
- They know that their people they are surrounded by make the difference
Growth is accomplished through people. I was always told over the last 22 years, hire for attitude and train for skill and has that served us well. People do make the difference. Your people are your business! They are your Internal Client!
Ask yourself:
- How do they represent you and your company when you’re not there?
- How do they talk about your company with their friends?
- More than the service you provide or the product you sell determines, how is your business perceived in the marketplace?
There is no hiding anymore. Everything you do is out there. Technologies like Instagram and Facebook mean your culture is exposed and your integrity is no display. This is an exciting business, make the most of it!
…..what they know now….
The ever-evolving landscape of health care, new regulations, fiduciary matters, government interference, ACA, fines and penalties - all make being an employer a very puzzling maze of compliance. This is what you’re getting into, this is what you will need to take care of for your clients!
All too often business owners get trapped into learning on the job about what it means to be an employer, but only after something bad happens. Ask for help, start with the people that can guide you through this puzzle! You don’t have to get the gotcha’ s, because you simply did not know, you just did not do your homework or put in the time. This cost of litigation and distraction can add thousands of dollars to what could have been an easily resolved challenge, because you had the right, good and fair policies in place. As the saying goes….
An ounce of prevention……. No Need to Reinvent the Wheel!
Topics: PEO
