Today’s blog is by Margaret Stewart, Executive Assistant at SafeSourcing.

Today, businesses often set goals, not only for the company as a whole, but also for specific departments, teams, and individuals. The goals a business sets may be for different reasons, be it financial, team building, or development. Failing to meet certain goals can have negative consequences for a company, where meeting and exceeding goals can have an incredibly beneficial and rewarding outcome. So, how should a company set up and achieve its goals?

Figuring out the direction the business needs to head is the first step toward setting goals. Determine what areas of your business need the most work or improvement. You could set a sales goal for a month, set a goal for hours worked on a task, or set progress goals on a project. The goals set should be challenging, yet attainable. It’s okay if your team works a bit harder, but when a goal is virtually out of reach, efforts drop substantially and frustrations go up.

Next the level of goal you expect needs to be calculated. When first implementing goals, try setting one that is between current performance levels and the ideal level. Then, if goals are consistently met, then goals can rise as well. Setting goals too high or too low can hinder motivation in your business.

Finally, reward those in your business who meet goals. Often, the final reward is motivation enough for employees to put in the extra time and effort. Just as goals can be big or small, rewards can too. Some common rewards are bonuses, extra time off, prizes, or outings.

For more information on how SafeSourcing can help you with your business goals, or are interested in our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

If you haven’t already heard there’s a new app taking the world by storm. Pokémon Go is a new free application that can be downloaded to Android and iOS.  According to an article on Forbes.com on July 11^th, 2016, the application has at least 7.5M US downloads on iOS and Android (Google Play only) since early Thursday, with $1.6M in daily revenue in Apple’s iOS store alone.  The application is free to play, but purchases can be made within the application to improve player’s experience.  The object of the game is to capture, train, and battle virtual Pokémon while roaming around your town or neighborhood using the location-based augmented reality application.

There’s one positive side effect coming from the playing the game that kids may not realize and that is the app is getting them outside and exercising, which is the opposite of most of the games they are used to playing. I can attest to this because I have two children that downloaded the app last evening and have already caught the Pokémon Go fever.  Since it’s summer vacation, they usually sleep in but they were up by 8 this morning and roaming the neighborhood for wild Pokémon.  I’m not sure how long this craze will last but it pleases me to see they’re having fun and enjoying the outside like my generation.

Interested in learning how SafeSourcing can help your company run more efficiently? Like to try a risk free trial?  Please don’t hesitate to contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. Our team is ready and available to assist you!

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

Comparing alike products and deciding which is best can be a very daunting task. Should you buy a name brand or will the generic option meet my needs?  These are a few questions that can enter in your mind during the decision making process.  Some people feel more comfortable purchasing name brands.  If this is the case, you may be able to get the name brand item cheaper than the generic by watching sales, using coupons or utilizing price matching.

Some items purchased may not make a difference in cost because of the frequency purchased. For example, choosing a generic food item; it may be a little cheaper but you only purchase it once or twice a year.  In this case you may want to settle for the brand that you enjoy.

When it comes to more expensive items you may want to purchase a generic over the name brand if it’s something that you may only use a few times a year. If it is something that will be used more frequently then you may want to stick with a reputable brand that is known for its durability and warranties.

When purchasing over the counter medications, you may want to purchase the generic form. These generic medications are regulated by the FDA and must contain the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, route of administration and label.  This ensures that the generics will have the same benefits as the brand name equivalents.

Keep in mind that buying a generic product doesn’t always mean that it is an inferior product. Some generic products are often made by the same name brand companies but are packaged differently.

Interested in learning how SafeSourcing can help your company run more efficiently? Like to try a risk free trial?  Please don’t hesitate to contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. Our team is ready and available to assist you!

Today’s post is by Gayl Southard, Administrative Consultant for SafeSourcing.

“America” will become the Budweiser label for the summer. Special cans and bottles will become available May 23 through the presidential election in the fall.  This is the peak season for beer.  One-third of all U.S. beer sales are between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  In addition to the patriotic flare, phrases from the Pledge of Allegiance and lyrics from “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful,” will also be displayed on the cans.

“We are embarking on what should be the most patriotic summer that this generation has ever seen, with Copa America Centenario being held on U.S. soil for the first time, Team USA competing at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Budweiser Vice President Ricardo Marques said in the press release.[1]

Here is some brief history on Budweiser. In the mid-1800’s a large number of German immigrants arrived in St. Louis mainly because of political upheavals in Germany and Bohemia in 1848.    Due to the large migrations of Germans to St. Louis, the principal industry soon became brewing beer.   These immigrant brewers brought a new style of beer to the U.S. – Lager (derived from the German word “lagern” which means ‘to rest’). Lager beer requires more time and care when brewing.  Brewers stored the beer in wooden casks, in underground caverns and caves.  By the end of 1800s there were more than 50 brewers in this area!  In 1876, Adolphus Busch and his friend Carl Conrad, a liquor importer, developed a “Bohemian-style” lager, inspired by their trip to Budweis.  The name “Budweiser” is a derivative adjective of “Budweis” where beer was brewed and founded by king Ottokar II of Bohemia in 1245.

Although Anheuser- Busch sold to Belgian brewer InBev for about $50 billion in 2008, beer drinkers are still loyal to the brand.

[1] Dana Farrington, The Two-Way, 5/10/16

For more information on how the team at SafeSourcing can help your company with sourcing beverages and products during this unique patriotic year, or on our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer

Today’s post is by Ryan Melowic; VP of Customer Services at SafeSourcing.

According to Gregory Pest Solutions, “Working in partnership with a pest control provider, clients’ shared responsibilities fall into three areas. First is the maintenance of high standards of sanitation, which includes thorough cleaning on a regular schedule.  Secondly, communication of pest sightings and documentation in the Pest Sighting Log is a key part of the success of any program.  Thirdly, if any preparations, repairs, or the need to arrange for special access to areas is required prior to treatment, it is the client’s responsibility to make sure that these contingencies are taken care of.

The responsibility of the pest control providers’ personnel also falls into three categories. First, they will thoroughly inspect the facility to determine if pest issues exist. Monitoring of these areas will be provided, as well as documentation of location and type of any pest issues. Secondly they will develop treatment strategies that utilize the least amount of the least toxic material available to control pest issues.  Thirdly, they will provide up to date, complete documentation and information for the facility.  If any sanitation issues or structural deficiencies are noted during the inspection, it will be noted on the service report.”

SafeSourcing has a wealth of knowledge on pest control sourcing. For more information on how we can help you with your procurement needs or on our “Risk Free” trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

Today’s post is by Christine McConnell, Account Manager at SafeSourcing

Being an entrepreneur is not easy. Having team members that are Intrepreneurs (in house entrepreneurs) may be just as important to your company’s success.

Here’s a short quiz to get you thinking:

• While working as part of a team, do you fade back or step up to the foreground?
  • I like to consider all input but would rather lead
  • I prefer being one of several leaders
  • I am always the leader
• Are you a risk taker?
  • After I’ve done my research
  • No way Jose
  • Bring it on I’ll try anything
• How easily do you get stressed out?
  • I only stress under real pressure
  • Every little thing can freak me out
  • I never let ‘em see me sweat
• What are your views on competition?
  • Crush them
  • Ignore them
  • Collaborate with them
• What is your main motivation?
  • I have a product/service that is new to the market space
  • I want to get rich quick
  • I’ve always dreamed of being my own boss
• How do you handle rejection?
  • If it’s not happening I’ll throw in the towel
  • I never give up… it’s a numbers game
  • I go back to the drawing board
• What is the key to success?
  • Luck: being in the right space at the right time
  • Having the best product /business plan
  • It’s all about passion and persistence
• What is your money management style?
  • Just call me Frugal Frannie
  • Hey Big Spender
  • It’s a struggle but I‘m working on it
• What is your work style?
  • I am real worker bee
  • I pride myself on working smarter not harder
  • Party on Garth
• Do you believe in luck?
  • Yes I do (fingers crossed)
  • I believe that you create your own luck
  • I think that you can be prepared for “lucky” opportunities

So how do you score the quiz? You simply think long and hard about your answers, examine your work style and motivations, and look deep into your heart because at the end of the day only YOU can decide if you’re ready to commit to entrepreneurship. Be completely honest about your responses. Ask yourself: why do I truly want to be an entrepreneur? Again, there is no correct answer. However if you answered “I’m a big spender who wants to get rich quick” then you could be in it for the wrong reasons. Becoming an entrepreneur is one of the most challenging life goals you’ll ever take on, so having the right motivation to get you through the tough times will be crucial. Good luck out there!

Interested in learning how SafeSourcing can help your company run more efficiently? Like to try a risk free trial? Please don’t hesitate to contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. Our team is ready and available to assist you!

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

They say, April showers bring May flowers, but what we all know is they also bring lots of weeds. With the weather warming up and all of the spring showers you can expect your lawn to contain a fair amount of weeds unless it is well maintained.  There are things that can be done to prevent them from taking over your lawn.  Proper lawn care can lower the amount of weeds and help you maintain a beautiful lawn.  When your lawn is not doing well, it is prone to be overtaken by weeds.  Some things you can do to help are mowing to the proper height, applying the right amount of water and proper feeding.  Mowing to the proper height ensures that the grass stays healthy and allows it to shade the ground, keeping it cooler and making it much harder for the weeds to grow.  When watering the lawn, the trick is to water it deeply and intermittently.  It’s usually best to water the lawn early in the morning or in the evening depending on what part of the region you are located.  Feeding the lawn with the proper fertilizer and herbicide will help minimize the amount of weeds.  Using the correct herbicide depends on the type of weed and multiple herbicides may be needed to ensure a weed-free lawn.  Below is a list of common weeds that can be found in most lawns.

Common Types of Weeds

• Chickweed
• Common Purslane
• Crabgrass
• Dandelion
• Ground Ivy
• Prickly Lettuce
• White or Dutch Clover

If you need help maintaining your lawns and other landscaping needs this season, we can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which options meet your needs. If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.  We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

Today’s post is written by Heather Powell, Director of the Customer Focus Team & Project Manager at SafeSourcing Inc.

Do you ever find yourself frustrated at trying to find a contacts phone number from an e-mail and all you see is a name? No proper sign off, let alone a signature file?

A signature file is fairly simple to create in your e-mail system, and there are many YouTube videos on the internet to walk you through step-by-step how to create it. There various types of signatures you can create, i.e. Standard, Reply, Personal, and more.

The standard signature should be your default and come up automatically when starting a new e-mail.

Start your signature with a proper sign off, such as Thank you, Best Regards, Regards, or Sincerely. By starting the signature with a proper sign off, it is automatic in the email and one less thing to think of when creating

1. Add your name, if you have a common name then include your middle initial, and of course any post-nominal initials.
2. Add your full job title.
3. Add your full company name. Include Inc., LLC, or Corporation.
4. Add your direct phone number.
5. Optional Cell phone number.
6. Add your full website, including the http://

This simple addition to your e-mail will give you a more professional appearance and be greatly appreciated by those reading it and wishing to contact you.

Are you interest in learning more about SafeSourcing and how we can help your company? SafeSourcing can assist you in exploring your procurement solutions for your business or on our “Risk Free” trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

Today’s post is by Christine McConnell, Account Manager at SafeSourcing.

1. You will gain better appreciation of other cultures. Even if you end up in a country where you have no grasp of the language whatsoever, by speaking two languages you’ve multiplied your chances of finding someone with whom you can communicate. Effective communication is the key to understanding and respecting most, if not all, cultural differences.
2. You will become more marketable. In the 21^st century, nearly 20 percent of all Americans speak a second language (as opposed to 56 percent of Europeans and 38 percent of the British). If you are fluent in a second language, your skill set is doubled. You are more versatile. You’ve moved up onto a whole new level. Fluency in another language can translate into new opportunities to communicate with international clients and perhaps even to travel abroad.
3. You will be able to comfortably travel abroad. The ability to read road signs and placards, ask for directions, and order off a menu convincingly will all make your travel abroad more safe and relaxing. Making sense of the local vernacular will also allow you to tune into certain nuances and cultural references that will definitely make your travel abroad more interesting.
4. You will improve your memory. Learning an additional language requires a lot of brain power, what with all the conjugating and the memorizating of new vocabulary words. Studies have shown that bilingual adults possess improved memory and executive function as opposed to people who only speak one language.[1] This will come in handy when recounting all of your wonderful new travel tales.
5. You will stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s. In 2013, the medical journal Neurology published a study of 684 patients with dementia. The study found that bilingual patients developed Alzheimer’s or dementia nearly five years later than the patients who spoke only one language.[2] Compelling, right?
6. You will just be all around smarter. A 2004 psychological study concluded that people who speak two or more languages were more adept at problem solving, planning, and other mentally demanding tasks, and that they had higher levels of cognitive brain function.[3] Bilingual people can switch between languages several times throughout the day. This constant shifting back and forth acts like a workout for the brain making bilinguals better at multi-tasking, quicker on their feet, and yes smarter overall.

Interested in learning how SafeSourcing can help your company run more efficiently? Like to try a risk free trial? Please don’t hesitate to contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. Our team is ready and available to assist you!

[1] http://dana.org/Cerebrum/2012/The_Cognitive_Benefits_of_Being_Bilingual/

[2] http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/bilingualism-may-slow-alzheimers-progression-9826.aspx

[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-benefits-of-bilingualism.html?_r=1&