In an era of record low unemployment, it is hard to imagine having a serious discussion about building depth of talent at any level, in any organization—especially the direct labor force. 

When I first heard the term BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement), I thought to myself, “No way! That’s a polite way of being okay with failure.” But I soon found that, regardless of where I turned to research negotiation strategies and tactics, the concept came up. The more I read about it and the more I let the theory marinate, the more practical applications I found for it.

I hate being backed into a corner. Whether it’s an employee trying to hold you hostage for a raise or an insurance adjuster standing his ground on the payment of a claim, there is a feeling of helplessness and lack of control which is enough to drive most Type A personalities crazy. This can lead to anger, resentment, and more often than not, regrettable actions.

They say familiarity breeds contempt. Perhaps that is the inspiration for this piece. Or maybe it’s just that after 17 years of dealing with the same issue, you lose patience with it. Especially when the solution seems so simple. At least on the surface.

Just the other day, my kitchen faucet started leaking. It was a familiar leak. I had seen it happen before, shortly after we built our home. The first time it occurred, the plumber who did the original installation came and fixed it under warranty. 

If Hurricane Matthew would have taken a more westerly track by just 30 or 40 miles it probably would have been the largest natural catastrophe the East Coast has seen since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Almost seven years ago, during the later hours of a Friday afternoon, I was wrapping up some paperwork and feeling pretty good about the progress of the week. My wife and I had a sitter lined up for the evening, and I was looking forward to date night with dinner and a ballgame. 

It is true that all entrepreneurs are self-employed, however, not all who are self-employed are entrepreneurs. There is a profound difference between the two. And, not all who are self-employed should try to be entrepreneurs.

Years ago, while preparing a project management seminar for the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), I was asked to include a section on upselling strategies. At first I was reluctant, feeling the topic was inappropriate for the subject matter of the course. However, upon presenting the material and seeing the reaction of the audience, I recognized the need.

Almost one year after my working career in restoration started, I was baptized by accepting a request to look at a boat fire. I had absolutely no knowledge of marine vessels, how they were constructed or what the component materials were, let alone how they react when they burn.