WELCOME

It was a boost to our collective egos here at MBA to see the activity buzzing at www.mbainc.org. As a member, you should have received a letter (by mail) explaining the procedures for logging on to the new site, including user names and passwords. And because the staff and our website developer have toiled for so long to make this site the basis for something very spectacular, we are delighted to see so many members interested. This website is something special to us and hopefully to you too.

After dropping dues to $25, MBA knew there was still more to do for our small businesses hit hard by the economy. Thus, the website.

Even though what you see is the foundation for what is to come (kind of like a pyramid), our plan is to build upon what we have. Soon, you will be seeing more content, more interactivity and lots of cool tools to help you with your business.

Tip: Check out the member directory. There's a spot for members to indicate if they're interested in offering a discount to members. Of course, this is a great way to bring customers to you.

And if you have ideas or want to write content for the new member website, please send me an e-mail. We want what you want…

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

Nothing Ventured...

Small businesses that would otherwise have difficulty securing private equity or venture capital may find funding easier to get as a result of changes made as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Investment Company program.

The Recovery Act expands SBA's venture capital program to increase the pool of investment funding available to the Small Business Investment Companies licensed by SBA," said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. "We believe these companies will be better equipped by these changes to help sustain and grow small businesses for their next important growth steps."

New Way to Benefit from Membership

Maybe you already know that MBA offers free ways to advertise and promote member businesses. You can write an article for this online newsletter, AR Online, or you can write an article for the new website. In either case, your contact information will be listed. Here's the newsworthy part of this announcement: now that the website is available, paid advertising is too. Consider supporting not only your business, but your association by purchasing a low-cost ad to be seen by members and all interested others. And since we're heavily promoting the new website, now is the time!

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MARKETING

LED: A Sign of the Times

Building your brand should always be at the forefront of your marketing campaign, so be sure your company's sign seizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

LED signs have been around since the 1920's and are still a reliable and useful technology. Here are more reasons why LEDs are a great way to grab attention and sell your brand.

LEDs…

• are the brightest and most cost-effective electrical systems. LEDs consume less than half of the electricity that neon and incandescent lights use.
  
  
• are made of solid plastic and are remarkably durable and weather resistant, while neon and incandescent lights use thin glass that is fragile and susceptible to fluctuating weather conditions.
  
  
• have a life expectancy that is nearly triple other lighting alternatives.
  
  
• offer a wide range of programmable options that allow multiple messages and programs.
  
  
• can utilize animated messages that will create interest for your business.

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YOUR FINANCES

Economic Challenges Present Unique Business Opportunities
By MBA Member Andy Laskey

Businesses that thrive often are those that capitalize on the lessons learned from the downturn to improve their business model.

View your business realistically and seek opportunities for strategic growth. Here are some ideas to reverse the challenges many companies currently face:

• Keep on top of receivables. Avoid cash flow problems by hiring a bookkeeper or designating a current member of the staff to be responsible for receivables.
  
  
• Match positions with personalities. Invest in services that ensure you have the best personality match for a designated position. Reward current talent to increase retention.
  
  
• Stay visible. Now is not the time to cut back on marketing budgets. Create a plan that uses resources wisely. This is the basic foundation for any business.
  
  
• Set goals and stick to them. Set realistic goals for your sales force and use regular checkpoints to steer clear of a lack of productivity.
  
  
• Communicate your vision. Decision-makers should not keep their objectives from employees. Foster a team atmosphere by sharing your ambitions for the company.

Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the lifeline of our economy, and they're often the ones most susceptible to the volatile nature of the financial markets. By being proactive and learning from the mistakes of others, they can reasonably turn their operations around and position themselves for future growth.

Contact MBA member Andy Laskey at The Entrepreneur's Source at (484) 490-5423.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

Organize to Synergize

As the saying goes, "Your environment is stronger than you." This being said, your productivity in your home office space is directly related to how well it's organized. Try setting aside a small amount of time every day to organize your space. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Personal Items: When working from a home office, personal objects naturally find their way into your work space. Make a point of regularly removing personal items that don't contribute to your productivity.

Inventory: Make a list of the supplies in your work space and then do inventory. This way you'll know all that you need when you place your next order. Also, there are many inexpensive organizational tools offered by office supply sites that can help you get your work space organized.

Computer: Computers are extremely valuable organizational tools. If your desk is cluttered with research notes, rough drafts and cards from business leads, take time to organize them into easy access folders on your computer for quick reference.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Low-Cost Employee Benefits

Because motivated employees are more efficient and productive they are an asset to every business. Here are some cost-effective ways to motivate your employees:

Company Discounts: Discounted products or services are always a great way to show appreciation. Offer an ongoing discount or choose a day for discounted employee purchases.

Direct Deposit: Giving employees the option of having their pay deposited directly to their bank account can help them save time and access their money faster.

Paid Community Service: Encourage employees to perform community service while on the clock. It's a great opportunity to let the community and your employees know that your business gives back.

Award Titles: Giving employees job titles with business cards can offer a sense of pride and remind them that they are part of a team.

Parking Privileges: Parking benefits can include preferential spaces at your location or picking up the tab on a city transit pass or parking fee.

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IT

Free IT Security Assessment Tool

From phishers to hackers to viruses - there are various risks on the web that can quickly bring your small business to a halt. So why not spend 15 minutes to let an expert assess your system for free.

Microsoft's security assessment tool offers a comprehensive view of your security with a prioritized list of issues and guidance on how to minimize risks. Ongoing reporting and guidance is also offered to keep your business safe.

Put aside the time to minimize your risks, or find out how much it costs to lose control of your IT for a day…or more.

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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

Hope and Change…
By Stephen Markowitz

Between the right-wing lamentations of Glen Beck and the left-wing smugness of the literati in the new Administration who know what's best for us, the main body of the American public awaits. There is no doubt that change was necessary and even less doubt that we were on a path in which exit strategies from foreign interventions were poorly conceived or non-existent.

A majority of voters opted for change, and we now end up being led by those with no real governance experience, throwing money at problems with no clear understanding of outcomes. We do get some comic relief from a Vice President with foot-in-mouth disease.

Are we past the Hope and Change mantra? Can we get a clear, defined plan for America that makes sense to that part of the public who works for a living - or used to?

Americans have worked their way through the Great Depression and several crippling recessions. The politicians did not lead us to salvation. Hard work and an almost fanatical belief that there was something called the American Way did. It will again.

When we who create jobs, products and services stop complaining about the tax bombs we know are coming from the Left and the horrors projected by the Right, our voice will be heard. Let politicians know you will use your money, your energy and your vote to remove them if they cannot get behind you. And you must mean it. Writing a letter may feel good, but staying involved will do good. Demand an end to wild spending in the hope it will create jobs; an end to the silly Administration positions (read Czars) that eliminate the kinds of governance our Constitution calls for; and an end to unions (a clear minority of the workforce) calling the shots as payback for their campaign donations. Let me hear from those of you determined to get involved.

Hope and Change? Let's hope there will be change left in your pockets when these Far Left controllers allow our President and Administration to grow into the job and demonstrate moderation and real problem-solving abilities.

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

Bring Customers Through Your Door

We're working on our fall schedule of events and would like to help you bring customers through your door.

Host an MBA networking event and that's exactly what will happen. It's a win-win proposition. You bring prospects to your site. MBA continues its tradition of offering unique event locations to members. Plus, participation for you is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1 Select a date. Send an e-mail or give us a call to select an event date that's good for your business.

2 Promotion. Promotion. Promotion. You and your event will be featured in upcoming e-newsletters, mailings and news outlets.

3 Relax. Refresh. Enjoy the rewards. Offer some simple refreshments to your guests as they network within your walls and get to know you and your business.

Contact us today to set a date to bring new customers through your doors!

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Sponsors of MBA's AR Online Newsletter

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

The Administrators, Inc.
(800)634-4428
Making health insurance affordable

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.