I'm sure that all of you have heard about the handful of UC employees who want a raise in their pension. If not, here is a link to the article that was in the San Diego Union Tribune:
Basically, in 2007, a waiver was granted to the UC System lifting the pension limits on its highly compensated employees. According to corruptauthority.com, The University’s pension plan is currently unfunded in the amount of $21.6 billion, and officials have been rushing to boost tuition payments, reduce benefits for future employees and requiring them to pay more of their salaries into the plan. The University System has a Task Force that created a report that gives the system options for fixing their broken plan.
The UC System does have a plan in place to help the highly compensated fund their pensions more fully. This plan is a non-qualified plan, and is discretionary, so I'm not sure if its currently being funded.
The UC Regular employees have voiced their opposition to the proposed increases in the pensions for the highly compensated, and even have a petition going around to stop it, and the top leaders of the system are opposed to it as well, so chances are it will get little traction at the UC level.
However, the 36 employees who signed the petition have threatened to sue and the UC system has retained lawyers just in case, according to the LA Times article.
Assemblyman Jerry Hill has even threatened to bring Legislation that will prevent the UC system from increasing the pensions for the highly compensated.
UC is not the only University with pension problems, and the WSJ reported in April of 2010 that the liability for the three systems, CalPers, CalSTRS, and UC, was over 500 Billion Dollars.
The reality is that with or without the additional pensions that these employees want, California Taxpayers will be on the hook for these pensions, like it or not.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Friday, March 26, 2010
How the Health-care Bill affects you
I can't believe that it's been almost a week since the Health-care Bill passed. My Facebook and Twitter friends were all buzzing with either delight or concern depending on their political affiliations. I tried to stay out of it publicly, but my husband and I talked privately about how the new bill would affect our lives.
The SBA put out a posting on how the Bill affects small business, and the Los Angeles Times put out an article on how the bill affects individuals. To see the bill, go here: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-healthcare-passage22-2010mar22-html,0,3934537.htmlstory
What do you think?
The SBA put out a posting on how the Bill affects small business, and the Los Angeles Times put out an article on how the bill affects individuals. To see the bill, go here: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-healthcare-passage22-2010mar22-html,0,3934537.htmlstory
What do you think?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Review of Carmen Nobel's Four Types of Insurance
I read this post at: http://www.thestreet.com/story/10698059/1/four-types-of-insurance-businesses-need.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEN Talking about the four types of insurance that every business owner needs. Basically, Carmen Nobel writes that the four types of insurance you need are:
Worker's Compensation
Home Business Insurance
Key Person Insurance
Product Liability Insurance
For Worker's Compensation Insurance, this is, of course, the law in California. However, in my work as a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) broker, I've come across businesses that were operating for more than a year and didn't have it. It's shocking but true. Businesses that hire mainly white collar employees don't really have to worry abut WC costs, because it is so minor. But get into a business like construction or manufacturing, and your WC costs go through the roof. Many times a PEO can assist you by actually charging you 20-30% less because they become the employer of record, and can negotiate the costs with the WC carrier. In some cases, they actually self insure.
Home Business Insurance: According to the blog post, this covers business property, lost documents and loss of income due to lost accounts receivables or emergency relocation. Sometimes this means upgrading a homeowners policy to include the home business, too. Since I've never heard of this type of insurance (just a "rider" on your home owners policy) I'm going to have to check with my insurance agent to find out more about it. I'll let you know what I find out.
Key Person Insurance, commonly known as "Key Man Insurance", is a life insurance policy in which the company is the beneficiary, so if the key person dies or is incapacitated for a long time, the company receives enough coverage to keep it afloat during the transition, whether that means finding and training a replacement or paying off investors before turning the company over to new owners. This kind of insurance is definitely worth looking into if you have a business with key employees.
Finally, Product Liability Insurance: This of course would only apply if you are manufacturing and selling a product. I liked her reference to the movie, The Jerk. "Anyone who doesn't understand the importance of product liability insurance need only watch the movie "The Jerk" -- a riches-to-rags story in which an entrepreneur loses all his money after his invention, a nose grip for eyeglasses, causes thousands of customers to go cross-eyed."
So if you run a business and you don't have any insurance, look into these four types. To read more of Carmen Nobel, go to: http://www.thestreet.com/author/1155442/CarmenNobel/all.html
Worker's Compensation
Home Business Insurance
Key Person Insurance
Product Liability Insurance
For Worker's Compensation Insurance, this is, of course, the law in California. However, in my work as a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) broker, I've come across businesses that were operating for more than a year and didn't have it. It's shocking but true. Businesses that hire mainly white collar employees don't really have to worry abut WC costs, because it is so minor. But get into a business like construction or manufacturing, and your WC costs go through the roof. Many times a PEO can assist you by actually charging you 20-30% less because they become the employer of record, and can negotiate the costs with the WC carrier. In some cases, they actually self insure.
Home Business Insurance: According to the blog post, this covers business property, lost documents and loss of income due to lost accounts receivables or emergency relocation. Sometimes this means upgrading a homeowners policy to include the home business, too. Since I've never heard of this type of insurance (just a "rider" on your home owners policy) I'm going to have to check with my insurance agent to find out more about it. I'll let you know what I find out.
Key Person Insurance, commonly known as "Key Man Insurance", is a life insurance policy in which the company is the beneficiary, so if the key person dies or is incapacitated for a long time, the company receives enough coverage to keep it afloat during the transition, whether that means finding and training a replacement or paying off investors before turning the company over to new owners. This kind of insurance is definitely worth looking into if you have a business with key employees.
Finally, Product Liability Insurance: This of course would only apply if you are manufacturing and selling a product. I liked her reference to the movie, The Jerk. "Anyone who doesn't understand the importance of product liability insurance need only watch the movie "The Jerk" -- a riches-to-rags story in which an entrepreneur loses all his money after his invention, a nose grip for eyeglasses, causes thousands of customers to go cross-eyed."
So if you run a business and you don't have any insurance, look into these four types. To read more of Carmen Nobel, go to: http://www.thestreet.com/author/1155442/CarmenNobel/all.html
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Cash Prize for Young Entreprenuers...$50,000
I received this letter last week and wanted to share it:
Dear Small Business Supporters,
The Hitachi Foundation Seeks Young Social Entrepreneurs
The Hitachi Foundation is searching the country for the first-ever Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs. They are 18 to 29-year olds, and they are operating viable businesses that create jobs, supply goods or services, or use internal management practices that offer low-wealth individuals in America a leg up. Successful applicants will receive a cash prize of up to $50,000 over two years to support their business as well as technical resources.
We know they are out there: young entrepreneurs who, through their innovative products or practices, help move people out of poverty and into the mainstream of American society.
It’s a great opportunity for a young entrepreneur – up to six will be honored. And it’s an opportunity for us to learn what it takes to run a financially sustainable business that gives a boost to people who feel stuck in place.
But we need help searching. Could you forward this to anybody you know who might want to apply, or who might know America’s first-ever Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs, or post it on your website or blog?
You will find a short video featuring Barbara Dyer, the Foundation’s president and CEO, discussing the program and all the information about how to apply at http://www.hitachifoundation.org/yoshiyama. The first round application deadline is March 22.
A few highlights of the program include:
• The entrepreneur must have established his or her business with the expressed dual purpose of operating a successful business and accelerating upward economic mobility for low-wealth individuals in America;
• He or she must be at least 18 years old, and must have been 29 years old or younger when the business began generating revenue;
• The business must be 1-5 years old and have been generating revenue for at least the past 12 months;
• The award is open to businesses organized as “for profit” or “nonprofit,” but must depend primarily on an earned-income revenue model.
Thanks so much for joining in the search for the Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs.
Dear Small Business Supporters,
The Hitachi Foundation Seeks Young Social Entrepreneurs
The Hitachi Foundation is searching the country for the first-ever Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs. They are 18 to 29-year olds, and they are operating viable businesses that create jobs, supply goods or services, or use internal management practices that offer low-wealth individuals in America a leg up. Successful applicants will receive a cash prize of up to $50,000 over two years to support their business as well as technical resources.
We know they are out there: young entrepreneurs who, through their innovative products or practices, help move people out of poverty and into the mainstream of American society.
It’s a great opportunity for a young entrepreneur – up to six will be honored. And it’s an opportunity for us to learn what it takes to run a financially sustainable business that gives a boost to people who feel stuck in place.
But we need help searching. Could you forward this to anybody you know who might want to apply, or who might know America’s first-ever Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs, or post it on your website or blog?
You will find a short video featuring Barbara Dyer, the Foundation’s president and CEO, discussing the program and all the information about how to apply at http://www.hitachifoundation.org/yoshiyama. The first round application deadline is March 22.
A few highlights of the program include:
• The entrepreneur must have established his or her business with the expressed dual purpose of operating a successful business and accelerating upward economic mobility for low-wealth individuals in America;
• He or she must be at least 18 years old, and must have been 29 years old or younger when the business began generating revenue;
• The business must be 1-5 years old and have been generating revenue for at least the past 12 months;
• The award is open to businesses organized as “for profit” or “nonprofit,” but must depend primarily on an earned-income revenue model.
Thanks so much for joining in the search for the Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Great News! Tax Credit Available for Business
Tax-season is here and we have some good news! You or your clients may be eligible for a $500 tax credit. It's true! It's available to employers with new qualified retirement plans.
Who is eligible?
Employers with 100 employees or less, and who have installed a new qualified retirement plan.
How much can I or my client claim?
50% of the first $1,000 (max $500 credit) of administrative costs for each of the first 3 years of the plans existence.
Are there any other qualifications?
There must be at least one non-highly compensated employee (an employee who owns less than 5% of the company or an employee who earned less than $110,000 during the prior year)
The employer must not have maintained a retirement plan in the 3 years prior to establishment of the new plan
The plan must be a qualified employer plan such as 401(k), defined benefit, SIMPLE, and SEP plans. See complete definition on Form 8881
How do I or my client claim this credit?
Complete IRS Form 8881, Credit for Small Employer Pension Plan Startup Costs. You can download the form at the IRS website here:
See, so now tax time might not be so bad.
What do you think?
Who is eligible?
Employers with 100 employees or less, and who have installed a new qualified retirement plan.
How much can I or my client claim?
50% of the first $1,000 (max $500 credit) of administrative costs for each of the first 3 years of the plans existence.
Are there any other qualifications?
There must be at least one non-highly compensated employee (an employee who owns less than 5% of the company or an employee who earned less than $110,000 during the prior year)
The employer must not have maintained a retirement plan in the 3 years prior to establishment of the new plan
The plan must be a qualified employer plan such as 401(k), defined benefit, SIMPLE, and SEP plans. See complete definition on Form 8881
How do I or my client claim this credit?
Complete IRS Form 8881, Credit for Small Employer Pension Plan Startup Costs. You can download the form at the IRS website here:
See, so now tax time might not be so bad.
What do you think?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Top 10 Reasons Why Businesses are Leaving California
I read a blog post at www.thebusinessrelocationcoach.blogspot.com. The article was a little long, but relevant to what's happening here, so I'll summarize it for you and just jump into the top ten: The italicized excerpt below is a quote from the article:
#10 -- Unfair Taxes: The Tax Foundation in their newest report lists California at No. 48 for tax fairness – ahead of only New York and New Jersey.
#9 -- Most Expensive Business Locations: The Rose Institute of State and Local Government reported in the latest "Cost of Doing Business Survey" that California cities continue to be some of the most expensive locations to do business in the United States.
#8 -- Worst Performing Labor: The Pacific Research Institute found that California’s labor performance in a recent five-year period is among the worst performing in the nation.
#7 -- Dreadful Legal Treatment: The Civil Justice Association of California said the state ranks 44th in legal fairness to business. Los Angeles was again named the least fair and reasonable litigation environment in the entire country.
#6 -- Worst Regulatory Burden: A study by the consulting firm Bain & Co. measured the cost, uncertainty and complexity of regulations and in constructing a “regulatory hassle index” found that "California is farworse than any other state by a very significant margin."
#5 -- Harsh Treatment Motivates Exists: Again Bain & Co. (they’re a busy group) found that more than half of California business leaders – an astonishing 60 percent – said they have policies in place to restrict job growth in the state or move jobs to other U.S. locations.
#4 -- Downright Unfriendliness:: The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council in Virginia found that California ranked 49th overall in terms of business friendliness.
#3 -- High Misery Index: The Associated Press calculates what it calls a monthly "misery index" – California is close to the bottom of the list.
#2 -- Uncontrollable Spending: Extravagant state spending continues and pollsters have found people are much angrier about California government – more than they've ever been in recorded polling history.
#1 Chief Executive magazine recently found California to be the worst state in the nation in which to do business. Texas was found to be the best.
In the worst recession that we've had in decades our legislature is busy trying to pass a global warming bill that will cost businesses plenty. Our businesses already have enough to worry about, which is why I started working with them selling PEO (Professional Employer Organization) services three years ago. It helps lift some of the burden of having employees. But even after they hire me for this service, they still have to pay plenty. The headaches are still there.
When will our legislature wake up and see that we cannot survive without business here?
What do you think?
#10 -- Unfair Taxes: The Tax Foundation in their newest report lists California at No. 48 for tax fairness – ahead of only New York and New Jersey.
#9 -- Most Expensive Business Locations: The Rose Institute of State and Local Government reported in the latest "Cost of Doing Business Survey" that California cities continue to be some of the most expensive locations to do business in the United States.
#8 -- Worst Performing Labor: The Pacific Research Institute found that California’s labor performance in a recent five-year period is among the worst performing in the nation.
#7 -- Dreadful Legal Treatment: The Civil Justice Association of California said the state ranks 44th in legal fairness to business. Los Angeles was again named the least fair and reasonable litigation environment in the entire country.
#6 -- Worst Regulatory Burden: A study by the consulting firm Bain & Co. measured the cost, uncertainty and complexity of regulations and in constructing a “regulatory hassle index” found that "California is farworse than any other state by a very significant margin."
#5 -- Harsh Treatment Motivates Exists: Again Bain & Co. (they’re a busy group) found that more than half of California business leaders – an astonishing 60 percent – said they have policies in place to restrict job growth in the state or move jobs to other U.S. locations.
#4 -- Downright Unfriendliness:: The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council in Virginia found that California ranked 49th overall in terms of business friendliness.
#3 -- High Misery Index: The Associated Press calculates what it calls a monthly "misery index" – California is close to the bottom of the list.
#2 -- Uncontrollable Spending: Extravagant state spending continues and pollsters have found people are much angrier about California government – more than they've ever been in recorded polling history.
#1 Chief Executive magazine recently found California to be the worst state in the nation in which to do business. Texas was found to be the best.
In the worst recession that we've had in decades our legislature is busy trying to pass a global warming bill that will cost businesses plenty. Our businesses already have enough to worry about, which is why I started working with them selling PEO (Professional Employer Organization) services three years ago. It helps lift some of the burden of having employees. But even after they hire me for this service, they still have to pay plenty. The headaches are still there.
When will our legislature wake up and see that we cannot survive without business here?
What do you think?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Google to add Internet to it's list of services
All I can say is, Wow!
Google announced that they are going to start rolling out 1GB internet over fiber to select communities. Sounds expensive, you say? well, they said that they are going to offer competitive pricing and allow open access to the fiber networks to allow multiple service providers to access the network.
According to the their Blog post "Our goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better and faster for everyone."
How will your life change with this announcement? Think of how your life would look if you could do everything over the internet instead of on your own computer. Your applications could run with blazing speed. No more waiting. You can run multiple applications and use your computer like a work station.
Why are they doing this? Google makes money when you use the internet. Their goal with YouTube, Gmail, and their new application, Buzz, is to get you to spend as much time on the internet so that they can make money by selling ads.
Because they make their money via ad revenue, their main concern is to get people on the internet. This is why you keep seeing Google come up with new applications to get you to stay on the internet as long as possible.
Google is going to offer blazing fast internet, allow multiple service providers, and keep the network open. In addition, they won't prohibit you from doing things you want to do, like watching TV on the web or talking on your VOIP phone.
Google keeps offering more and more services that are free or very low cost. This is great for consumers, but also bad in a way. After all, Google is quickly becoming the "Big Brother" that many of us worry about our Governments to be.
That being said, if you want to get involved and submit your community for consideration for this new fiber network visit www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi
Google announced that they are going to start rolling out 1GB internet over fiber to select communities. Sounds expensive, you say? well, they said that they are going to offer competitive pricing and allow open access to the fiber networks to allow multiple service providers to access the network.
According to the their Blog post "Our goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better and faster for everyone."
How will your life change with this announcement? Think of how your life would look if you could do everything over the internet instead of on your own computer. Your applications could run with blazing speed. No more waiting. You can run multiple applications and use your computer like a work station.
Why are they doing this? Google makes money when you use the internet. Their goal with YouTube, Gmail, and their new application, Buzz, is to get you to spend as much time on the internet so that they can make money by selling ads.
Because they make their money via ad revenue, their main concern is to get people on the internet. This is why you keep seeing Google come up with new applications to get you to stay on the internet as long as possible.
Google is going to offer blazing fast internet, allow multiple service providers, and keep the network open. In addition, they won't prohibit you from doing things you want to do, like watching TV on the web or talking on your VOIP phone.
Google keeps offering more and more services that are free or very low cost. This is great for consumers, but also bad in a way. After all, Google is quickly becoming the "Big Brother" that many of us worry about our Governments to be.
That being said, if you want to get involved and submit your community for consideration for this new fiber network visit www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Blackberry offering Free Workshops for Entreprenuers....
Great News! The people at Blackberry have organized a series of FOUR webinars to help small business owners with some of the issues we are having in today's marketplace.
Below is a description of each of them:
1. Tools and Tactics for Connecting with Today's Customers:
Time: 10:00 am (PST)
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Presenter: Brent Leary, Partner – CRM Essentials
2. Building a “Customer-First” Company
Time: 10:00 am (PST)
Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Presenter: Rick Spence – President, Canadian Entrepreneur Communications
-
3. How to Get Found Online in Your Town
Time: 1:00 PM (EST)
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Presenter: John Jantsch – Author of Duct Tape Marketing
-
4. Moving Your Business Forward Even When the Economy Won’t Cooperate
Time: 1:00 PM (EST)
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Presenter: Anita Campbell – CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Small Business Trends
Go here to register for the workshops that you would like to attend:
For more information on CBR, go here:
Below is a description of each of them:
1. Tools and Tactics for Connecting with Today's Customers:
Time: 10:00 am (PST)
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Presenter: Brent Leary, Partner – CRM Essentials
2. Building a “Customer-First” Company
Time: 10:00 am (PST)
Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Presenter: Rick Spence – President, Canadian Entrepreneur Communications
-
3. How to Get Found Online in Your Town
Time: 1:00 PM (EST)
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Presenter: John Jantsch – Author of Duct Tape Marketing
-
4. Moving Your Business Forward Even When the Economy Won’t Cooperate
Time: 1:00 PM (EST)
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Presenter: Anita Campbell – CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Small Business Trends
Go here to register for the workshops that you would like to attend:
For more information on CBR, go here:
Monday, January 18, 2010
About: 5 business lessons you can learn from your kids...
I read a blog post titled "5 Lessons About Small Business You Can Learn From Your Kids" Those five lessons were:
1. You CAN Do It! We tell our kids this, but we often forget that we can do "it" ourselves.
2. Make Stuff from Stuff Kids will play with anything. They don't need fancy toys. You've seen your kids play with the box that their toys cam in and the wrapping paper. As an Entrepreneur, take somebody else's "box" and make it better.
3. Play Well With Others-- Create partnerships. Just the other day when Les and I were at a dinner hosted by the USC Entrepreneur organization, I encouraged an entrepreneur to use his contacts to form a really strong "Advisory Board". Use your contacts.
4. Be A Rockstar When You Grow Up Really this just means be creative.
5. Kids as Muses and Testers Hmmm, I'm not too sure about this one. I don't usually work with businesses that kids would be good testers for but to each his own I guess...
All in all their was some good information, but it might not feel as relevant to those of us without kids. For more information, you can go to the blog post at:
http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/lifestyle/article/small-business-profile-unplugged-on-a-rug-jill-fehrenbacher
What do you think?
1. You CAN Do It! We tell our kids this, but we often forget that we can do "it" ourselves.
2. Make Stuff from Stuff Kids will play with anything. They don't need fancy toys. You've seen your kids play with the box that their toys cam in and the wrapping paper. As an Entrepreneur, take somebody else's "box" and make it better.
3. Play Well With Others-- Create partnerships. Just the other day when Les and I were at a dinner hosted by the USC Entrepreneur organization, I encouraged an entrepreneur to use his contacts to form a really strong "Advisory Board". Use your contacts.
4. Be A Rockstar When You Grow Up Really this just means be creative.
5. Kids as Muses and Testers Hmmm, I'm not too sure about this one. I don't usually work with businesses that kids would be good testers for but to each his own I guess...
All in all their was some good information, but it might not feel as relevant to those of us without kids. For more information, you can go to the blog post at:
http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/lifestyle/article/small-business-profile-unplugged-on-a-rug-jill-fehrenbacher
What do you think?
Friday, November 13, 2009
PBX and Virtual Employees
My company, http://www.californiabusinessresource.com offers free business advice to budding entrepreneurs. We have lots of articles that we are constantly submitting to our site, and it causes us a lot of work. We like to use Virtual Assistants to do this work.
It didn’t take very long to notice that it would be excellent if we could have some of our V.A.s answer incoming phone calls, as well as make outbound calls to our existing clients. So we started on the search for a Virtual PBX system.
Not too long ago, it was the traditional PBX system used all around the world by businesses big or small. The traditional PBX systems or phone booth exchange systems as they were popularly called had the limitation of providing service to one location and all the employees had to be in one location to access it for attending calls, and checking voicemails. Moreover, they were costly in terms of money and effort. But this all changed with the innovation of VoIP that lead to the creation of new virtual PBX systems. These systems have changed the way businesses communicate and manage their employees. They are based on voice over internet protocol technology or VoIP that uses the internet to send and receive calls.
Some Virtual PBX systems offer all the services just like the traditional PBX systems and many more with greatly reduced cost and effort. Some don’t. You need to research your PBX before spending the time and/or money to test it. For example, most virtual PBX programs are glorified answering machines. They allow the client to call in, push a few buttons to get connected to either you or your message, but they do not allow live transfers once you have accepted the call. My business absolutely requires that my employees can transfer a call to me if they determine that I need to talk to the client.
If you get the right system, these virtual systems have redefined the way work is done. The flurry of benefits include giving a professional feel to the client with auto attendants, presenting a big picture, interaction with the callers while you are on move by diverting calls, and a virtual presence…and all that at very affordable prices! Another very important advantage of virtual PBX systems is the geographical limitlessness.
Many small businesses hire a number of freelancers or remote employees to take care of their various operations so that they can use their tiny budget in the most effective way. Virtual PBX systems allow your business to have employees all over the world and despite of geographical distance, they can be connected through this single phone system as if they are sitting in the next cubicle. Calls can be directed to any phone, may it be landline, mobile phone like iPhone or a software phone on employee’s laptop. There is no need to invest in new phones; old ones can be used making it highly affordable. The facility of conference calling allows you to be in touch with your employees irrespective of their location.
Virtual PBX systems are loaded with many features. Call transferring, call distribution, call prioritization, voice mail, find me follow me call forwarding, fax, auto attendants, all get together to make handing of virtual employees much easier and profitable for your business. Call auto attendants eliminate the need of real receptionists and handle the customers with professional messages and customized menus. Calls are redirected at the appropriate place with find me follow me call forwarding to the appropriate employee even if he or she is actually residing half way down the globe. There are many virtual PBX systems available in the market. OnSIP by junction networks, AccessDirect USA, Halloo, Axon and Grasshopper are among the most popular on the VoIP communication scene. Halloo is a personal favorite of many entrepreneurs because it provides real time transfers and works as a perfect system for call centers. Many will allow you to transfer your existing toll free numbers without any extra charge.
Virtual PBX systems provide a very cost effective way to communicate and to use virtual employees no matter where they are. The productivity enhancing features save your money and time. Virtual PBX systems with timely upgrades and good support system reduce the expenses to a great extent and allow you to concentrate more on your business.
For more information that can assist your business, please go to www.californiabusinessresource.com
It didn’t take very long to notice that it would be excellent if we could have some of our V.A.s answer incoming phone calls, as well as make outbound calls to our existing clients. So we started on the search for a Virtual PBX system.
Not too long ago, it was the traditional PBX system used all around the world by businesses big or small. The traditional PBX systems or phone booth exchange systems as they were popularly called had the limitation of providing service to one location and all the employees had to be in one location to access it for attending calls, and checking voicemails. Moreover, they were costly in terms of money and effort. But this all changed with the innovation of VoIP that lead to the creation of new virtual PBX systems. These systems have changed the way businesses communicate and manage their employees. They are based on voice over internet protocol technology or VoIP that uses the internet to send and receive calls.
Some Virtual PBX systems offer all the services just like the traditional PBX systems and many more with greatly reduced cost and effort. Some don’t. You need to research your PBX before spending the time and/or money to test it. For example, most virtual PBX programs are glorified answering machines. They allow the client to call in, push a few buttons to get connected to either you or your message, but they do not allow live transfers once you have accepted the call. My business absolutely requires that my employees can transfer a call to me if they determine that I need to talk to the client.
If you get the right system, these virtual systems have redefined the way work is done. The flurry of benefits include giving a professional feel to the client with auto attendants, presenting a big picture, interaction with the callers while you are on move by diverting calls, and a virtual presence…and all that at very affordable prices! Another very important advantage of virtual PBX systems is the geographical limitlessness.
Many small businesses hire a number of freelancers or remote employees to take care of their various operations so that they can use their tiny budget in the most effective way. Virtual PBX systems allow your business to have employees all over the world and despite of geographical distance, they can be connected through this single phone system as if they are sitting in the next cubicle. Calls can be directed to any phone, may it be landline, mobile phone like iPhone or a software phone on employee’s laptop. There is no need to invest in new phones; old ones can be used making it highly affordable. The facility of conference calling allows you to be in touch with your employees irrespective of their location.
Virtual PBX systems are loaded with many features. Call transferring, call distribution, call prioritization, voice mail, find me follow me call forwarding, fax, auto attendants, all get together to make handing of virtual employees much easier and profitable for your business. Call auto attendants eliminate the need of real receptionists and handle the customers with professional messages and customized menus. Calls are redirected at the appropriate place with find me follow me call forwarding to the appropriate employee even if he or she is actually residing half way down the globe. There are many virtual PBX systems available in the market. OnSIP by junction networks, AccessDirect USA, Halloo, Axon and Grasshopper are among the most popular on the VoIP communication scene. Halloo is a personal favorite of many entrepreneurs because it provides real time transfers and works as a perfect system for call centers. Many will allow you to transfer your existing toll free numbers without any extra charge.
Virtual PBX systems provide a very cost effective way to communicate and to use virtual employees no matter where they are. The productivity enhancing features save your money and time. Virtual PBX systems with timely upgrades and good support system reduce the expenses to a great extent and allow you to concentrate more on your business.
For more information that can assist your business, please go to www.californiabusinessresource.com
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
San Diego Tech Coast Angels 2009 Quick Pitch
From Guest Blogger, John Watson:
Angel investing isn’t just about money. It is also about mentoring, strategic advice,
providing connections to customers and sources of capital. The Tech Coast Angels
(TCA) are helping to fuel the growth of the most innovative companies and
entrepreneurs in southern California. TCA’s 280+ members invest time, expertise and
capital to help companies grow and succeed. Companies benefit from working with a
group of seasoned, well-connected advisors. That’s why TCA is the largest angel
network in the U.S. and the number one source of startup funding in southern California.
TCA has five networks in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara and the Inland Empire.
An important part of the TCA outreach program to entrepreneurs, company founders
and emerging companies is the annual Quick Pitch event. Entrepreneurs are invited [at
no cost to their companies], to compete in a one hour competition with 15 or more
companies for three prizes before a panel of expert judges, in front of an audience
composed of Venture Capitalists, Bankers, Accountants, Lawyers, CEO’s other
entrepreneurs and TCA members. Prior to the Competition on October 8th each
company worked diligently with the coaches and mentors from TCA – so that they could
professionally present their companies.
From over 150 applications received [12 were Life Science, the remainder were in High-tech, CleanTech and other business sectors]; through screening and interviews a total of 17 emerging high tech (11), and six (6) life science companies were selected to compete, each company received two (2) minutes to Pitch or present their company to the five Judges and the audience of ~300 people. The Judges then had two minutes to adjudicate their individual performance in two areas:
1. Content: Is this a fundable deal; did you want to hear more etc.
2. Style: Did they capture your attention; was it persuasive and informative?
Each company was scored 1-10 by each judge for each category – supportive suggestions were allowed; of the 17 competitors the Overall winner and runner-up were Biotech and Diagnostic companies.
2009 Overall Winner: Roberta A. Gottlieb, President and CEO of Radical Therapeutix, Inc.
Best Content Winner: Mark Bowles, CEO, ecoATM – http://www.remobileinc.com
Best Style Winner: Raj Krishnan, CEO, Biological Dynamics, Inc. - http://biologicaldynamics.com
The Overall Winner (based upon the total points awarded), was immediately entered into the TCA funding process; with no pre-screening requirements. The 2008 Winner obtained their initial funding from TCA via this process. The two “runner-up” categories were immediately eligible to file an application for funding pre-screening.
John Watson is a Tech Coast Angel member. Tech Coast Angels helps fund companies in the High Tech and Bio Tech areas. For more information about Tech Coast Angels, please go to their website at http://www.techcoastangels.com
For more Business Resources go to http://www.californiabusinessresource.com and sign up for the newsletter.
Angel investing isn’t just about money. It is also about mentoring, strategic advice,
providing connections to customers and sources of capital. The Tech Coast Angels
(TCA) are helping to fuel the growth of the most innovative companies and
entrepreneurs in southern California. TCA’s 280+ members invest time, expertise and
capital to help companies grow and succeed. Companies benefit from working with a
group of seasoned, well-connected advisors. That’s why TCA is the largest angel
network in the U.S. and the number one source of startup funding in southern California.
TCA has five networks in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara and the Inland Empire.
An important part of the TCA outreach program to entrepreneurs, company founders
and emerging companies is the annual Quick Pitch event. Entrepreneurs are invited [at
no cost to their companies], to compete in a one hour competition with 15 or more
companies for three prizes before a panel of expert judges, in front of an audience
composed of Venture Capitalists, Bankers, Accountants, Lawyers, CEO’s other
entrepreneurs and TCA members. Prior to the Competition on October 8th each
company worked diligently with the coaches and mentors from TCA – so that they could
professionally present their companies.
From over 150 applications received [12 were Life Science, the remainder were in High-tech, CleanTech and other business sectors]; through screening and interviews a total of 17 emerging high tech (11), and six (6) life science companies were selected to compete, each company received two (2) minutes to Pitch or present their company to the five Judges and the audience of ~300 people. The Judges then had two minutes to adjudicate their individual performance in two areas:
1. Content: Is this a fundable deal; did you want to hear more etc.
2. Style: Did they capture your attention; was it persuasive and informative?
Each company was scored 1-10 by each judge for each category – supportive suggestions were allowed; of the 17 competitors the Overall winner and runner-up were Biotech and Diagnostic companies.
2009 Overall Winner: Roberta A. Gottlieb, President and CEO of Radical Therapeutix, Inc.
Best Content Winner: Mark Bowles, CEO, ecoATM – http://www.remobileinc.com
Best Style Winner: Raj Krishnan, CEO, Biological Dynamics, Inc. - http://biologicaldynamics.com
The Overall Winner (based upon the total points awarded), was immediately entered into the TCA funding process; with no pre-screening requirements. The 2008 Winner obtained their initial funding from TCA via this process. The two “runner-up” categories were immediately eligible to file an application for funding pre-screening.
John Watson is a Tech Coast Angel member. Tech Coast Angels helps fund companies in the High Tech and Bio Tech areas. For more information about Tech Coast Angels, please go to their website at http://www.techcoastangels.com
For more Business Resources go to http://www.californiabusinessresource.com and sign up for the newsletter.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Winning Federal Contracts: A guide for women Entreprenuers
The SBA just launched a new online course for women to help them navigate through the contracting process.
You can access the course here: http://www.sba.gov/fedcontractingtraining/
Now women who own small businesses will be able to use the new online training course to learn how to find and win federal contracting opportunities.
The program is part of an ongoing government-wide initiative to promote opportunities for women-owned businesses in the area of government contracting.
The tuturial walks her through the the contracting process, and is free of charge. She does have to complete a short questionnaire before logging onto the tutorial.
"The SBA is committed to ensuring that women-owned businesses receive at least 5 percent of federal contracts and believes better training opportunities are central to meeting this government-wide goal." reads the press release, dated October 14th, 2009.
The course is designed to help women business owners learn about the federal procurement process and to prepare them to compete for contracting opportunities. The tutorial uses audio and script to provide information about contract rules, how to sell to the government and where to find contracts.
If you haven't taken a look at this it's worth the read.
What do you think?
You can access the course here: http://www.sba.gov/fedcontractingtraining/
Now women who own small businesses will be able to use the new online training course to learn how to find and win federal contracting opportunities.
The program is part of an ongoing government-wide initiative to promote opportunities for women-owned businesses in the area of government contracting.
The tuturial walks her through the the contracting process, and is free of charge. She does have to complete a short questionnaire before logging onto the tutorial.
"The SBA is committed to ensuring that women-owned businesses receive at least 5 percent of federal contracts and believes better training opportunities are central to meeting this government-wide goal." reads the press release, dated October 14th, 2009.
The course is designed to help women business owners learn about the federal procurement process and to prepare them to compete for contracting opportunities. The tutorial uses audio and script to provide information about contract rules, how to sell to the government and where to find contracts.
If you haven't taken a look at this it's worth the read.
What do you think?
Friday, October 2, 2009
Tradeshows--Making the best use of your time
I read a blog post written by Andrew Brown regarding Trade Shows. I thought that he did have some good things to say and I'll summarize them here:
1) Set clear goals for your participation. I agree with Andrew about this point. Many businesses go to trade shows and they have no idea what their ROI is on the show. Personally, when I've gone to trade shows in the past, it has been to meet new clients or to obtain new information if it's in my own industry. If you go to meet new clients, be sure to follow up with each lead within a week of returning home. If you don't do this, then the money you spent was wasted. If you go to obtain new ideas, then be sure to bring your notebook with you and jot things down before you forget. Many times trade shows are so big that you will forget much of what you've seen.
2) Do your research. This is especially true if you are going to a trade show to meet new clients. Be sure that your demographic is actually there. For example, if you target business owners, you wouldn't want to go to a show where only HR directors attend.
3) Bring a customer. What a great idea! I've actually never brought a customer along to a trade show because I think that most of my customers would find the trade shows for my industry boring. However, the next trade show I go to to attract customers, if I have a customer who would like to target the same audience, I may bring him/her along.
4) Take copious notes. Andrew states: "If you do decide to attend a trade show or seminar, then we suggest you become a sponge. Have your notebook handy at all times – this is your classroom. How are exhibitors and competitors describing and promoting their products? If you’re in a seminar, make sure that you’re recording down the key points of the session. Take time during the breaks to network with other participants and even the instructor – find out what has made them succeed, what is keeping them up at night and write it down. It’s an educational haven." I agree.
5) Use it as a research experiment. Andrew recommends that you attend the trade show you are looking at exhibiting at before paying the money for your booth. I can't agree more. I've done this in the past, and it has saved me money when I realized that the show I was planning on sponsoring didn't fit my needs for one reason or another.
Andrew had some very good points, and you can follow him at http://www.small-business-guru.com
What do you think?
1) Set clear goals for your participation. I agree with Andrew about this point. Many businesses go to trade shows and they have no idea what their ROI is on the show. Personally, when I've gone to trade shows in the past, it has been to meet new clients or to obtain new information if it's in my own industry. If you go to meet new clients, be sure to follow up with each lead within a week of returning home. If you don't do this, then the money you spent was wasted. If you go to obtain new ideas, then be sure to bring your notebook with you and jot things down before you forget. Many times trade shows are so big that you will forget much of what you've seen.
2) Do your research. This is especially true if you are going to a trade show to meet new clients. Be sure that your demographic is actually there. For example, if you target business owners, you wouldn't want to go to a show where only HR directors attend.
3) Bring a customer. What a great idea! I've actually never brought a customer along to a trade show because I think that most of my customers would find the trade shows for my industry boring. However, the next trade show I go to to attract customers, if I have a customer who would like to target the same audience, I may bring him/her along.
4) Take copious notes. Andrew states: "If you do decide to attend a trade show or seminar, then we suggest you become a sponge. Have your notebook handy at all times – this is your classroom. How are exhibitors and competitors describing and promoting their products? If you’re in a seminar, make sure that you’re recording down the key points of the session. Take time during the breaks to network with other participants and even the instructor – find out what has made them succeed, what is keeping them up at night and write it down. It’s an educational haven." I agree.
5) Use it as a research experiment. Andrew recommends that you attend the trade show you are looking at exhibiting at before paying the money for your booth. I can't agree more. I've done this in the past, and it has saved me money when I realized that the show I was planning on sponsoring didn't fit my needs for one reason or another.
Andrew had some very good points, and you can follow him at http://www.small-business-guru.com
What do you think?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Non Profits- How to get the word out
I read a Blog post put out by David Oats, who runs a Pay on Performance PR firm.
To read the article, click here: http://payonperformance.ning.com/profiles/blogs/memo-to-nonprofits-pr-is
Basically what he advises is:
1. Become a Speaker
2. Use Social Media
3. Use a Pay on Performance PR Firm, never a retainer firm
Of course all of these are great advise to regular businesses. When you become a speaker for local groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, and trade organizations, you build credibility for yourself and your firm. Many groups are in great need of speakers, and if you can get yourself connected with one or two, your speaking engagements will grow.
One OBVIOUS caveat though: I was at a presentation a few weeks ago where the speaker was not well prepared and was wearing very casual clothes. Need I go on? Your goal when doing presentations is to promote your business. Make sure you come across as someone knowledgable in your field. If you need help with presentation skills, most cities have a local chapter of Toastmasters. If your city doesn't, try the local community college. The main thing is to get in front of strangers, do a lot of presentations, and get good quality feedback. Most of your friends won't give you good feedback because they don't want to hurt your feelings.
If you are reading this blog, most likely you are already using social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. Most likeley you also have your own blog. Posting comments on other people's blogs and providing a link to your own (as long as it's relevant) is a good way to get increased traffic to your blog. You may even be asked to write a guest column every now and then!
To read the article, click here: http://payonperformance.ning.com/profiles/blogs/memo-to-nonprofits-pr-is
Basically what he advises is:
1. Become a Speaker
2. Use Social Media
3. Use a Pay on Performance PR Firm, never a retainer firm
Of course all of these are great advise to regular businesses. When you become a speaker for local groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, and trade organizations, you build credibility for yourself and your firm. Many groups are in great need of speakers, and if you can get yourself connected with one or two, your speaking engagements will grow.
One OBVIOUS caveat though: I was at a presentation a few weeks ago where the speaker was not well prepared and was wearing very casual clothes. Need I go on? Your goal when doing presentations is to promote your business. Make sure you come across as someone knowledgable in your field. If you need help with presentation skills, most cities have a local chapter of Toastmasters. If your city doesn't, try the local community college. The main thing is to get in front of strangers, do a lot of presentations, and get good quality feedback. Most of your friends won't give you good feedback because they don't want to hurt your feelings.
If you are reading this blog, most likely you are already using social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. Most likeley you also have your own blog. Posting comments on other people's blogs and providing a link to your own (as long as it's relevant) is a good way to get increased traffic to your blog. You may even be asked to write a guest column every now and then!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Thoughts on the 7 most Over Rated Business Ideas
Today I was forwarded this article that discusses the 7 most overrated businesses. http://smallbusinessanswers.yahoo.com/overrated
Here are my comments:
1. The first on the list is Restaurants. I tend to agree with this one. As a SCORE business consultant, I tend to see a lot of start up restaurant owners in our seminars. People tend to think that opening a restaurnt will be an easy way of leaving their current job and becoming an entreprenuer. What they don't tend to do is research. Who are the competitors? Why will someone want to go to your restaurant and not another...or just stay home for that matter? A fantastic marketing plan is key, especially when you are entering the Restaurant market. After all, 60% of these types of businesses fail in the first 3 years. That's a pretty high risk margin.
2. The second, Direct Sales, could have been more aptly named Multi Level Marketing. If the person who is getting you into the business is going to be getting a cut on you, plus who you recruit, think twice. Are the products going to be priced where the consumer can't just go down the street and buy a similar product for half the cost? In today's tough economic times keep this in mind. Consumers are smart. They know that a "party" that has XXX in front of it means that they are going to have to shell out some money--Normally a lot more money than they would have to pay at their local mall. Some people do well in this type of business, but the majority just give up after a few months because they aren't cut out to recruit their friends to sell products themselves. Although, one of the benefits to this type of business is that you do not need to keep high quantities of inventory, you normally do have some inventory costs. When going into this type of business, be sure to find out what your out of pocket costs are going to be up front.
3. Online Retail. This might have been fantastic 5 years ago, but before delving into this type of business today, you are going to have to have a marketing plan, and a marketing budget. I agree that you can't just put a website up today and think that your market will find you. Also, most people who go online today are shopping price. If you can't compete with prices from around the globe, you may not do well in this marketplace. Just make sure that if you do start an online store, that you have a well laid plan to get eyeballs to your site.
4. High End Retail. My husband and I walked into a lighting store a few weeks ago and we couldn't believe the prices. We were shopping for some lamps to put on our desks, but I would also like to get a new chandelier for our dining room. We went to four or five places before we stopped in to this VERY high end store. I couldn't believe the price differential. You could tell that the quality was better, but to be honest, I didn't think that it was 10 times better. Today's consumer, no matter how wealthy, is looking for a deal. It is also very difficult to keep your inventory costs under control in these types of stores. One of the biggest mistakes that business owners make is to have too much inventory. If you start a business like this, make sure that you keep a close watch on your inventory.
5. Independent Consulting. Although I have not seen a huge volume of this type of business coming through the SCORE doors, I do know lots of people who are in this business. The great thing about becoming a consultant is that there are very little start up costs. Many people just go to the local printer and print up some cards, and now they are a consultant. However, one of the main issues here is clients. How are you going to get your clients? This is something that many consultants do not consider. Not only do you have to be good at what you do, but you have to be excellent at marketing and sales. Be sure to think this through before embarking on a consulting business.
6. Franchises. I agree that just because you are buying a franchise, you are not guaranteed a profit. Make sure you work with someone who is an expert in this area. Read the information before you sign the paperwork. Have an attorney with franchise expertise look it over to point out any areas of concern. Talk to existing franchise owners and LISTEN to what they have to say. Take a look at their marketing plan and find out what assistance they will be giving you versus what you will have to do yourself. Ask questions. Why should you go with their franchise versus setting up a similar business on your own?
7. Traffic Driven Web Sites: Being in San Diego where we have a lot of high tech businesses here, I have listened to a lot of pitches about the next best Facebook or the next best this or that. Yes, the internet has spawned some fantastic websites (like Blogger) and you can make a lot of money. You will need to have an excellent idea and get yourself in front of some Venture Capitalists. Listen to what they say. This type of business is difficult to get off the ground, but if you have an idea that is good, chances are if you get in front of enough VCs you can make your case. You will have a long road ahead of you, but if you have the right idea it can pay off.
As with any business, the main thing that you should do before starting a business is to have a good marketing and business plan. You can obtain assistance with this by visiting your local SCORE office or by obtaining the services of a good business consultant who has experience in the business that you would like to start.
Here are my comments:
1. The first on the list is Restaurants. I tend to agree with this one. As a SCORE business consultant, I tend to see a lot of start up restaurant owners in our seminars. People tend to think that opening a restaurnt will be an easy way of leaving their current job and becoming an entreprenuer. What they don't tend to do is research. Who are the competitors? Why will someone want to go to your restaurant and not another...or just stay home for that matter? A fantastic marketing plan is key, especially when you are entering the Restaurant market. After all, 60% of these types of businesses fail in the first 3 years. That's a pretty high risk margin.
2. The second, Direct Sales, could have been more aptly named Multi Level Marketing. If the person who is getting you into the business is going to be getting a cut on you, plus who you recruit, think twice. Are the products going to be priced where the consumer can't just go down the street and buy a similar product for half the cost? In today's tough economic times keep this in mind. Consumers are smart. They know that a "party" that has XXX in front of it means that they are going to have to shell out some money--Normally a lot more money than they would have to pay at their local mall. Some people do well in this type of business, but the majority just give up after a few months because they aren't cut out to recruit their friends to sell products themselves. Although, one of the benefits to this type of business is that you do not need to keep high quantities of inventory, you normally do have some inventory costs. When going into this type of business, be sure to find out what your out of pocket costs are going to be up front.
3. Online Retail. This might have been fantastic 5 years ago, but before delving into this type of business today, you are going to have to have a marketing plan, and a marketing budget. I agree that you can't just put a website up today and think that your market will find you. Also, most people who go online today are shopping price. If you can't compete with prices from around the globe, you may not do well in this marketplace. Just make sure that if you do start an online store, that you have a well laid plan to get eyeballs to your site.
4. High End Retail. My husband and I walked into a lighting store a few weeks ago and we couldn't believe the prices. We were shopping for some lamps to put on our desks, but I would also like to get a new chandelier for our dining room. We went to four or five places before we stopped in to this VERY high end store. I couldn't believe the price differential. You could tell that the quality was better, but to be honest, I didn't think that it was 10 times better. Today's consumer, no matter how wealthy, is looking for a deal. It is also very difficult to keep your inventory costs under control in these types of stores. One of the biggest mistakes that business owners make is to have too much inventory. If you start a business like this, make sure that you keep a close watch on your inventory.
5. Independent Consulting. Although I have not seen a huge volume of this type of business coming through the SCORE doors, I do know lots of people who are in this business. The great thing about becoming a consultant is that there are very little start up costs. Many people just go to the local printer and print up some cards, and now they are a consultant. However, one of the main issues here is clients. How are you going to get your clients? This is something that many consultants do not consider. Not only do you have to be good at what you do, but you have to be excellent at marketing and sales. Be sure to think this through before embarking on a consulting business.
6. Franchises. I agree that just because you are buying a franchise, you are not guaranteed a profit. Make sure you work with someone who is an expert in this area. Read the information before you sign the paperwork. Have an attorney with franchise expertise look it over to point out any areas of concern. Talk to existing franchise owners and LISTEN to what they have to say. Take a look at their marketing plan and find out what assistance they will be giving you versus what you will have to do yourself. Ask questions. Why should you go with their franchise versus setting up a similar business on your own?
7. Traffic Driven Web Sites: Being in San Diego where we have a lot of high tech businesses here, I have listened to a lot of pitches about the next best Facebook or the next best this or that. Yes, the internet has spawned some fantastic websites (like Blogger) and you can make a lot of money. You will need to have an excellent idea and get yourself in front of some Venture Capitalists. Listen to what they say. This type of business is difficult to get off the ground, but if you have an idea that is good, chances are if you get in front of enough VCs you can make your case. You will have a long road ahead of you, but if you have the right idea it can pay off.
As with any business, the main thing that you should do before starting a business is to have a good marketing and business plan. You can obtain assistance with this by visiting your local SCORE office or by obtaining the services of a good business consultant who has experience in the business that you would like to start.
Friday, July 31, 2009
I've been on twitter the last couple of weeks and now have a following of around 1300 people.
At first it was pretty easy, when I had a following of only 20 or 30 people, but as my friends and followers grew it got to be a bit daunting. Here are my tips so far:
1. If you start following a lot of people you will need to get a twitter management tool. There are many out there, but I'm using TweetDeck. It allows you to separate your friends (The people you are following) into groups. That way you can read the most important tweets first, and then get to the rest when you get around to it. It's not perfect, but without it I definitely would not be able to read the posts.
2. Find someone you like or that has a synergistic business with yours and watch what they say for a day or two. If you like them, start following people that they follow. Don't go crazy, you'll want to keep your follower to friend ratio on the lower side. Maybe 2:1. Its ok to follow more people than follow you, but you can't say for instance follow 2000 people and only have 1 follower.
3. When someone follows you, follow them back for at least a few days to see what they have to say. It's the polite thing to do. Of course, if they are just trying to sell you something, you can always unfollow them.
4. Don't shout. If you are selling something, that's ok, but let people get to know you first. If you read my posts, I hardly ever talk about what I do. Now I don't have zillions of followers yet, because I'm still pretty new. I'm just trying to give you the benefit of my experience.
5. Stay away from the sites that tell you that they can get you XXX followers in one day. Basically they have you follow 100 people or so and those people have to follow you and so on. Most of them wind up unfollowing you right away. You'd be better off following people that you think might be interested in what you are doing, than random people you know nothing about.
6. Remember, once you follow 2000 people, twitter limits you on how many more you can follow. They go by a secret ratio formula and I'll let you know what it is once I find out!
Well, that's it for now. You can follow me at @kathekline on Twitter.
What do you think about Twitter?
At first it was pretty easy, when I had a following of only 20 or 30 people, but as my friends and followers grew it got to be a bit daunting. Here are my tips so far:
1. If you start following a lot of people you will need to get a twitter management tool. There are many out there, but I'm using TweetDeck. It allows you to separate your friends (The people you are following) into groups. That way you can read the most important tweets first, and then get to the rest when you get around to it. It's not perfect, but without it I definitely would not be able to read the posts.
2. Find someone you like or that has a synergistic business with yours and watch what they say for a day or two. If you like them, start following people that they follow. Don't go crazy, you'll want to keep your follower to friend ratio on the lower side. Maybe 2:1. Its ok to follow more people than follow you, but you can't say for instance follow 2000 people and only have 1 follower.
3. When someone follows you, follow them back for at least a few days to see what they have to say. It's the polite thing to do. Of course, if they are just trying to sell you something, you can always unfollow them.
4. Don't shout. If you are selling something, that's ok, but let people get to know you first. If you read my posts, I hardly ever talk about what I do. Now I don't have zillions of followers yet, because I'm still pretty new. I'm just trying to give you the benefit of my experience.
5. Stay away from the sites that tell you that they can get you XXX followers in one day. Basically they have you follow 100 people or so and those people have to follow you and so on. Most of them wind up unfollowing you right away. You'd be better off following people that you think might be interested in what you are doing, than random people you know nothing about.
6. Remember, once you follow 2000 people, twitter limits you on how many more you can follow. They go by a secret ratio formula and I'll let you know what it is once I find out!
Well, that's it for now. You can follow me at @kathekline on Twitter.
What do you think about Twitter?
Saturday, July 25, 2009
How to Get Money for your business
Les just posted a new article to the website that you might want to read. It gives information on Angel Investors and free programs to help you get money for your company:
http://www.californiabusinessresource.com/Raising_Money.html
Good luck!
http://www.californiabusinessresource.com/Raising_Money.html
Good luck!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Get good PR without writing a press release
Today's post is from David Oats, who is an expert at getting PR for small to medium sized busisses. Enjoy! Kathe
Get good PR without writing a press release
By David B. Oates, APR
This may sound odd coming from a PR guy, but I’m no longer a believer that the press release is the primary way most companies can generate good, positive press. The reason is simple – no one’s reading them anymore!
Here’s why: press releases used to work well when PR firms or in-house marketing folks would blast them to a set list of newspaper and magazine reporters as well as the assignment desks of various television news outlets. But those opportunities are fewer and farther between than at any time in recent history. Anyone who hasn’t been under a rock over the past year has seen the very visible demise of traditional news organizations. Once high-flying behemoths like Tribune Company (owners of the L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Superstation WGN and others) are now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy with other long-standing publications on the verge of going away all together. Those that remain are struggling with a skeleton staff that are now holding down multiple roles and being pulled in so many directions that they have very little time to digest a 400-word announcement from yet another “leading provider of…[insert your industry here].”
Now that doesn’t mean that news outlets don’t want to hear about an organization’s recent achievements. Far from it – they need credible sources to help them with story ideas and developing topics now more than ever. Their dwindling staffs can’t cover it all, so they need the eyes and ears of the general public to do their job. But companies must look to announce such events in a much different way – online!
So before drafting another standard press release, try these three steps first:
1. Website news posting – put your piece of relevant news on its own page within your Web site. This will service as foundation to drive journalists and other relevant parties to find out more about your organization and your latest accomplishments.
2. Post your news on at least three social network systems – This may sound difficult at first, but trust me – it will take far less time and have far greater success once it’s set up. I’d recommend getting started by launching a Facebook and Twitter account in addition to your own blog. From there, link up with friends and business acquaintances as well as the reporters from media outlets that are using the same services (I guarantee that you’ll find some of them there!). Update your status/news on a regular basis and include a link to the news posting on your Web site. If done correctly, organizations will see much more activity than they ever did by just blasting the news out to media outlets.
3. Get others to do the same – The more people who comment on your news through the same social network services, the more attention it gets, and the greater reach an organization will garner.
At its basic level, this is grass roots/word of mouth marketing – just in an online form. I’ve personally secured new clients through this tactic, and I have seen a significant increase in interest from reporters when I distribute announcements through social media platforms. I may still write the occasional press release for companies, but I’m spending far less time doing so, and figure the tactic will all but be dead in the very near future.
About the Author: David Oates, APR, is the President of Stalwart Communications Inc., a San Diego-based marketing and public relations firm. He can be reached at david@stalwartcom.com or through his Twitter ID, @Stalwartcom.
Get good PR without writing a press release
By David B. Oates, APR
This may sound odd coming from a PR guy, but I’m no longer a believer that the press release is the primary way most companies can generate good, positive press. The reason is simple – no one’s reading them anymore!
Here’s why: press releases used to work well when PR firms or in-house marketing folks would blast them to a set list of newspaper and magazine reporters as well as the assignment desks of various television news outlets. But those opportunities are fewer and farther between than at any time in recent history. Anyone who hasn’t been under a rock over the past year has seen the very visible demise of traditional news organizations. Once high-flying behemoths like Tribune Company (owners of the L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Superstation WGN and others) are now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy with other long-standing publications on the verge of going away all together. Those that remain are struggling with a skeleton staff that are now holding down multiple roles and being pulled in so many directions that they have very little time to digest a 400-word announcement from yet another “leading provider of…[insert your industry here].”
Now that doesn’t mean that news outlets don’t want to hear about an organization’s recent achievements. Far from it – they need credible sources to help them with story ideas and developing topics now more than ever. Their dwindling staffs can’t cover it all, so they need the eyes and ears of the general public to do their job. But companies must look to announce such events in a much different way – online!
So before drafting another standard press release, try these three steps first:
1. Website news posting – put your piece of relevant news on its own page within your Web site. This will service as foundation to drive journalists and other relevant parties to find out more about your organization and your latest accomplishments.
2. Post your news on at least three social network systems – This may sound difficult at first, but trust me – it will take far less time and have far greater success once it’s set up. I’d recommend getting started by launching a Facebook and Twitter account in addition to your own blog. From there, link up with friends and business acquaintances as well as the reporters from media outlets that are using the same services (I guarantee that you’ll find some of them there!). Update your status/news on a regular basis and include a link to the news posting on your Web site. If done correctly, organizations will see much more activity than they ever did by just blasting the news out to media outlets.
3. Get others to do the same – The more people who comment on your news through the same social network services, the more attention it gets, and the greater reach an organization will garner.
At its basic level, this is grass roots/word of mouth marketing – just in an online form. I’ve personally secured new clients through this tactic, and I have seen a significant increase in interest from reporters when I distribute announcements through social media platforms. I may still write the occasional press release for companies, but I’m spending far less time doing so, and figure the tactic will all but be dead in the very near future.
About the Author: David Oates, APR, is the President of Stalwart Communications Inc., a San Diego-based marketing and public relations firm. He can be reached at david@stalwartcom.com or through his Twitter ID, @Stalwartcom.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Are you having fun in your business?
Why did you start your business? Did you start it so you would have a job? Did you start it because you wanted to be your own boss? Did you start it because you wanted to make a lot of money?
With the downturn in the economy, it's time to take a look at your business and determine why you got into your business in the first place. If you are not having fun in your business, perhaps it's time to re-think what you are doing. It's time to take a day or so and figure out your short and long term planning.
Ask yourself,
"When I started my business did I envision what I am doing now?"
"If not, what can I do to change my business so that it is what I dreamed it would be?"
If you are not having fun in your business, perhaps its time to make a change so that you do have fun!
What do you think?
With the downturn in the economy, it's time to take a look at your business and determine why you got into your business in the first place. If you are not having fun in your business, perhaps it's time to re-think what you are doing. It's time to take a day or so and figure out your short and long term planning.
Ask yourself,
"When I started my business did I envision what I am doing now?"
"If not, what can I do to change my business so that it is what I dreamed it would be?"
If you are not having fun in your business, perhaps its time to make a change so that you do have fun!
What do you think?
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