Solve the Entrepreneur Puzzle

Success with QR Codes

2011-11-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

QR codes are being used in creative ways on business cards, company brochures, signs, apparel and at fundraising events to promote instant giving.

A Chili’s fundraising campaign for childhood cancer resulted in 291,000 QR code scans that appeared on coloring sheets and table tents created specifically for the effort.

“With the ever-growing presence of technology in our guests’ daily lives, Chili’s utilized this up-and-coming trend as a unique way to reach our supporters of St. Jude,” Ms. Flowers said. “With more than 290,000 QR codes scanned throughout the campaign, this medium proved to be an effective and tech-savvy way of encouraging guests to donate.”

Read more at: Mobil Commerce Daily

Read previous blog post: QR codes or Scan tags – Using them? and how are they working for you?

Why Website Content is So Important to SEO

2011-10-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Content, content, content....a word that seems like nagging to many of my clients.

The major search engines are focusing on creating the best possible user experience, which means sites that offer relevant (new, creative and unique)information stand to gain the most visibility.

This following image provides a graphic explanation of the importance of content. To see the enlarged size, click here.

How Online Retailers Make You Spend More

2011-08-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

Eliminate the paper - app alternative to business cards

2011-05-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Ditch that pile of biz cards, and use Hashable to exchange contact information instead. Type in a person's email address or Twitter handle to exchange contact info. Hashable automatically tags these contacts with location and date so you can find them later – and Hashable will send you an email with a list of everyone you met at the end of each week to make follow-up easier.

Track your meetings, calls and other events. For your private use, or coordinate with your friends, coworkers, teammates.

And for those of you Hashing it up from Twitter – they've created a whole slate of event tags to make things even easier. Any time you Tweet with someone using any of the event tags – Hashable will pick it up. By using these tags from Twitter, you can sort your contacts in Hashable to find the people you met at each event.

This is not a paid advertisement no affiliate link. We receive no compensation for telling you about this app.

Security on Facebook, app to scan and protect your account

2011-05-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Recently a number of people found malicious and offensive posts on their profiles and pages. Unfortunately these posts were not from the persons indicated. Some form of hacking had taken place.

An excellent article was written in March on PCMag.com on two apps that can protect your Facebook account.

One app, Norton Safe Web for Facebook is bundled with the Norton products, but anybody can use it for free. It scans your Facebook page's links and reports any bad ones.

If you're concerned about dangerous links (and you should be), there is also another app recommended and more info in this article at PCMAG.com .

Happy and safe networking

Let your challenges spur your creativity

2011-04-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney had a passionate desire to pursue a career in commercial art, which is how he began his original experiments in animation. He started by producing short animated films for local businesses in Kansas City. By the time Walt had started to create The Alice Comedies, which was about a real girl and her adventures in an animated world, he ran out of money. His company at the time, Laugh-O-Grams went bankrupt.

Instead of giving up, Walt packed his suitcase and with his unfinished print of The Alice Comedies in hand, headed for Hollywood to start a new business. It was Walt Disney’s enthusiasm and faith in himself and others that took him straight to the top of Hollywood society. Walt Disney's dream of a clean and organized amusement park also came true when Disneyland Park in Anaheim opened in 1955.

Wally Amos opened his first Famous Amos store, with cookies based on his aunt's recipe which he baked himself. Within 10 years his sales had grown to more than $10 million. Due to financial troubles, Amos was forced to sell the Famous Amos Company, and trademarked name "Famous Amos".

Turning adversity into opportunity, Amos launched a new cookie venture, The Uncle Noname's Cookie Company. With America's tastes shifting towards healthier foods, the company focused on fat-free, nutritious muffins at that time. Uncle Noname ultimately became Uncle Wally's Muffin Company in 1999. The muffins are sold in more than 3,500 stores nationwide.

Dr. Seuss’ first book was rejected by over 27 publishers. He had a fleeting thought to burn the manuscript. Instead he sent it out one more time.”

"As you begin to move forward in the direction of your vision, you may encounter delays. Every delay is not a denial. It simply means that you are getting something that you're gonna need to go forward" ~ Michael Bernard Beckwith

Google Branding With Charlie Chaplin

2011-04-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Have you visited Google today? Google is known, among other things, for their branding strategy of consistently updating their Google logo on their home page. Colorful images, clever layouts and even animation.

Today they celebrate English comic actor and director, Charlie Chaplin's 122nd birthday with a short Chaplin style video doodle; which amuses you and cleverly places Google's logo into the era. From the first frame to Charlie reading a Google newspaper, to the more obvious Google logo set up by the painter. At the end of the video you are forwarded to a Google search results page with everything Charlie Chaplin.

Other businesses can learn from this branding approach. It takes creativity and planning. Although the majority of searches are made from Google, one might think they don't need to continually market themselves. Google is smart enough to know that marketing your brand should never stop.

Using creativity to bring people to your website, could increase your consistent traffic. Let people ask" "I wonder what they have on their website today that will educate me, amuse me, motivate me, etc." and "what will I miss, if I don't visit?"

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Seeking Small Business Case Study Profiles

2011-04-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

For a new television show that will air in the St. Louis metropolitan area, Susan Solovic is looking for small businesses who are facing a particular business challenge and would be willing to be profiled.

You must be comfortable talking about your business challenge. The profile segments will be shot at your business location and then business experts will discuss your challenge and offer advice during the time the show airs.

Please submit the name of your business, location, years in business, your name
and title and the nature of the business challenge with which you are dealing.

Email your submission to: query-9ub@helpareporter.com

Deadline: 07:00 PM EST - 6 April

Seeking Entrepreneur Success Stories

2011-04-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Seeking Entrepreneurs who are willing to share their entrepreneur success stories as well as their thoughts on Gen Y and entrepreneurship for an online Entrepreneur Publication.

Email: query-139i@helpareporter.com

Deadline: 07:00 PM EST - 5 April

Been verified or privacy danger?

2011-03-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

You may have heard the TV ads offering yo the chance to do a background search on someone, a friend, a potential date, etc.

We looked into BeenVerifed and became more alarmed than excited.

1. An associate ran the free background check on herself and found that the criminal record of her ex-husbands daughter was tagged as her.

2. My information was 12 years out of date and reported me as listed on several social sites, I've never visited.

3. They post two different versions of their Terms & Conditions. The T&C from their home page link, has different wording than the one posted through their sitemap link.

4. Their privacy policy states they now have permission to telemarket you, even if you are on the do-not-call list.

5. Their privacy policy states " even where a Member unsubscribes from all of our lists, we cannot guarantee that such Member will never receive another mailing from us".

6. Their privacy policy states that "we must gather personal information from Members through our Registration Form. The Registration Form may or may not require submission of the following information: (a) e-mail address; (b) full name; (c) company name; (d) date of birth; (e) a Member-specified password; (f) mailing address; (g) credit card information; and (h) any and all information associated with the Searched Subject (such as name, address, social security number)"

They did not clarify if this social security number requirement is necessary when you search yourself. They would then have all your financial and identifying information for potential identity theft.

7. More from the Privacy Policy: "Any personal information that you submit at the Site remains your property. However, by submitting that information to us, you grant to us the right to use your personal information" . The even reference sharing your mobile phone number and email address with their partners.

8. They have a long paragraph as to whom they are going to share your personal data with and take no responsibility for how those people then use your data.

9. They state: "You may not use any of our information as a factor in establishing an individual's eligibility for personal credit, insurance or assessing risks associated with existing consumer credit obligations."

You know people will.

10. The offer a free trial with a $2 authorization on your credit card, a state:"Authorizations are immediately voided and canceled upon signup." What if you don't sign up? $2 may seen like a so-what charge, however, $2 from hundreds of thousands of people sure adds up. You wouldn't take the time to challenge them for the refund, and they have added a protection clause for themselves in (one of) their T&C, stating you cannot support a class action lawsuit which might have the potential clout to stop the pilfering.
note: On another blog a user posted: You can have a 7 day "trial" period if you join with a $50 membership fee!"

11. They now have a i-Phone app so you can conduct background check on the go. On another blog, one posted commented that this is great for the busy stalker.

The bottom line:

You can't prevent these type of companies from scraping the internet to gather public records on people, and then selling it.

You can be aware of what part you play in the picture when you sign up for these services.

Privacy is a constant and growing concern. Online privacy even more so.

Simply, take time to read the T&C and Privacy policies of the websites you sign up for. Be aware enough to make every effort to stay away from supporting those sites that could be a problem for you in the future.

*

Delay is not the end.

2011-03-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

"As you begin to move forward in the direction of your vision, you may encounter delays. Every delay is not a denial. It simply means that you are getting something that you're gonna need to go forward" ~ Michael Bernard Beckwith

Little conveniences can cost you - and potentially your privacy

2011-02-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

With busy schedules, many are looking for new ways to save time, and find bargains. A new service from ATT might offer you that, however, is in in your budget? What about privacy?

AT&T launched a new service today that shoots you special offers over your mobile phone when you’re near a participating store or brand. You have to sign up for this service on their website. However, let's look at their Terms and Condition (which many people don't take the time to read):

ShopAlerts by AT&T is a location-based marketing service. The Service provides customized messages to subscribers of AT&T Mobility from retailers when the subscribers are near a specific location. Subscribers opt-in to receive SMS messages from pre-selected retailers when they are within a defined geographical boundary. By electing to opt-in as a registered subscriber of the Service, you consent to receiving, from time to time, SMS text messages from Selected Advertisers subject to these Terms of Service and Use Agreement ("Terms"). Please be aware that carrier rates for phone, data and text messaging will apply to all such communications and you are responsible for any such charges. We encourage you to carefully read these Terms prior to completing your registration or using the Service.
Data obtained from you in connection with the Service may include your cell phone number, the name of your mobile carrier, and the date, time, and content of any SMS or MMS text messages sent by or received by your mobile device.

If you don't have an unlimited data plan, these messages could add up to more than the savings you are offered. Plus, it appears they will now read ALL text messages from your phone(?)

Before jumping to this or any newly offered "convenience" service, be sure to ready and understand the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Will you use this service? Share with us how it's working for you.
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Comment below or click on the facebook icon to post on Facebook.

Contest for Writers- WIN A WEEK AT THE PERFECT WRITING RETREAT

2011-02-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

CONTEST: WIN A WEEK AT THE PERFECT WRITING RETREAT. Located in Sonoma County's tranquil redwoods, "The Bungalow at Occidental" is the perfect place to get away and finish your writing project. Clicking the link below to win a six night/seven day stay, normally priced at about $1,200. Discount coupons for food and lodging will be sent to all entrants from our friends in Occidental (about an hour north of San Francisco).

This contest is sponsored by Red Room (redroom.com) the online community for writers.

Click here by Friday, Feb 25th at 10:30 a.m. PST (GMT-0:800) to enter»

The Value of Your Time

2011-02-19T11:20:00.001-08:00

At a conference this year, I heard many self employed and small business owners lamenting how hard they were working, yet not gaining any new business growth or profit. In today’s business environment many emerging entrepreneurs mistakenly attempt to wear all the hats when running their business.

Instead of hiring someone to conduct some of the work for them, they mistakenly believe that they are saving money by doing everything themselves. For every hour you spend during prime business growing hours working on tasks that are costing you (ie your website, your marketing copy, accounting) you are actually losing up to twice that in potential business growth. Many entrepreneurs lose sight of how much it actually costs them to wear all the hats.

If your goal is an income of $100,000 in a year, as an example (for 8 hours a day, 50 weeks work and considering 2 weeks for standard vacation) your hourly work value is $50 per hour. So, if you could hire someone for $20 hour to manage your bookkeeping, and instead you do it yourself, it is now actually costing you $100 an hour.

How? If you paid someone $20 from your $50 hour, you have a potential profit of $30 in that hour. If you do that job for yourself, you are now paying $50 for the hour (your hourly value), and since you are not producing any income during that time, you are losing another $50 of your potential income. Plus, many times it will take you twice as long to do the job that the bookkeeper can do because it is their expertise, and you may have a learning curve.

Years ago, I heard a statement “there is no such thing as a free lunch. Everything has a cost against your bottom line”. Check it out for yourself and see if this is true.

Someone was bragging recently that she got free software to do the graphics for her website, so she doesn’t need to hire a graphic artist anymore. However, she now has to take the time to learn the program, and learn how to make her graphics look as professional as if a professional did the work. All the while taking away from doing her own business and producing an income.

If you believe you must do it all, then schedule any non-income producing tasks in your non-income hours instead of watching TV you will find more profit in your business.

If you are wearing all the hats because you believe you must keep expenses down, energetically you are giving out the message that expenses are bad. People can feel that from you. Just remember, what is income to you, may be someone else’s expense. Since energy is reciprocal, what you are willing to give to others will return to you. Hiring others to do what they do best, and do it for you, opens the field of energy for people to pay you for your products and services. Focus on abundance for your business. The more abundant your business, the more you will see how expenses are taken care in the flow of abundance.

I am a real nag about planning. When you write an effective business plan or a marketing plan, you are focused on results. You have a blueprint to follow which can be adjusted as you grow. When you focus on your business growth you will find more ways to grow your business. Some things you may not have seen before will suddenly be in your line of sight. A support person will show up, or a new client will be referred to you. Those daily miracles occur.

I suggest that you spend your time wisely and realize the value of your time.

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To stay abreast of trends and technology advancements, Sumner Davenport continues to participate regularly in developer forums and expands her knowledge through training courses sponsored by large internet marketing companies, developer forums and the internet search giant, Google, as well as industry related events in her clients' areas of practice. By consistently monitoring trends, events and news, Sumner is better able to assist them in selecting the best venues for marketing their firms.
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QR codes or Scan tags – Using them? and how are they working for you?

2011-02-16T11:03:00.001-08:00

A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional code that can be scanned by smartphone cameras to automatically pull up text, photos, videos, music and URLs. Scan tags from Microsoft are colorful versions of your custom scan code. These scan apps have been available since mid last year. Are you using them? And more importantly, what benefits are you seeing?

Smartphones have the capability to scan and read QR codes or Scan Tags with the click of a camera.

If you are listed on Google Places and Google Maps, Google has automatically generated a QR for you. Put this QR on your business card, brochures or in your print ad or poster and someone scanning it will land on a map for the location of your business.

I use both types. A colorful Scan Tag on my business card always raises questions People ask what it is, how it works and then more discussion about my services. A QR on a product flyer (one of my books) links directly to the purchase page. An associate uses her scan tag to link to a registration page for events, and a real estate agent uses his QR on his signs to link to web pages showing the details of his listings.

All you need is your computer to generate the QR codes or Scan Tags and then be creative on how you use them. You can create a QR or Scan Tag for simple text, a URL, an email message, an SMS or MMS, a phone number, or a location. (http://www.qr-barcodes.com/online-generator)

With a Microsoft Scan Tag you can get reports of how many times your tag was scanned and from what geographic area. (http://tag.microsoft.com/)

Keeping it Legal = Licenses & Permits

2011-02-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

A significant task for new business is assuring that the business is properly complying with the extensive tax and information filing requirements imposed by various governmental agencies. Stiff penalties are commonly assessed if the required forms and information are not properly prepared and filed. Many types of businesses need to obtain some type of business or professional/occupational license or permit from a state government. Depending on your business, you may need to be licensed at the federal, state and/or local level. Beyond a basic operating license, you may need specific permits. Regulations vary by industry, state and locality, so it's very important to understand the licensing rules where your business is located.

The following are common types of local permits and licenses.
> Business Licenses / Tax Permits - from your city or county clerk or revenue department. Many jurisdictions require a trader's license or tax certificate in order to operate.
> Building Permit - from your city or county building and planning department. This permit is generally required if you are constructing or modifying your place of business.
> Health Permit - from your city or county health department.
> Occupational Permit - from your city or county building and planning development department. This permit is required for home-based business in some jurisdictions.
> Signage Permit - from your city or county building and planning department. Some jurisdictions require a permit before you can erect a sign for your business.
> Alarm Permit - from you city or county police or fire department. If you have installed a burglar or fire alarm, you will likely need an alarm permit.
> Zoning Permit - from your city or county building and planning department. This permit is generally required if you are developing land for specific commercial use.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need other types of licenses specific to your business. Work closely with your Attorney and Accountant to insure that you are compliant with the current laws for your business, industry and location. You can find specific information for your state from the Small Business Administration

> Sellers Permit
A seller's permit from the State Board of Equalization is required if your business operations involve the sale of retail or wholesale tangible property. This also includes if you sell products on the internet. The requirement to obtain a seller's permit applies to individuals as well as corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Both wholesalers and retailers must apply for a permit. If you do not hold a seller's permit and you are planning to make sales during temporary periods, such as Christmas tree sales and rummage sales, you must apply for a temporary seller's permit. There are many activities that may qualify the need for a sellers permit in your state. Due to the various rules that apply, you should contact the Board's Information Center or contact your nearest Board office to determine if you must obtain a permit.

Legal stuff ...Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks

2011-01-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

There are three types of intellectual property: Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks.

Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, grounded in the U.S. Constitution which protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. Registration is voluntary. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation.

The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other's citizens' copyrights. However, the United States does not have such copyright relationships with every country.

Do not confuse Copyright, with Trademark or Patent.

COPYRIGHT &, PATENT

Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent is an intellectual property right granted by the Government of the United States of America to an inventor “to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States” for a limited time in exchange for public disclosure of the invention when the patent is granted. This right was established over 200 years ago. The patent process can be complex, and consulting with a qualified patent attorney could be your best investment,

TRADEMARK

A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.

Owning a federal trademark registration on the Principal Register provides several advantages, including:

Public notice of your claim of ownership of the mark;
A legal presumption of your ownership of the mark and your exclusive right to use the mark nationwide on or in connection with the goods/services listed in the registration;
The ability to bring an action concerning the mark in federal court;
The ability to record the U.S. registration with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Service to prevent importation of infringing foreign goods.

If you claim rights to use a mark, you may use the "TM" (trademark) or "SM" (service mark) designation to alert the public to your claim of ownership of the mark, regardless of whether you have filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, you may only use the federal registration symbol "®" after the USPTO actually registers a mark, and not while an application is pending.

Helpful links for more details and assistance:

To register a Patent or Ttrademark, contact:

US Patent and Trademark Office

800-786-9199

www.uspto.gov

Copyrights

U.S. Copyright Office

(202) 707-5959 or 1-877-476-0778

http://www.copyright.gov/

Are You Setting Yourself Up to Win?

2011-01-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

Being an entrepreneur requires a multitude of decisions. Make sure you surround yourself with the proper advisors for each critical or legal decision you need to make.

The right Attorney, Banker, Accountant and marketing professional can eliminate a host of problems and potentially costly errors as you build your success. Make sure you hire specialists who are willing to listen to you and your needs, and respond quickly when you need them.

A few questions to ask yourself when setting up your support team of professionals:

> What professional advisors to you need? Attorney, Accountant, Banker, Marketing, Advertising, Internet, and ??

> Do you know the good and bad points about going it alone as a sole proprietor?

> Do you think you may need a partner? Or will you be forming a Corporation?

> Have you discussed your plans with your team of advisors?

> Have you investigated adequate insurance coverage for your business?

> Are you familiar with the legal permits and licenses for your business and location?

One of the first major decisions you will have to make as you start your new business is which form of legal company structure it will take. To a large degree this decision may be dictated by the way you have organized your operations and whether you intend to work on your own or in conjunction with others.

Before making the final decision on which structure is best for your business, it is recommend that you do ample research to understand all the advantages and disadvantages for you and your business.

The form of company structure you choose can have a significant impact on the way you are protected under the law and the way you are affected by income tax rules and regulations. There is no “one size fits all” for the legal structure of your company. There are five basic forms of Company Structures. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks and is treated differently for legal and tax purposes. The following is only a general list. You should consult an attorney and accountant for the answers as to which is the best structure for you.

1. Sole Proprietorship

This is the most common form of business organization. It is the easiest to set up and is owned and run by one individual and in which there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business. The owner receives all profits, is liable for all the taxes and has unlimited responsibility for all losses and debts. Every asset of the business is owned by the proprietor and all debts of the business are the proprietor's. This means that the owner has no less liability than if they were acting as an individual instead of as a business.

A sole proprietor may use a trade name other than his or her legal name after filing a “doing business as” (DBA) statement with the local authorities.

It is difficult to raise money and attract investors to a sole proprietorship. The sole proprietorship does not survive the owner and therefore makes it more difficult to sell your business. So if growing your business into a large company is a goal, then consider one of the other business structures.

2. Partnerships

A partnership involves two or more people who agree to co-labor to achieve and share profits or losses of the business. The basic form of partnership is a general partnership, in which all partners manage the business and are personally liable for its debts.

There are three general types of partnership arrangements:

> General Partnerships assume that profits, liability, and management duties are divided equally among partners. If you opt for an unequal distribution, the percentages assigned to each partner must be documented in the partnership agreement.

> Limited Partnerships (also known as a partnership with limited liability) are more complex than general partnerships. Limited partnerships allow partners to have limited liability as well as limited input with management decisions. These limits depend on the extent of each partner’s investment percentage. Limited partnerships are seen as attractive to investors of short-term projects.

> Joint Ventures act as general partnership, but for only a limited period of time or for a single project. Partners in a joint venture can be recognized as an ongoing partnership if they continue the venture, but they must file as such.

There are many factors to consider when selecting which type of partnership or your business. You should consult an attorney and accountant for the answers as to which is the best structure for you.

3. C Corporation

A corporation is an independent legal entity owned by shareholders. This means that the corporation itself, not the shareholders that own it, is held legally liable for the actions and debts incurred by the business.

A corporation is an independent legal entity. This means that the corporation itself, not the shareholders that own it, is held legally liable for the actions and debts incurred by the business.

Corporations are more complex than other business structure You can be a one person corporation and hold all the shares. Liability is different as shareholders are not typically held liable for the actions and debts of the corporation. Shares of stock can be sold to raise capital (Securities laws apply) and shares of stock can be easily transferred. Corporations must have annual meetings, Board of Directors meetings, corporate minutes, and stockholder meetings. There are many more tax options available to corporations than to sole proprietorships or partnerships. Corporations are taxed at corporate rate and possible double taxation: Dividends are taxed at the individual level if distributed to shareholders. If you are the sole shareholder, then you would be subject to the taxes of the corporation as well as the funds transferred to you as a shareholder. Plus, you might be subject to self employment tax.

4. S Corporation

An S Corporation or S Corp is a special type of corporation created through an IRS tax election. An eligible domestic corporation can avoid double taxation (once to the corporation and again to the shareholders) by electing to be treated as an S corporation.

An S Corp is a corporation that has received the Subchapter S designation from the IRS. A business must first be chartered as a corporation in the state where it's headquartered to be considered an S Corp. According to the IRS, S Corporations are "considered by law to be a unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it." This allows for a limit on the financial liability for which an owner (aka "shareholder") is responsible. Nevertheless, liability protection is limited - S Corps do not necessarily shield owners from all litigation such as an employee’s tort actions as a result of a workplace incident.

What differentiates the S Corp from a traditional corporation (C Corp) is the ability to have profits and losses pass through to the shareholder's personal tax return. Consequently, the business is not taxed itself, only the shareholders. There is an important caveat, however: any shareholder who works for the company must pay him or herself "reasonable compensation." Basically, the shareholder must be paid fair market value, or the IRS might reclassify any additional corporate earnings as "wages."

5. Limited Liability Company.

A limited liability company is a hybrid-type of legal structure that provides the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership.

The “owners” of an LLC are referred to as “members.” Depending on the state, the members can consist of a single individual (one owner), two or more individuals, corporations, other LLCs, and even other entities.

Unlike shareholders in a corporation, LLCs are not taxed as a separate business entity. Instead, all profits and losses are “passed through” the business to each member of the LLC. LLC members report profits and losses on their personal federal tax returns, just like the owners of a partnership would.

Each state has specific requirements for setting up a business entity, and you can also find professional incorporation services in your state.

No opt-out from your address & phone number being given to Facebook apps

2011-01-17T11:30:00.001-08:00

Your friend just suggested that you join them in a new game or accept a hug, a card, a link to your photos and activity or some other Facebook app. It may look like harmless fun, but is it worth it?

Last Friday, Facebook rolled out new permissions that give applications access to individuals’ addresses and phone numbers. In a Facebook developer blog post, they announced that it is adding it to the company's "User Graph object," or the permissions required to install an app.

Surprisingly many people still give out their home addresses and phone numbers on their profiles. This makes sense for businesses who want their location known, but for individuals who are constantly finding their privacy invaded, placing your home address on any social network can be too much exposure.

When you agree to an app, a window pops up where you must click to allow it access to your profile, so you can use the app. Now these apps get more personal info about you than ever before.

Come apps require access to your friends information, through your profile and others access your data whether you re online or not.

It is important to review the terms and privacy policy of the app before clicking approve. Check to see if this app will openly share your information with their affiliates or 3rd party suppliers.

Facebook can be a platform to boost your business connections, or a place where you chat with your friends. In either case you should select the apps you agree to with case and make sure your privacy settings are current.

If your spam has increased in your inbox, you may want to check your apps and your privacy settings.

Happy networking...

How do great leaders inspire action?

2011-01-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

How do you explain when things don't go as we assume?
or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that defy all the assumptions?

Simon Sinek: "People don't buy what you do - they buy why you do it."

Start with why: http://www.startwithwhy.com.

Facebook crowned as the top-visited site in 2010

2011-01-03T23:00:00.001-08:00

According to a report from Internet analytics company Experian Hitwise, Facebook accounted for 8.93% of all U.S. visits between January and November 2010. Google.com ranked second with 7.19% of visits, followed by Yahoo! Mail with 3.52%, Yahoo! with 3.30%, and Google-owned YouTube with 2.65%.

The Experian analysis found that the most frequently searched term this year was "facebook."

"Facebook" was the top-searched term overall for the second straight year, followed by "Facebook login" and "YouTube," says Experian.

What does this mean to your 2011 marketing plan? In today’s competitive market, marketers who maximize the free and customizable Facebook platform may find staying connected with their customers and gaining referrals surpasses their paid marketing channels.

To stay abreast of trends and technology advancements, Sumner stays current with the news and continues to participate regularly in developer forums and expands her knowledge through training courses sponsored by large internet marketing companies, developer forums and the internet search giant, Google, as well as industry related events in her clients' areas of practice. No time or expertise to do it yourself? Contact Sumner.

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Low prices aren't everything

2010-12-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

According to CNNMoney.com, "If online retailers think slashing prices to the bone is the best -- and only way -- to grab holiday shoppers this year, they're mistaken."

Even though more shoppers make purchases online this year compared to previous, their satisfaction levels with e-tailers declined slightly this holiday sales season.

A new industry report released today, by Foresee Results, ranked holiday winners and losers among major online merchants based on customer satisfaction. Satisfaction with the top 40 online retailers slipped 1 percent to an index of 78 out of 100 points.

Retailers were judged on four categories: content, functionality, merchandise and price. Amazon ranked #1. They reportedly excelled on content, functionality and merchandise. Again reinforcing that the lowest prices aren't everything.

According to Kevin Ertell, vice president of retail strategy at Foresee, “Overall online site experience is incredibly important to not only satisfaction but in getting people to come back and buy, again and again.”

As you plan your online presence for the upcoming year, your website may need an update. Evaluate your website from the perspective of your customer. Evaluate what is working and what needs to be adjusted for better response and retention. Solicit answers from your customers. Asking "why" and acting on the feedback, may help you to gain better long term customer satisfaction.

Is there really instant success?

2010-12-14T10:29:00.001-08:00

Everybody fails but very few successful people ever want to discuss it.

Anyone who does anything in the world has to experience failure. It is impossible to have all the “right” answers before setting off in pursuit of your goals. We all know that Henry Ford was responsible for manufacturing the first mass produced automobile called the Model T. But very few people are aware that the Model T was not his first automobile. He went through models from A to S that all were failures before he got it right. Coca-Cola was only selling a dozen cases a week for a long time before they got it right. Even Thomas Edison failed over 1,000 different times while working on the filament for the light bulb before he was successful.

Our society should glorify failure the same way it glorifies success. The stories we read about in the general press and in special interest magazines all make success sound easy. They tell you stories similar to the housewife who was selling her "Best Tastin’ " cookies at school bake sales when her son’s teacher suggested she should sell them in stores. Almost overnight she's a millionaire.

These stories make you feel that you should also be a success overnight or you are a FAILURE. Not true! Go out and fail ... that is the best way to get anywhere. The odds of being an instant success are about the same as you being hit by lightning. If you live in Florida, where lightning has a habit of striking often, your odds may not be so bad. However, if you're waiting for the right idea that is sure to be an instant success like you see in the magazines, you'll never do anything. Magazines write their articles so that you will believe that you, too, can be an instant success, if you must have the “right” idea, just like the people they profile. This is how they sell magazines.

The problem with these instant success stories is instead of encouraging you, they are more likely to stop you from fulfilling your dream. When you hear about a common persons instant success you might find yourself thinking..."If that average person can do it, why can't I?" If that average person really did it and you can't, you're going to feel dumb. How can an average person be smarter than you? No one wants to know that an average person is smarter than you are so you don't do anything about it. Or, if you attempt to figure out and make your own instant success, you get angry because your life didn't change overnight. You get discouraged and hang up your dreams.

We all have misconceptions about the way things work and what will be successful. We are inundated from all sides with opinions. Our friends, family, associates, and teachers all continually tell us why they believe someone else is a success. If they really knew the answer, they would be doing it too. Or these well-meaning folks hinder your success by attempting to protect you. They do not want to see you hurt. They will show you 15 ways your idea is likely to fail. Something to remember, though, the founder of Federal Express first presented his idea as a paper in business school and the professor barely gave him a passing grade because he thought the idea wouldn't work. And that was at Harvard! So trust your instincts and set your idea in motion, regardless of what some people might say.

The reason for your success will be because you are different than anyone else and your product and/or services will fit a niche and fulfill a need better than anyone else's.

If you want to succeed, most likely you are going to experience failure. A “failure” can be a good thing. If an idea appears to flop, take time to analyze before moving on. Rather than assigning blame or beating yourself down because of it, re-examine the failure. Determine it’s cause. Was it insufficient planning? Was it poor timing? Was it insufficient research? Was it insufficient resources? Was it erroneous data?

Don’t let yourself jump to conclusions. Allow yourself to get all the facts , so you can make a well-founded decision on the actual outcome of your efforts. You may find some efforts were useful or correct, however, most of all with proper analysis, you will gain a valuable learning experience

Welcome Failure.

It's the best springboard to your future success.

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Google New Preview and Star Features

2010-11-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Two new Google features are striking a high note with some people and hitting a bad nerve with others.

THE PREVIEW FEATURE:

On the plus side:

+ Searchers can see a thumbnail of your landing page by simply clicking the magnifying glass next to the search result. If you have multiple pages in the results, the searcher can get a visual idea of which page they want to visit. This may motivate faster decisions in result selection.

+ The thumbnail image may be the deciding factor to the searcher. Visually appealing pages may see an increase in page rank, regardless of SEO efforts. (note: previously used SEO techniques required re-vamping when Google introduced instant search anyway.)

On the minus side:
- If you recently changed, or regularly change your page content, the thumbnail may not match your actual page.

- Some CAPTCHA gateway pages may not be protected, and still show up in Google's thumbnail.

- Adult content only sites may also produce thumbnails, requiring adjustments in parental controls

Some searchers will spend extra time looking at all the previews without having to leave the search page, others will find the thumbnail saves them time.

THE STAR:

You will also notice the star next to the magnifying glass.

On the plus side:

+ Click this star and the next time you perform this same search, your starred web sites will show up at the top - above the ads and above the organic results.

On the minus side:- Web designers and marketers will have to be more creative on how to keep their websites ranked at the top of the page results.

Have you checked your results to see your your websites show up?

With every change in search algorithms (Google, Bing, etc) new efforts need to be made to keep your website fresh, interesting and findable. The longer your website sits without change, the easier it will be for your competition to rise above you on the page.

Wishing you awesome and continued success.

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Who's your ideal client or customer?

2010-11-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

Based on your research and expertise who is your ideal client/customer?

What are their professions?

Does gender or age matter?

What are your client's interests, hobbies, and lifestyle?

What group or area can afford your fees and product prices?

Who could be a good long-term, repeat client/customer?

What are they getting from you that makes then a long term and repeat client/customer?

What values does your ideal client have?

What are their challenges or problems that you are able to solve with your services/products?

And just as important as knowing who is your ideal client/customer, who is NOT your ideal client/customer?

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