The Industry Word
During a recent meeting with a partnering Chamber of Commerce President, I was asked if I ever do training for individuals who HAVE MONEY, want to start a business, but don’t know what type of business to start. Well, in this economy that’s a phenomenal position to be in, and as I explained, one we don’t encounter often. However, it is definitely a challenge I would be delighted to undertake, after all, who doesn’t like an opportunity to spend a little money? To begin to answer the question of what type of business to...
If you travel on business regularly, or even occasionally, you know how important it is to get work done while on the road. I travel one to two times a month, usually by plane. I've done that for many years, both as a small business owner and previously when in the corporate world. Over the years my 'travel rig' as I call it, has changed. As new technology comes along, I find myself trying out and adopting new solutions. Today these solutions are smaller, more convenient and ... more fun. I'd like to share a few tips I've...
It takes the right personality traits to be a franchise business owner. It's just not for everybody. Just like everyone is not cut out to be a US Air Force Thunderbirds * jet pilot, flying around at 1,000+ mph, so it is with small business ownership. Being a small business owner requires certain personality traits on its own. The business model of franchising brings with it a totally different set of issues. Not only must you be somewhat of a risk taker, but you must have absolute faith in the system you are investing in. Along with...
It’s amazing how many questions within the Business.gov Community focus on selling to the government. It seems as though every other post is from another small-business owner asking, “How do I get started?”. It’s not surprising, given the shaky commercial economy, that small-business owners are looking for a way to tap into the steady flow of business the government provides to many thousands of companies every year. And, this makes good business sense. The government spends nearly $589 billion each fiscal...
Do you need a business plan? This is for you. You don’t? But wait a minute, don’t you want to manage your business better? Can you afford not to do your best? I’m very happy with my business plan tutorials on this site. This is a series of short videos about business planning for every business, not just the ones who have to deliver a business plan to somebody. They’re done for free, plugging no product or service, and available to the public, also free. I hope you find it useful. Planning for every business? Yes. If...
When a business entity wants to operate in another state, it generally must obtain a certificate of authority to do business from that state’s Secretary of State. A certificate of authority usually costs about $150. Its important to determine if registering to do business within a jurisdiction is necessary. It's not a decision to make lightly because it will likely trigger inquiries by the states tax agency as to whether the corporation should be subject to tax there. On the other hand, doing business in a state without registering...
Just what exactly IS the value to your business of posting photos to a blog of the local youth football league every week? Or blogging about local charity golf tournaments or intriguing new local restaurants? Apparently, plenty. Heather Elias,* a mom, real estate agent, and recovering journalism school graduate is the blogger in question, who lives in Loudoun County, Va. She is also a busy tweeter and Facebooker who seems to take her camera with her everywhere. She collects her lovely photos of the local countryside on Flickr, and drops a few...
The NYS SBDC Central office has been getting an inordinate number of pre-recorded phone calls lately. Many of them are apparently random-number generated and have messages that start: 'We're pleased to let you know that you are eligible for our debt reduction service...' Quoting Simon & Garfunkel: 'And blah, blah, blah.' Since someone has recently asked us about how to build their credit, here are some do's and don'ts. DO establish credit by getting at least one credit card. DO choose a credit card wisely. DON'T, if you do get into credit...
Today, becoming known as a trusted resource for your customers is every business owner's number-one goal. One great way to become a trusted expert is through public speaking. There are many venues for public speaking-you can speak locally, address audiences at industry conferences or even get on the radio. To make public speaking pay off for you, start small by talking to local community groups. Here's how to begin: Figure out what target market/s you want to reach. There may be more than one. For instance, suppose you...
Perhaps the most popular form of business entity today is the limited liability company (LLC). According to the Fall 2008 IRS Statistics of Income Bulletin, LLCs increased by 11.3% over the previous year for a total of 1.6 million of these entities for 2006 (the most recent year for statistics). Like a corporation, it offers personal liability protection for its owners. But for income tax purposes, it is treated like a sole proprietorship if there is one owner or like a partnership if there are two or more owners (the LLC can opt for...
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by TonyaWilson, Former Guest Blogger on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 09:35