Our recent post on the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)

Today I posted this piece on the NFIB forum

I ‘m a business owner with thirty employees and there are two things that disturb me about job losses. First, more often we hear about those companies that lay off workers than those who are doing heroic or creative things to save jobs. Second, most of the news is about what the federal government is doing, will do, or is expected to do to save or create jobs.


The federal government should pay down the debt, reduce taxes, keep us safe and stay out of the way of America’s small businesses so we can do what we have always done- make America prosper.

Layoffs occur when business owners are scared. We usually face that lonesome valley alone. If we redirect the focus to saving jobs, then maybe, we can turn the numbers around. The government can’t do it. But we can.

I have started a blog www.capacitytocare.com and Facebook page entitled Capacity to Care. Each day, we scour the news in search of stories of what businesses and employees are doing to survive and even thrive in this down economy. There are a few, but there must be more.

If you have a positive story, please share it with us. If you are like me, we’re tired of hearing about another company that let the ax fall.

9 Tips for taking control of your carrer in face of layoffs

Refreshing! There are many stories about people losing jobs, here is one from Mark Cummuta that I found on CIO focused on how to prevent being laid off.

Tracy, California Police Officers Forgo Raises to Save Jobs

Thanks to police officers in Tracy, Califonia six of their fellow officers retain their jobs.  Six jobs saved! Reported on Mecurynews.com  Government can't save jobs, nor should it be expected to. However business and people themselves can.  Hats off to police department in Tracy! 

Time Off Without Pay? Would you Volunteer?

Would you volunteer for an unpaid furlough to keep your colleagues from losing their jobs? This blog entry from "The Responsibility Project" is an oldie but goodie with plenty of comments!


The take away is that layoffs and dismissals should be the very last resort. They are devastating! This is only one way to avoid them. We need to look for better ways. My thought for today, when you find one, share it quickly with your employer, particularly is things are slow. Be part of the solution, We can stop job loss! Yes we can! 

Crowd Sourcing - Chase's Community Giving

“Crowdsourcing” initiatives are becoming increasingly popular among advertisers ranging from Google Inc. to PepsiCo Inc., especially for charitable cause-related marketing campaigns.

Read more on Medill Reports from Northwestern University

Stressed Out Employees

Productive teams are less likely to be stressed.  In the words of my departed mother. "go outside, find something to do!"  I think think we have to look outside of the norm and find productive and meaningful things for our teams to do. 

Here is an article from the National Federation of Small Business "Business Owners Try to Motivate Employees"  I am not certain that business owners can motivate anyone.  But we can create conditions for people to feel value in what they do. 

Give a Day. Get a Disney

Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization. Each volunteer gets 1-day, 1-theme park ticket to the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort, free.
The program is called Get a Disney Day.  The site includes a search engine that helps you find a participating organization in your area.