Temp-tation February 2014

In this issue

The Payroll Service Plus Solution

Flex-Staff's Payroll Service Plus is far more than a paycheck writing and accounting service. This comprehensive program enables our client companies to utilize the services of employees they have recruited, screened, and selected for employment, without assuming the employer/employee relationship.

Call your local Flex-Staff office for details!

Temptation Trivia

Possibly the most infamous con artist and imposter of all time, this man successfully posed as an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer (including passing the Bar exam without ever having attended law school).

Name this famous imposter and the movie that was made depicting his exploits.

If you know the answer, call your local branch office. The first person in each market to call with the correct answer will get treats delivered!

Last issue answer:

Play-Doh was originally manufactured as a wallpaper cleaner by Kutol Products of Cincinnati, OH.

Mike Hackbarth

President - 20 years

Steve Kamrowski

CEO - 18 years

Beth Pieper

Branch Manager, Manitowoc - 15 years

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Fun Facts

The movie The Running Man, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, was adapted from a story written by Steven King under the pseudonym "Richard Bachman".

King wrote the entire story in one week.

The movie was directed by Paul Michael Glaser, better known as Detective David Starsky on the TV show Starsky and Hutch.

Also appearing in the film were Jesse Ventura, former pro wrestler and former Minnesota Governor, Dweezil Zappa, and Mick Fleetwood, drummer for the band Fleetwood Mac.

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Celebrating 40 Years of Staffing Excellence!

Governor Scott Walker's Challenger Backs "Job Killing" Minimum Wage Hike
Wisconsin gubernatorial challenger Mary Burke supports a $10.10 per hour minimum wage in the Badger State - a salary boost that Gov. Scott Walker has labeled "job-killing."

"I think we have to do it in a way that makes sure we're not hurting job creation," said Burke, a Democrat, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

"The research shows in states that have raised the minimum wage above the federal wage that it has absolutely no impact on unemployment rates." Burke made her remarks during an interview on "Up Front with Mike Gousha."

Walker opposes raising the minimum wage, saying it would lead to fewer teens being hired or force employers to give smaller raises to more experienced workers, the newspaper reports. "It is a job-killing agenda. It's done for political expediency. It's a cheap headline," he said.

Flex-Staff Facebook Contest!

There are so many reasons to "like" Flex-Staff on Facebook... Timely articles about HR, employment, and hiring, job

hunting tips, funny cartoons and stories, job postings, unemployment stats, and even inspirational quotes. But liking Flex-Staff just got even more rewarding...

In the coming months, Flex-Staff will be thanking our Facebook followers by giving away some great prizes! All you have to do to be eligible to win is "like" us on Facebook, then click on the "Like Prizes" tab near the top of the page for more information and official rules. We will be giving away a prize at 350, 500, 750, and 1000 "likes". So "like" Flex-Staff on Facebook today...

And tell your friends!

One Minute Ideas

Using the Phone

Inaccurate information can cause problems that range from the minor to the disastrous. Here are some tips to help you get accurate information from customers on the telephone.

Speak slowly and clearly - Studies show that people on the phone unconsciously match the tone and pacing of their speech to that of the other person on the line. By speaking slowly and clearly you set the stage for your customer to speak that way too - which prevents mistakes and misunderstandings.
Concentrate on this call alone - If you are thinking of something else while the customer is talking, you could miss important information.
Ask the customer to spell his or her name and, if necessary, city and street names - When it comes to spelling, it's better to be safe than sorry. People's names especially can be spelled quite differently from the way they are pronounced.
Repeat, repeat, repeat - Before you end the conversation, always repeat any important information to the customer to verify that your understanding is correct. Also, just before ending the conversation, ask the customer if there is anything else you can do for them.

Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

2 pounds beef top sirloin steak, cut into thin strips

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup water

1 envelope (1-1/2 ounces) beef Stroganoff seasoning for the slow cooker

1 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms

1 small onion, chopped

3 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup port wine or beef broth

2 teaspoons ground mustard

1 teaspoon sugar

1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) sour cream

Hot cooked egg noodles

Minced fresh parsley, optional

In a large skillet, brown meat in oil. Add water and seasoning mix, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Transfer meat and drippings to a 3-qt. slow cooker.

In the same skillet, saute mushrooms and onion in butter until tender. Combine the wine, mustard and sugar; stir into the mushroom mixture. Add to slow cooker; stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender. Stir in sour cream. Serve with noodles. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Makes 7 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 6 hours

Inspirational Quote

What you do today is important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. - author unknown