Guest Blogging
by:
Jeff Schuman
If you’re looking for a guide to how to get health insurance and
what kind of health insurance is best for your small business,
then this is the article for you. Your business qualifies for
small business health insurance if you have anywhere between two
and fifty employees in it. If you are self employed then you’ll
want to look into getting self employed health insurance.
There are many benefits to getting small business health
insurance. A small business health insurance plan will help
spread the financial risk around to everyone and not just
yourself. As this is the case, this generally will bring lower
premiums and more extensive coverage. Along with this, the
health insurance provides medical care for you and all other
employees as well.
With a small business health insurance people often get group
insurance. This too has its advantages on several different
aspects. All contributions from the employers are 100% tax
deductible, and you’ll save on payroll taxes as well. Small
businesses will be eligible for group insurance just as long as
you have two or more full time employees working.
When setting up a group insurance plan for your small business,
all members will be set up with a coverage plan with rates
calculated using the group and individuals. After that it is up
to the separate employees themselves if they wish to add riders
and additional coverage to satisfy their needs. Keep in mind
that not all employees in the small business have to join the
group plan. Just as long as there is no fewer then two
employees in the business that have the group insurance plan,
then you will be fine.
The cost of the group insurance plan varies based on several
different characteristics. Some of these include age, health
status, business and/or residential location and so on. Like
everything in this world it’s not going to be cheap, but it will
be cheaper then having a bunch of separate health insurance
plans.
Most health plans are going to require employees to pay at least
half of the premium cost for covered employees. Some employees
will offer to pay 100% of the cost, white now there is a new
health plan giving employees the option to pay as little as 25%
of the cost. Just know that typically most types of coverage
will cost employees a minimum of $1,600-$2,500 per year per
employee. By clicking on the link below you can begin getting
quotes for your small business health insurance.
Just remember that many times medical services are needed
unexpectedly. If you or other employees do not have health
insurance this could be a devastating blow to the wallet. The
cost of a hospital visit, depending on the circumstance, will
many times be much higher then the cost of health insurance.
You want to be able to live life knowing that you’re insured
just in case the unexpected happens. Nothing hurts to at least
look at some quotes and talk it over with other employees, but
you have the power to make the decision.
Article
by:
Jeff Schuman
When running a small business there can be several jobs and
tasks to take care of. Obviously knowing where the money is
coming from and going is essential to running your business.
That's why it is good to find out which small business
accounting software is best for you to help you run a well
organized and efficient small business.
There are hundreds to thousands of small business accounting
software out there to help you with reports and tools needed to
use your financial data. Depending on the one you go with will
depend on how much you're going to pay for it. The more you
pay, the more accessories and programs there will be that come
with it. Some come with a billing and time module, various
amounts of financial and management reports, and more. You can
choose to get it in different editions from basic, online, pro,
or premier for your computer.
One small business accounting software that is recommended is
the 2005 Peach tree Complete Accounting. This is a multi-user
ready system that provides you with all the features needed.
You'll have features including in-depth inventory, job costing,
time and billing, fixed assets and more. With all these great
features the price of this runs between $165-$290 as it is sold
by different merchants. You can shop for this product through
the different merchants here:
http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=2936006/search=Peachtree%20Complete
Another feature that is offered with certain software is the
capability to scale as your business grows. That is just one of
the many features that the high end Microsoft Business Solutions
Small Business Financials North America Edition offers. Also
included in this program is the capability of keeping record of
financial management, sales, purchasing, inventory, payroll, and
reporting. This is software that will easily allow you to run
an organized small business and keep track of the people in it
and all of the numbers associated with running a small business.
This software will give you everything that you'll truly need.
With this high end software is a hefty price as it runs between
$995-4,500, so you'll have to decide how big your small business
is going to get. If you're going to be running a large small
business, then this will be worth it to help keep track of all
the payrolls and inventory and more. On the website listed
below, you'll also see a free 60-day CD demo that you can try it
out first to see if you like it.
There is plenty more software to choose from, but there's a high
end software and a cheaper software to check out. If you go to
http://www.2020software.com/default.asp you'll find a list of
what this website claims the top 7 software out there. Included
on this list is the Microsoft software I have briefly talked
about just above.
This list is going to consist of the more expensive software out
there. All of the software on the list is priced at above
$1,000 with some of them reaching the $100,000 mark. While it
is pricey, it will install very easily, be very secure over the
internet and computer, and offer all kinds of features you
wouldn't even consider such as a built-in report writer to help
deliver the content in the format you need.
Now you know the general price range for accounting software and
the features you'll get for what you pay for. In order to get a
good quality software for your small business it's going to be
pricey, but it will help keep your business organized and in
tact. So don't be afraid to drop some money on software that
will help expand your business in the long run.
Article
by:
Peter Crump
Term life insurance policies provide a limited coverage period, which is determined by the policy owner. Term life insurance rates are actually the cheapest form of life insurance, but there are different rates for different people.
This is because once the term of the policy is up you don’t receive any payout from the policy. If you take out life insurance at a young age, you will get much better term life insurance rates than if you wait until you are older.
The total cost of your term life insurance rates can be tricky. Some term life insurance policies appear to cost more, but may, in fact, be cheaper when you look at the total cost of the term life insurance policy.
For example, annual renewable policies increase your premiums every year and thus may appear to be more expensive than level term policies where the premiums never increase (although the initial premiums for a level term policy will be higher).
But, in fact, level premium policies may involve higher costs over the policy's full term, and become particularly expensive when you try to renew your policy at the end of the term. This is why you do have to compare term life insurance quotes.
Some of the factors that influence your term life insurance rates are:
· Whether or not you smoke. Tobacco users are twice as likely to die as non tobacco users while they are insured. Life insurance companies take this into account when they set their premium and cash benefits levels. You can save from 20% to 30% on premiums by quitting smoking.
· Medical Record. If you have a terminal illness, it is unlikely that any life insurance company will issue a policy. In the case of heart disease, you will get a policy but your rates will be high
· Occupation. if you work in a dangerous occupation, such as working on a ship that carries gas, this will put you into a higher bracket when it comes to getting rates for term insurance. You will have to shop around to compare term life insurance quotes if you are in this category.
Term life insurance rates vary a lot, and you can do something about your premiums by taking some decisions to become more healthy, like giving up smoking.
Article
by:
Kelly ONeil
Blogging has become quite popular for small businesses as of late. I have noticed on PR Leads that there are several story requests for experts to talk about the benefits of blogging for small businesses. So, I decided I better do my homework and see what this is all about. It turns out that there are several benefits to blogging for small businesses. Here are the most important ones:
1. Blogging Software is Super Easy to Use: Simply write your thoughts, link to resources, and publish to your blog, all at the push of a few buttons. I use the software blogger.com. It took me 2 minutes to set up my account and 3 minutes to publish my first blog. Check out my blog at: http://uplevelstrategies.blogspot.com/
2. Build Relationships Online: Business blogs provide your small business with a chance to share your expertise and knowledge with a larger audience. You have the opportunity to share a piece of yourself with your community allowing them to get to know you better.
3. Higher Search Engine Rankings: Search engine marketing is hot. Business bloggers are achieving top search engine rankings because search engines rank based on link popularity and easy to index regular content among other factors. Learning the basic skills of search engine optimization and good content management are keys to better rankings for bloggers.
4. Easy Communication: The biggest benefit of Blogging or RSS (see definition below) for your web audience can prove to be a better solution for notification than websites themselves or email. As indicated by Bill Gates in a speech at the Microsoft CEO Summit 2004 in Redmond, Washington: “if you just put information on a Web site, then people don't know to come visit that Web site, and it's very painful to keep visiting somebody's Web site and it never changes. It's very typical that a lot of the Web sites you go to that are personal in nature just eventually go completely stale and you waste time looking at it… And so, getting away from the drawbacks of e-mail -- that it's too imposing -- and yet the drawbacks of the Web site -- that you don't know if there's something new and interesting there – this [blogs & RSS] is about solving that.”
Definitions:
RSS - RSS is an acronym for Rich Site Summary, an XML format for distributing news headlines on the Web, also known as syndication. First started by Netscape as part of the My Netscape site, it expanded through Dave Winer and Userland.
Blog - Weblog, web log or simply a blog, is a web application which contains periodic posts on a common webpage. These posts are often but not necessarily in reverse chronological order. Such a website would typically be accessible to any Internet user.
Post Article
by:
Jake Mayer
Please consider this article for publication in your newsletter or on your website. Permission is granted to reprint for free with resource box and byline intact. Please send me a copy of your publication if you choose to include my article.
The Power of Small Business Branding Through Private Labeling
Your Label Says A Lot About Your Business
A brand is a powerful tool in your hands, a visual image that encapsulates a perceived value associated with your company, product or service by customers and potential customers. As competition intensifies, small business owners are realizing the power of branding through private label as part of an ingenious business strategy. Owning your brand is not only an alluring marketing and sales tool, it makes good small business sense.
Wholesalers of private label products offer resellers and diverse others the opportunity to build recognition for their own company and product, as well as develop customer loyalty. With a lead on identity and a secure on loyalty, new and repeat sales are sure to follow, given that your product meets consumer expectations. The bottom line is: You will drive your revenues and increase profits through the use of private labels.
Once thought of as a value-added, low cost substitute for higher priced name brands, private label brands were referred to as store or generic brands; remember the no name brand! Interestingly, the private label perception is blossoming in today’s marketplace as the upscale alternative to national brands. As burnt cream evolved into French crème brûlée, consumers now consider private label brands as an affordable extravagance. Associated with distinctive, premium quality products and services, private labels are now positioning as your own proprietary brand or personalized brand, and rightly so.
Private Label Brands Are Packed With Benefits
A private label packs numerous marketing and sales benefits into your product. The basics of any good marketing plan are simple: Increase your customer base, increase the frequency of repeat sales and increase the average expenditure, the question is… how? Designed to display and impress your image and developed around your target market, propriety label may be the answer.
Your own brand is what sets you apart from your competitors and builds brand loyalty. Differentiating your product as a unique brand also enables you to compete on non-price factors such as quality. A smart move for small business because typically, they cannot achieve sales volume levels to be a low price favorite.
Stocking name brand products does little to entice consumers into your brick and mortar or online store. National brands are widely distributed and can be purchased almost anywhere. A private label will bring customers to your place of business, as your brand is exclusive. An additional benefit is that of product awareness, every time a customer opens your private label product sitting on the counter top the customer is reminded where the product was purchased.
Small businesses do not have abundant resources to spend on large marketing and advertising campaigns like their national competitors. Your proprietary label, imprinted on an appealing package, is an excellent advertising item and channel. You gain exposure and get the word out about your business and product, requiring little effort outside your input in the label and package design. Using a private label is a cost effective method to market your small business.
Of course, customers will not rush back to your store and beat down the door for a label. Establishing the brand with a high quality product is essential for repeat sales. Generate trust in your brand by selecting a respected wholesaler who knows the product and the business well. To promote consumer purchasing the reseller must also perfect the private label to meet the desires and expectations of the target market.
Black Tea or Decadently Rich Chocolate Chai? You Decide
Let’s take a look at a fast growing, competitive segment of the beverage industry, tea, to see how the benefits of private label are put into practice. Once trailing far behind the specialty coffee market, tea is now surging in the popularity and so are the sellers. The trend is driven by consumer lifestyle shifts toward good health, luxury and pleasure. Specialty tea is forecasted to become a major portion of the tea industry. Demand is stimulated by the new products available as consumers seek extraordinary and exotic tea flavors.
It is essential reseller’s offer a quality product from a knowledgeable wholesaler supplier, as product choice can make or break a business. Working in partnership, the private label wholesaler and reseller will bring together knowledge, experience and creativity in the design of a captivating label and appealing package. With endless choices, from loose leaf to tins, the finally product is presented to exceed the reseller and final consumers expectations.
An up and coming leader in the national spa market, exhale spa promotes a whole body rejuvenating selection of services based upon the wisdom of traditional healing and movement therapies. To enhance the relaxing ambience of the spa, exhale serves their own signature tea blends, formulated and packaged by Lapis Teahouse, a provider of premium private label tea. Resellers turn to Lapis Teahouse (http://www.lapisteahouse.com) and other select wholesalers that offer both private label and custom blending services for a competitive advantage.
Private label companies build trust in a brand by selecting and custom blending extraordinary teas for flavor, aroma, and quality. Exciting new products are designed to fit the customer’s unique needs and compliment their business image.
Private label producers serve a diverse customer base, and each benefit by selling a private label brand. From a nutrition center prescribing the health benefits of organic herbal tea, to an elegant teahouse serving a taste of luxury for tea connoisseurs, a brand can be developed to reflect and project your image. You don’t have to be a reseller to capitalize on the rewards of a unique identity. The private label extends into the service industry to enhance professional services and company ambience.
Small business branding through private labeling conclusively builds company and product recognition. Positioning your unique product through private label, aimed at your target market, results in an effective, low cost-effort marketing strategy.
It is the solution to getting customers into your store and back again and again… If your company is competing in the beverage or any other industry by using other brands, consider the benefits of your own proprietary brand. No matter how you label it, small business branding through a private label wholesaler is powerful marketing!
Guest Blogger
by:
Larry Westfall
State laws have been relaxed to make it easier for small business to raise start-up and growth financing from the public. Many investors view this as an opportunity to “get in on the ground floor” of an emerging business and to “hit it big” as the small businesses grow into large ones.
Statistically, most small businesses fail within the first few years. Small business investments are among the most risky that investors can make. This guide suggests factors to consider for determining whether you should make a small business investment.
Risks and investment strategy
A basic principle of investing in a small business is: Never make small business investments that you cannot afford to lose! Never use funds that may be needed for other purposes, such as college education, retirement, loan repayment, or medical expenses.
Instead, use funds that would otherwise be used for a consumer purchase, such as a vacation or a down payment on a boat or a new car.
Above all, never let a commissioned securities salesperson or office or directors of a company convince you that the investment is not risky. Small business investments are generally hard to convert to cash (illiquid), even though the securities may technically be freely transferable. Thus, you will usually be unable to sell your securities if the company takes a turn for the worse.
In addition, just because the state has registered the offering does not mean that the particular investment will be successful. The state does not evaluate or endorse any investments. If anyone suggests otherwise, they are breaking the law.
If you plan to invest a large amount of money in a small business, you should consider investing smaller amounts in several small businesses. A few highly successful investments can offset the unsuccessful ones. However, even when using this strategy, only invest money you can afford to lose.
Analyzing the investment
Although there is no magic formula for making successful investment decisions, certain factors are considered important by professional venture investors. Some questions to consider are:
Ø How long has the company been in business? If it is a start-up or has only a brief operating history, are you being asked to pay more than the shares are worth?
Ø Consider whether management is dealing unfairly with investors by taking salaries or other benefits that are too large in view of the company’s stage of development, or by retaining an inordinate amount of equity stock of the company compared with the amount investors will receive. For example, is the public putting up 80 percent of the money but only receiving 10 percent of the company shares?
Ø How much experience does management have in the industry and in a small business? How successful were the managers in previous businesses?
Ø Do you know enough about the industry to be able to evaluate the company and to make a wise investment?
Ø Does the company have a realistic marketing plan and do they have the resources to market the product or service successfully?
Ø How or when will you get a return on your investment?
Making money on your investment
The two classic methods of making money on an investment in a small business are resale of stock in the public securities markets following a public offering, and receiving cash or marketable securities in a merger or other acquisition of the company.
If the company is not likely to go public or be sold out within a reasonable time (i.e., a family-owned or closely held corporation), it may not be a good investment for you – despite its prospects for success – because of the lack of opportunity to cash in on the investment. Management of a successful private company may receive a good return indefinitely through salaries and bonuses, but it is unlikely that there will be profits sufficient to pay dividends in proportion with the risk of the investment.
Other suggestions
Investors must be provided with a disclosure document – a prospectus – before making a final decision to invest. You need to read this material before investing.
Even the best small business venture offerings are highly risky. If you have a nagging sense of doubt, there is probably a good reason for it. Good investments are based on sound business criteria and not emotions. If you are not entirely comfortable, the best approach is usually not to invest. There will be many other opportunities. Do not let a securities salesperson pressure you into making a decision.
It is generally a good idea to see management of the company face-to-face to size them up. Focus on experience and record of accomplishment rather than a smooth sales presentation. If possible, take a sophisticated businessperson with you to help in your analysis. Beware of any information that differs from, or is not included in the disclosure document. All significant information is required by law to be in the disclosure document. Immediately report any problems to your state Office of the Commissioner of Securities.
Conclusion
Greater numbers of public investors are “getting on the ground floor” by investing in small businesses. When successful, these enterprises enhance the economy and provide jobs. They can also provide new investment opportunities, but the advantages must be balanced against the risky nature of small business investments.
Guest Blogging
by:
Cameron Brown
If you ask most small business owners what priority CRM has in their short-term business plans, chances are you’ll get more than one blank stare. The fact is that most small business owners don’t even know what CRM is not to mention how significantly it can benefit their growing company. This prevailing ignorance of small business CRM (customer relationship management) usually stems from just a few basic causes.
Excuses not to invest in small business CRM
The first and most common reason for disinterest in small business CRM is the very nature of small business. With limited financial and personnel resources at their disposal, business owners believe they can’t afford the money or time that a small business CRM system would require to show a significant ROI. Often times the chief concern is just staying afloat long enough to sign that big contract or receive a large product order.
Still other owners of new businesses believe that they can build and maintain quality customer relations simply by the virtue of the their cordial personality or particular market niche. They see small business CRM as an unessential luxury to be enjoyed exclusively by their larger competitors. What these owners often find is that without sufficient small business CRM support their business will never expand beyond the number of customer names they can remember.
The problem is compounded when the company expands into internet sales (an essential move by any growing company) and suddenly finds its present customer tracking system overwhelmed by the sheer amount of incoming customer information.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line, as all successful small business owners have learned, is that it takes more than one good idea to build long-term business growth and stability. You may be great at attracting new customers to your business, but if you fail to care for, track, and understand your customer base, not only will you hemorrhage your hard-won clientele, you will also fail to capitalize on future opportunities by not anticipating future market trends.
The Solution
The good news about small business CRM is that there is an increasing number of automated systems available at prices that most smaller companies can afford without too much difficulty, usually around $2000 a year. Some CRM companies, effectively eliminating the need for small business owners to micromanage their CRM system, largely manage newer small business CRM systems. Now small business owners can reap the benefits of a smooth running CRM system with a minimal time/financial investment.
Features to look for in a small business CRM system
There are many features available to small business CRM users designed to not only track sales, but also cause sales. Here are some features to look for.
· Power Dialing-This feature allows your outbound sales agents to place 300%-400% as many sales calls, effectively quadrupling your workforce.
· Voice Messaging System-Allows you to automatically record and send sales calls designed to elicit a customer call back.
· Custom Fax and Email-Following up on leads with timely fax and email can mean the difference between closing sales and missing out on potential revenue.
Other ‘must-have’ features include:
· Calendaring
· Marketing management
· Sales management
· Order and quote management
· Service management
With the ability to outsource these business functions, small business owners can concentrate on implementing strategies that they’ve had to hold off on due to lack of customer information and/or time.
