WELCOME

We in the business community are certainly going to experience numerous changes in the coming year. It feels like they are coming at us at the speed of light. MBA is committed to focusing on the dissemination of information and support as well as advocacy for the business community. But in order to do that, MBA members must be in a position to receive that information. Please make sure MBA has your current your e-mail addresses so that we can get information to you in a timely manner.

There can be little argument that our community has a great deal of anxiety about the government's implementation of social programs that will increase costs and our ability to retain employees. We want to keep you updated on issues that require your attention and often, your participation.

We will bring you information about the laws and the debates but it is crucial that we be able to reach you. If you have not already provided MBA with a current e-mail address I urge you to do so. Under no circumstances does MBA release your e-mail information to third parties. Help us help you. The information we provide is free of charge; the only cost to you is your need to supply us with a way to communicate.

And please support MBA as it develops the platform that "We are small business and we employ America." If you have not yet offered your assistance and creative contributions, this is an excellent time to do so.

Libby Beatty, Chair
MBA Board of Directors

NEWSWORTHY

IRS Releases Form to Help Small Businesses Claim New Health Care Tax Credit

On September 7, 2010, the IRS released a draft version of the form that small businesses and tax-exempt organizations will use to calculate the small business health care tax credit when they file income tax returns next year. The IRS also announced how eligible tax-exempt organizations -- which do not generally file income tax returns - will claim the credit during the 2011 filing season.

The IRS has posted a draft of Form 8941 on its website. Both small businesses and tax-exempt organizations will use the form to calculate the credit. A small business will then include the amount of the credit as part of the general business credit on its income tax return.

The final version of Form 8941 and its instructions will be available later this year. To view the press release, please click here.

Source: IRS.gov

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MARKETING

Marketing Madness

Sometimes you can drive yourself crazy trying to come up with your next great marketing campaign. The good news is that you don't have to do it alone.

Check out these great online marketing resources next time you need some inspiration:

Marketingforsuccess.com:
Go to the free resources section to find lots of useful tools and calculators and answers to marketing questions.

MarketingSherpa.com: This site published free reports that have tips, guides and ideas from experienced marketers. The free material is at sherpastore.com/freestuff.html.

Researchinfo.com: Here, you can find free market research information and forums to discuss market research. There is also a library of market research and a calendar of upcoming industry events.

Survey Says: Two Simple Questions to Retain and Gain Customers

Customers are a business's most valuable asset and small companies gain more new business from referrals than from advertising, so survey your customers.

A system named Net Promoter Score (NPS) uses a shockingly simple two question format: "On a 1-10 scale how likely are you to recommend us?" & "If you would not recommend us, why?" Responses of 9 and 10 are "promoters" and responses of 6 and down are "detractors."

Your NPS is the percentage of detractors subtracted from the promoters and this reveals a company's reputation in the marketplace. The survey is effective for companies of all sizes and supplies invaluable feedback about customer service shortcomings.

The survey can be implemented via e-mail, phone or mail. Click here for more details to calculate your score.

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YOUR FINANCES

Getting Paid: How to Handle "That Expression"

Everything is going great…you and your prospective customer have discussed their needs and how you can fill those needs, but then the issue of payment arises - along with your client's eyebrows.

If compromise isn't in the cards, do you know how to explain your rates without batting an eyelash or breaking a sweat?

Here are some facts that could easily escape the understanding of someone who isn't an independent job contractor:

• Your client's industry may have a different salary bracket due to narrow margins.
• You have to pay for your own health insurance and you don't get paid vacation time or paid leave benefits.
• Freelance work is less stable than full-time businesses by nature because there's usually down time between new projects and project-start dates.
• You are an expert in your field and not a multi-tasking employee, that's why your task is being outsourced.
• As a contractor there is no risk of parting ways if the business relationship turns out to be unsatisfactory.

Second Look at Your Savings

Hopefully, there is no doubt that small business owners need to change their spending habits to accommodate the changing economy.

Here are some not-so-obvious places to cut your expenditures:

Auto Loan: Did you know that you can refinance your auto loan like you would your mortgage? Give your credit union or bank a call to see about renegotiating the interest rate or term of your loan.

Insurance: Consider ways to reduce your business and auto insurance bills. Making small reductions will look good on your bottom line.

PC Back-Up: Since off-site data back-up is a relatively new and bustling market, there are lots of opportunities to shop for lower rates.

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FOR THE HOME-BASED BIZ

Visual Communications for Home Businesses

Establishing a visual presence with a business associate or customer is a powerful tool when you work from home, but at the end of the day, nothing replaces the trust of a real face-to-face meeting and a handshake.

The question is - how can you benefit from virtual meetings to grow your relationships in your business without actually creating a barrier?

If you're in tense negotiations or dealing with a problem, a web conference may not be ideal. But business updates, progress meetings and announcements are great reasons why you might "log-on" instead of making a trip.

Home Biz Web Makeover

Because home businesses have the challenge of exposure without having a visible storefront or office space, it's important that your website's content stays relevant and interesting.

Here's how to do it:

1. Editorials & Interviews: Editorials allow you to share your opinion and guide conversations that will keep readers coming back for more. Interviews with eminent figures in your field can really help to attract readers and boost your company's credibility.
2. News: Posting news that is related to your industry and your target audience allows you to give readers something of value while adding your own commentary to drive the conversation.
3. Reviews: Since many shoppers use the Internet to review products before purchasing them, creating your own reviews can drive traffic to your site and help you boost your search engine ratings.
   

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Preventing Repetitive Stress Injuries Among Employees

Although most offices and storefronts are considered low-risk environments for serious injury, employees are still at risk of repetitive stress injuries costing your business time, money and productivity. Over time the small and repetitive functions of typing, sitting and handling phones can wear on the body, leading to chronic pain and stress - two main ingredients that lead to other ailments and disease.

Here are steps you can take to protect your employees and your business:

Evaluate and Educate: Provide educational materials that explain the basics of body posture, structural health and basic techniques of stretching and self-massage. There are many free resources online like Office Yoga Videos. Hire an ergonomist to do an evaluation of your employees, their work stations and the office furniture.

Mandatory Breaks: Schedule regular break times for your employees and designate an area of the office where employees can stretch or simply move about to get the blood flowing. Suggest that employees form groups and alternate leading stretching or light aerobic activity. This will serve to strengthen your employees' bodies and minds while encouraging team work.

Recognize Other Stress Factors: Stress does not arise from body position exclusively. Office disputes, economic conditions and personal conflicts contribute to overall stress levels that affect general health and productivity. Try to keep an open line of communication with your employees and start to recognize physical signs of stress: slumping posture, tight or unexpressive facial expression and shallow / restrained breathing.

How Green Offices Boost Employee Moral

Green offices do their part to minimize waste while saving on business operations, but that's not all green practices are good for. By seeking suggestions from employees and appointing them to spearhead the implementation of green practices in the office, you give them an opportunity to work together while creating concrete changes in their workplace.

Not only does this help boost their moral and keep them motivated, but for small companies who can't afford big perks, it allows employees to take pride in their efforts at creating change and acting with a social conscience. Issue a challenge to your "green team" to see if they can create change over the course of a year without increasing cost or, even better, by lowering costs.

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IT

Seriously…Get a Webpage, It's Free

Believe it or not, there are still businesses out there that don't have a webpage. We're not saying that your business needs a website, but at least get one webpage to create a web presence and share your company contact information and pricing.

With sites like Jimdo.com you can create a customized webpage in under 15 minutes, and it's free. After a quick registration, Jimdo will e-mail you a link to your page. After you log-in to your administrative options you will be able to manage and edit a page that is virtually identical to the final product.

You also have the options of integrating photos, videos, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS feeds. Jimdo's free version includes: unlimited usage and pages, image gallery, 500MB storage and community tools. Jimdo Pro costs only $5 a month, and it includes your own domain, e-mail account, 5GB storage and detailed stats. Go to Jimdo.com to get started.

Your Virtual Post Office

Stamps.com is a boon for those who want to save time and money when mailing packages, documents or anything that can be shipped. The software allows you to print stamps as you need them so you don't buy unnecessarily.

Stamps.com also comes with a coupon for a free postage scale.The software is integrated with Outlook, ACT and other contact management programs so you can quickly and easily print right to envelopes for billing purposes.

Stamps.com also integrates with ecommerce platforms allowing you to retrieve order data and print it directly onto labels and postage. The program can be used to create custom stamps with photos and business logos.

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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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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.