WELCOME

MBA's second "Business Boosting Breakfast" was held on June 3 and, once again, the response was amazing. (Browse our photos from the event.) Members and non-members are definitely interested in this type of face-to-face networking to show off their businesses. The conference room was just large enough for over 30 folks to talk about what they do and hear what others are doing.

A list of attendees was sent to all along with a request from the host (me) to refer potential new members. It's gratifying to hear success stories after these events. Personally, I will always stay in my network when purchasing anything for home or work. (A happy shout out to J. L. Latsios Paving who did a fabulous job on my driveway).

And did you know that Scott Edwards of Sun East Federal Credit Union will come out to your office and do an on-site enrollment event? New members Eric David and Brian Leatherberry have kindly agreed to "brainstorm" with MBA reps as we implement plans to be an even better resource for our small business members. These are the kinds of things that happen when entrepreneurs meet entrepreneurs.

We have another gathering coming up; this time a learning event. Offered by MBA member Andy Laskey, this hands-on seminar will deal with strategies for growth in a down economy.

Whether it's prospecting for new business, learning or member-to-member exchanges, we're here to work for you, our valued members. Contact me anytime with your thoughts, ideas and suggestions.

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

America's Recovery Act Guaranty Around the Corner

On June 15, the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin to guaranty loans made to small businesses in an effort to help them redirect cash flow from managing debt to investing in their business. The deferred-payment loans go up to $35,000, are interest-free for the borrower and repayment is deferred for 12 months after the final disbursement.

The loans themselves will come through commercial lenders that are SBA participants. For further details including eligibility and terms visit the ARC page.

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MARKETING

Name That Customer

One of the many benefits of owning a small business is the opportunity to create personal relationships with your customers. The obvious starting place is learning and remembering names. Being addressed by name gives customers the feeling of being part of a group which will encourage them to come back.

Try implementing a contest to see how many customer names your employees can learn. Solicit customer pictures by asking for permission to take a picture to be used on your "best customers bulletin board." Quiz employees at weekly meetings and reward those who have the best face and name recognition.

Use "Free" in Your Marketing Strategy

There's nothing new about using free offers to market your business, but with the help of the Internet, it's easier than ever to reach potential customers. The concept is simple: Shoppers are thriftier in times of economic turmoil, so offering them freebies allows them to get something for nothing and simultaneously become familiar with your business.

What you give away depends on what you can afford. Common ideas to consider include free reports, trials and seminars. More often than not, freebies aren't really free - instead, they are commonly exchanged for customer information or permission to send future marketing promotions.

As you begin to create customer relationships through free offerings you can begin to increase the value of the giveaways to encourage potential customers to buy and earn their next freebie.

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YOUR FINANCES

Recession Rogues

Tough economic times give unscrupulous businesses the opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting bargain hunters. Here are some business types that the government groups have on their radar for reported shady business practices:

Government Grants: There are many online companies claiming to have access to funding from government grants. They will typically ask for a money order or wire payment to get the application process going - but complainants claim to have never seen any grant money after their payment is processed.

Tax Settlement Companies: With so many businesses taking a hit from the economy, some businesses claim that they can help settle outstanding debts to the IRS. The complaints typically state that these companies misrepresent their ability and expertise while charging large fees on services that don't deliver.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

Make Your Small Biz Sound Big

Enhancing the perception of professionalism is integral when operating your home business, so why not start with your communications. A wide variety of hosted phone systems are available that can make your home business sound like the portal to a bustling corporation. For example, Onebox specializes in offering virtual PBX systems to small businesses.

Onebox does not require the installation or purchase of hardware or software as it functions from a regular phone switchboard. The service is provided remotely for a flat rate and includes features like an auto-attendant, professional greeting, advanced call-forwarding, on-hold music, voicemail and a toll-free number.

The site includes various visual tutorials on how the service works, including pricing plans and a feature comparison guide.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Reviewing Reviews

Employee performance evaluations are often dreaded by employees and managers. Sticking to a consistent format and following the tips below should help both you and your employees rest a little easier…

Try conducting the employee evaluation like a conversation. This will keep the atmosphere non-threatening and relaxed. Use questions that allow for answers that include opinions and ideas.

Discuss goals reached and those that fell short. Opinions and ideas may give you an opportunity to know your employee better, but remember that your review should be based on objective, measurable performance.

Your employee's attitude is also a consideration, including the ability and willingness to work with others as your business goes forward.

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IT

Streaming Your Video

CamStudio offers free open-source video streaming software with multiple uses for small businesses. The software allows you to record any activity on your computer and then create Flash videos. You can add dialogue to your videos or use the Video Annotation feature to create captions.

Using this tool you'll be able to make demo videos for your website, employee training modules, video FAQs with explanations and more.

The interface is simple to use and follow, taking only minutes to get your first project underway.

Free Help for Managing Your Network

With easy-to-use interfaces and connections to IT pros, Spiceworks is ideal for making your IT responsibilities more manageable. Here are some of the ways Spiceworks helps take the stress out of managing your IT infrastructure:

Network Inventory: This tool allows you to gather and track all hardware and software assets on your network including the number of licenses you have, their prices and their location. You can even store all your inventory information locally to reduce the risk of sending sensitive data over the Internet.

Help Desk: This feature can help you manage your daily projects and user requests from one spot. You can create "tickets" to keep track of task information and assign these tasks to members of your team. Users can also view their tickets and the status of their jobs.

Monitoring: Spicework's desktop format allows you to see what's happening on your network, whether it's unwanted software, anti-virus updates or even printer toner levels.

Connect: Interact with fellow users through the member network. Gain expert advice from white papers, product ratings, reviews & recommendations.
To learn more and download your free version, visit Spiceworks online.

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MEMBER NEWS

Ellen Fisher, publisher of the Women's Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia, was recently awarded the Women's Business Advocate Award from the Women's Referral Network of Chester County. Congratulations Ellen! Contact her at (610)446-4747.

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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

Seminar: Strategies for Growth in a Down Economy

This hands-on workshop is designed for the business owners who employ at least several team members and who are determined to achieve significant growth and change in their business over the next 12 to 24 months.

Thursday, June 25, 2009
9 AM - Noon
MBA Conference Room - Broomall, PA

$10 for MBA members,
$25 for non-members,
$35 for non-members includes seminar & MBA membership
(all non-members must pay in advance)

Click here to learn more or register

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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

Louviers Mortgage Corp.
(302)234-4129 ext. 41
Funding dreams into reality

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.