6 Ways to Keep your Employees Happy and Motivated

Whether you own a small boutique or huge tech company, employees are a key factor in success of most businesses. Because of this, it is important that they come in every day excited to be at the office and ready to put in some hard work. A happy team can help you grow and prosper. Here are some great ways to keep your associates happy and motivated.

Open Communication is Key – Here in our office, we have what I like to call an open door policy. I want my team members to be comfortable talking to me about any problems or concerns that arise in our office. My hope for this is to be able to nip the problems in the bud before they blossom into something more. I’ve found that being open and available with all employees has really improved the moral of the office

Make Training and Learning Readily Available – People are born to learn, and want every opportunity to continue to better themselves. It is important to have training readily available for them to help expand their knowledge. Whether this be online training, reading material, or even in-person sessions, giving your employees the chance to further their knowledge will help keep them happy and productive

Help Your Employees Feel Valued - It’s not hard to know that people like feeling valued. It’s human nature. A great way to keep your employees happy is to acknowledge and thank them for their work. Now, constant praise over the smallest accomplishments isn’t what we are talking about. But maybe they just finished a huge project, or closed a huge deal, a pat on the back from their boss is always a great feeling. Or maybe if you are in a smaller company make it a point to take your employees out to lunch, get to know them. If they feel like their boss is interested in getting to know them it can make all the difference.

Create Trust – Trust should be the main base in any relationship. If your employees feel they are able to trust you as an employer there will be a supportive environment in the office. Having an open relationship with your employees will help when problems arise. If you approach problems that arise in the office with open judgement to examine the situation your employees will notice that, and will respect it. Which creates for a good work environment!

Get Everyone Involved – If you want to keep your employees working hard, have ways for them to help in the planning and decision making on projects in the office. (Or at least in their unit). This will bring a new meaning to what they’re doing. They will think of this project as their baby, and they will work hard to make it successful

Allow Pets at Work – This may seem like an unorthodox method in the work place, but it really could make a huge difference. Adding pets to the workplace could reduce stress and increase productivity. I’m sure many of your employees had pets of their own that they miss terribly while away at work, so why not let them bring them a couple times a week? After all, who wouldn’t want to come to work knowing that they would be greeted by a nice puppy kiss or kitten cuddle?

So what do you think? What ways do you like to keep your employees happy? Or as an employee what is something that your manager does to keep you happy? Let me know in the comments below! 

4 Ways to Help Save on Your Water Bill this Year

4 Easy Ways to Help Save on Your Water Bill this Year

Summer is rapidly approaching here in Calabasas (well I guess technically since we live in Southern California it hasn’t really left). Since we are facing a pretty worrisome drought here in California the consumption of less water this season will not only lower your water bill, but help conserve the precious water we have left. I have for you 4 very simple tips that will help conserve water and save you money this summer.

1. Turn off the sink while brushing your teeth - Simple enough right? But is leaving the faucet on really that big of a deal? It’s only for a couple minutes! Let’s consider this: Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. That’s easy right? But, the average bathroom faucet uses 2.2 gallons of water per minute¹. If you are brushing your teeth two times a day, seven days a week that equates to approximately 31 gallons a week. Which then equates to ~11,242 GALLONS A YEAR. And that is only for a single person. Imagine an entire family. Simply turning off the faucet while in the process of brushing your teeth could help you cut down quite a bit on your water bill
2. Take 5 minute (or less) showers - I know, this one is tough. After all, who doesn’t love a long relaxing shower after a stressful day? I know I do. But this one is extremely important. Showers can use anywhere between 2.5 and 4 gallons of water, depending on the type of shower head you have². I’ll throw a little more math at you again - if you are taking 10 minute showers that’s anywhere between 25 and 40 gallons per shower per person. Chances are you aren’t the only one in your house, so let’s say with two other people that now brings us up to anywhere between 75 and 120 gallons a day. Cut those showers down to 5 minutes for the three of you and that’s saving anywhere from 12.5 and 37.5 gallons. Which on a daily, or almost daily basis will add up quite a bit!
3. Check for leaks, and get them fixed - A leaky faucet or hose is annoying, and can be such an easy fix. The cost of replacing a faucet or hose is far cheaper than having that extra drippage add up on your water bill. If there has been a faucet that has caught your eye, there is no better time than the present to fix it up!
4. Make sure you have a full load in your washing machine when you wash clothes - Washing machines are one of the appliances in your house that use the most water. It takes a couple of gallons each time you wash some clothes. Why not get the most out of that water usage by making sure your filling the washing machine up all the way? Think about it, it’ll take some of the work off of you not having to wash as many loads! Because who likes doing laundry anyways?

It doesn’t take much change to help save your wallet and the environment now does it? Just taking a couple extra measures today can help save a lot in the long run. Have any other water saving tips? I’d love to hear them! Leave a message in the comments below and share what you to do save money and the planet!     

Sources:

¹http://www.conserveh2o.org/faucet-water-use

²http://water.usgs.gov/edu/qa-home-percapita.html

http://www.ryot.org/9-ways-save-water-drought/571241

I am a Farmers® agent but my posts are my own and are not statements by or on behalf of Farmers.

4 Easy Ways to Help Save on Your Water Bill this Year

4 Easy Ways to Help Save on Your Water Bill this Year

Summer is rapidly approaching here in Calabasas (well I guess technically since we live in Southern California it hasn’t really left). Since we are facing a pretty worrisome drought here in California the consumption of less water this season will not only lower your water bill, but help conserve the precious water we have left. I have for you 4 very simple tips that will help conserve water and save you money this summer.

1. Turn off the sink while brushing your teeth - Simple enough right? But is leaving the faucet on really that big of a deal? It’s only for a couple minutes! Let’s consider this: Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. That’s easy right? But, the average bathroom faucet uses 2.2 gallons of water per minute¹. If you are brushing your teeth two times a day, seven days a week that equates to approximately 31 gallons a week. Which then equates to ~11,242 GALLONS A YEAR. And that is only for a single person. Imagine an entire family. Simply turning off the faucet while in the process of brushing your teeth could help you cut down quite a bit on your water bill
2. Take 5 minute (or less) showers - I know, this one is tough. After all, who doesn’t love a long relaxing shower after a stressful day? I know I do. But this one is extremely important. Showers can use anywhere between 2.5 and 4 gallons of water, depending on the type of shower head you have². I’ll throw a little more math at you again - if you are taking 10 minute showers that’s anywhere between 25 and 40 gallons per shower per person. Chances are you aren’t the only one in your house, so let’s say with two other people that now brings us up to anywhere between 75 and 120 gallons a day. Cut those showers down to 5 minutes for the three of you and that’s saving anywhere from 12.5 and 37.5 gallons. Which on a daily, or almost daily basis will add up quite a bit!
3. Check for leaks, and get them fixed - A leaky faucet or hose is annoying, and can be such an easy fix. The cost of replacing a faucet or hose is far cheaper than having that extra drippage add up on your water bill. If there has been a faucet that has caught your eye, there is no better time than the present to fix it up!
4. Make sure you have a full load in your washing machine when you wash clothes - Washing machines are one of the appliances in your house that use the most water. It takes a couple of gallons each time you wash some clothes. Why not get the most out of that water usage by making sure your filling the washing machine up all the way? Think about it, it’ll take some of the work off of you not having to wash as many loads! Because who likes doing laundry anyways?

It doesn’t take much change to help save your wallet and the environment now does it? Just taking a couple extra measures today can help save a lot in the long run. Have any other water saving tips? I’d love to hear them! Leave a message in the comments below and share what you to do save money and the planet!     

Sources:

¹http://www.conserveh2o.org/faucet-water-use

²http://water.usgs.gov/edu/qa-home-percapita.html

http://www.ryot.org/9-ways-save-water-drought/571241

I am a Farmers® agent but my posts are my own and are not statements by or on behalf of Farmers.

Burton Harris Agency Celebrated Anniversary with Fundraiser for Kids

Burton Harris Agency Celebrated Anniversary with Fundraiser for Kids

The Burton Harris Agency will happily be celebrating its 26^th anniversary this June. Since the beginning our insurance agents have prided themselves on being largely involved in the community by participating in several different fundraisers in Los Angeles, including last year’s Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Such participation allowed us to work with ABC7 and the local Calabasas, CA firefighters to collect and donate toys to children all around the San Fernando Valley in order to help them have a more enjoyable holiday season. The Burton Harris Agency was able to collect two full boxes of toys, and the fundraiser altogether filled up multiple buses! It was a great feeling being able to help the children in our area.

                Now we’re launching a new fundraiser in Los Angeles called “Dunk Your Kicks”. This allows us to collect sneakers for the less fortunate, help fight Pediatric Cancer, and also help the environment!

                For every pair of sneakers donated, the Max Cure Foundation will receive $1. The proceeds will be going towards low income and military families that have children who are battling Pediatric Cancer. And the sneakers themselves will be donated to the less fortunate who are unable to purchase any new footwear.

So, if you have any shoes that you aren’t using drop them off over here at our office! We are more than happy to take them off of your hands. Think about it, not only are you cleaning out your closet, but you are helping multiple people in need.

                In addition to our participation in Dunk Your Kicks, we are excited to be able to sponsor the Special Olympic World Games 2015 right down the road in Los Angeles. Athletes from all over the country and Great Britain will be participating in these games. We are eager to meet these great athletes, and look forward to making it a memorable time for all of the participants. 

My agency wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of our knowledgeable and talented underwriter, Ed DeBoer. Ed has been a part of the Farmers® Family since 1970. In his 45 years with Farmers, he has won a countless number of awards. His tremendous work ethic and vast knowledge of insurance in Los Angeles makes him a valuable asset on our team.

 Ed continues to show excellent customer service skills and has great client relationships. We are extremely lucky to have Ed as our account executive over here at the Burton Harris Agency. His kind and helpful nature is a huge asset for us. Thank you for all of your help Ed! Keep up the hard work!

Disclosure:

I am a Farmers® agent but my posts are my own and are not statements by or on behalf of Farmers

Choose an Award Winning Insurance Agency: The Burt Harris Farmers Insurance Agency

Just a Little About Me!

After graduating college with a degree in business, I decided it was time to put it to use. My agency opened its doors in 1990, and has been thriving ever since. I chose Calabasas to become my agency’s home because the wonderful community not only makes a great place to own a business, but also an excellent place to raise a family.

I like to Consider Myself a Family Man

My wife Julie is my college sweetheart. She has graced me with two wonderful boys. Jared is an aspiring filmmaker in his freshman year at college in Boston, and Jonah is a talented artist as well and is currently attending middle school. Needless to say I am extremely proud of what my children are accomplishing.

Why My Agency, You ask?

I believe that my mission in business is to insure the health, property and lives of the people I meet. I strive to provide the highest quality insurance products and services to my clients. My goal is to have the services my agency provide help families, individuals, and the business community get the best possible coverage at competitive rates. Service is king at my agency, and I believe that makes all the difference. I do my best to help you review your policies and discover any gaps that may be hiding in them. My agency continues to thrive and grow, and because of that I have proudly been named a member of the Farmers Executive Club.

Communicate With The Burt Harris Farmers Insurance Agency

You can contact me at the Burt Harris Insurance Agency by calling me at; 818-222-9866 or sending an email.
Let me know your thoughts, ask a question or reach out to me with the insurance concerns that you may have. I love meeting new people, and I can’t wait to talk to you.

Disclaimer:

I am a Farmers® agent but my posts are my own and are not statements by or on behalf of Farmers.

Facebook Status Update

The Burt Harris Farmers Insurance Agency is the go to insurance broker in Calabasa, California. You get, personal attention, the insurance you need customized for you under the direction of a person with a degree in business.

Basic Home Maintenance

Becoming a homeowner is one of the most exciting steps you will take in life. However, after moving into your first home in Los Angeles, you may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility. Below are some basic home maintenance tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

1. Protect your home from leaks.

Leaks can cause a variety of problems, from water damage to higher energy bills. As a homeowner, you should check all susceptible areas, such as windows and doors, for air and/or water leaks on a regular basis. If you find a leak, repair it with silicone caulk to prevent problems.  

2. Inspect the roof regularly.

A faulty roof can lead to minor problems, such as leaks, as well as more significant problems, such as cave-ins. Inspect your roof regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you notice damage, hire a licensed professional to inspect your roof and complete any necessary repairs. Keep in mind that damaged caused by certain events may be covered by your home insurance policy.

3. Remove lint from your dryer after each use.

Allowing lint to build up in your dryer causes a reduction in airflow, which forces the dryer to operate at a higher temperature. Not only will this damage the appliance over time, but it can also become a fire hazard. To prevent this from occurring, remember to remove lint from your dryer every time you use it. If you notice that clothes are taking too long to dry, check the dryer vent for clogs.

4. Make your house number visible.

You never know when you may need to call emergency personnel for a fire, injury or other problem. To ensure that they will be able to find your home if they need to, make sure that your house number is easily visible from the road.

5. Keep exit paths cleared.

In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, you may need to leave your home quickly. Try to keep the stairs, hallways and all other exit paths clear in your home at all times. It's also wise to keep clutter away from windows and doors so that they can be opened easily if necessary.

What You Should Do if the Check Engine Light Comes On

Don't Panic! The Check Engine Light is Probably a Low Priority Issue 
If you are the owner of any car or pickup truck made since 1996, you have a Check Engine Light, which, when it illuminates could indicate anything from a relatively minor action on your part or a serious major problem with the engine. This post will give you the information you need to know in the event that the check engine light comes on. It could save you hours to days of intense anxiety and it might even save you money. So, don't panic, yet.
These are the Top Three Things You Should to Do When the Check Engine Light Illuminates.

1. According to Consumer Reports.org the first thing you should do is to make sure the vehicle is not in immediate distress due to a malfunction. This can be done by checking the oil pressure gauge and the engine temperature gauge. If either of these common gauges are out of range of normal, find a safe place to pull over and stop the car.
2. Tighten Your Fuel Cap Surprisingly, this is more common than most people think. And a lot of the time, this solves the problem. However, it sometimes takes three or more trips (to work, to the market, etc) before the Check Engine light goes off. It is also important to note that this should be done by a professional. It could be very dangerous for you to try and tighten the fuel cap yourself. 1
3. Drive to Your Local Calabasas Auto Shop where they will plug an OBD II electronic scanner into your car's computer terminal and give you the readout and its interpretation of what the problem is. It's a free service at many places. It will give you some idea of what may be wrong. And, unless it’s a relatively simple problem, what will most likely happen is that the parts store will refer you to a mechanic.2

These are the Top Four Things You Probably Should Not do First

• Call Your Significant Other and Tell Them to Handle It Unless they are a traveling mechanic, this will probably not get your car fixed.
• See a Mechanic While a mechanic might end up solving your problem, I suggest you ensure it's not an easy fix. Otherwise you might pay a little more than you find desirable.
• Call Your Dealer If your car is still under warranty, this might be a safe choice. However, if it isn't, it's probably going to put a bigger dent in your wallet than an independent mechanic.
• Look at Your Owner's Manual You can get only minimal information on the Check Engine Light, usually not enough to help you solve the problem

Hopefully this post will help with reducing any future anxiety over your level of preparedness. Would you like to see more informative posts like this one? Let me know what you would like to learn about in the comments below!

 

 

Source

1) http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/what-to-do-if-the-check-engine-light-goes-on/index.htm 2) http://lifehacker.com/5878754/the-five-most-common-check-engine-problems-and-what-you-should-do-about-them