WELCOME

How do you catch a unique rabbit?
You-neak up on him.

Now that I have your attention, I would like to mention a benefit of MBA membership that all you loners (business owners who don't like to come out of their shell to network with others) should think about.

It's a fact, of course, that all people are different. Some like to socialize and some like that cozy shell. But in business, spreading your wings and joining groups like MBA can be a godsend.

Here's why: Networking allows business owners to meet in a "warm" manner rather than by making the "cold" calls we all hate to make. Maybe you've already taken advantage of MBA's networking events.

But there's more: As a member, you're entitled to participate in MBA's BCGs. That's Business Connections Groups, these groups have been organized so members can regularly get together for breakfast to exchange sales leads and ideas. It's only $25 per year plus the cost of your meal. That should loosen up the loners huddling in their shells.

Here's the rest of the joke:
How do you catch a tame rabbit?
The tame way.

Very truly yours,
Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

Supreme Court Sides with Employers

This past May, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of tire mogul Goodyear in the case of a female employee who claimed discriminatory pay. The court decided in favor of Goodyear due to the fact that the date of the employee's first "discriminatory" paycheck was beyond the 180 days that workers have to file a claim of "alleged unlawful employment practice."

Why is it good news for your small business? For one, through this case the government has upheld that employees must make a claim against your company within a reasonable amount of time. This protects you from having to defend yourself and your company decades after an event occurred.

Orbitz Aims for Small Business

Orbitz Worldwide’s Corporate Travel Solutions, recently announced the extension of the familiar Orbitz for Business managed booking tool to small businesses everywhere, through the launch of a new self-managed travel site. 

With lower transaction fees and access to corporate airline and hotel rates, small businesses can plan and manage their business trips like big businesses.

Customers can view monthly travel summaries, use an e-ticket tracking system to track value and expiration dates of unused tickets and search for discounted hotels that offer business-specific resources.

The site has also chosen to wave additional charges and fees for trip changes and cancellations giving small businesses more flexibility.

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MARKETING

Secrets to Creating Customer Loyalty

Keeping current customers happy should be just as important as finding new ones for every business. Satisfied customers bring their repeat business and often the business of their friends, families, etc.

But loyalty doesn't come overnight. It's built over time through positive experiences, so be sure to stay attentive to customers by keeping them in the loop with e-mails and loyalty-based promotions.

Another idea is to invite your best customers to take part in product development panels, surveys and tests. This offers you valuable insight and shows the customer they're important to your business.

24-Hour Marketing

The process of marketing to your customers from morning until night begins by creating an integrated campaign that works across different media outlets.

First, create a message with a clear focus that can be replicated across mediums to deliver a consistent message about your company.

Next, research, survey, research. What outlets will help you reach your target audience? Be creative and consider the different points during the day in which your customers go from the car radio during their commutes to cable during dinner and finally to the Internet before bed.

With a properly targeted message, your company could be poised to visit your customers' in their dreams.

Do-It-Yourself Publishing for Small Biz

With the help of self-publishing sites like Lulu.com, small businesses now have an alternative to the Kinko's of the printing world. Lulu.com claims to be a "fast, easy and free" way to get published - whether it be brochures, hard-cover textbooks, DVDs, e-books, bound employee handbooks or other business publications.

Lulu.com has no setup costs, and you can set your own prices and order as few (or as many) of your publications as you like.

This site may sound a bit like Kinko's, but one of its more notable features is Lulu U(niversity) where online workshops are available on topics such as Interacting with Bookstores, The Retail Details: Selling to Bookstores and Pricing; You've Finished Publishing. Now What? and Marketing and Promoting your Lulu Projects.

YOUR FINANCES

Self-Investment Checklist

With so many opportunities to invest in your business, it can be easy to overlook one of the most important investments: yourself.

Here are some recommendations to help your business and yourself:

Time to think: By setting aside time to simply sit and think, you will be able to relax and allow the creative process to flow naturally, instead of forcing it under pressure.

Read, read, read: Libraries, bookstores and periodicals offer great opportunities to keep yourself, your skills and business up-to-date. Make time to read and buy books that will help you expand your knowledge, skills and business.

Study time: Invest time in studying your customers and your sales. Running a business is an ongoing learning process that requires you to analyze to survive.

Think Summer, Think Tax Breaks

Taxes are probably the last thing on your mind when it comes to the summer, but there are ways to turn the heat up while bringing your taxes down...

Take advantage of the summer's relaxed atmosphere by wooing clients with tax-deductible meals and outdoor company events.

Mix business with pleasure by combining business trips with vacation time. You can write off the airfare and hotel costs. But, be sure to keep tabs and don't deduct true vacation activities as business expenses. You will need proper documentation if you ever are audited!

Company picnics and pool parties can help boost employee spirits and lower the company tax bill. Keep attendance records just in case an audit rears its ugly head next spring.

Of course, as with all tax matters, you should consult your accountant in advance to learn the government's documentation requirements and other tax ramifications.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Employees Love Perks

As we compete to find and keep employees, sometimes it's the little perks that set us apart. Try creating your own innovative perk program to keep employees positive and productive:

Work-from-home-day: Not ideal for all jobs or positions, but if you can offer this perk every once in a while, your employees will be grateful for skipping the commute.

Community Service Days: Give employees a couple of days off (with pay if possible) to donate their time to the charity of their choice. Hint: Community-based programs like this can stir up great PR for your business.

Help Workers Beat the Heat

August's scorching days continue. Here are some tips for those who work outside that were taken from OSHA's Protect Yourself from Heat Stress Quick Card.

• Block out direct sun or other heat sources.
• Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly.
• Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.

Above all else, you (and your outside managers) should know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses so you can monitor employees. Download OSHA's Quick Card to learn the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

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IT

Analyze Your Web Traffic

To get the most out of your website, you need to know more than the number of visitors. Factors like the duration of each browser's stay, what they click on and which clicks are real and which are stray reveal exactly where your site could use a tune-up.

The Google Analytics tool is free to all Google advertisers, publishers, and site owners and offers 82 reports and 18 ways to segment data - by keyword, browser, location, etc. There is a web-based tutorial for business users and ample online support.

The downside? Since the tool is free and popular, your competition may already know about it.

Telling Tales Outside the Office

Do you depend on vendors, freelancers and outside consultants to help run your business? As with all relationships, you will most likely have run-ins with the typical cast of characters - the good, the bad and the just plain rotten.

Here are some things to consider so you (or your data) doesn't get taken for a ride:

Check backgrounds: It may take some time and effort, but be sure to ask all contractors for referrals and also search the web for red flags.

Sign here: Create a contract that protects your proprietary data from being released to anyone without the express written consent of you or your company's authorized representative.

Get updates: Ask contractors how they will access and store your company's valuable information while projects are being completed.

Think ahead: Consider what (and how) information will be returned and destroyed at the end of your business relationship.

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NEW MEMBERS

When our member base increases there is more of everything: more creative networking, more benefits and more experienced, enthusiastic business owners. All move our members toward growth, success and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Click here to meet our newest small business partners.

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MBA EVENTS OF INTEREST

MBA Summer Networking Luau Is Back

Aloha. Whether you're looking for new customers, an opportunity to talk business or a chance to rub elbows with a beautiful celebrity, MBA's luau is just the place on a warm summer evening.

Enjoy complimentary food and beverages while chatting with your prospects and Rachel Brooks, Miss Pennsylvania 2007 along Manayunk's Main Street.

Miss Brooks will be mixing and mingling with attendees for autographs and photos. And, the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant has reserved their upper deck for our event. What a great way to do business!

And there will be games and prizes for fun too! "Hawaii Ponoi" is the state song of Hawaii. Translate "Hawaii Ponoi" at the event and enter our special prize drawing.

Thursday, August 16, 2007
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant
4120 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Click here to register

Simple Stress Busters

The pressure of balancing business and family priorities can lead to stress and sometimes even burnout. Don’t let these tasks cause you to have a meltdown at the office or at home. Discover tricks for keeping your cool no matter how overwhelmed you feel.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Midlantic Business Alliance

Click here to learn more

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Sponsors of MBA's AR Online Newsletter

The Administrators, Inc.

(800) 634-4428
Health insurance for every budget

Loyal To You Greetings

(610) 857-2122
Helping professionals increase repeat
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Sun East Federal Credit Union

(610) 485-2960
Offer a great employee benefit

Unless specifically indicated, MBA does not intend mention of companies, products or services discussed in this publication to be construed to be endorsements. The information in this publication is offered as examples that may be useful to our small business readers. Please consult with an industry professional before implementing any of the tips or subscribing to any of the services described above.