WELCOME

If you're on top of small business news, you know that there's a lot of talk about small business loans. If you go by the newspaper's front page, it looks like there's an open door to the small business vault of cash. But according to other accounts, loans are available if the business's collateral and credit scores are squeaky clean.

So what's a small business to do? Keep trying, for one thing. But I'll list a few other fundamentals from the "old school."

Live a frugal life. Whatever you save, drop it right into your business.

A credit card is not a bad thing. The bad thing is the risk. The good thing is that you can purchase supplies, equipment and other major items. A direct mail program, including postage, can be put on your card. But, again, credit card companies are not known to be sympathetic. So budget your payments and pay on time.

Home is where the heart is. It's also where you can access your equity. See your credit union or bank for home equity line of credit details.

Check MBA's two upcoming events to make sure you're (1) keeping your name in front of prospects and (2) maintaining your small business knowledge and inspiration.

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

Do You Know About GINA?

Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, also known as GINA, took effect in late November and the updated poster is now available. This act specifically protects applicants and employees from discrimination based on genetic information.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has revised its “Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law” poster. This new version reflects current federal employment discrimination law (including the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008). The poster was revised to add information about the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. The revised poster also includes updates from the Department of Labor.

Displaying the poster in your workplace is mandatory. Also be sure to update employee literature, including employee policy manuals. You should also review your recordkeeping, wellness programs and training procedures to ensure that they are GINA compliant.

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MARKETING

Marketing Green Light

More and more, customers are basing their purchasing choices on a business's commitment to the environment. Here are some questions you should answer for your green customers:

Health Impact: Is the product free from toxic materials?

Social Impact: Where is the product manufactured? Does the manufacturer pay a living wage and how do they support the local community/economy?

Environmental Impact: Is the product composed of raw materials? What natural resources are used for manufacturing purposes and are the means energy efficient? Does the manufacturer use energy efficient equipment? Is the product and packaging recyclable? Can products be safely disposed?

Post the answers to these questions on the Q&A page of your website, or create a pamphlet to let your customers know how your business strives to stay environmentally conscious.

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YOUR FINANCES

Some Easy Low and No-Cost Billing Solutions

Software as a service (SaaS) providers are making it easier than ever for small businesses and freelancers to stay organized. Here are some providers who offer invoicing and time tracking services for low or no cost:

Billing Boss: This service helps create, send and track invoices online. The service is fast and easy-to-use and the interface shows you the status of active invoices that are past due, outstanding or pending. You can even arrange to receive payments - for a small fee. Billing Boss also allows you to grant your accountant or bookkeeper read-only access easily and securely.

Billing Manager: This free service offered by Intuit allows you to create professional-looking invoices online as well as online estimates and reminders for your customers. A recurring invoice feature can also help you save time and effort. Billing Manager also allows you to see at a glance what invoices are overdue and who owes the most.

Bill 4 Time: If you bill on an hourly basis, this system will help you stay organized. This tool uses a widget on your desktop to log the time and expenses for individual clients. The free version is limited to five projects and three clients, but there is a free 30-day trial of the advanced version. Pricing for the advanced versions start at $19.99 per user per month.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

Worth Looking Into

Sometimes in order to save time and money simply change how you do things or look at them from a new perspective. Here are some new angles to consider:

Conference Calls: Whether you're an event planner or you just do a lot of business from a distance the time spent on the phone can add up. FreeConferenceCall.com is just one of many free services you can find online. Instead of making multiple calls to multiple people regarding a project, schedule a conference call. As for saving money on the calls, normal long distance charges by each caller's carrier apply but there's no cost for the conference call service.

Office Space: If you need extra work or storage space, ask your personal and business contacts. You may be surprised to find a friend or a sympathetic business associate that has extra space that they will rent for dirt cheap - if not for free.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Empowered Employees Build Better Businesses

Just because it's your business doesn't mean you have to come up with all of the good ideas. Empowered employees bring creativity to your business. Here are some tips for inspiring employee ingenuity:

Blur the Lines: Create brainstorming sessions that involve employees from all departments. This can help employees think outside of their normal patterns - where new ideas are often born.

Workspace: Employees should be allowed to have a workspace where they feel free to refresh themselves and become inspired. Encourage employees to decorate their workspace. Lowering or eliminating barriers like cubicles can also help to instill a sense of unity and teamwork in a department.

Encourage Extracurricular Interests: Make a small donation or time allowance to help an employee pursue an interest outside of work. Helping employees pursue off-the-clock interests can help you gain on-the-clock loyalty.

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IT

Building an Online Store Made Easy…Big Time

Big Commerce is an e-commerce platform that gives small businesses a fully-functioning online store that is user-friendly and affordable. Big Commerce allows you to create a customizable store complete with a shopping cart, check-out options, marketing tools, inventory control and business reports.

There are tutorial videos to help you create your ideal store, step by step. Over 50 store designs are offered. An easy drag and drop mode allow you to customize your store layout or if you prefer they offer full access to HTML and CSS via FTP.

And Big Commerce is up front in pointing out that they do not charge transaction fees or have hidden costs. There is a $49.95 set up fee and then pricing ranges from $24.95 to $149.95 per month. You select your plan based on your needs such as the number of products you'll be showcasing. They do offer a free 15-day trial.

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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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COMMENTARY

Haiti…Do a Good Deed…And Then Help Your Unemployed Neighbor
By Stephen Markowitz

While I try to keep this "Commentary" business-oriented, the disruption of life and liberty in Haiti, a non-business issue, is so severe that we all need to consider how to reach out and save someone. Some involved with MBA have been discussing ways in which members would want to participate in humane efforts to assist the people of Haiti.

It may simply be donations. They certainly need those and the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders are two reputable organizations that get a large percentage of donations into the actual aid trough. I'm sure that any of your possessions that you consider of little importance or waiting for the scrapheap can have some use in Haiti. Once MBA decides on an initiative it will be promoted through its traditional outlets. If you have suggestions for members with regard to Haiti, MBA would love to hear from you by e-mail or by phone at (800)533-3732.

But while you are helping Haiti, think also of your neighbor who is out of work. MBA is sponsoring and conducting a community service outreach program: Fired. What Next? Reservations are pegged at 60, and all information and education is provided free, courtesy of MBA and its presenters. The meeting location is being donated by Marple Township, and I thank Councilman John Longacre for helping with that.

Many displaced workers and managers over the age of 45 or so are going to have an extremely difficult time finding work again. Unfortunately, that situation may go on for many years. Do a good deed and let your neighbors know of this event which will provide information, motivation, and a networking opportunity all in a half-day session. Complimentary box lunches are also being provided courtesy of several MBA member companies.

Stephen Markowitz is chief executive officer of The Administrators, Inc. His column Commentary appeared for 15 years in The Alliance Report, MBA's printed newsletter. His comments reflect his views and not necessarily the opinions of the board and staff of Midlantic Business Alliance. Contact him at SMarkowitz@TheAdministratorsInc.com.

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MBA EVENTS OF INTEREST

Fired. What Next?
A Blueprint to Start Your Own Business

Don't wait to register for this major event addressing one of the nation's most pressing issues: small businesses - start ups, keeping the momentum and succeeding.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
9 AM to 2 PM
Marple Township Building - Broomall, PA

Complimentary box lunch provided by Mike Yates State Farm Insurance, King of Prussia; The Administrators, Inc. and USI Affinity

Click here to register or request more information.

Business Boosting Networking Event

Join us for bagels, coffee and business, and bring plenty of business cards!

Wednesday, March 17
8:30 to 10:30 AM
MBA Conference Room - Broomall, PA

$5 for members,
$15 for non-members to attend,
$30 for non-members to attend and join MBA

Click here to register.

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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.