WELCOME

As MBA staff continues to strategize to discover innovative ways to help members in this economic downturn (including the drop in dues to $25), we have two announcements to share:

The first concerns this newsletter. As you know, AR Online's style mirrors the entrepreneurial lifestyle; full of activity, quick and interesting. Now, instead of exclusively using MBA staff writers, we would like to offer our members a free opportunity to share their expertise and promote their companies.

And you don't have to be an experienced author to do it.

Click on this link to read the guidelines for your article to be published in AR Online. Of course, we'll add your contact information at the end.

The second opportunity is member-sponsored events. Consider hosting a seminar or a networking event if you have space at your place of business. We'll take care of the arrangements including promoting your company as the host to thousands of members and prospects as well as in newspaper event listings.

There are all kinds of ways to publicize your business through your MBA membership. These are just two of the many free ones. Put your company in the spotlight, and let MBA help.

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

Standard Mileage Rates Updated for 2009

On January 1, 2009, the IRS's standard mileage rates for business vehicles (cars, vans, pickups or panel trucks) changed to 55 cents per mile.

This rate is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rates are slightly lower than the last half of last year because of the increase in fuel costs at that time.

Please note, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously. An alternative to using mileage rates is to calculate the actual costs of using the vehicle.

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MARKETING

Handle Interviews Like a Pro

Having the media acknowledge your press release is a good start, but you'll need to master the interview if your news goes public. Here's what you'll need to know to make the best of your next interview:

Research: Search online to find out all you can about the reporter and the publication. What kinds of articles does this publication write? Do they seem fair and balanced or agenda-seeking? What is the general tone? Does it have long, investigative articles or short news briefs?

Prepare Key Points: By organizing and writing your ideas in advance you can practice getting your point across and have handy notes in case you get flustered. Write your ideas clearly and simply so that they can be quoted accurately.

Be Ready for Tough Questions: Consider any issues surrounding your company - both current and past. If negative questions are asked, be sure not to reiterate those aspects in your answer; instead focus on the positive.

Marketing to Clients: In with the Old

If you're "breaking the bank" when marketing to new clients, you may not be surprised to learn that attracting new clients is nearly five times more expensive than keeping the old. Instead, try refocusing your marketing efforts on your existing clients with these techniques:

Stay in Touch: Create a campaign for existing clients using blogs, e-mails and newsletters so you can stay in touch. If you have the staff, consider calling clients to let them know about special events or promotions or even just to ask if there's anything you can do for them.

Get Personal: By collecting customer data like birthdays, interests or hobbies you have an excuse to send cards or invites for special events.

Network for Your Clients: By bringing clients together you have the opportunity to help their businesses grow, and in return your chances of retention grow too.

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YOUR FINANCES

Quick Trip Tips

With the economy in a downward spiral, it doesn't mean that your business stops, and if your business actually keeps you on the go, there are plenty of ways you can start to save. Here are some tips for budgeting your next trip:

Bargain Websites: More often than not, the best rates on flights and hotels can be found on comparison sites like Orbitz or Priceline. Purchasing rooms or flights at regular rates means you didn't look hard enough.

Go Economy with Vehicle Rentals: Economy reservations are often overbooked and most rental companies are contractually obligated to give you a free upgrade. If that's not the case, just inquiring about upgrades will often get you a free one.

Skip Insurance on Rentals: This is where rental companies make their profit. To see if you can take a pass, find out exactly what types of protection your insurance policy and credit card offer.

Extending Battery Life Extends Your Investment

Portable electronic gadgets are great for running your business on the go, but keeping them running shouldn't be a job on its own. Here are some quick tips for extending the life of your batteries:

Unplug. When your small electronic devices are fully charged -unplug them. Leaving them plugged in can reduce their overall life and wastes energy and money.

Read Directions. Read the directions regarding how to condition the battery of a device before you use it. Conditioning will help you get the maximum life from the battery.

Don't Spare Your Spares. Replacement or back-up batteries need to be used to maintain their effectiveness. Cycle your back-ups at least every six months.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

Are You Baby and Pet Sitter Too?

Hopefully, when you decided to work at home, your plans included help with the baby, schoolchildren and/or Fido.

But if you are the one in charge, there are safety issues that you may not have considered. Items associated with your home office can be a real threat to little hands and paws.

Take rubber bands for instance. The baby and the dog are going to put them in their mouths. And what about those other little things like dropped paper clips, freshly-sharpened pencils and tiny staples that fall out of the stapler and onto the floor. All are hazards.

Be sure to remember to be as careful in your home office as you are in your living quarters. All those in your care require diligence with electrical outlets (install covers), electrical cords (hide them or cover them) and large furniture/office equipment (anchor them).

With home offices becoming more and more popular, entrepreneurs need to keep watchful of the new situations the home-based space creates.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Boosting Morale Doesn't Mean Breaking the Bank

There is a common misconception that in order to inspire energy and creativity in employees you need to spend a lot of time, effort and money. But smart innovators know that positive energy feeds on positive energy and boosting morale is more about inspiring than instructing.

Let stories from the companies below inspire you and your staff:

Tunes and Brews. One company invests roughly $50 a week to set up a Friday afternoon collaboration event. Employees enjoy beer while rocking out on a popular video game. The result was stronger teamwork and creative ideas for the business. Rock on!

Mentoring. Another company creates a mentoring program to integrate new employees onto the team and teach them about company culture and goals. Mentors take newcomers in their department to lunch and spend time answering questions. The only cost…company-sponsored lunches.

Speaker and Yoga. In order to break routine and inspire individual creativity, one company sponsors weekly yoga classes and shows videos of world-renowned, inspirational super-achievers. The yoga class costs $150 a week and the speeches are found free online.

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IT

Google Apps: Small Business Video has Arrived

In September, Google introduced Google Video through Google Apps (low-cost desktop software). Google Video allows users to upload business videos to the Internet. Like YouTube, there is a social aspect to this program with multiple options for sharing videos within your business.

Google securely hosts and streams your videos so employees don't need to share them over e-mail or burden IT for another sharing solution. Other features include the ability to add video to a presentation or spreadsheet. Videos could also be used to create instructional training. Google Apps Premier Edition costs $50 per person / per year.

Collecting Money Online

If you are thinking of changing your business into an e-commerce site, you'll need to pick a service to process customer transactions. While most credit card companies will be happy to oblige you, they will also be happy to set up complex accounts usually with high rates. Here are two options to consider:

PayPal: This is one of the older and most trusted online merchant account providers used by both small and large businesses. PayPal charges 1.9 to 2.9 percent of the sale price and a 30 cent fee per transaction.

Google Checkout: This service is newer than PayPal but charges 2 percent of the sale and 20 cents for each transaction. Plus, if you are already using Google Adwords, your fees can be reduced or waived.

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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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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.