Problem Solver

Q: I’d like to give some of my employees the opportunity to

telecommute. What jobs are best suited for this and what guidelines should I

set?

Libby Anderson, a Naples-based human resources consultant

and trainer, answers:

More and more, flexibility places employers in a favorable

light with workers. Telecommuting is

one way to provide flexibility in the work environment. In 2001, 9 million

employees worked all or part-time at another location, usually the home.

For the employer, benefits include improved morale and

productivity as well as reduced office expenses and turnover. Employees can

establish a better balance between work and home, reduce work-related expenses

and experience less stress.

But not all jobs are suited to telecommuting. Positions that

require concentration, independent thinking and little face-to-face interaction

are best. When considering the type of employee who would be successful with

this arrangement, look for those who are self-motivated, disciplined and have

considerable job know-ledge. A good telecommuter also has time-management and organizational skills.

Establish a telecommuting agreement that outlines

responsibilities such as work hours, amount of communication to the office and workspace setup. It is also

important that you as manager specify expectations and focus on results.

And keep the telecommuter involved

in the business through

frequent communication.

Remember that telecommuters are covered under all state and

federal laws. Therefore, make your worker’s compensation carrier aware when you

have a telecommuter and keep accurate payroll records that reflect compliance

with fair labor regulations.

Anderson can be reached via e-mail at edahrsvcs@aol.com.

Q: How can I add pizzazz and visual appeal to my business

presentations?

Keith Scott Grossman, a lawyer and presentations specialist,

answers:

President John F. Kennedy’s first speech to the U.S. Senate

in 1953 was so loaded with facts, figures and statistics that he left his

audience numb. Kennedy quickly learned that people act and make decisions based

on emotions and began using techniques intended to touch his listeners at an

emotional level.

You can add appeal to your presentations with visual aids

such as flipcharts, props and Power Point, which provide physical images for

the listener.

You can provide mental images as well. Using themes and

telling stories are wonderful methods to illustrate key points in a memorable

way.

Outline a theme in a simple and brief statement that

captures your primary message to hold your audience’s attention. A strong theme

will place an image in listeners’ minds and possibly touch them emotionally.

Your audience is likely familiar with sound bites from news reports and

advertising slogans that employ this technique. A classic example is the

well-known “Where’s the beef?” line from the Wendy’s commercial. Martin Luther

King Jr. masterfully used this technique in his “I Have a Dream” speech.

There is no better way to paint a mental image than

storytelling. People love to hear stories, and they will remember your message

because of their emotional attachment to your anecdotes. In addition, use life

experiences to explain your ideas. Stories not only re-emphasize your message;

they also provide a change of pace.

By incorporating themes and stories into your presentations,

you make the information you present more interesting and visually appealing.

You also improve your audience’s ability to understand and remember your key

points.

Grossman, who helps create successful business presentations

through speechwriting, coaching and training, can be reached at 335-2991 or

Keith@ AttorneyGrossman.com.

Q. People tell me that PR is free advertising. Why should I

spend money on paid advertising if I can get it for free?

William Earnest Waites, former chairman and co-creative

director of Spiro & Waites Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations,

answers:

First, PR is only free if and when the media pick up your

story and run it. Even then, it has a cost. Someone must be paid to spend time

cultivating the press, learning what reporters are looking for, digging out

stories that may be of interest to them, sending out releases and leads, and following

up to be sure you get accurate and fair treatment in the media. Moreover, if

the story doesn’t get picked up, all of that investment is wasted. On the other

hand, when you produce and pay to run an ad, it appears exactly how you wrote

and designed it and on the date of your choosing. It takes a mix of PR and

advertising to get the most out of your marketing investment.

Waites can be reached at Spiro & Waites at 481-5511.