WELCOME

As business owners assess file systems in their offices, the predictions of a "paperless" office can seem pretty remote. From its beginnings, the office computer has been viewed as the new file cabinet, with dreams of all company information just a click away.

The reality, however, is that paper will probably never go away completely. But you can drastically improve the multitude of piles that need sorting. And most businesses are making strides to improve their use of electronic files, because it's just plain necessary in today's fast-paced world.

There are lots of considerations when turning your paper piles into computer files. An immediate first step might be to consider an e-brochure for your business. It's a great way to save money, and changes can be made immediately. It's also forward thinking. Which means you're making a good impression on your prospects.

Progress is the key when considering going paperless, not perfection. Your company's productivity and efficiency will thank you.

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

IRS Update for Individuals & Employers: Beware Scammers!

The Internal Revenue Service cautions taxpayers to be on the lookout for a new wave of e-mail scams that appear to come from the IRS or an IRS employee.

Warn your employees about one scam in particular in which an e-mail appears to come from an IRS.gov e-mail address, addresses recipients by name and references the company for which the recipient works.

The e-mail says that the IRS has a report on the company and asks the recipient to review a copy by clicking on a link to download the report. However, when the link is clicked, malware is downloaded to the recipient's computer - which can hijack the recipient's computer to steal passwords and other personal information.

Other common scams recently reported involve news about tax refunds and economic stimulus payments.

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MARKETING

Make Your Advertising K.I.S.S.-able

Today's customers want quick and easy. As a result, customers are more likely than ever to skip over cluttered ads. So in order to create advertising materials that actually bring business to you, try to Keep It Super Simple.

Here are some do's and don'ts to simplify your ads:

Don't use multiple images in your ad. Competing visuals can confuse readers and scatter their focus.

Don't overuse words. Use simple phrases that explain benefits and features of your product/service.

Don't make the visuals too busy. Plain and simple backgrounds will help your message stand out.

Do use a headline that clearly defines the benefits of your product.

Do create a single eye-catching visual focal point.

Do consider the medium where your ad will be displayed. For instance, a billboard will be read quickly as cars zip by, and a magazine ad can have more detail and can refer the reader to a website.

Why Your Business Needs an E-Brochure

An e-brochure is a versatile alternative to the traditional paper brochure and can save you money, time and effort. It can be attached to an e-mail, viewed on a website or burned onto a CD. Here are some more reasons to switch to an e-brochure:

Immediate Savings: Since an e-brochure can be saved and sent again and again you won't be left with boxes of unused printing, and you won't be spending money on postage either.

Engaging: An e-brochure is interactive, so you will automatically engage your customers. This format also gives you the option of including direct links to your homepage and product pages.

Targeted Audience: An e-brochure gives you the freedom to connect with specific segments of customers and the ability to edit your content to suit the audience. This also means that you can update your content frequently.

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YOUR FINANCES

Handle with Care: Don't Lose on Shipping Costs

Are your shipping and handling charges to customers covering your company's actual expenses? Be sure you've taken the following into consideration when calculating your handling charges:

• The costs of mailing materials: boxes, tape, filler, labels, etc.
  
• The expense of labor
• The cost of the equipment and tables in your "packaging area" and/or floor space
• Gas for transporting package to post office or other mailing facility

Buyout without Backlash

Trying to buy out a lackluster business partner who has the majority in your business is challenging. To help ease the process and save you from stress and expense heed this advice:

Look back at the formal or informal partnership agreement that you both accepted at the beginning of your venture. If your partner is in violation of any of those agreements, you have grounds to take action.

Lawsuits of this nature can be expensive, so litigation may not be the best avenue. Mediation, on the other hand, may help reconcile any ill will and let you come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home…

Not necessarily. The home is your sanctuary, your family's gathering place. So when you decide to run a business from your residence, rigid rules and careful planning must be followed to avoid disturbing the most important parts of a home. A couple do's and don'ts:

Do remember that this business is your livelihood. Make sure you treat your office the same as if you traveled ten miles to get there. Separate and uninterrupted space is a must.

Do stay motivated. It's easy to take a break, lose focus and find something other than business to do. But if you want to succeed, watch out for distractions.

Don't neglect your company's promotions. Get out of the house by attending networking events, conferences and community meetings. Newsletters, both printed and online, will benefit your sales.

Don't spend your overhead. The money you save on overhead by working from home doesn't translate to excess cash to spend on something you normally would not buy. Be careful with your budget.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

The High Cost of Hiring

HRWorld.com offers two cool tools to help you calculate actual expenses for hiring a new employee and making a bad hire. A third tool helps you calculate the actual cost of employing an individual - including those "hidden" costs such as insurances, investments, etc.

Take a look around the site, and you'll also find useful information in the form of white papers, a dictionary and news.

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IT

E-Business Insurance: Know the Basics to Protect Your Business

You do your best to keep your firewall and computer security systems up-to-date and protected from viruses, hackers and cyber thieves. But sometimes it's just not enough. Computers can still crash, information gets lost, data can be stolen.

Many insurance carriers (including AIG and CHUBB) are now offering e-business insurance options to help lessen the impact of computer troubles on your business.

Coverage: A multitude of policies offer protection for when data is stolen, computers are down or business is interrupted. Coverage is also available to protect you from charges of libel, slander or copyright infringement on your website.

Self-Check: In order to get e-business insurance, you will most likely need to complete a self-assessment of your system's current condition that will cover security configurations, password protocol and data security.

Take Only What You Need: You may need your insurance broker to help you tailor a policy to suit the specific needs and risks of your e-business. After all, you don't want to pay for coverage that may already be included in your general liability policy, such as physical property or equipment.

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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

BusinessLink Networking Luau

Aloha. It's time again for the MBA annual luau in Manayunk…and the Phillie Phanatic wants IN. That's right. Forget the doldrums of August. You're looking for new business and our Phillies are in the hunt for Red October. MBA's Manayunk luau is just the place on a warm summer evening.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant

$15 for MBA members if paid in advance, $20 at the door,
$20 for non-members (must be paid in advance)

Register or Click here for more information.

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Sponsors of MBA's AR Online Newsletter

Sun East Federal Credit Union

(610) 485-2960, extension 217
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.