Feature Articles: Business Sense

One of the most important sections of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) is 15 (b) [15 U.S.C. §2064]. It requires manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers of a consumer product that contains a defect, which could create a substantial product hazard or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, to immediately report the relevant information to the Commission. Through the years, including the twenty year period when I was Director of Compliance and Enforcement, the reporting obligation has proven to contribute enormously to public safety.

Be honest, at some point “What’s in it for me?” has crossed your mind. Generally, this question is accompanied with negative, self-serving behavior. It carries with it derogatory connotations and if this was a conversation about generational behaviors, think Boomers, Gen-Xers and Millennials. Then the conversation would spin towards entitlement and the supposition that many people approach the world today with an “I am, therefore I should receive” mentality. But before I go too far into opening that Pandora’s box, I want to stop and see if I can convince some that maybe it’s not all bad to surmise “What’s in it for me?”

Even if you’re well over making or keeping New Year’s resolutions, all of us want solutions that work for our business. This year focus on the “solutions” in resolutions and discover ways you can solve business problems, big or small. Here are 5 “re”solutions to get you figuring out how you can revitalize your business in 2014: Review, Remember, Research, Refresh, and Reduce.

In a recent article about Vera Wang, it was noted that everyone at the company adopts “the look”, which is monochromatic and slightly unisex. Stop into the Ralph Lauren offices, and you’ll immediately notice how much everyone there looks like an ad for the clothing giant. In fashion, you really can’t help but look the part. But ideally the uniformity in wardrobe reflects the employees’ deeper understanding of the brand and willingness to soak up every aspect of the corporate culture. What’s your corporate culture?