Temp- tation                                                                           August  2017 
In this issue
WI Company to Microchip Employees
Temptation Trivia
Fun Facts
DOL Opinion Letters to Return
One Minute Ideas
Referral Contest!
Recipe
Wisconsin Company to Microchip Employees

River Falls, WI company Three Square Market (32M) has implanted 50 of their 85 employees with RFID microchips the size of a grain of rice.  The chip functions as an NFC-powered multi-purpose key/credit card/identification tool that the company sees as the future.
 
The chips allow the employees to make purchases at 32M's break room market as well as open doors, use copy machines, log into computers, share business cards and store health information. 
 
"Eventually, this technology will become standardized allowing you to use this as your passport, public transit, all purchasing opportunities, etc." commented 32M CEO, Todd Westby.  
Temptation Trivia  
Originally marketed as a disposable substitute for a face towel that could be used to remove cold cream or makeup, this product was patented in 1924 by the Cellucotton Products Company of Neenah, Wisconsin.  Today, its brand name has become genericized and is commonly used to denote this product regardless of the company that manufactures it.       
 
What is the brand name of this disposable product, and the name of the company that currently holds the rights to the patent, and the brand name?  
  
If you know the answer, call or email your local branch office by noon this Friday.  One winner in each branch will be chosen at random from those that answered correctly, and that person will get treats delivered. 
 
Last issue answer: The H-4 Hercules was nicknamed the Spruce Goose because it was made of wood.  Howard Hughes was the millionaire businessman who spearheaded its development.  
Anniversaries

 
Rachel Galetka
Senior Staffing Specialist
Eau Claire
14 years   

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Wisconsin
Fun Facts  
In 1890 a farmer near Fort Atkinson claimed to have seen a 40-foot long "serpent" in Red Cedar Lake, which he said carried off one of his hogs.  In 1891, farmers and other fishermen claimed to have also observed the serpent; one stated that the creature had a very large head with "protuberances like saw teeth" on its 50-foot back. In 1892, the serpent was blamed for killing five sheep which were found partially devoured on the shore.  

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Celebrating Over 40 Years of Staffing Excellence!
 
DOL "Opinion Letters" to Return  
Good news: HR pros will once again have one of the most useful DOL resources at their disposal to help with an array of tricky compliance issues.  That's because the DOL just announced it will bring back the popular Opinion Letter.
 
Opinion Letters had been an invaluable tool for everyone from HR pros to employment law attorneys for complying with federal law enforced by the DOL's Wage and Hour Division (FMLA, FLSA, etc.).  Why were the letters so useful? Because they gave employers insight on how to tackle specific, real-life compliance issues. Through the process, an employer could submit a letter to the DOL, asking for an opinion on how a federal law - such as the FMLA or FLSA - applies to a specific set of circumstances. The DOL would then respond and publish its response so it could be used as guidance by other employers. 
 
In 2010, the agency dropped Opinion Letters and started Administrator Interpretations (AIs), which simply relayed the agency's views on various compliance issues, and were more broad, and lacked the specificity of the Opinion Letters.  Plus, they were released only sparingly. 
The DOL's website has been updated with info on where and how to submit opinion letters. Employers can also preserve their anonymity by requesting an Opinion Letter through their legal counsel.  

hrmorning.com     
One Minute Ideas
How to make your 1-minute "elevator pitch" count
 
What makes you look up from your plate and really listen to someone doing their one-minute introduction at a networking event?  Be honest... are you someone that bores people or do you educate, amuse, or inspire your audience into taking action?  Here are some tips on how to create memorable one minute presentations.
 
ONE: Be memorable and grab attention
Try asking a question to get attention and engage with people.  Try an unusual start and description of what you do... here are a couple of examples I have seen quoted before: "I'm a time lord.  I help people get more from their working day" and "I help people get dressed.  I'm an image consultant."  Always succinctly describe what you offer - make it benefit-led
Always say your name and company name at the start or immediately after your "unusual start."   
TWO: Focus your message
Don't cover too many different things in each minute. Vary what you say each time by:
Using a prop that links to what you offer
Quoting a testimonial and who gave it to you
Providing a great or shocking statistic
Relaying a funny and relevant story
Giving real examples of how you solved a problem, got a great result, or averted a disaster for a client in the last week/month
Being topical (by mentioning a news story) and linking this back to your offering
Giving advice on how to solve a common issue or providing the answer to a question you are often asked
Give tips on how to do something
THREE: YOU and YOUR not me, me, me
Remember to talk to your audience using "you" and "your" language. That's phrases such as "Are you looking for...' or 'Is your business suffering with...."
Don't just talk about you (we do this, I do that...).  
Don't waste your minute saying things like 'We have been established since 1981 and have 5 warehouses in Sussex.  Our lead time for producing widgets is 14 days....' Yawn. So what?  Is that the most important thing for me to know right now?  This tip applies to all the copy on your website and literature too!
FOUR: Include a call to action such as:
Requesting an introduction to a particular company (this is very successful for many people)
Providing details of an offer and how to take advantage of it
Explaining how or where to buy or view a new product
Connecting on LinkedIn or liking your Facebook page
FIVE: Deliver it well
You may be nervous and hate presenting, but networking works for many businesses. Practice, practice, practice.  It will get better!

Look up, smile, look around, and make eye contact. Speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard.  Don't speak too fast. Have your script on cards or paper if you need it.  Look presentable and feel comfortable.  Finish with your name, company name, and catchphrase if you have one.
Pearce Marketing
Referral Contest!  

The supply of available employees is already at a near-record low, and when the students return to school at the end of the month, finding good employees for our client companies is going to be even more challenging.  But we're up to the task!  

In an effort to encourage referrals to Flex-Staff, we've instituted a contest, and we're giving away a Samsung curved screen high-definition 55 inch smart TV! 
 
Between now and December 8th, 2017, refer someone to Flex-Staff who either was not already registered with us, or who was registered with us but out of contact for a year or more, and for each referral that works at least 40 hours on assignment through Flex-Staff at one of our client companies, you will receive one entry into our drawing.  The more people that you refer, the better your chances of winning!!  The contest is open to anyone so don't hesitate to let your entire company know as well as your friends and family.  Winners will be selected by random drawing on December 11th, 2017.  See our Facebook post for additional details.      
Recipe
Microwave Mug Nutella Brownie
 
Ingredients

3¼ oz  (¼ cup + 1 tablespoon) Nutella
1 large egg, gently whisked
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
 
Instructions
In a large microwavable mug add the Nutella and egg, and whisk together. A dd flour and mix until you have a smooth batter.  Microwave for approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute until the brownie is set and firm on top. (Timing may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Always keep a close eye on your mug while it is in the microwave so it doesn't overflow or overcook.)  Let cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, top with  vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.  
 
  

 

Inspirational Quote
 Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak.  Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.  -Sir Winston Churchill