Shield Advisory Group

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Elocution Execution

Oct 07, 2020

Now Wishing You’d Taken That Speech Class in Middle School…

For those of you with a sweet tooth, you will relate. To treat a cavity, a dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fills” the void created. Fillings are used to repair cracked or broken teeth and those worn down from nail-biting or grinding. First, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area to be filled, followed by a drill, air abrasion instrument or laser will be used to remove the decayed area.

We can all agree this is not a pleasant act.

“Filler Words” have the same effect on conversations — as well as my ears. These words; or more precisely: utterings, are such a part of the common vernacular I am going to resist the urge to list any of them.

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Often, these ticks of speech serve as crutches when we find ourselves unnerved. Whether distracted or at a loss for what comes next, it is easy to lean on filler words. Friends, this...

Dover Soul - Going Public On The Benefits (and Pitfalls) of Incorporating in Delaware

Oct 06, 2020

Not since that fateful historic crossing of the Delaware River have so many suits left Trenton for Dover.

Goldilocks Zone in Branding

Oct 05, 2020

Distinguishing your Brand and Products is No Fairy Tale.

True originality is difficult to achieve. When it comes to products, logos and branding that are entirely unprecedented, they are few and far between. Your company can outsource to a white shoe Madison Avenue PR firm, source bespoke fabrics, create unique designs but that does not assure relevance to a persnickety public.

Iconic brands are a cultural phenomenon that inspire unbreakable loyalty in their following. Greater than its products or services, an iconic brand identity has such a strong influence and reputation within an industry that it needs no introduction. Nike Swoosh. Golden Arches. Prancing Horse.

Iconic brands, whether subliminal or overt, are experts in psychological marketing. These are businesses that have spent years developing a unique identity that advocates ideas and concepts that resonate with the people they want to sell to. As iconic brand identities play an important role in their...

Missteps Can Lead to The Greatest Strides

Oct 01, 2020

How Forgetting One’s Wallet Affected the Contents of Every Wallet Thereafter.

In 1949, businessman Frank X. McNamara forgot his wallet while dining out at a New York City restaurant. Cheeky trick. Fortunately, his wife rescued him and paid the tab. It was an embarrassment he resolved never to face again. Legend has it this was the true start of the feminist movement.

One year later, February 1950: McNamara returned to Major’s Cabin Grill with his partner and trusted attorney, Ralph Schneider. When the bill arrived this time, McNamara paid with a small cardboard card, known today as a Diners Club Card. This event was hailed as the “First Supper,” paving the way for the world’s first multipurpose charge card. Diners Club made its mark on history becoming the world’s first independent credit card company. ( A charge card as distinguished from a credit card, as it requires paying off your full balance once a month.)

In its first year of...

Inner Peace in Outer Space

Sep 30, 2020

Where Is This Renewed Interest In Outer Space Coming From?

Our fascination is no longer limited to interesting scientific endeavors relying on the radio transmissions of go-kart sized satellites. Every corporate bigwig is bringing his toy rocket to the Board Room sandbox. Elon Musk’s Space X has established the commercial viability of its Falcon 9 Rocket, the first orbital class rocket capable or reflight. Jeff Bezos has undertaken some lofty goals with his Blue Origin. He believes “that in order to preserve Earth, our home, for our grandchildren’s grandchildren, we must go to space to tap its unlimited resources and energy. Like the Industrial Revolution gave way to trade, economic abundance, new communities and high-speed transportation — our road to space opens to the door to the infinite and yet unimaginable future generations might enjoy”. Overnight moon rocks, anyone? Do not forget the O.G. of modern space spin...

Do's & Don't's of Business Relief Loans

Sep 29, 2020

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan [EIDL] from the Small Business Administration. The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to coronavirus.

As in all governmental relief programs, the key to approval is the accuracy and punctuality of documentation.

While you may not submit your firm’s documentation automatically, you must keep careful records of how you spend EIDL proceeds in the event of an SBA or other governmental agency future review. Just as there have been audits and inspections of past disasters, there will be scrutiny of some of these loans as well. It would be wise to note all relevant expenditures as “EIDL” in your accounting program and keep an actual hardcopy file with...

Department of Labor Proposes Rule to Clarify Independent Contractor Status

Sep 28, 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a proposed rule clarifying the definition of “employee” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as it relates to independent contractors.

For eons, it was noticeably clear what an “employee” was. If you have a boss, you are an employee. If you can get fired, you are an employee. The gig economy has grayed the line between independent contractor and in-house staffer. Many successful U.S. corporations hinge their every customer interaction based upon this gray area. Hail a cab lately? I know — you try to avoid the extra dry-cleaning bill!

So, its time our big brother south of The Mason Dixon line tells us which side of this line we are on. Note, if you are reading this south of the 39th parallel, enjoy the weather. In a recent press release, the U.S. Department of Labor proposal aims “to bring clarity and consistency to the determination of who is an independent contractor under the...

Another Business-Sports Analogy (this one is witty)

Sep 25, 2020

Avoiding Business Road Rash
By Luigi Rosabianca of Shield Advisory Group
  
There is no lack of sporting analogies and Team references to business strategy and success. No “i” in Team; Vince Lombardi quotes in board rooms; sports legend as spokesperson; bla bla bla. Yawn.
One sport is not often seen in ‘Team’ terms. Especially on this side of the Pond. Cycling. I cannot imagine another physical endeavor as physically and emotionally taxing of the human body as a cycling grand tour (Tour de France, Il Giro, la Vuelta)- besides starting one’s own business.
This is where my witty analogy starts to take shape so pay close attention.
There are 8 riders in a cycling Team. Various teams in a road race tend to ride in one tight clump called a peloton so everyone gets the benefit of drafting, except for the guy in the lead, of course. He (or she, as the female tours are gaining popularity) is said to be pulling the pack. The puller...

Post-ing a Profit

Sep 24, 2020

Private vs Public Approaches to Success
By Luigi Rosabianca of Shield Advisory Group
 
On July 26, 1775, members of the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, agreed…
That a postmaster General be appointed for the United Colonies, who shall hold his office at Philadelphia, and shall be allowed a salary of 1000 dollars per annum: for himself, and 340 dollars per an: for a secretary and Comptroller, with power to appoint such, and so many deputies as to him may seem proper and necessary. That a line of posts be appointed under the direction of the Postmaster general, from Falmouth in New England to Savannah in Georgia, with as many cross posts as he shall think fit.
This simple statement signaled the birth of the Post Office Department, the predecessor of the U.S. Postal Service. Our Founding Fathers appreciated the need for an expedient mail delivery service for the promotion of business and communications. Over the next century, the U.S. Post Office was...

All the Tools You Need to Build a Successful Business

Sep 23, 2020

We implement Real Growth and Meaningful Change

Strategic Planning

Effective long-term planning requires careful coordination of organizational stakeholders, a transformation mindset, and deep industry expertise to drive capability-forward and market-back strategic plans. SAG partners with executive leadership teams to create a long-range plan that considers the unique nuances, capabilities, and opportunities for your business.

Business Coaching

Sustainable transformations require significant amounts of time, patience, energy, and incredible degrees of persistence and resilience. But transformations also require an actionable and focused guidance for your organization. SAG’s Business Coaching program helps keep you accountable and focused on your vision while giving your business access to industry experts.

Organizational Development

Between tight budgets and program demand, your organization must do more with less — and do it well no matter what because so...

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We implement Real Growth and Meaningful Change

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