 WELCOME
Within the next five years, Baby Boomers will be hitting retirement age. But it's an interesting bunch; statistics show that these boomers are not a sit-around-the-pool type of generation. Many are rejecting the time-honored retirement roles and see post-65 as full of opportunities like starting a new business or registering for college classes.
But, regardless of these changes in traditional roles, the key word still is planning for what could be life's biggest financial challenge.
So, whether you're a Baby Boomer or you see 65+ in the distant future, MBA is presenting a seminar for all who are interested in protecting investments, understanding tax laws and the many other considerations for retirement planning.
The event will be held on April 17 from 6 to 8:30 PM at Troy University, Exton Campus. Click here for details.
And, as always, it is free for MBA members. Plan to invest the time in something important. You!
Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors
NEWSWORTHY
Get your 2008 IRS Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed
The 2008 IRS Tax Calendar for Small  Businesses and the Self-Employed includes information on general business taxes, electronic filing and paying options, retirement plans, business publications and forms, common tax filing dates, and much more.
The online calendar can be downloaded and imported into Outlook and iCAL. Order the wall calendars online or call (800)829-3676.
Business.gov Unveils New Search Features
Business.gov, the official business link to the U.S. government, has launched new search features and expanded content. These improvements make it easier for small business owners to find essential information they need to run their operations including forms, licenses, permits and regulatory information from federal, state, and local governments.
In addition to federal government resources, the site now offers business owners access to 9,000 state, territory, county and city government websites providing information on starting and managing a business while complying with regulations at all levels.
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MARKETING
Packaging Your Direct-Mail Campaign
Organizing your materials for your  direct-mail campaign depends on what you are communicating and to whom.
For the sake of frequency and economics, you can send multiple materials in one package. For example start by sending a multi-piece package, then a postcard, then a newsletter. A good rule of thumb is sending to a list three times before moving on.
Also, the use of stamps gives a mailing a personal touch.
Press the Press for More Coverage
Press releases can really boost your company's exposure if you know how the media industry works and what editors want and need. Here are some tips to help you get an inside track to getting your business into the public eye:
Relevancy: Anything that is relevant to current topics in the news or is newsworthy in the business community has a good chance of catching the attention of editors - a promotional piece simply won't make the cut, unless you're creative…hint, hint.
Customize: Personalizing press releases can be effective, but trying to do them all would be a waste of time. Leave personal notes for important releases and online journalists.
Summarize: Be simple and direct. Summarize your message in the first paragraph by answering the who, what, when and where of your press release. Editors have limited space, so if your first paragraph can stand alone your chances of reaching print are that much stronger.
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YOUR FINANCES
Government Auctions - Going Once, Going Twice
Government auctions are a great way to find deals on items from computers to automobiles. Auctioned goods come from foreclosures, seized property and surplus goods used by the government. Items are either auctioned or sold (often at negotiated rates).
Visit Business.gov for a list of auction sites. But here's a sample of a couple of sites where you may find exactly what you need to benefit your business:
GovSales.gov: A great resource for surplus items and real estate from the federal government.
U.S. Treasury/IRS: This is where seized goods end up when well-meaning citizens default on their taxes.
A Business Plan You Hope You'll Never Need
Ready Business is a plan devised by a number of national organizations that outlines commonsense measures for business owners to implement in the event of an emergency.
The Ready Business website provides practical steps and easy-to-use templates to help you plan for your company's future. It also provides useful links to resources providing more detailed business continuity and disaster preparedness information.
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Who Has Your Password?
Employee turnover is often common in business. What's not so common is the realization that there is a risk with ex-employees or ex-contractors who have knowledge of company passwords and access codes.
With intimate company knowledge like this, employees with vendettas or disgruntled contractors could erase a day's orders, delete vital information, disrupt your website or even transfer money out of your company's accounts.
The way to avoid becoming a statistic when it comes to the necessity of sharing valuable information is to know who knows what. Compose a list of all employees and contractors, note what they have access to and with what passwords.
Then, when your business relationship comes to an end, you know exactly what codes and passwords need to be changed. Just do it as soon as possible.
How to Make Peace with Angry Customers
 Just because a customer is angry doesn't mean that you have to be too. In fact, reacting to negative energy is a sure way for the situation to escalate. Here's how to approach an angry customer so that dramatic scenes and the loss of a client aren't the end result:
Let's go over what happened. This response requires that the customer calm down to discuss what they believe happened. It also shows that you are genuinely interested and that you are actively seeking a resolution.
How about we get another perspective? In this instance, try to find an impartial third-party to act as mediator. Be sure that fellow employees approach the situation with the objective of finding a mutually-beneficial resolution.
Let's hear how you think we should resolve this. This response allows the angry party to express their overall desired outcome. You can then decide if your company can reasonably accommodate their request and resolve the issue. If you can't meet their request, be prepared to explain why and offer another alternative.
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IT
Dominate with Domain Names
When you buy a domain name your rights as  the owner protect the site's name under law, but that won't stop others from trying to use or benefit from your name.
When you buy a domain also consider purchasing multiple Top Level Domains (TLDs). TLDs refer to the suffix on the domain, i.e. .com, .org, etc.
Also consider buying shortened versions and misspellings of your domain name in order to prevent others from luring your customers to their site.
Search Engine Surveyor
In order to make search engine optimization work for you, you need to do some research to decide which keywords and phrases to use. One way to get an edge is by using a site like Wordtracker to cut your budget and time in half.
Wordtracker not only finds the best suited words for your business but it also lets you know which words are least used by your competition.
Test out the free trial. Subscriptions cost $30 a month and annual subscriptions are $299.
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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
Business Planning Boot Camp:
Strategies to $ave Your Business Money
Overlooked tax deductions and credits…An inappropriate accounting
system…Improper payroll procedures…An insufficient retirement plan…Unbudgeted expenses
Any of these mistakes could be costing you and your business plenty. Don't let Uncle Sam (or inefficient procedures) take another cent of the money your business has earned and is entitled to keep.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
American Executive Centers, Plymouth Meeting
Free for MBA members and American Executive Centers’ tenants,
$25 for others who must pay in advance
Click here for more information.
E-mail Debbie Winshel to register or call (800)533-3732.
Network and Rally for Your Business
and the Fightin' Phils at Chickie's & Pete's Café
What better way to talk business and baseball on Opening Day than to join us at Midlantic Business Alliance's networking party at Philadelphia's #1 venue for fans - Chickie's & Pete's Café.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Chickie’s & Pete’s Café, South Philly
$15 for MBA members if paid in advance, $20 at the door,
$24.99 for non-members and must be paid in advance
Click here for more information.
E-mail Debbie Winshel to register or call (800)533-3732.
“Life Begins at Retirement”
Prepare for the Good Life
Whether retirement seems like a dream in the far-off distance or is right around the corner, you need to know how to protect your investment. If you’re unprepared, taxes and inflation can give you a rude awakening when your time for the “good life” arrives. So pre-planning is absolutely critical.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Troy University - Exton Campus
Free for MBA members,
$25 for non-members and must be paid in advance
Click here for more information.
E-mail Debbie Winshel to register or call (800)533-3732.
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Sponsors of MBA's AR Online Newsletter
(800) 736-6034
Home office support! Virtual offices, meeting rooms, secretarial and IT support.
(610) 485-2960, extension 284
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. |
