WELCOME

It's no secret that times are tough. Everything we read, hear and see reflect that. So, once again, MBA offers another exceptional idea to help members stand out in the crowd. It's something that can be done in about a half hour.

Try your hand at writing an article about the things you do, and we'll publish it in this newsletter. Every business has something to tell others that will ring a bell. We don't need you to solve the current economic meltdown. But if you can help someone else save money, market a product or offer advice on a specialty, then you have the basis for a newsletter article that will fit in nicely. And it affords you a free opportunity to get your name, company and contact info out there.

If your schedule is hectic but you still would appreciate some promotion, then jot down a few sentences, and we'll turn it into a "Tip" that can still have the impact of a compelling piece in a longer format.

Send your sentences, words or tips to info@mbainc.org. And thanks for helping.

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

Proposed Surcharge a Concern to Small Businesses

The proposed surcharge on high-income Americans to help finance health care reform has many small business owners concerned. The income tax surcharge would affect individuals with incomes of more than $280,000, meaning that roughly one-third of small businesses that employ 20 to 50 workers would feel the effects - about 600,000 individuals.

Critics believe that though the percentage of affected businesses is small, those businesses typically put that money back into their companies and create jobs. Proponents of the tax claim that the subsequent funds would create lower insurance premiums and tax credits to help more small businesses afford coverage.

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MARKETING

Benefit by Hiring a Freelance Writer

Hiring a freelance writer to help create business and marketing materials could be one of the best outsourcing decisions you make as an entrepreneur.

Writers are cost-effective investments and can be easy to find. Get started by searching for "writer" in MBA's online directory.

Here are other reasons to hire a freelancer:

Time: Consider how much more time you could sink into other aspects of your business if you had someone to help craft and author business/marketing materials.

Perspective: The views of an outsider can lend a unique perspective to your message and effectively act as a fresh source of insight and feedback.

Value of Persuasion: A writer's expertise deals with creating a memorable and effective message with persuasive and engaging language. This is important in getting people interested in your business.

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YOUR FINANCES

Shop Smart for New Phone Systems

If current economic conditions are causing you to investigate a new phone service provider, here are tips for finding the right company to suit your business needs:

System Capabilities: Seek out complete information regarding standard features and extras including price and compatibility. Also check for custom packages that can help you save by paying only for features you need.

IT Inquiry: Since there is so much buzz about VoIP phone systems because of convenience and savings, it's important to find out what capabilities and price structures the providers have to offer.

Secondary Source: Search online for customer reviews and comparison sites to find unbiased supplier information.

Request Plans: When you do select a vendor, be sure to get a written installation plan that allows for your input and approval.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

Are You in Compliance with Zoning Laws?

If you operate a home business you should be (or become) very familiar with the zoning laws of your county and/or township. Failure to comply with local zoning laws or failure to obtain necessary permits can cause you trouble - including fines.

Most county/township websites have their ordinances listed - so start online. A call to your local zoning board/officer can also help.

To get started, get familiar with the following basic zoning codes:

Business Activity: Certain types of businesses are entirely restricted from operating in residential areas.

External Effects: These rules pertain to specific nuisances like noise and odor.

Visibility: These rules govern physical changes to the exterior of your home for business purposes, storage issues and signage.

Traffic: These laws restrict the number of visitors, employees and business parking spaces that your home business is allowed.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

OSHA Unveils New $afety Pays Program

OSHA's Safety Pays Program is an interactive tool that shows employers the estimated cost of occupational injuries and illnesses and how it could affect profitability.

The system uses your businesses' profit margin, the average cost of injury/illness and an indirect cost multiplier to project the amount of sales your business would need to cover the costs of an incident.

The drop-down option format is easy and quick to use and helps employers research specific parameters that apply to their business structure.

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IT

Power Your Research with iCyte

iCyte is free software that increases your productivity by helping you organize your online research. iCyte works from your browsing tool bar, allowing you to save the link and an actual screen shot of the page complete with the text that you highlighted - all with a single click.

With the ability to manage your saved pages and organize them into projects, this tool can save time and increase your productivity. iCyte even stores and saves the web pages on their own server, so if your source site is taken down, you'll still have access to your saved information.

You can also use iCyte as a powerful collaboration tool to send your findings to colleagues and invite them to join your project.

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MEMBER-TO-MEMBER

Homework: Staying Fit While Working from Home
By MBA Member Michelle Collier

Most people think that working from home is a dream job. Those who've never worked from home entertain fantasies of rising late, taking calls in pajamas and knocking off early for some leisure time.

While the reality of working from home is much different - rising early, working all hours of the day and night (including weekends) and realizing that you have 15 minutes to get to an appointment but you've been on calls all day, so you haven't had time to change out of your pajamas!

Add to all of this the need to fit in a daily workout, and the dream of working from home quickly becomes a nightmare. Here are four tips for staying fit while working from home:

Schedule and commit to an early morning or lunchtime workout. Have trouble committing? Hire a fitness professional to come in on a regular basis.

Use an accountability tool. Whether it's a personal journal, a friend or online social media (post your daily routines to Facebook or Twitter) writing down your goals and intensions and sharing them with others can keep you motivated and committed.

Leave the junk food at the store.

Do a high-intensity exercise circuit. 10 push-ups, 10 squats, 10 sit-ups, 20 jacks. Do as many rounds as possible for 20 minutes.

Follow the steps outlined above. You'll lose fat efficiently and get back to work on time.

Performance Fitness is a mobile fitness studio dedicated to Bringing the Gym Home to the Greater Main Line. Michelle Collier, founder of Performance Fitness, LLC, is certified as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and is a certified Pilates and CrossFit instructor. Contact Michelle at (610)636-6977.

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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

Reading is FUNdamental
By Stephen Markowitz

Remember the ad campaign to promote reading? Apparently our elected representatives in Washington do not. When the stimulus bill was passed there was much gnashing of teeth by the pundits about the failure of our representatives to actually read the bill. And what did we get? Rising unemployment and obscene corporate bonuses.

Now that the various health bills are being offered, those same representatives may let the most important legislation of the past 10 years pass without any serious reading and review. Representative John Conyers (D-MI) says, "What good is reading the bill when it is 1,000 pages?" Is he for real?

If this is the sentiment of our representatives then they and you are allowing Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, Speaker of the House) and Senator Harry Reid (D-NV and Senate Majority Leader) to impose their particular political anti-business agenda on the entire nation. Nevada and California decide for all of us? Is your comfort level with Hope and Change starting to decrease? Isn't this the "same old, same old?"

Now there is a movement among some Representatives to get their colleagues to sign on to a pledge to actually read the submitted legislation. As of the date of this writing, exactly 106 of our elected officials have signed on. Call your senator and representative today, and let them know that Reading is FUNdamental.

The movement, Let Freedom Ring, seeks to have all elected representatives and senators sign the Responsible Healthcare Reform Pledge, in which lawmakers commit to reading the entire bill and making it available to the public for three days before they cast their votes.

The pledge says, "I, (name inserted here), pledge to my constituents and to the American people that I will not vote to enact any healthcare reform package that: 1) I have not read, personally, in its entirety; and, 2) Has not been available, in its entirety, to the American people on the Internet for at least 72 hours, so that they can read it too."

MBA members, copy this pledge and send it to your reps. Tell them they owe you this commitment at the very least.

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 you.

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

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.