THE COMPETITION

Just because competition moves into the neighborhood for your new venture doesn't mean you have to scrap your plans and get back to the drawing board.

There are ways you can beat the competition--even if they are established businesses. These days, more than ever, consumers are tight with their money. There has to be a good reason for them to purchase your product or service. Make sure you are offering quality goods that are priced well for your market.

Are you satisfying the customers' needs? If, for example, you are a haircutter, you must of course offer a superior cut, but consider the environment in which you turn out your hair masterpieces:
is it fun, clean, nurturing to new clients, entertaining? If you cut hair in your own home, make sure you work on an overall presentation for your clients.

No matter what your business is you can beat the competition by considering the following:
*Provide the service at a faster pace.
*Provide the product at a cheaper price.
*Offer a guarantee.
*Give detailed and highly personalized service to every customer.
*Provide more variety. If you sell sneakers from your online store, offer a nice selection that will entice a larger market.

Check out the competition on a regular basis.

SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING FOR YOUR SMALL BIZ

If you don't have the $$$$$ resources right now to develop a big ad campaign or a Fortune 500-esque public relations promo, don't worry! You can reach thousands of people--make that millions of people-- with news about your small business' products and services by taking advantage of the various social media sites out there. There is no cost to join, promote, make connections and direct people to your website. There are so many options available. We are going to review the most popular:

TWITTER (twitter.com)

Start your own pr campaign promoting your products & services by sending out blurbs on yourself, your first small business, etc. in 140 characters or less. Log on, choose a user name & password and start "tweeting" Guy Kawasaki recommends that it is important to add "value" to the twitter-verse in order to pick up a lot of "followers", so be careful to tweet about interesting items/events/statistics, etc. In other words, don't only focus on your small business promotion. However, you will see that many use Twitter as their form of "performance art", or use it to promote their products/services, and others use it to fulfill their ego with tweets all about themselves. Sign up, add a photo, bring something to the twitter table, and you will develop a following! Every now and then pop something in about your small business.
Our twitter name is: smallbizstartup

LINKEDIN (www.LinkedIn.com)

The site says: "LinkedIn is an online network of more than 15 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries." Join and write up a profile of yourself--include a photo, add your business website. You could reach potential buyers, investors and future partners through this social networking site.

MYSPACE (www.myspace.com)

The music industry uses this site to market their products to a worldwide audience. IF you have something to offer to the demographic of myspace.com, then, by all means, get an account, create a nice page, and start promoting. It's free! You can add a nice template at no charge from sites like nuclearenergy.com, so check it out. Check back frequently to see who wants to request to add you as a "friend"--follow lots of people, they'll follow back. A MySpace Page we really love was created to promote Phoebe Legere's New York Underground Museum:
www.myspace.com/newyorkundergroundmuseum

FACEBOOK (www.facebook.com)

This is a social networking site that is much less professionally oriented than LinkedIn. But most people who advocate using social media as a free way to "get the word out" about a product/service, etc. use Facebook as well as the other sites mentioned here. It becomes a "six degrees of separation" type game to see how many friends are added each week, who knows who, who is speaking to whom, and what they are doing. Most of the postings are personal, "I ate a banana and went to school" or "I'm not watching TV tonight, I'm playing poker," etc. However, you can develop quite a network through Facebook, so check it out.

WEB MARKETING JARGON

Here are some commonly used marketing/advertising terms in relationship to web advertising:

CPM = Cost Per Thousand: This is the cost of each 1000 people that come in contact with your information. If an advertiser boasts that their cost of an advertisement on their site is $100 CPM and it has an audience of 5000 viewers, then the total cost of the ad is $500.

CTR = Click-Through Rate: This refers to the average number of click-throughs per hundred ad impressions, expressed as a per-centage.

SES = Search Engine Submission: Supplying a URL to a search engine, making your site known, so that it can list your URL on the search engine.

SEO = Search Engine Optimization: The process of choosing the right keyword or phrase that relates to your site or blog so that it ranks high on any web search.

PPC = Pay-per-Click: An online payment in which one receives $$$ for each click-through.

CPC = Cost-per-Click: This is the cost paid per click-through.

Viral Marketing: A web phenomenon that encourages viewers to pass along a message.

Subscribers: The followers who view your site and might have shared an email address or other personal information in exchange for your newsletter, coupons, or other "inside information." Subscribers could also pay an actual $$fee$$ to view your site, download special items, etc.

FINDING IDEAS FOR YOUR BIZ

As you work on coming up with an idea for your small business, ask yourself:

What type of interests or skills do I have that could translate into running a small business?

Do you love holidays and gift giving? You could start a personal shopping service or launch a gift basket business. Do you love children? How about a day care center? Use your imagination. No one can tell you what business you can best start and run. That's up to you. What types of businesses are needed in your community? Is there an errand service? Could your neighborhood use one? Are there businesses that would use your errand service? Are residential customers a possibility?

Could you start a food delivery service, delivering meals-to-go from established restaurants who don't have the time or the inclination to deliver their own fare? You could start a business providing this service.

Ask yourself: what is needed in this region and could I do it? Find a niche and fill it.

WEBSITE ADVERTISING

Should you carry advertising on your website?
It might be appropriate, it might not be. It depends what your business is.

Google has created AdSense, a program in which they find ads that relate to your web content: if viewers click on the ad, Google will send you some money--if you meet the minimum requirements.

Lots of bloggers use AdSense, but many feel it detracts from the purity of the blogger's point of view. The bottom line is that in some cases, it is appropriate to include the AdSense ads. In fact, some of your blog followers might welcome them. For example, if you have a travel blog, then carrying AdSense ads that feature hotels, bed and breakfast, and sightseeing in the regions you write about might assist your readers. The call is up to you.

Internet Advertising comes in many forms. With AdSense, you are dealing with Pay-per-Click ads.

You can also get a sponsor for your website. If you are writing about golf, and can
show that your website is developing a nice following, then contact golf resorts, hotels, golf manufacturers to discuss a sponsorship. It can be by the week or by the month. Make their ad exclusive as a banner or carry several advertisers.

Consider the Swap and Exchange technique. You carry information on a company's products/services on your site with a link to their website, and they'll do the same.

Affiliate Marketing programs are revenue sharing vehicles between online advertisers/merchants and online publishers. If you write about a guitar company, for example, and include their website, and readers click on and go to their company, you get a fee for each Pay-per-Click; if that readers buys a guitar or cable, you get a % of their purchase as an added incentive. (This differs from AdSense because Google finds those ads--in Affiliate Marketing, you do the homework and find the sites willing to establish this type of relationship with your website.)

In a future posting, we'll review Internet Maketing and Advertising Jargon.

WEB SITE CHECKLIST

One of the biggest tools for your new business is a website. It will not only represent you, and act as a online dossier, but it will establish your entity as a global enterprise. You can be sitting in your pajamas having a cup of coffee at the kitchen table, but wheeling and dealing around the world, selling your wares in the international marketplace. Let's review the basic elements of a website--you may or may not need them all on your site:

~The Home Page--this is the first page your clients see--remember your site is part of your brand, so keep it in tune with all of your marketing arsenal.
~Menu Page--This is the menu of options for your site. Similar to a table of contents in a book, you may have several selections, or you might not even need it, if the purpose of your site is just to have a Home Page to introduce your business and give you a web presence.
~FAQ--Frequently Asked Questions--and Answers--about your business.
~Mission or History--this is the "About Us" part of the site in which you relate your company history, include your bio info, and anything else you want your customers to know.
~Order Information Page--If you are using your web site to sell items, this page will focus on your ordering process and include information on shipping and handling.
~Checkout Page--This page will list the items ordered and record the personal information on your customer's shipping address, email, etc.
~Payment Page--This page will process the payment. You will request PayPal info, a credit card number or e-checks.
~Publicity/Press--include anything that has appeared in the newspaper or a regional magazine, etc. about your business. Editorial coverage implies third party endorsement so go for it!

The next posting will discuss advertising on your website and if it makes sense for you.

CHECKLIST FOR YOUR LAUNCH

For the thousands of Americans who are receiving pink slips each week, there may be no alternative but to start a small business. This is the way to turn a crisis into an opportunity. Follow your passion. Figure out a business that will permit you to pursue it. (Get started with our free fill-in-the-blank workbook--see box in right column of this blog.)

After you've zeroed in on the biz you want to start, have determined there is a real need for your product/service right now, and have organized a marketing plan, follow this quick checklist for your small business launch:
_Pick a name for your business.
_Select your company's legal structure (sole proprietorship is most common)
_Visit legal self-help sites like nolo.com for more information on incorporating if you choose to go that route.
_Visit your county clerk's office to file a DBA (doing business as) form.
(this will permit you to open a business checking account in your biz name).
_While at the country clerk's office get info to apply for a business license.
_Apply for a seller's permit.
_Apply for a Federal Tax ID (EIN)(this will permit you to buy goods from wholesalers, too, and not pay taxes on the items).
_Determine if you need additional home and/or business liability insurance; talk with your agent.
_Open a business checking account.
_Visit irs.gov to investigate tax matters.
_Figure out what you'll do for health insurance, before you leave your current job, or COBRA insurance.
_Set up a home page website or get a free blog with blogger.com to demonstrate your web presence.
_Stay positive. It could take months for your new business to click with your client base. If you believe your have a good idea for our times, don't let the naysayers get you down.

Trademark Expo Set For May in Virginia

Deadline for Trademark Expo Applications Extended to February 15, 2009

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce) will hold its annual Trademark Expo this May 8-9 at the agency’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The 2008 Expo attracted 7,000 people and received wide media coverage. This year’s two day event will focus again on educating the public about the value and important role trademarks play in our society and the global marketplace. It will feature themed displays, company booths, costumed characters interactive exhibits and trademark related seminars for attendees. An intensified effort will be made this year to attract school children to the event.

for details visit http://www.uspto.gov/

Grants, Loans & Financing Tools

Looking for money to launch or run your business?
Check out:
http://search.business.gov/startLoans.
html

YES, WE CAN!

Facing Unfair or Excessive Regulatory Enforcement Actions?

Office of the National Ombudsman Is Available to Assist America’s Small Businesses with Federal Regulatory Enforcement Actions

When America’s small businesses face unfair or excessive federal regulatory enforcement actions, the Office of the National Ombudsman at the U.S. Small Business Administration is available to ensure fairness in the enforcement process.

Created by Congress through the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, the Office of the National Ombudsman’s primary function is to work with small businesses and federal agencies to ensure that regulatory or compliance actions are handled and enforced fairly by all federal agencies. The National Ombudsman is empowered to receive, substantiate, and report to Congress complaints and comments from small business owners regarding regulatory enforcement actions taken against small businesses by federal agencies.

“The National Ombudsman helps small businesses navigate the seas of federal regulatory enforcement. With a strengthening regulatory paradigm, it is essential that regulatory enforcement be effective, and not excessive,” National Ombudsman and Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Nicholas N. Owens said. “The National Ombudsman’s focus will continue to enhance transparency for small businesses served, and strengthen the relationship between the small business community and the government.”

It is the primary mission of the Office of the National Ombudsman to assist small businesses when they experience excessive or unfair federal regulatory enforcement actions, such as repetitive audits or investigations, excessive fines, penalties, threats, retaliation or other unfair enforcement action by a federal agency.

Also, the National Ombudsman’s office works with 10 regional fairness boards whose membership is comprised of 50 small business owners from across the country. The ONO works closely with more than 35 federal regulatory agencies to resolve complaints about excessive enforcement of federal regulations brought to the attention of the National Ombudsman during hearings and roundtables held in cities nationwide.

Additional information about the Office of the National Ombudsman is available at http://www.business.gov/contacts/ombudsman.html

WELCOME, INTERNATIONAL VISITORS!

We've happily noticed that many visitors to this blog hail from 60 countries, and we are excited to welcome you. We are peace-loving Americans who are counting the seconds to January 20, when we usher in a new government Administration.

If you are interested in selling your products/services to the United States we have a link to a website that might be helpful to you.

We do apologize in advance for the link's reference to use of the word "foreign" to describe anyone outside these not-so United States. As the great composer Phoebe Legere (www.phoebelegere.com) wrote in her wonderful song "Amazing Love"--"there's only one race, and that's the human race, ok?"

We, at Small Biz Startup, are hopeful that the new Obama administration will usher in a welcoming attitude that does away with the word "foreign" in our country's vocabulary!

This site contains information on selling products and services to the U.S.:

www.usa.gov/Business/Foreign_Business.shtml

Once again, welcome to our little blog. We look forward to your comments! We are all in this together!

Using Generic Domain Names To Lure More Visitors To Your Site

Despite the grim economic outlook, online marketing growth is expected to expand in 2009. In light of this, when planning your online marketing strategies for this year, brands should spend some time thinking like a consumer typing away on their computer at work or home to maximize your Web presence.

For instance, to complement a brand’s Web address, many companies are registering a series of descriptive or generic domain names to drive more traffic to your main site and ultimately acquire new customers. A good example of this would be with Vodka.com – a Web surfer interested in vodka may bypass a search engine and use direct navigation by typing the Web address www.vodka.com directly into a browser. This vodka company now has the direct attention of an interested vodka buyer on their Website. You may also be familiar with high profile examples, including Lane Bryant (www.therightfit.com), Calvin Klein (www.underwear.com), H&R Block (www.taxcut.com), and Johnson & Johnson (www.baby.com).

This growing interest in acquiring additional domain names has also been encouraged by newer and easier methods of attaining them. In the past, the process of obtaining a premium domain name would often deter companies from achieving their branding goals, as companies were left to haggle for a fair price and execute risky transactions, with private parties typically located in offshore destinations. Now, with the support of domain marketplaces such as Sedo.com , organizations can find and obtain the name they desire, even if the name is already owned. In addition, domain marketplaces can support the negotiation of a fair price, and can provide secure escrow services for the safe transfer of domain ownership.

We’ve seen a recent example of how failing to acquire your brand-related descriptive domains can be a costly missed opportunity. For its “Whopper Virgins” campaign and www.whoppervirgins.com Website, Burger King failed to also register the non-plural www.whoppervirgin.com. As a result, they are missing out on a ton of Web traffic. This is a mistake that Web-savvy marketers are less likely to make. Below are a few examples.


Small and medium-sized companies, such as Bice's Florist and Bobbleheads are also jumping on the bandwagon. Bice’s, a Fort Worth, Texas-based flower shop leveraged a domain name acquisition strategy to increase company sales by $1.5 million and reduce operational expenses -- all while closing four brick and mortar locations. Bice’s, which has been in business for more than 30 years, worked with Sedo to purchase approximately 20 related domain names, including eflowersite.com, nationalfloraldelivery.com and blossomlink.com. Keith Riewe, owner of Bice's, says that since he is able to track the hits from each domain, he can understand which are performing and which aren't. Riewe says Website traffic is up 47 percent as a result of his domain portfolio.

Georgia-based entrepreneur Warren Royal saw immediate benefits from owning both the bobbleheads.com and bobblehead.com domain names, when launching his Bobbleheads business. With the help of Sedo, Royal was able to purchase these domains from the owners, paying $29,112 for bobbleheads.com and $36,000 for bobblehead.com. Outside of any significant online advertising, after only five months of being “live,” the company was averaging nearly $6,000 in gross sales due in large part to the domain’s natural traffic. With the generic names consistently providing Web traffic, he only needs to spend a few hours a week on the site, with the traffic practically selling the bobbleheads themselves.

GO GLOBAL

Export.gov brings together resources from across the U.S. Government to assist American businesses in planning their international sales strategies and succeed in today’s global marketplace.

From market research and trade leads from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service to export finance information from Export-Import Bank and the Small Business Administration to agricultural export assistance from USDA, Export.gov helps American exporters navigate the international sales process and avoid pitfalls such as non-payment and intellectual property misappropriation.

Export.gov is one of the Presidential E-Government initiatives created to provide better customer service for businesses interacting with the Federal Government. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration manages Export.gov as a collaborative effort with the 19 Federal Agencies that offer export assistance programs and services.

The U.S. Small Business Administration Answer Desk

Check out the U.S. Small Business Administration. They have a lot of free seminars, programs & resources to help you start your small business.
The Answer Desk can help point you in the right direction.
SBA is ready to respond to your questions about their programs and services, and to try and help you with your small business problems and concerns.

To reach SBA by Mail:

US Small Business Administration
409 3rd Street, SW
Washington, DC 20416

To reach SBA by phone or e-mail:

SBA Answer Desk
1800-U-ASK-SBA (1800-827-5722)
Send e-mails to: answerdesk@sba.gov
Answer Desk TTY: (704) 344-6640
[Spanish]


The SBA Answer Desk is the only national toll-free telephone service providing information to the public on small business problems and concerns; moreover, this service provides general information about SBA programs and other programs available to assist the small business community. Because of the volume of comments and questions they receive each day, they may be unable to immediately respond to all of your calls or messages. A reply to your e-mail message (answerdesk@sba.gov) may take up to five working days (typically Mon - Fri except holidays).

Business Information Assistants are available to speak directly with you between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (eastern time) by calling the Answer Desk at 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722). Outside of these hours, you may hear a recording of the information 24 hours, seven days a week.

In most cases, your calls and e-mails will go to one of the many Business Information Assistants who are educated in all aspects of SBA's Programs and Services.

Whether you are starting a business or operating an established business, the US Small Business Administration has a variety of programs to assist you. Free one-on-one counseling is also available locally to help entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs in the areas of financing, management technology, government procurement, and other business related areas.

Before you write or call, you might save time by reviewing the following:

Disaster Loans: Please Note: To obtain Disaster Loan Program information or to receive a status update on your disaster loan request, please call the customer service line at 1-800-659-2955 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (EST), Mon - Fri and 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (EST), Saturday or email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Dynamic Small Business Search system/CCR issues: e-mail pronet@sba.gov, call (202) 205-9984,
or Fax (202) 481-5881

HUBZone issues: General e-mail for HUBZone: hubzone@sba.gov -- For those needing an explanation of the eligibility criteria (application questions), call (202) 205-7663; for those needing assistance with a technical issue, call (202) 205-7302; for HUBZone contracting questions, call (202) 205-6457; and, the after-business-hours (eastern time) referral number for HUBZone is: (202) 205-8885.

Ask Franchisees How They Like The Franchise

Before you invest any money in a franchise, the franchisor will provide you with a copy of their Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC). The document contains information on 23 aspects/categories of the franchise operation including background & history, and a report on the financial shape of the business.

Contact info for all of the company's franchisees can be found in Section 20 of the UFOC, providing a perfect & easy way to contact individuals and ask how they are doing with "the proven system of doing business"--their experiences will be valuable to you as you make your franchise investment decisions.