 WELCOME
Pay Up or Just PAY
Maybe our AR O readers are already aware of the Pennsylvania Tax Amnesty program. I certainly hope so, since the deadline is three days from today - June 18. I am calling this to your attention not only because there is still a window of time for participation, albeit small, but eligible individuals who don't take advantage of the program to settle up their back taxes will have a five percent non-participation penalty added to delinquencies and may face other enforcement actions.
Here's how it works: Taxpayers must apply for PA Tax Amnesty online at www.PATaxPayUp.com; no paper applications are available. A toll-free hotline and call center featuring extended customer service hours has been dedicated to the PA Tax Amnesty program. Taxpayers may call 1-877-34-PAYUP (1-877-347-2987) from 7:30 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8 AM to 4 PM on some Saturdays.
Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors
NEWSWORTHY
PA Recovery Website Still Improving
Pennsylvania's recovery website has recently been improved  to make the user experience faster and easier. The changes are based upon the most frequent searches from the increasing number of people using the site since its inception last May.
The most popular clicks include reports on federal stimulus funds that can be found on the homepage's menu bar. Other popular clicks are on the "Impact" tab which gives access to information ranging from health care to the environment. For those interested in knowing where their county's money is going, they can click on the "Where is Your Money Going" tab.
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MARKETING
Marketing Your Voice Brand
Your business's voice brand helps to create the perception of your business through a combination of what your business says and how it says it. Here's how to create a voice brand that represents your business:
The Message: Your message is based on the type of customer you service, or aim to service. This means determining the type of language and communication style that will enable you to grab the attention of your customer and relay your message in a language they can understand, relate to and remember.
The Persona: The combined characteristics of the message and voice of your business will give your voice brand personality. This means choosing a male/female, old/young, serious/easy tone that will become synonymous with what your business offers.
The Execution: Because the landscape of communications is multi-faceted, it's important that your voice brand is consistent across various mediums in order to maintain a consistent and memorable impression. This means implementing your voice brand across phone systems, the web and commercials.
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YOUR FINANCES
Reduce, Reuse and Record for Savings
The trick to finding savings is to find a way to do the same thin g you are now, for less. Here are some tips for finding savings that are hidden in your regular operations:
Real Green: The initial assumption is that using green products will raise your costs, but real green practices are about conservation. Instead of focusing on using green products, find ways to reduce the amount of paper you use in total. Electricity and water usage are other resources that affect your bottom line.
Virtual Staff: Reduce costs by using virtual assistants to help accomplish administrative tasks. Virtual staff can be utilized in busy times and put on hold for down time creating savings on payroll, benefits and office space.
Your Ad Dollar: When you buy ad space, create a methodology to track the success of the advertisement. Creating a coupon or a survey with a redeemable discount or gift is one way to measure the success of the ad placement. Marketing Motives
Times are tough and some companies are cutting costs by shaving funds from their marketing budget. This may save money now, but it may cost in the long run.
Here's how to make the most of your efforts during a slump:
- Stretch your Efforts: Try diversifying your efforts into multiple marketing mediums.
- Service your Supporters: Remind loyal customers of how valuable they are by offering freebies, rebates and special promotions as a reward for their ongoing support.
- Keep Tabs: As you invest in new marketing efforts, be sure to keep close tabs to see if and how much they are paying off.
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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ
Free Summer Home Business Help
College and high school students seeking real experience  are eager to find internships throughout the year - summer just gives you a larger pool from which to choose.
Here are some tips for writing a letter to woo prospects:
- Angle for Experience: Don't just list a bunch of responsibilities that you expect interns to perform. Instead cite the experience they'll gain and how it will benefit them later in their careers. Phrases like, "learn how to…" and "practice…" make the experience look more enticing.
- What you Seek: Model the traits you seek in your intern to resemble the benefits they seek. Example: Instead of saying "friendly," say, "interested in people and making lasting professional connections." Instead of "motivated," try saying, "eager and able to commit to learning and progressing in their field of interest."
- Selling Points: Make sure that you also list other advantages aside from the experience that the intern will gain. Specifics like flexible work hours, possibility of further employment and additional perks like discounts are all effective motivators.
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Spotting and Avoiding Problem Clients
Problem clients cost time, money and possibly your sanity.
 Here are some hints to help you decipher who is worth your time and who isn't:
Personality: When meeting or interviewing a potential client, be conscious of pushy, demanding and unrealistic behavior. If you can spot these traits from the beginning, tactfully tell the prospect that your company is looking for a different client profile.
Chaos: When working closely with clients, it's too easy to get caught up in their chaos. Try to determine if there is any looming drama in their business or personal lives that might affect a relationship.
Boundaries: By clearly outlining your boundaries and business protocol, you can more effectively weed out potential conflicts. Then simply ask your prospect if the way you do business works for them. Honesty will make or break the relationship - so get it from the start.
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IT
More Network Know-How
Nowadays, conducting business
on-the-go is mor e about know-how
than connectivity. Here are some web applications to help you stay connected and productive when you are out of the office:
Windows Live Sync: If you don't have the luxury of a server to share data among multiple PCs, Windows can help. Live Sync is a free tool that can replicate your data and folders to computers you choose and keep them updated as files are added or changed. You can even remotely access them from a public computer via a website log-in. By the way, if you have a Hotmail or Messenger account, you already have Live Sync.
Bandwidth Monitor: The current trend seems to signal that big ISP providers like Comcast and Time Warner will soon begin to invoke bandwidth caps that limit the amount of data you can download on a monthly basis. With the Rokario Bandwidth Monitor you can monitor how much data you download and upload in real-time to help monitor your usage and avoid possible additional charges.
PrinterShare: This application allows you to send print jobs via the Internet to another PrintShare user and vice-versa. Go to Printshare to create your free account.
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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
Health Reform and You
It's a bottom line issue...And a Business-Boosting Breakfast
We’ll tell you how health care reform directly affects you and your bottom line. Come learn about tax benefits to you as well as your responsibilities.
Breakfast is on us if you are already a member*.
Wednesday, July 21
8:00 to 10:00 AM
Generations Restuarant (Need directions?)
9 State Road (not State Street)
Media, PA
* FREE to MBA members
$10 for non-members to attend
Click here to register.
View the photo gallery from our last networking event.
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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.
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