The O'Connor Group Connector

?? Exciting News Alert! ??

We're thrilled to announce that The O'Connor Group has been recognized as?No. 2581?on this year's prestigious?Inc. 5000 list ! ??

This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our amazing team. We owe our success to the unwavering support and loyalty of our exceptional clients and partners who have been with us every step of the way on this remarkable journey.

Being among the top 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the nation is a true honor, and we're grateful for every opportunity that has led us to this moment.?Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our story and helped us reach this milestone.

Here's to continued growth, innovation, and making a positive impact in the industry!

1. Salary increase projections for 2024: What the numbers say

Payscale , a provider of compensation data – released its annual Salary Budget Survey and?it predicts the average salary increase will reach 3.8%, significantly higher than the typical?3% that has been the standard for decades.?Among the over 1,700 participants in the survey, 78% of employers in the US said their?salary increases would be the same or higher compared to 2023.?However, the number of employers who expect to lower their salary increase budgets?

increased from 9% in 2022 to 22% in 2023.

Read more at the link here !?

2.?Fed rate cuts could come as soon as next May, Goldman Sachs says

Despite the modest increase in overall inflation, the data indicates that inflation is heading in the right way.?Wall Street seems to agree as well with Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo predicting an interest rate cut in Q2 of 2024.

Read more at the link here !

3. Brenda Viola's "Inspiration Subscription", including four, one-hour live, lunch and learn training classes!?

1. Sept. 21 - How to be Heard (without Screaming!)??
2. Oct. 18 - Dealing with Difficult People
3. Nov. 16 - The Survival Guide to Work/Life Balance?
4. Dec. 21 - The Survival Guide to Work/Life Balance

"Vici" in Latin means "I conquered" and Brenda's mission to help people conquer challenges in work and in life produces Aha! moments. Guaranteed.?

Vici Communications LLC ?specializes in transformational on-site and virtual classes geared toward personal and professional growth. Her popular book,?The Public Servants' Survival Guide , helps high-performers recognize the warning signs of burnout and offers action plans to course-correct.

Learn more about?Brenda Viola ?and register for her "Inspiration Subscription" at the link here !

4.?35 Years Ago, Steve Jobs Said Embracing This Perspective Will Help You Stay Focused and Achieve Your Biggest Goals

Insisting on rigid work arrangements may lead to losing valuable employees to competitors with more flexible policies. Similarly, overinvestment in elaborate startup setups can hinder profitability, while crash diets sacrifice long-term health for short-term weight loss.

Steve Jobs' experience underscores this notion; his delayed product launch ultimately succeeded, illustrating the value of prioritizing the bigger picture. Individuals too can learn to identify battles that impede progress, allocating their efforts toward meaningful pursuits. Redirecting focus from less impactful tasks to what truly matters increases the odds of winning the overarching "war" of achievement.

Read more in the article here !

5. Introducing Haven Home Organizing?

Kristin Aldridge ?is a seasoned professional with an impressive career spanning world-class organizations like QVC, ABC TV, and Disney. After an unexpected turn of events led her to reevaluate her path, Kristin embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Following a year of deliberate introspection, networking, and personal growth, she courageously embraced her passion for organizing.

Now, as the proud owner of?Haven Home Organizing? in Chester County, Kristin brings her unwavering dedication and keen eye for detail to help clients simplify their lives. With a commitment to crafting tailored organizing solutions that cater to individual needs, Kristin's mission is clear: to create spaces that resonate with her clients and inspire a sense of harmony.

Learn more about Haven Home Organizing at the link here !

In this episode of Top 3, Marcia O'Connor, the CEO and founder of The O'Connor Group, speaks with her friend Deborah Moses, who recently sold her business and is now working with a new technology consulting group. They discuss Deborah's transition from being a CEO for 20 years to her new role as VP of Sales. Deborah reflects on the challenges of making decisions within a team structure after being used to making all decisions herself. She also talks about the importance of considering age, retirement plans, and economic factors when deciding to sell her business. Click the video above to watch the full episode!

6. Thought Leadership - The Latest Trends!

Each month our Human Resources and Talent Acquisition team members deliver this valuable resource to keep you in the know of the latest topics and trends impacting the people part of your business.

In our latest HireWire Blog, "Recruiting Tactic: The Power of Transferable Skills ,"?Project Manager,?Janice Rath , highlights the importance of transferrable skillsets, the potential of individuals with diverse degrees, sports backgrounds, are in career transition, and emphasizes the value they can bring to a company's growth and innovation.

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Read more at the link here !

6. Let's Get Local...Raleigh too!

• This week in Philadelphia ?promises an exciting musical spectacle with iconic artists performing live. On Tuesday, Wells Fargo Center hosts a captivating show featuring Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire. Following that, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will grace the stage for two consecutive nights at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday and Friday.
• All is right in the world when you have a plate of BBQ in your hands! Check out?this list ?for the best, can’t-miss barbecue spots in the Raleigh area!?
• Delight in a culinary adventure with our seasonally-inspired prix fixed lunch and dinner menus, showcasing the best of locally-sourced ingredients at Raleigh's Restaurant Week! Learn more?here !

7. Wellness Wednesday...

Cottage cheese?is such a beneficial food, and the recipe possibilities are endless!

Here is a list of benefits:

1. Protein?– Cottage cheese is a great source of high-quality protein. It is packed with essential amino acids, supports muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
2. Bone Health?– It is rich in calcium content, so it contributes to strong and healthy bones. Calcium is essential for bone density and plays a crucial role in preventing osteoporosis.
3. Weight Management?– If you’re watching your weight, cottage cheese can be your best friend! It’s high protein content helps you stay full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Plus, it contains relatively fewer calories and fats compared to many other cheese varieties.
4. Vitamins and Minerals?– Cottage cheese boasts an array of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium which contribute to overall health and well-being.
5. Digestive Health?– It is a source of probiotics, which are beneficial to gut health (shout out to?@Erica Montagna ?and her bloating email last week! This will help!) Probiotics promote a balanced gut microbiome, aiding digesting and supporting your immune system.

There are so many recipes floating around online recently, but here is a favorite! This is a healthier alternative to make and can be a staple in your weekly rotation.

Cottage Cheese Alfredo

(Just eyeball the amount based on the flavor and how much pasta you're making)

• Cottage cheese
• Fresh or grated parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Your choice of spices (I add pepper and paprika)

Blend together and add to pot with cooked pasta, let sauce thicken and serve. You can use Banza Chickpea pasta, and it is DELICIOUS!

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