Business owners beware!

All to often I hear, after the incident, that a business owner has been taken advantage of by an employee. Many times it is the one person that you put in a trusted position only to find out later that they could not be trusted. There are things you can do to protect yourself from employee theft.

First: Run a background check before letting someone manage the cookie jar! This is a simple and inexpensive way to see if they had ever done it before. Call prior employers for references. They may not be willing to tell you much but one simple question is a good gauge:
"Would you rehire this person? Why or Why not?"

Second: Never allow and employee to be signer on your checking account! Always review your bank statement including cancelled checks to be sure that you signed each check and each debit card charge is valid. It may cost you a small fee for your bank to supply you with those little pictures of the cancelled checks with your statement but it's worth it.

Third: Don't give away all your secrets! Do not allow an employee to access your online banking or your credit cards! Whatever information they may need can be supplied by you.

Fourth: Don't allow and employee to feel that you do not watch their every move. Just a spot check will keep them on their toes. Employees expect to be held accountable for their job performance.

Lastly: If you are stolen from....PRESS CHARGES! I know sometimes it is very difficult. Especially when you become close to your employees and become friends. But it must be done. They were not being a good friend or a good employee when they stole from you! This makes step one work better for everyone!

Just remember, you work very hard to build your business. It need to be protected as well as nurtured. You wouldn't leave cash on your car seat and the car unlocked, so don't set up your business to take the same hit. Don't tempt people, not too many can resist when it's made easy.