Feb
11
After buying their first home, Debra Cohen and her husband faced the unenviable chore of finding reliable home improvement contractors. Fed up with blindly picking names from the Yellow Pages and waiting for contractors who didn’t show up, it occurred to Cohen that if she and her husband were having trouble finding contractors, other homeowners in their community must be facing a similar predicament. This bleak reality sparked the creation of a unique service that has since expanded into a profitable cottage industry across the U.S. and internationally.
After extensive conversations with lawyers, business consultants, contractors and insurance agents, Cohen, 38, started Hewlett, New York-based Home Remedies of NY Inc. from her home in February 1997. This stay-at-home mom used a $5,000 loan, a computer and a refurbished fax machine to launch her part-time business. Right away, the response from homeowners was tremendous, and after three months in business, she repaid her loan. Her gross earnings in the first year were almost $30,000.
Today, Home Remedies is a contractor referral service that matches home-owners with reliable home-repair workers. The appeal to customers is that the company takes on the time-consuming task of locating and screening qualified contractors, checking to make sure they’re adequately insured and licensed, and serving as a liaison between the contractor and the homeowner throughout the course of a job. Home Remedies provides a win-win situation for both parties: Services are provided free of charge to the homeowner, and contractors represented by Home Remedies only pay a commission for any work they secure.
At first, Cohen worked approximately 15 hours to 20 hours per week; she now works about 30 hours per week. Last year, sales for Home Remedies exceeded $100,000. Cohen earns additional income by selling manuals and packages on how to get started in the referral business.
Question about business
How does a business collect from a customer that has filed bankruptcy?
Have a small business and have a customer that has run up a debt and their company is now filing bankruptcy. How does a business go about collecting from the business. We are a small business also there has to be laws to help protect us also. Need some advice on how to legally go about being paid as a creditor. Also if a business says they are filing bankruptcy is it public record and what sites show this record.
http://unusualbusinessideasthatwork.com
The site about people who make money online selling unusual, strange and sometimes bizarre things or provide curious services. Only real, working businesses with URLs provided, so you can do further investigation on your own.
Feb
3
Buying an existing small Canadian business for sale can be a great decision towards achieving your financial independence and pursuing a passion you may have. It is not for everyone though – there are risks involved that you must address. Buying a small business requires capital, time, hard work and the ability to handle some moderate risk. Please use care regarding the Canadian business for sale you are interested in – consider if purchasing the business is the right decision for you. That being said, this article lists some of the more common reasons that people decide to buy a small business.
Customers. When you buy an existing Canadian business for sale there are typically existing customers already in place. Many times start-up ventures fail for the simple reason that after the initial investment and work to get the business started that customers don’t arrive for quite some time (or not at all). Having an existing customer base with an existing business is a major reason to buy an established Canadian business for sale.
Company reputation. When you start a company from the ground floor there is no existing reputation. As a business owner in this scenario, you must work on building up your business’s reputation. With an existing small business, there is usually an established business relationship existing in the marketplace. Be careful to only buy a business for sale that has a good reputation!
Trained employees. An established company will usually have staff in place that know their jobs and are fully trained. Use caution and diligence when you buy a business to be reasonably sure that the staff will remain in place after the sale. Mitigate any risks you think might be a factor.
Vendors are in place. Having good vendor relationships are crucial to the success of many small businesses. When you consider buying an existing business for sale you may find that these critical relationships are already setup and the work to set these up has been done. Confirm this during the due diligence process.
Operating systems are established. Starting up a new venture requires some trial and error with respect to the operations and usually involves some work in getting the ‘bugs’ out. When you buy an established Canadian business for sale then there is a strong chance that most or all of the operational ‘bugs’ are already worked out of the system.
Well known existing location. Buying a small business that has been in operation for many years out of the same location has significant benefits. Example – buying retail clothing score in a well-known Toronto or Hamilton, Ontario location that is recognized as a ‘destination’ spot to buy clothes has significant value to a business buyer.
Cashflow. Buying a business with existing sales volume means cashflow on day one of owning the business. Cashflow is the key to any business success so this is certainly a key benefit to buying an established company.
When you buy a Canadian business for sale it is important to recognize the clear benefits that come from acquiring an existing operation. Please use caution and do a thorough due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. Working with business brokers is a wise decision and you should always consult with a lawyer and accountant before you buy a small business.
Question about business
How do I start a successful retail business?
I need assistance to get my questions answered regarding starting a retail business:
1. Which retail business would be best to start and why: a) Specialty retail business or b) Mail order business?
2. Which type of business is more predictable and does not change often: Specialty retail or mail order?
3. Many people say that PASSION is important when it comes to starting a business because the owner will have to work long hour to make his or her business a success. I agree with that but can you explain to me why there are many people out there who started their successful businesses outside their PASSION?
4. How can I choose products and services to sell that fit my personality and are part of my values?
5. I took a Myers-Briggs personality test and the result of the test shows that my personality type is an ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging). Would someone like me who possess this personality type can become successful in operating his or her retail business?
Ontario Business Brokers
Business for Sale in Toronto, Hamilton and surrounding areas in southern Ontario, Canada. We are a full service business brokerage here to help you buy or sell a business.
Jan
22
The United States Postal Service itself acknowledges the positive impact of direct mail advertising and marketing on various types of businesses. In fact, it produced a manuscript titled “Ways Your Business Can Use Direct Mail.” This should be consulted by business owners in order to maximize the benefits of direct mail advertising on their companies, including companies in Miami FL. The document cites the various uses of postal services for business mailing services and bulk mail advertising and marketing. Companies who lack manpower may use a mail house for the necessary fulfillment services such as presort services for catalog mailing.
The United States Postal Service reports that Americans spend over $31 billion dollars every year in direct mail advertising. This is perhaps based on the fact that direct mail advertising has been proven to be more cost effective than other advertising and marketing campaigns. Direct mail advertising targets particular individuals who meet the specific criteria of the company’s campaign. Businesses choose to invest their money in something that is sure to bring in more revenue benefits for every buck.
According to the United States Postal Service, business mailing services can be geared toward the specific needs of companies in various fields. Retailers, service companies, manufacturers and professionals, for example, have different needs particular to their businesses. They can design their direct mail advertising and marketing campaign accordingly. Companies based in Miami FL can further tweak their campaigns to meet the needs of their local market.
Retailers can use business mailing services to send flyers and brochures to their target market, informing them of new products, special offers, changes in shopping hours and other news. They can send special postcards to preferred loyal clients with incentives such as discounts and early notices of a coming sale. They can use a catalog mailing campaign, as well, to boost sales.
Service companies can mail out a regular newsletter to strengthen their long term relationship with old clients while attracting the loyalty of new clients and also establishing a relationship with them. The newsletter could contain news of developments in the field or industry as well as tips that are helpful to consumers. A separate mailing could consist of postcards offering incentives in return for referring a friend to the company. Furthermore, service companies can gain new prospects by exchanging mailing lists with another company in a complementary field. A veterinary clinic and a pet groomer, for example, can exchange mailing lists to expand each other’s reach. Alternatively, they can agree to recommend each other to their clients in their regular mailings.
Manufacturers can use business mailing services to send announcements to existing clients and distributors about new product offerings of the company. They can increase revenue from current customers by informing them about other products apart from the ones they are already regularly purchasing. The existing customers would also appreciate information on upgrades and new accessories of the products they have already been supporting. Other qualified sales leads could be pursued by sending them product samples.
Professionals can mail out regular newsletters to their clients, containing news and informative articles on their profession. This will further boost their credibility and strengthen the trust that their clients place in them. Professionals could also mail out flyers and brochures on special events and promotional activities. If there are any crucial changes in their company and staff, they could also inform their core clients through business mailing services.
Companies would do well to heed the advice of the United States Postal Service. They should maximize direct mail advertising for their business in Miami FL and anywhere else in the country.
Question about business
How do I start a successful retail business?
I need assistance to get my questions answered regarding starting a retail business:
1. Which retail business would be best to start and why: a) Specialty retail business or b) Mail order business?
2. Which type of business is more predictable and does not change often: Specialty retail or mail order?
3. Many people say that PASSION is important when it comes to starting a business because the owner will have to work long hour to make his or her business a success. I agree with that but can you explain to me why there are many people out there who started their successful businesses outside their PASSION?
4. How can I choose products and services to sell that fit my personality and are part of my values?
5. I took a Myers-Briggs personality test and the result of the test shows that my personality type is an ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging). Would someone like me who possess this personality type can become successful in operating his or her retail business?
Rapid Mail & Computer Services Inc
John Borrero
830 W 19 St
Miami, FL 33010
Phone: (305) 882-0482
Fax: (305) 882-9051
Email: john@rapidmail.us
Website: www.rapidmail.us
Jan
4
If you are running a business then an effectual and clear communication is vital for a successful business. Hence, selecting a right business landline is very important which sets up the communication among you and your business clients, staff and vendors directly. It has been proved that for the success of business whether it is of large, small and medium scale of enterprise, these systems plays great role and proved to be economical and valuable. Some companies consider the system to be complex but cannot ignore the convenience provided by it. Now, there are various service providers in the market that they are providing reasonable business phone answering machine.
Benefits of having a reliable answering service
It is simple to handle calls from anywhere and though you are out of from your office. With the help of business landline answering machine you can reduce your phone bills and only you have to pay reasonable monthly bill. Now, no need to spend hours in attending phone calls and you can focus on your business.
Well-organized Call managing Service 24/7
With an answering system your works get much easier and with no delay all incoming calls are answered by call answering machines. If nobody is there to attend phone calls then all incoming calls are attendant by auto responders with a professional way. Your call can be directed to your numbers directly if you are not in the office or you are somewhere else. There are many features you will get with answering machines and these are like: Call conferencing, Dial by name, Fax, Dial by extension etc.
The business landline systems are available in market in a wide range and you can choose the best plan at affordable rate for you. With its easy to use and quick responding features, you will have great benefit in your business.
You will get the features like:
- Caller Id
- Call forwarding
- Auto attendant
- Recording of the calls
- Conference calls
- Multiple line capability
- Auto attendant
- Speaker phones
- Voice mail facility
To choose the best business landline you can browse internet and there you will get large information and you can compare features among many service providers. You can also have agents number who can guide you for selecting the right system.
Nowadays market is flooded with large collection of business answering machines and many providers are providing great discounts on their products. So, availing right answering machine for your business is not a big deal now. Only you have to choose the best suitable plan for you according to your business need.
We all know that voice plays a vital role for a successful business and whether it is easy PABX connectivity or a customized voice solution, you will get the best technology. At a very reasonable rate you will have a good automatic call responding machine and you can spend your valuable time for your business. Every successful business is having answering machine so consumers don’t get irritate of calling again and again.
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Question about business
Opening a business and wondering what types of expenses I can write off?
I am opening an online business for website design. (set up as a LLC, I'm the sole owner) Should I start keeping receipts of all business related expenses? Or would my business qualify as a hobby if I don't make a certain amount of money in the year that I'm filing.
What types of things can I write off onto my business? (dinners, gasoline, etc.) Do I need a seperate business credit card/bank account for the expenses?
Do I have to accept payments towards the business's services through a corporate account, or can they make the check/payment directly to me?
na
Dec
28
The global financial crisis has made it quite difficult for companies, especially small businesses, to get business loans. Ironically, it is also in this situation that smaller companies often need additional capital infusion to boost income. You may need to get small business loans to acquire a better business location, construct a new building, renovate your premises, pay for new equipment, fixtures or furniture or increase inventory and working capital.
Most Small Business Loans Require Collateral
To get business loans, even small business loans, is a major challenge.
First you need to identify which among the many types of small business loans you need. Small business loans ranging from $5,000.00 to $35,000.00 are called micro loans. For larger needs, such as for the acquisition of land, buildings and other major fixed assets, development financing is what you should find. There are also import export loans as well as franchise financing. Do your research to find out if you are qualified for small business loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration or SBA.
Any of these small business loans will require extensive preparations and paperwork. As a small business owner, you will need to prove your credit worthiness through a personal credit history report. Lenders will also require a business plan which includes your credentials as the business owner, your company financial statements, business assets and an analysis of your market. All of these should be packaged in a professional loan proposal which presents how the loaned amount will be used to strengthen the business and how you intend to repay the loan. Most of all, you need to present your loan collateral – the assets you will put up to secure the loan.
Quick and Easy Small Business Loans with No Collateral
For smaller acquisitions or day to day business needs, there is a way for entrepreneurs to get small business loans easily and quickly with no collateral. This is through merchant services.
Merchant services provide credit card services to businesses. This enables them to accept and process payments through credit cards or debit cards either through face to face purchases, online transactions, or even by phone or fax. Merchant service providers supply terminal equipment for card swiping, as well as the necessary software and high speed IP solutions.
Most businesses need credit card services since consumers routinely pay for goods and services through credit cards and debit cards these days. If your business has not taken this step yet, you may have been missing out on more than half of your income potential.
These same merchant services also provide the solution for your small business loans. Collateral-free loans can be availed of through their cash advances, with the loan amount computation based on the monthly credit card revenue your business generates. Credit card sales requirements may be as low as $3,000.00 a month. You will not be asked for collateral since your future revenue is your collateral.
The best types of merchant cash advances do not require fixed monthly payments nor do they impose deadlines on loan payment. A certain percentage is instead deducted automatically from your credit card revenue each month to go towards loan payment. This way, you never have to worry about loan amortization.
Once your cash advance has been fully paid, you may apply for another one. It is like having a revolving credit line. Make sure that you compare the terms of several merchant service providers, though, and read the fine print on contracts. There are so many merchant service providers competing for your business that you’ll surely find one that fits your needs.
Question about business
Opening a business and wondering what types of expenses I can write off?
I am opening an online business for website design. (set up as a LLC, I'm the sole owner) Should I start keeping receipts of all business related expenses? Or would my business qualify as a hobby if I don't make a certain amount of money in the year that I'm filing.
What types of things can I write off onto my business? (dinners, gasoline, etc.) Do I need a seperate business credit card/bank account for the expenses?
Do I have to accept payments towards the business's services through a corporate account, or can they make the check/payment directly to me?
Advanced Merchant Services
Contact Name: Roger Inman
P.O. Box 1475 Safety Harbor, FL 34691
Bus: 727-642-3606
Bus Fax: 877-413-6067
E-mail: rinman3@tampabay.rr.com
Website: www.bankcardprocess.com
Dec
15
What Do You Think A Business Card Is For?
The use of business cards, or calling cards as they were more popularly known, is still widely prevalent today, even in this age of electronic communications. Technologies of instant communications such as Bluetooth and infrared connectivity are easier and much handier ways of sending and receiving data and information, including those contained in a business card. Yet people —and particularly businessmen— still carry around small stacks of business cards, giving them away at every chance they get and at the slightest provocation. Don’t ever tell a businessman you’ll call and he will give you his card, faster than you can say “Jack Robinson”, whoever he is, regardless of whether he has given you one earlier.
This only proves business cards still play a vital role in business or even everyday life, because even those not in business, such as students, have calling cards in their names. Why so? A number of reasons have been advanced as to the business card’s functions, and they range from as a source of personal pride to a business tool.
The functions of a business card
As a business advertising tool. A business card will normally contain the owner’s name, form or list of business or service rendered, phone or contact number/s, and some sort of catchphrase or slogan for the business. In this way the holder will immediately see in the card if the card owner is the appropriate solution to his immediate needs. So actually the card acts as a kind of ‘sleeper’ or inactive advertising for the owner, accessed when needed.
As a social link. Many people accept other people’s business cards and promptly forget both the card and the person right afterwards. Then the card is remembered when the holder needs to contact the card owner socially, and so the card is dredged up from the dustbin of ‘where-did-I-place-it’ questions. Or, you may not care what the guy sells, but he is so hunky…
As a travelling reference. If you know a friend who requires his boat engine serviced and you bump into someone who does that, you may wish to request his card to pass to your friend, who might later pass it on to another with similar needs. Without the card, neither potential customer will remember the boat engine service provider when the service is required. With it, the card owner may well capture a whole boating association.
As a personal affectation. It is simply classy to give away business cards, even if the owner has no business. It gives the owner a feeling of ‘superiority’ -for lack of a more appropriate term-over others. It is also a lot easier to just hand a receptionist, say, your business card instead of explaining who you are.
So, the card
Different people have different uses for a business card and if you think one reason is enough, then you’re wrong. A business card does all of the above, and often, more.
Question about business
What business minor should I get in addition to human resource management?
As a psych major I am well aware that my major is useless on its own so I am going to get some background in business by majoring in human resource management. My college also offers seven other business minors, accounting, business administration, economics, international business, management, management information systems, marketing, and personal financial planning. Which of these would be beneficial along with my HRM minor?
Floyd is a small business owner. He creates his own impressive business cards with an Online Design System at www.printbusinesscards.com
Dec
13
VH International Business Solutions Inc (<a rel=”external nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.ManhattanVirtualOffice.com”>www.ManhattanVirtualOffice.com</a>), proud of its success thanks Employees, Clients, Associates and Friends for their support on its 19th anniversary milestone.
VH International Business Solutions Inc, New York’s preferred executive office and voice mail provider, is celebrating its nineteenth anniversary in 2009. With over 17 thousand clients since its launch nineteen years ago, VH International Business Solutions, Inc has become New York City’s destination for business professionals seeking a unique executive office organization.
“What started out 19 years ago as a basic virtual office support service has steadily grown into a business far exceeding anyone’s expectations,” said James Spence, VH International Business Solution’s vice president of operations. “We are all very proud of this accomplishment and grateful to our clients and employees who helped get us here.”
VH International Business Solutions, Inc initially offered its services to the local market. With the proliferation of consumer Internet access, the Company was the first in New York City to offer NYC virtual office services interactively via the World Wide Web. With this success, VH International Business Solutions established an instant business-to-business worldwide access to the New York market making available for the first time New York City virtual office services for organizations of all sizes, from the independent entrepreneur to enterprise-level Fortune 500 companies.
“Today VH International Business Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of executive office and business support services that can be tailor-made and bring about a meaningful difference for any company of any size in the world,” said Mr. Spence. “We pride ourselves on service that is reliable, efficient and competitively priced — all backed by our celebrated no-nonsense world class customer service. Our mission is to ensure our clients get the service they deserve and are entitled to.”
Added Mr. Spence, “During our 19-year life span, our focus on customer service has never wavered. We understand our client’s specific needs, there is no such thing as one solution for all. Because we offer client support staffed by seasoned professionals, whether you are an independent professional or a business, we have been able to deliver timely solutions again and again with a very satisfied customer rating.”
Continued Mr. Spence, “By being in touch with our client base, we have also been able to anticipate their needs and grow with their business. That’s one of the major reasons why we have been so successful. We very much look forward to the next 19 years.”
For additional information on VH International Business Solutions, visit <a rel=”external nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.ManhattanVirtualOffice.com”>www.ManhattanVirtualOffice.com</a>
ABOUT VH International Business Solutions, Inc
Conceived in 1987 and Incorporated in 1990, VH International Business Solutions is today an international provider of New York executive and staffed virtual office services. In the contiguous United States, we offer voice mail points of presence in ninety percent of the Country. Our suite of executive and office support services are not only comprehensive but can also be custom fit for any enterprise-level need. Our services include, but are not limited to New York based virtual and staffed office services, business meeting facilities, nationwide voice mail services, live answering services, New York State incorporation filing services and much more. In addition, VH International Business Solutions is focused on providing its clients with superior support service, which is backed by a seasoned group of professionals who understands the needs and issues of today’s business and employees. At VH International Business Solutions, you to get the attention you deserve. For more information, please visit <a rel=”external nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.ManhattanVirtualOffice.com”>www.ManhattanVirtualOffice.com</a>
Question about business
How does a business collect from a customer that has filed bankruptcy?
Have a small business and have a customer that has run up a debt and their company is now filing bankruptcy. How does a business go about collecting from the business. We are a small business also there has to be laws to help protect us also. Need some advice on how to legally go about being paid as a creditor. Also if a business says they are filing bankruptcy is it public record and what sites show this record.
VH International Business Solutions, Inc. Since 1990. Offering unbeatable service to individuals, small and mid sized local
companies; as well as larger domestic and international firms
seeking to establish a presence in the U.S., and particularly in the
New York market. As the pioneer of offering Virtual Office services
online in New York City, we are the leader and have the most
expertise of working with local and global businesses when entering
the New York marketplace. While others emphasize services, we
emphasize service. Manhattan Virtual Office
Nov
25
Christmas is around the corner and payday is still a distant chimera that is hovering beyond the confines of the New Year. Your better half is turning a year older but the number of candles on the cake is going to remain the same. Yet she expects a killer gift that should accompany the cake otherwise she’ll get all het up about it.
Unfortunately you have already maxed out your credit cards and you have also lost your ability to take any more money from you pals. So what are you going to do? Well I’ll tell you what I did. I took an instant cash loan that I was able to repay in easy installments.
Getting a cash loan is easy and is quite convenient wit the number of people who are willing to disburse cash loans being very easy. Instant Cash Loans are the norm today rather than the exception and you usually have to wait for less than a few hours to get it.
AN instant cash loan is usually of an unsecured nature but there are instant cash loans that are also secured in nature and that can be had for a sum that is as small as 2000 pounds and as large as 50,000 pounds. These two figures encompass a wide range of loan figures and the best part is that getting an instant cash loan is as easy slipping on a banana peel.
To slip on a banana peel you actually have to first eat a banana then you have to throw it on the road and then you have to actually slip on it which is something that I have tried and believe you me that psyching your self into slipping on a banana peel is not an enjoyable experience but then to each his own.
On the other hand getting an Instant Cash Loans is easier. All you have to do is Apply Here and fill up their form. In a few hours they will get in touch with you and before you can say jiminy cricket your loan amount will be in your hands. It is great it’s convenient and it’s definitely a whole lot better than slipping on a banana peel. Try it and you will see the difference.
Question about loan
What is a good loan consolidation program for Federal and Private student loans?
I am looking for a good student loan consolidation program that will take on both my Federal and Private student loans from Sallie Mae. If you know of any good ones that you have heard of or used in the past, please leave a description or website so I can look into it. If you are a loan company, don't bother answering the question as I will mark it as Spam. Thanks.
Fastcashloans4u.co.uk specialize in providing Logbook Loans and Instant Cash Loans with no credit checks.
Nov
5
My neighbor asked me, “Why would anyone sell a successful company?”. He could not understand why anyone would leave a business that was doing well. Of course successful companies get sold all the time.
So why do these business owners sell? The short answer is that most closely held businesses sell for human reasons, such as burn out, retirement, illness, partnership disputes, family issues or other personal reasons. Usually the business is fine but the human being running the business needs a change. To understand this better it is key to understand the other options for exiting a business.
Close the Business/Liquidation
Closing a business that is profitable never makes sense. Even if the assets are liquidated the price is likely to be pennies on the dollar versus selling the business as a going concern with employees, customers and a reputation that is intact. Not only does the business owner get the lowest value but the employees, vendors and customers are hurt by this type of exit.
Accident, Illness or Death
No one wants to exit their business this way, but many do. The loss of an owner not only creates tremendous issues for the family but also creates a leadership void in the business. Even the most competent management can struggle when a key business leader is lost to a serious accident, illness or death. No one plans for this type of exit but many end up exiting the business this way because they failed to create an alternate plan.
Succession
Succession by a family member or key employee has its benefits. They know the business, its product or service, employees, customers and vendors. Succession can be operationally successful for the exiting owner if they make sure the successor is carefully selected, qualified and groomed for the position. The owner must be careful not to make an emotional choice of a relative or favorite employee but instead choose the successor with the right skills to lead the company into the future. You are not seeking an “Employee” mentality but an “Owner” mentality. If that rare person can be found in the business who can make the transition to Owner, they often do not have the cash needed to purchase the business. They are also likely to want to pay less for the business as familiarity will blind them to many of the value drivers of the company. So although succession can be operationally successful it is rarely a financial success for the outgoing owner.
Sell
Closing or liquidating the business minimizes the value to the owner. Accident, illness or death forces the issue on the owner. Succession provided a very limited pool of options with limited financial reward.
Selling on the other hand allows the business owner to decide their ideal timing, maximize the value of the business they worked so hard to build, coordinate the use of the sale proceeds for financial planning and align their personal goals with the sale of a business. Selling the business allows the business owner to create a wealth event and often significant on-going passive income without having to run their business.
Whatever they are, human reasons are always pushing and pulling on a business owner. Burn out, stress, divorce, illness, partner disputes and limited growth capital are some of the human reasons that push owners out of the business. Retirement, enjoying life, relocating, a new business opportunity and passive income are some of the reasons that pull a business owner out. Whatever the motivation, the fundamental reason a business owner chooses a sale as their ideal exit plan is control. The business owner chooses to understand the value of their business and to proactively pursue the right buyer and the right price. By selling a business you choose to exit your business by choice, not by force.
The professional team at Sunbelt Midwest can help you confidentially sell or buy a business in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and surrounding areas. For more information check out our site at http://www.sunbeltmidwest.com.
Question about business
Opening a business and wondering what types of expenses I can write off?
I am opening an online business for website design. (set up as a LLC, I'm the sole owner) Should I start keeping receipts of all business related expenses? Or would my business qualify as a hobby if I don't make a certain amount of money in the year that I'm filing.
What types of things can I write off onto my business? (dinners, gasoline, etc.) Do I need a seperate business credit card/bank account for the expenses?
Do I have to accept payments towards the business's services through a corporate account, or can they make the check/payment directly to me?
The professional team at Sunbelt Midwest can help you confidentially sell or buy a business in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and surrounding areas. For more information check out our site at http://www.sunbeltmidwest.com
Nov
2
Information Technology lies at the very heart of today’s organisations and many companies are now so dependent on their networks that they take them for granted. In today’s 24/7 digital economy, just imagine the business implications of critical data being lost, internet and email access being unavailable or your internal network going down.
The impact of the unexpected on your business, whether in the form of malicious damage such as hacking or some kind of natural disaster, can be devastating in the networked world. Take for example the 2007 flash floods across the UK. Following the wettest May to July on record, approximately 7,100 businesses were flooded and the resulting damage cost an estimated £3 billion1. However, this figure fails to take into account the cost of lost business during that period, when some companies were unable to operate a normal (if any) service, or the damage to reputation that the inability to communicate caused. No-one can predict the future, but by carefully planning in advance you can ensure that your business is in the best possible position, if and when disruption occurs.
To meet resiliency requirements for coping with both unexpected events and increasing volumes of data, today’s businesses require more than Next Generation Network capability alone. They need a combination of robust network capability and a next generation service mindset from their telecoms provider. When it comes to business resiliency, it’s not simply a case of ‘one size fits all’. ntl:Telewest Business closely collaborates with its customers and tailors its services to meet their needs. The next generation of business resiliency is here.
What level of resilience is needed?
Different industries have unique requirements for resilience. In the banking industry, for example, access to accurate, real-time buying and selling data is critical and business continuity and resiliency are considered so important that they are subject to specific regulations such as Basel II. However, for the majority of businesses, the rules and regulations are not so strict, and yet the implications of a network collapse without sufficient backup systems can be equally severe. This is particularly true when you consider that, according to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 80 per cent of small to medium sized businesses go out of business within 18 months of experiencing a major network problem and 90 per cent of businesses that lose data in a disaster are forced to shut within two years.
The indisputable fact is that all business premises, no matter what the organisation’s size or industry, face the risk of disasters and they need to bring certainty to how they store and use their information. Firms need to be able to move their data around freely and ensure that it is 100 per cent backed up from every site, minimising the exposure to risk at any one site and making sure that the most important data is prioritised.
What types of network meet the requirement?
Network capability and flexibility provide the technology platform for next generation telecoms providers to roll out a resilient service. As well as being able to withstand unexpected events, today’s networks need to be able to cope with the everincreasing amounts of information being transported by today’s businesses. Their needs have extended from just email and web browsing to encompass multimedia applications, image-driven, user-generated content and video. In order to cope with these burgeoning volumes of data and the swift pace of operational change, networks need to be both extremely resilient and scalable. Rapidly growing workforces require constant, uninterrupted access to business resources and only a Next Generation Network can provide the flexibility and resilience required.
ntl:Telewest Business’ £13 billion Next Generation Network was built specifically with the demands of the digital age in mind and, based on fibre-optic technology, it is highly resilient. The Next Generation Network is capable of delivering the next generation IP and Ethernet services required by today’s fast-moving business and, as bandwidth can be increased quickly and painlessly in line with demand, scalability issues are overcome. In order to significantly reduce the volume of faults on their networks, today’s telcos also need to engage far earlier in proactive network management. By constantly monitoring its network, ntl:Telewest Business ensures that potential issues can be identified before they develop into problems. As a result, both the network’s performance and the user’s experience are significantly improved.
How can every eventuality be covered?
Maintaining business continuity is not as simple as deploying two separate links to your business sites, there are a number of considerations that have to be taken into account. How far a customer wants to go in assuring resilience depends on the importance of their information assets and their budget, but there are four key business continuity measures that can be taken into consideration.
As there are two UK-wide access networks, ntl:Telewest Business’ and BT’s, it stands to reason that if information is your organisation’s lifeblood you should not trust all of your services to just one network. Having an alternative access network in place ensures that critical applications continue to run even if one provider has a major outage. An alternative transmission path can also handle unexpected peaks in traffic and provide protection against denial of service attacks, which are designed to swamp networks with traffic and cause them to buckle.
The second business continuity measure is eliminating a single point of failure for the availability of voice and data services. Rather than relying on a single network provider to deliver connectivity between a site and the rest of the private network or the internet, businesses can run multiple links to their sites, guaranteeing up-time should one of the lines be inadvertently damaged and rendered unusable. In the event of network connectivity being destroyed over one connection, services can seamlessly divert to the backup connection, maintaining continuous data transfer and call availability.
One of the most basic disaster recovery tools that businesses should consider is spreading their risks across the network. By creating a mirrored system in which all information and applications are regularly and automatically backed up at different points on the network, businesses can ensure that information is protected in the event that one part of the network experiences an outage.
Multiple Ethernet connections into a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with any-to-any connectivity enable organisations to decentralise their IT across multiple sites and replicate their business-critical data. If a problem does occur, whether it is a natural disaster or simply a power failure, employees should be able to work from home and log onto their VPN remotely, safe in the knowledge that the network is secure and work can continue as usual, albeit off-site. This any-to-any connectivity overcomes the needs for backup circuits.
Finally, in the event of one of an organisation’s main circuits going down, forcing all data to run over the other and increasing the risk of a network bottleneck, the prioritisation of critical data is essential. The application of up to eight classes of service over the ntl:Telewest Business network, with predefined Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, will also ensure that business critical data is delivered in advance of lower priority traffic such as internet data. This way organisations can ensure their business critical applications conti
nue to perform at optimum levels, even in adverse conditions.
With such an array of business continuity options available, organisations require a telco provider that’s prepared to sit down and discuss the most appropriate solution for their unique needs, risks and budget. ntl:Telewest Business collaborates closely with all sizes of business, not just its largest customers with big communication budgets. Consultative and technologically-savvy local service teams, both at the presales and project management stages, work hand-in-glove with the customer to ensure they receive the most appropriate solutions for their business.
How can businesses design and provision truly resilient networks?
True business resilience can only be attained when network capability is fused with a high level of consultative input at the stage of designing new network infrastructures. Until now, the legacy telco practice has been to keep customers at arm’s length from the services they use and act as merely a circuit provider, rather than responding to customers’ requirements. The next generation of telecoms providers need to invest in their service delivery, and not solely their network, ensuring that their customers feel connected to their telco teams as well as their network.
As a next generation telecoms provider, ntl:Telewest Business is committed to sitting down with organisations, listening to and understanding their individual requirements. This way it can help the customer implement measures appropriate to the risk associated with the type of traffic on its network, with a design that reflects the confines of the budget.
A customer-centric mindset and ‘can do’ attitude ensures that ntl:Telewest Business collaborates with its customers from the start, helping to plan, design, and implement their networks. But it doesn’t stop there, many of the same teams remain all the way through integration and while the network is running. No one can predict the future, but by working with a telecoms provider that has such a Next Generation Network and a customer-centric mindset, you’ll be better prepared for any eventuality.
Question about business
How do I start a successful retail business?
I need assistance to get my questions answered regarding starting a retail business:
1. Which retail business would be best to start and why: a) Specialty retail business or b) Mail order business?
2. Which type of business is more predictable and does not change often: Specialty retail or mail order?
3. Many people say that PASSION is important when it comes to starting a business because the owner will have to work long hour to make his or her business a success. I agree with that but can you explain to me why there are many people out there who started their successful businesses outside their PASSION?
4. How can I choose products and services to sell that fit my personality and are part of my values?
5. I took a Myers-Briggs personality test and the result of the test shows that my personality type is an ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging). Would someone like me who possess this personality type can become successful in operating his or her retail business?
ntl:Telewest Business boasts more than 15 years’ experience in delivering communication solutions for private and public sector organisations, and has invested more than £13billion in the largest alternative Next Generation Network in the UK. For more info, visit http://www.ntltelewestbusiness.co.uk/
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