Question 1

What does a normal engagement look like?

Accepted Answer

Engagements vary based upon the complexity of the project and the headcount of the company. Retainer plans are always the most cost effective, as they offer the entire suite of services at a fixed price based upon 12-month engagements which is amortized into monthly invoices.

Question 2

When should I look at using your services? How early?!

Accepted Answer

You should be looking to engage my services at least 2 months before you hire your first W2 employee, and ideally before you engage any 1099 contractors to ensure you policies are in place.

Question 3

Do I really need HR for my family business?

Accepted Answer

I have always said "if a company says that we are like a family, then RUN" and in recent years that has expanded to "if everyone in the company is related then SPRINT". At the end of the day, family-run companies are a very difficult culture for an employee to enter when they aren't related to anyone and these businesses are sadly rife with nepotism.

I would say that a family business needs a fractionalized HR exec more than any other because there needs to be a voice that is unrelated to anyone there to maintain checks and balances.

Question 4

How long are your retainer contracts?

Accepted Answer

Retainer engagements usually start at a 12-month minimum, amortizing the total amount for access to services across equal monthly payments. These invoices are billed for the previous month which offers peace of mind with no surprise caps or surcharges, also employees do not have to worry about their access to my services randomly concluding.

Many of my current Retained clients have been in existence for over 5 years and treat YCS like many other core business utilities, such as an internet service provider.

Question 5

Isn't it just simpler to not have HR?

Accepted Answer

I suppose, it's always simpler to not worry about something than actually do what needs to be done. Ask the ostrich how useful sticking its head in that hole ultimate ended up being for them.

Question 6

Why should I sign up for a Retainer plan?

Accepted Answer

The Retainer plans exist so that your company can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having someone knowledgeable to gain guidance from as well as giving your employees a very important proof that even the top level of the company still has someone that will ensure they are acting ethically and responsibly.

These engagements can also offer all employees the ability to utilize my advisory and investigative services as they need and at their own discretion, which can be a very enticing benefit/perk that is rarely offered in most industries.

Question 7

Why shouldn't l just hire an internal HR person?

Accepted Answer

You're welcome to do so, but depending on the size of your company the hiring of someone with my knowledge and skillset would result in a person that may be vastly overpaid for the amount of daily work needed. By hiring a less experienced HR practitioner and expecting them to know everything, you not only will be exploiting that individual but also leaving yourself open for all manner of legal issues.

Hiring a fractional HR leader to serve as a source of knowledge for the less seasoned generalist will ultimately save you money while making sure that all levels of the business are attended.

Question 8

Won't my payroll company do all of this?

Accepted Answer

Many payroll companies and PEOs will say that they give you access to an HR manager, however that is often merely a member of their staff that is constantly subject to change and will never interact with your employees beyond answering a question from a script. I also have yet to see one that employs HR professionals with my level of experience in the roles that are customer facing.

Question 9

Won't having HR around just take the fun out of things?

Accepted Answer

Contrary to popular belief, HR doesn't have to be the Fun Police, however we do exist to ensure that everyone in your company can go to work knowing that they aren't being exploited and that their management care enough about them to retain someone that will push back and keep things in check.

Question 10

Do I still need a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am not an attorney nor do I purport to be, even though I am knowledgeable in Employment Law. You should always consider any information gained from Consultants as a jumping on point that should be fully discussed with your legal counsel.

Question 11

Do l really need a handbook?

Accepted Answer

Short answer, yes, if you are employing other individuals, no exceptions.

You are creating a ton of opportunities for litigation by choosing to wing it when it comes to owning a business. Your handbook not only needs to be tailored to your daily operations but also known by all levels of the organization.

Question 12

I'm protected from all this by living in a Right to Work state, right?

Accepted Answer

Please look into the actual letter of the law, Right to Work was created as a union busting measure and, in an effort, to eliminate indentured servitude. Essentially it was only made to ensure that neither employee nor employer could be entered into a work contract that they could not self-terminate.  It does not offer any legal protection from Wrongful Termination lawsuits or any other issues that stem from a toxic workplace.

Question 13

How can I book you to come speak at my event or be a guest on my podcast?

Accepted Answer

Please feel free to email me directly, I adore visiting on podcasts, especially those that are business focused or have an audience of people looking into entrepreneurship and that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my interests. If you ever need a talking head, just let me know!

Question 14

Your calendar is full, how can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Sorry to hear that! All manner of things could be occurring that would render my calendar to be booked out, such as other appointments. If you need something in an emergency, you are always welcome to email me and I can address it as soon as I am able.

Frequently Asked Questions