In our more-more-more, faster-faster-faster business world, the notion of "prevention" -- which generally means doing something you don't absolutely HAVE to do right now -- sometimes gets lost or set aside. But with so much riding on how smoothly things run at your business, that ounce of prevention can indeed far outweigh a pound of cure later on. Think of some of the threats your business faces: computer malfunctions, shoplifting, employee theft, lawsuits, family turmoil and workplace accidents can slow you down and cost your business major money.

So...we offer solutions to all of those and more in this issue of WhatWorks with detailed Guides on loss prevention, avoiding employee discrimination lawsuits, computer preventive maintenance, spam avoidance and how to head off turmoil in a family business.

Avoiding Waste and Theft
Guide to Loss Prevention
By Matt Alderton
Inventory shrinkage -- financial loss caused by waste and theft -- is a real problem that demands real solutions. And the best solution, hands down, is a loss prevention program that can protect both you and your merchandise, not to mention your bottom line. Loss prevention is about more than inventory shrinkage. Loss prevention strategies are useful for any business that needs to protect its money, its equipment, its integrity and its information. Here's how to get your plan going:
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Lawsuit Alert
Preventing Employee Discrimination Claims
By Sheryl Nance-Nash
Unless you have a very small business of three employees or less, the vast majority of anti-discrimination laws apply to you. Federal and state laws generally define discrimination as treatment of one employee differently from another on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or other personal characteristics. A discrimination lawsuit by an employee could cost a small business heavily in legal fees and lost productivity. The best defense is to keep your business discrimination free. Here's how: Read Full Guide

Heading Off PC Problems
Computer Preventive Maintenance
By Chris Maxcer
Your office computers are under constant attack: It's continually vulnerable to hard drive failures, viruses, spyware and other menaces. Proper maintenance can help you avoid trouble and keep your technology in top shape. Some key preventative maintenance steps to take: Read Full Guide

Keeping Family Biz Peace
Avoiding Family Business Turmoil
By Frances Sharpe
Every family has its share of issues. Combine the emotional elements of family relationships with the demands of running a business and it's no surprise that turmoil is a common outcome in family businesses. However, with the right approach, you can help keep your family business free from explosive situations. A well-managed family business boasts numerous benefits, including: Read Full Guide

Fighting Back on Spam
Guide to Spam Prevention
By Paul Vachier
Spam, or unwanted email, is one of the biggest problems facing Internet users today. And the problem is often magnified at a small business where your Web site and email address may be public, or because you have employees who also are inundated with spam. Though it's difficult to completely eliminate spam, you can dramatically lessen the amount of spam you receive in your inbox if you: Read Full Guide