Small Biz Startup

THE COMPETITION

2009-03-12T10:47:00.002-04:00

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

2009-02-25T11:12:00.011-05:00

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

2009-02-15T10:00:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-13T11:00:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-12T16:59:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-11T11:12:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-29T11:42:00.006-05:00

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

2009-01-22T10:58:00.004-05:00

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

2009-01-21T18:00:00.005-05:00

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

2009-01-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

YES, WE CAN!

Facing Unfair or Excessive Regulatory Enforcement Actions?

2009-01-12T12:27:00.006-05:00

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!

2009-01-09T14:29:00.014-05:00

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

2009-01-07T11:14:00.007-05:00

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

2009-01-06T15:05:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-05T15:48:00.004-05:00

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

2009-01-04T23:22:00.006-05:00

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.

Regulations On Opening Your Own Winery

2008-12-23T13:30:00.006-05:00

Alcohol Control Boards are found in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and in every Canadian province. These Boards are responsible for issuing the permits you will require to produce any type of alcohol. Your business must adhere to their regulations. You'll need to contact both the federal and state alcohol control offices for your permits.

In the United States, you can visit www.ttb.gov/forms/5000.shtml
Some individuals hire a representative to get through the process. Call the local Alcohol Control Board in your state or province in which your winery is based to begin filing the permit application.

Green-er Small Biz in 2009

2008-12-22T15:41:00.011-05:00

Energy Star is run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency but the program actually does help small business save $$$$ on energy costs and can provide technical help. Sign up and you receive a How-To guide for analyzing and upgrading your facility, lists of energy equipment & service contractors, access to free workshops & public relations materials to promote your efforts. They have an ad to help you promote your GO GREEN efforts that permits you to drop in your logo. The main site is: www.energystar.gov/smallbiz.

The site also has a link for Canadian businesses. We like that!!!!!

Obama Support for Loophole Will Hurt Small Biz

2008-12-20T08:31:00.013-05:00

Considering the dire state of our nation's economy, President-elect Barack Obama was expected to support existing federal small business programs and propose new policies that would stimulate the middle class economy and create jobs for our nation's 30 million small businesses. But, it looks like his appointment of Karen Mills, Venture Capitalist, to head the U.S. Small Business Administration, indicates he will support H.R. 3567, a loophole that will hurt small business.

Mills is president of MMP Group, a private equity investor and adviser since 1993. From 1999 to 2007 she was founding partner and managing director of Solera Capital, a New York based venture capital firm. She is lead director of Scotts Miracle-Gro. Her husband is president of Bowdoin College.

There appears to be a significant disconnect between President-elect Obama's campaign promises to American small businesses and the actual policies he is proposing.

In February, Obama released the following statement, "Over half of all Americans work for a small business. Small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy and we must protect this great resource. It is time to end the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants." (http://www.barackobama.com/2008/02/26/the_american_small_business_le.php)

Any mention of President-elect Obama's February statement, or specific plans to stop the flow of federal small business contracts to "corporate giants" are conspicuously absent from the Obama-Biden Transition Team website, www.change.gov.

Change.gov and the Obama-Biden campaign website, www.barackobama.com, significantly minimize the importance of our nation's small businesses, which employ more than 50 percent of all Americans.

Less important topics such as "Rural" and "Service" received major headings under the issues section of the Obama-Biden campaign website while issues relating to America's small businesses, which create over 80 percent of all new jobs were relegated to the site's lower priority people section between "Seniors" and "Sportsmen." (http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/sbhome/)

The American Small Business League (ASBL) is predicting the Obama Administration may be preparing to roll out policies and legislation that could have a severe negative impact on the small businesses he acknowledged were the "backbone of our nation's economy."

From January 2001 to October 2008, Obama received more than $1 million in campaign contributions from the venture capital industry, according to Maplight.org. The site also indicates that the venture capital industry contributed heavily to senior Democratic leadership. (http://www.maplight.org/map/us/interest/F2500)

The ASBL predicts President-elect Obama will support H.R. 3567, the Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007, which will create a new loophole in federal contracting law that will allow our nation's wealthiest investors to receive billions of dollars in federal small business contracts. The venture capital industry has spent millions of dollars lobbying Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to have the legislation passed.

"I predict President-elect Obama will not restore the Small Business Administration's budget and staffing as he promised during the campaign. I don't think he will do anything to stop Fortune 500 firms from receiving federal small business contracts," ASBL President Lloyd Chapman said. "I believe he will sign legislation to create another colossal loophole that will divert billions more in federal small business contracts to billionaire venture capitalists. People need to start noticing the dramatic difference between what Obama said during the campaign and what he is actually doing."

Mail Order Catalogs Consume 8 Million Tons of Trees A Year

2008-12-19T15:21:00.009-05:00

How many duplicate mail order catalogs have you received this season?
Here are some stats on catalog waste:

* Over eight million tons of trees are consumed each year in the production of paper catalogs.
* Nearly half of the planet’s original forest cover is gone today. Forests have effectively disappeared in 25 countries, and another 29 have lost more than 90% of their forest cover.
* Deforestation contributes between 20% and 25% of all carbon pollution, causing global climate change.
* More than one billion people living in extreme poverty around the world depend on forests for their livelihoods.
* There are other significant environmental impacts from the catalog cycle. The production and disposal of direct mail alone consumes more energy than three million cars.

The manufacturing, distribution, collection and disposal of catalogs generates global warming gases as well as air and water pollution. Reducing the number of unwanted catalogs that are mailed will help the environment.

(Small businesses can use a data management system such as ,the SmartMover Web service that ensures mail pieces--like catalogs--reach their intended recipients without duplicates, delays, detours, or flat-out returns – reducing waste and saving valuable time and money. Consumers can request a Junk Mail Reduction Kit from a recycling program in their state. The Bay Area Recycling Outreach Association, for example, has a great package.)

Discounted Franchise Options For Veterans

2008-12-15T15:07:00.013-05:00

Vet Fran, short for Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, was launched 10 years ago by the International Franchise Association to provide financial incentives to assist veterans in acquiring franchised businesses.

Don Dwyer, founder of The Dwyer Group, lobbied for Vet Fran and made it happen. The Gulf War was underway; 100 franchisors stepped up and offered discounts to all veterans of the U.S. Armed Services (who were honorably discharged). Domino's Pizza, for example, charges a franchise fee of $25,000 but the fee for veterans is $5000.

Currently, more than 300 franchise organizations have joined the effort and the programs receive full cooperation from the Department of Veteran's Affairs, the U.S. Small Business Association and the Veterans Corporation. Today, the Vet Fran Task Force is chaired by Don Dwyer's daughter, Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, president and CEO of The Dwyer Group.

The most popular franchises among veterans are:
~The UPS Store
~Matco Tools
~Meineke Car Care Centers
~PostNet Int’l Franchise Corp.
~Aire-Serve Heating & Air Cond.
~CruiseOne
~Sport Clips
~Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies
~Dunkin’ Donuts
~Mr. Electric
~Mr. Rooter

For more info on the program, visit www.franchise.org/Veteran-Franchise.aspx

10 ?'s To Ask Yourself Before Starting Your Small Biz Engine

2008-12-14T13:36:00.011-05:00

Before you launch your small business, ask yourself these 10 questions (the questions--and your answers--will also help you put together your business plan):

1. Do I have the stick-to-it-ive-ness to be an entrepreneur?

~you'll need to have the type of detail-oriented personality that doesn't give up when
things don't go your way; you need to be your own advocate & bull-dog in the face of adversity and be able to forge ahead when facing doubt and criticism from friends & family (see posting on Ben & Jerry)

2. Do I have a valid business idea?

~you might have a wonderful idea, but you must do research to make sure you can make it happen; is there competition in your region? can you offer the same product/service but do it
faster? cheaper? better? this is the time to analyze your small business and make these tough decisions before investing any money, time, soul energy.

3. Do I have the skills & talent to pull it off?

~yes, we all want to succeed, but it is important to realize our limitations. If one dreams of opening a catering business, are we able to lead? to pull together & energize a small team? to book weddings, parties, and corporate events? Can we consistently provide great service & products?

4. Am I located in the right market for this type of business?

~ask yourself: Is there an audience to support the business I want to start? If you want to want to start a pet sitting service, do you live in an area of pet owners? If you love cars and want to detail them, do you live in a market (like Los Angeles or Long Island, New York) where people love their automobiles and enjoy driving around in slick rides detailed to perfection, and are who willing to pay top $$ for the look of perfection?

~you might a great idea for a business, that you can execute in a great way, but do you have the audience, customers? This leads us to the next question...

5. Who is my target market?

~who will buy my muffins? who will hire me to landscape their gardens? who will hire me to be the dj at their events? do I live in an area where the client base is broad enough to support my small business?

6. How will I promote, market & advertise my small business?

~do I have the budget to advertise? where will I advertise? how else can I promote this business? will i host a "grand opening"? send out press releases? contact local media in the effort to gain free publicity with an article/interview/editorial feature?

7. Where will the $$$$ come from to start this small business?

~ask yourself: will I leave my current job or should I keep working 9 to 5 and run this biz on a part-time or weekend basis? can i leave the healthcare benefits on my current job to strike out on my own? have I saved enough money to keep the business going until a dedicated client base kicks in for this business?

8. What will my office operational set-up be?

~will you work at home? at the kitchen table, attic, garage, spare room? or will you need an outside facility--such as a shop? this overhead will greatly increase your expenses.

9. Can I work alone?

~many would-be entrepreneurs love their business idea, but suffer great anxiety from the isolation that ensues; entrepreneurs often miss "the water cooler" conversation they enjoyed at their former workplace--what kind of person are you? will you enjoy the independence, or will you miss your former colleagues? would you pursue your small business with greater zest if you had a partner? you might turn your sole proprietorship into a partnership.

10. What will I name the business?

~what's in a name?....we live in a very quick and visual universe. a book or magazine cover can make or break a sale. the name of your new small business can make or break your new enterprise. think about it carefully and test it out on neighbors and friends. do a google search on the name to make sure it is not being used. pick a name that will make you proud of your business every time you say it, and develop a quick-pitch (15 seconds or less) to describe exactly what your business does--

Now that you have answered these questions, you can begin to work on a business plan.
A business plan is a must if you need to apply for a loan. A business plan is also a good idea because it helps you to research & answer every question you might have about the business before you get started. Good luck with these questions and let us know how you do. send us an email: smallbizstartup@gmail.com.

Licensing

2008-12-10T19:35:00.000-05:00

Once you develop your brand, you can begin to think about making money through "licensing."

Licensing now accounts for more than $175 billion in global retail sales . Licensing is a tool used to make money by loaning out your name & logo to another company that will actually manufacture and distribute the goods.

It is a contractual deal to permit use of a brand in association with a defined product, for a defined period of time, in a defined territory.

Licensing is the process by which a brand / property owner extends a trademark or character out of its regular environment of doing business and onto products of a completely different nature.

Ralph Lauren started as a tie company. As the company expanded, they expanded via licensing to extend their brand. The company "licensed" their name, trademark, brand image to companies that sold cosmetics, for example, to create the broad line of Ralph Lauren fragrances.

Watch companies for example make big money deals to create cute novelty watches based on Sponge Bob, Elvis, Betty Boop, Barbie, movie tie-ins, etc.

Licensing can boost your business by expanding your company's market reach, creating new revenue streams, build your global awareness, develop new promotional & retail partnerships.

And Bobble Heads now exist for every type of character ranging from sports figures to cartoon characters and so on. The company signs deals with cartoon companies, etc. to manufacture the items, market and distribute them.
Bobble Heads date back to 1842, but it was the Willie Mays Bobble Head of 1998, that started to generate new excitement for the fun figurines.

Once you develop your brand, you can work to become a viable candidate for these lucrative licensing deals. Work on establishing your branded presence in the marketplace and the licensing deals will follow!

BRAND YOURSELF

2008-12-09T10:44:00.011-05:00

You don't have to be a Fortune 500 corporation to have a 'brand'--sure, we associate the branding process with products/services such as "Brillo" , "Subaru" , "Apple" or "H.&R. Block", but we can all create and market ourselves and our small businesses with a Personal Brand.

Your brand is your identity. Build your brand based on who you are, and what you want your company to say, to mean, to represent.

What message do you want your company to convey? This is part of the branding process. You can create a logo that ties-in with the message you want to send to your clients and potential customers.

For example, if you run a small kiosk that sells coffee in a busy office complex, you might want to convey "speedy service" with "quality" coffee. Maybe the coffee cup in your logo is flying quickly through the sky? Or, maybe to suggest that fresh brewed aroma, you create a bag of coffee beans that looks professional, but fun.

Everything you do in your small business should be all about your brand. If someone approaches you and wants to pitch a product to you to sell in your store, make sure it is appropriate to your brand. Your brand--in the case of the coffee kiosk--is all about fresh taste, rich brew in a speedy setting--selling fountain pens or fresh baked bread from your kiosk is not in keeping with your brand. Deliciously prepared fresh sandwiches to go, however, might be.

Who are you? What do you represent? Make a list of five words or concepts that best tell who you are and/or what your small business is, and you are on your way to creating your own brand.

Subaru is all about creating an automobile for the rebel, the non-conformist, the person who doesn't mind quietly standing out in the crowd. Every car they design and manufacture, their showrooms, their salespeople, speaks to this emphasis on individuality. What do you want your company to convey?

LOVE & MONEY: Turn Your Passion Into A Moneymaking Enterprise

2008-12-05T10:39:00.008-05:00

Do What You Love & The Money Will Follow:
Most successful entrepreneurs say they started their business because of the interest & passion they had for the topic, rather than a way to 'get rich quick.'

As you contemplate launching your small business, make two lists:

The first should be a list of your interests and hobbies. Do you love sports, gardening, crafts, cooking, building projects, cars, etc.

The second list should be a rundown of the skills and talents you have.
Are you a good speaker, are you detail oriented, do people tell you that your baked goods are top-notch, are you great with kids or animals, etc.?

Examine your two lists and see where the ideas and concepts intersect.
~For example, if you love cars and you are detail oriented, would you enjoy running a car detailing service, or
~If you love baking bread, and consistently turn out good products, could you bake for a local catering company?
~You have a passion for animals--how about a doggie day care, dog/cat sitting service?
~You have extra rooms in your home and enjoy taking care of people--plus you live in a college town & there are never enough hotel rooms for special events: how about a bed & breakfast?
~You love sports and photography: why not take photos and create DVDs of local teams, golfers, bowlers, etc.?

You can do what you love and the money will follow, so rather than stress how and become obsessed about starting a business that will make you a mint this year, consider taking the time to start a business that you will really love working on and developing; if you love it, you will enjoy it every day and you will love watching it succeed.

You Can Turn Your Passion Into A Moneymaking Enterprise!

3 Ways To Start Your First Small Business

2008-12-01T10:51:00.009-05:00

There are 3 ways you can start your first business:
*one, as an independent entrepreneur starting from scratch
*two, purchase a "business opportunity" or "turnkey package"
*three, buy a franchise
Let's examine each option:

1. Launch an independently-owned business from scratch.
You have a business idea about which you are passionate and believe you can deliver your product or service to the marketplace better, cheaper or faster than the competition (if competition does exist for your new business idea.)

You'll be working alone as your own Small Biz Superman/woman. You start at home, part-time or on weekends without leaving your current job, benefits, etc. Once you build up clients or sources of revenue you are ready to expand your biz and possibly leave your 9 to 5 workplace.

Examples of an independently-owned small businesses include:
*making desserts, pastries & breads to sell to caterers & restaurants
*home insurance inventory service run from your laptop and camera
*landscaping service including firewood delivery/snow removal during the winter season
*open a retail store
*run an online auction business

2. You buy a "biz opp" or "turnkey package"
Business opportunity packages run the gamut from gift basket businesses to vending machines to car detailing services to snow cone or popcorn kettle machines. Startup costs run from $100 to more than $5000 to purchase these packages.

Companies sell you a "turnkey package" that usually includes a manual, marketing ideas and tools/inventory to start the business--the idea is that everything is included you just 'turn the key'--to get started. Make sure you investigate the company--see posting of November 21 on "How to Investigate A Biz Opp"--before you send any money to anyone. You are still working on your own but have a company that possibly provides you with basic tools such as accounting software, products, and perhaps a toll-free support line for help.

3. You purchase a franchise.
Franchising is a multi-trillion dollar business and it is estimated that about 66 cents of every dollar in the U.S. is spent at a franchise. Examples include: 7-Eleven, 1-800-GOT-JUNK, McDonald's, Midas, Meineke, and Supercuts.
Advantages: According to the International Franchise Association, a franchise is a way to "be in business for yourself, but not by yourself." You receive everything from help in choosing the location, to signage, uniforms, training, follow-up, products, software, advertising support.
Disadvantages: Can be costly, must pay royalties to company, terms may expire, must be able to follow franchise mode of operation and not deviate from patterns of doing business.
Check out franchise.org to learn about
franchising and get an idea of costs, training.

FREE Nuts & Bolts Small Business How-To Workbook From Small Biz Startup

2008-11-25T12:45:00.009-05:00

800,000 Americans have already lost their jobs this year
and the tragic figure is expected to rise to 1 million by
late December.

Due to outsourcing and downsizing, real employment options might not exist. For many, there is no real alternative but to start a small business.

Small Biz Startup presents a FREE Fill-in-the-Blank How-To Really Start Your Small Biz Workbook available at our partner blog: www.smallbizstartupworkbook.blogspot.com

The Small Biz Startup Workbook attempts to demystify entrepreneurship for first-time small business owners and includes strategies,
tips, techniques and checklists on finding the perfect business,
choosing a name and logo, organizing the launch, investigating business opportunities and
franchises, setting up an accounting system, and much more.

We offer it to you with the hope that it will be your small business partner as you embark on this exciting Be-Your-Own-Boss journey.

How To Investigate A "Business Opportunity" or "Turnkey" Package

2008-11-21T11:47:00.009-05:00

A fast way to start a small business is to purchase a “business opportunity” or “turnkey” package. These “kits” come with a manual, DVD, inventory, promotional products, ads, and marketing & bookkeeping software, too. They often come with a lot less! There are no royalties to pay as with a franchise, but there is often no follow-up support such as an 800-hotline for help, etc.

The theory with a “turnkey biz opp package” is that all you have to do to launch the business is buy the package, read the material, study the manual, "turn the key" and open your business. Some of these start-up business opportunity packages cost $100 or less. Others cost thousands of dollars. But there is one common denominator: the opportunity should be investigated. Remember, let the buyer beware.

I sent for an “envelope stuffing biz opp” to see what it was: $25 and all I got was a letter suggesting I place ads in magazines and online offering “Envelope Stuffing From Home Business Opportunities”!!!!!

There are several ways to investigate a business opportunity. Do this before you send any $$$$ to anyone:

1. Call the Better Business Bureau in the city where the company is based. Ask if they have a "reliability report" filed on the company. This report provides information on the company and will include whether or not complaints have been filed on the company. It will also let you know how the company handled those complaints. Also visit: www.fraud.org for the National Fraud Information Center and phone the Call for Action Hotline at 301-652-HELP.

2. Call the Chamber of Commerce in the town where the company is based. Just because the company might not be a member doesn't mean they aren't reputable. But ask the Chamber of Commerce if they know of any reason why someone shouldn't do business with them. It doesn't hurt to hear what the word of mouth is about a particular enterprise.

3. Call the Attorney General's office in your state--often located in the State Capitol's office. Also check with the Secretary of State's office to see if there are any complaints filed on the company or if there are investigations pending.

4. Where did you hear about the business opportunity? At a local trade show? Through an ad? If it's in an ad, call the magazine who carried the ad and ask to speak to the advertising department. Do they have information on the company? How long have they been in business? Do they pay their bills on time? Has the magazine or trade sponsor received any complaints about the company?

5. Use your judgment. As you study the ad, ask yourself, "can I figure out what the business opportunity is from this ad?" If not, then run in the other direction. They are trying to be evasive. If you can't contact the company and get more information on what it is you are sending money to receive, then don't send a dime. Remember the old line, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Not in every case, but in many.

6. Ask the company offering the business opportunity package if you can get a list of folks who invested in the package during the last two years. If they are legit, and if they are proud of what they are offering, they will be happy to put you in touch with their satisfied customers. If they won't do this, there very likely is something shady going on with that particular business opportunity program. Companies that have a legitimate business opportunity package for you to look over should not be scared or dismayed if you want to receive some free additional information about the company before you invest in the program. This is a perfectly acceptable request.

7. Perform a Google search on the company and see what turns up.

8. The Federal Trade Commission offers a free package of information about the FTC Franchise and Business Opportunity Rule. Write to: Public Reference Branch, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580 or call the FTC at 202-326-2222.

9. Use your instincts. If the opportunity doesn't sound or seem just right to you, stay away. Do some more research before you get involved with the company and follow tips one through 8 to conduct your "due diligence" investigation about the business and the specific opportunity.

10.Don't send money unless you completely understand what you are buying into, and even then, check it out before you send any money.

Helping Small Biz In These Tough Times

2008-11-19T12:31:00.000-05:00

The Great American Small Business Challenge is a new, national non-profit event, co-sponsored by over 25 SBA funded Small Business Development Centers. The Challenge has been created to help small business owners develop the essential leadership skills they need to cope with the current economic crisis. All Challenge participants receive free access to valuable organizational-improvement software, leadership-training and support.

"Small Business owners feel like they hit a brick wall. Sales are slipping, accounts receivables are mounting and vendors are tightening their credit terms. To survive the current economic downturn companies need to operate at peak performance," says Michael Kramer, co-founder of the Great American Small Business Challenge.

The Great American Small Business Challenge is a new, national, non-profit event created to help small business owners develop the essential leadership skills they need to create a flexible, resilient and sustainable company. The Challenge is co-sponsored by over 25 SBA funded Small Business Development Centers who provide Challenge participants with free access to valuable organizational-improvement software, leadership-training and support.

According to data collected from the US Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration, there are over 25 million small businesses in the United States. Small businesses employ over 54 million Americans and contribute 40% of our Gross National Product.

"Considering the important role small businesses play in our economy, not enough is being done to help them maximize their success," says Jean Kulig-Tucker, co-founder of the Challenge. "The Challenge has been created to give small business owners the practical tools they need to streamline their operations so they can thrive in any economy," emphasizes Kulig-Tucker. Small Businesses can signup for the Challenge at The Great American Small Business Challenge web site: www.TheGreatAmericanSmallBusinessChallenge.com.

Advice From The Legendary BEN & JERRY

2008-11-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

I was privileged to interview Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield about how they parlayed a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making from Penn State University into the current global giving empire now run by Unilever.

When asked what was the single most valuable piece of advice they could offer startup entrepreneurs, they said there were two thoughts they wanted to impart:

1. Be wary of family & friends who quickly become naysayers: Ben & Jerry said when they announced they were learning how to make ice cream to possibly start a small business, everyone was supportive; 'oh, yeah, go for it,' and all that--but the day they signed a lease on a space and started cleaning it up to actually begin the business, Ben & Jerry experienced the jealousy of former supporters. Be careful when this happens--and it usually will--because human nature is competitive. Even those who love and care about you will try and hold you back from your dream. Ben & Jerry said, stay strong, to fight through the nay saying!

2. Even if you have nothing going for you, and want to start a small business: Just Start!
They advise, don't let the fact that you have no outside facility or lavish equipment hold you back;
if you have a passion for an idea you believe in, then just start--start at your kitchen table or sell your t-shirts or whatever from the trunk of your car, but Just Start! If you believe in it, everything will fall into place.

The Be-Your-Own-Boss Explosion

2008-11-18T13:20:00.000-05:00

More than 800,000 hard working Americans have lost their jobs this year and that figure is estimated to hit more than 1 million as we approach year-end pink slips. Many of our newly unemployed will never be able to transfer their knowledge into a similar position for a comparable salary—the only solution might be to start a small business.

It’s a small world after all--a small business world, that is. It is small business that is fueling our economy today not the Fortune 500 giants. In fact, small businesses account for about 90% of all new jobs created. Small business owners are the innovators who bring us inventions, and faster,cheaper, smarter ways to get from A to B. In the past two decades we’ve witnessed an explosion in entrepreneurship.

Everyone dreams of being his or her own boss--and for many good reasons. Being one’s own boss will always be associated with freedom and to a great extent, pure joy and satisfaction. It is difficult for employees to find this satisfaction on their jobs working for others.

For a long time, American workers have not been able to rely on the comfort and security once associated in working for a mega-giant corporation. There was a time when employees could count on protected pensions, health care and job security.

At the close of each year, CEOs and top management still pocket multi-million dollar profits, while the workers who drive corporations, teeter on shaky ground. We’re all too familiar with the devastation caused by layoffs, plant closings and corporate downsizing in the last few years. Since 1979, 50 million Americans have watched their jobs vanish, and according to The New York Times, only 29 million have replaced them.

We’re now searching for fulfillment and livelihood in new places, in new ways. We’d rather work 14 hours a day for ourselves doing something we love than work for “the man”. Having a small business means freedom from the 9 to 5 shackles. We’d gladly work twice as hard in our own venture. Owning a small business gives us pride and identity.

In the 19th century, Americans worked and plied their trades. Villages usually featured one shoemaker, one clothing retailer, one grocer, and so on down the line. Late 19th and early 20th century entrepreneurs ventured into oil, steel and railways and made a bundle overnight. They struck gold.

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Americans fulfilled dreams by taking over the family business. After World War II new ideas, technologies and politics came into place changing the business climate as well.

Sons and daughters were no longer content to work in the family business. College was the dream and working for a large corporation became the fantasy. Business students earned MBAs and turned their sheepskins into big buck fortunes. But with the greed of the 1980s came the stock market crash and insider trading scams.

Social awareness, invisible since the 1960s, turned many of us off to the notion of big business. Government let us down, too. Environmental devastation along with concern for human needs, such as health care and shelter, took center stage.

Global alarms on AIDS, famine and natural disasters brought us closer together. Americans started to reject the notion of the big business machine and once again moved toward small business.

We watched garage-based ventures like Apple and Microsoft become world-class empires. It was proof that entrepreneurship--the New American Dream--was alive and well. Advances in technology have made it easy for small businesses to be launched from home.

With the Internet, It’s never been easier to be an “Open Collar” worker than right now and it gets less difficult all the time as one-person operations run from a kitchen table rack up profits and respect.

Running a business is fun and exciting. It has been written and said time and again: If you choose something you love to do, you will love working on it, at it, with it, for it. The money will follow. I hope this blog will serve as your "partner" as you begin your Small Business Journey!