Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 1, 1995 TAG: 9501040017
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Mike Slenski, vice president of Lisa Broadcasting, finds trading "provides potential customers, who might normally not use your services, an opportunity to try them - with no cash outlay. In addition to gaining products or services you need, trading can help expand a customer base by allowing others to try your services."
Slenski cautions that only a small percentage of one's time should be given to bartering since "spending too much time pursuing trades keeps one from spending time on sustaining a growth mode. Further, significant time spent in trading can deter a company from generating profit." Bartering can be, Slenski believes, an excellent means for creating bonus opportunities for employees or for capital improvement. Bonus opportunities could include travel weekends or dinners at local restaurants. Slenski, who serves as general manager for WROV AM and FM in Roanoke and WLNI in Lynchburg, also recommends considering in-kind trades for capital improvements which weren't budgeted.
To make trading effective, Slenski suggests one "take a good look to see what specific products are needed. Then identify exactly what you have to offer." Being clear on what you want and what you can give is key to effective trading. Most trading, Slenski believes, is on the "retail level, so the actual cost is less that what it first appears."
Slenski offers a caution, "Tax laws have changed and trades can be considered income. Before trading, check with tax experts to avoid problems."
Trading occurs rather frequently in the business world. It can be advantageous to consider in-kind trading as one more option available to businesses.
Q: I've developed a good friendship with a co-worker. We enjoy a wide range of activities together. Another co-worker seems jealous, but I don't want to include this person in our outings.
A: You don't have to include other co-workers in your lunches and after hours activities; however, you and your friend have a responsibility to limit displays of friendship while in the office. Your friendship should be apparent only after work hours.
Don't discuss parties, sporting events or other activities you've enjoyed together. Also, take care to avoid planning events while in the office. It's always impolite to make others feel left out; personal discussions with your friend are sure to do that.
At the office, give extra effort to being friendly to others and including them in casual conversations. Your co-workers will be aware of your friendship, but they won't feel excluded.
Having a friend with whom you can share both work and nonwork interests is a real pleasure; enjoy it most where it should be enjoyed--out of the office.
Q: A co-worker (and friend) was recently fired. I don't know how to handle this - should I ignore the firing and the person or extend friendship?
A: Expect your former co-worker/current friend to be hurt and upset over the firing. Offering friendship now is important; your friend needs the support. Too often unemployed individuals find themselves abandoned by many former friends. This loss is as heavy a blow as losing the job.
Invite your friend to lunch or dinner, your treat. Offer help in making job contacts, reviewing resumes, and establishing a job search plan. Remind your friend of positive traits which he or she brings to the job market. After your initial meeting, stay in regular touch. Ask about the progress of the job search and pass along job leads you have.
It's possible your friend, because of being fired, will want to spend time denigrating the company which still employs you. Make it clear you won't participate in such discussions. Simply state, "I understand your feelings about XYZ Co.; however, I'm not comfortable discussing anything related to the office. If we can avoid discussing XYZ Co., I'd really like to put my energy into helping you find a new job and being supportive of you in your search."
Expect your friend to have periods of doubt and depression. Remaining supportive will require effort on your part. You're to be commended if you "stay the course" while your friend engages in a job search. For your efforts, you will be considered a rare and true friend.
by CNB