Blog
November 6, 2012 - 9:00am
If you’re searching for the right franchise to buy, it’s important to set some goals. One reason that you’re going to want to have some specific goals set up is this: There are over 3,000 franchise opportunities to choose from! With that many choices, it’s way too easy to get lost and flounder around aimlessly, trying to find that perfect opportunity.
My aim is to make the franchise discovery process as seamless as possible. (Actually, it’s my goal.)
Goal #1- Budget
November 5, 2012 - 7:38am
The average cost of starting a business is $30,000, according to a 2009 study by the Kauffman Foundation. But whether your cash comes from savings or financing, watching how you spend your money is critical to the success of your venture. This means establishing boundaries and habits that ensure you spend your money wisely and operate as a lean start-up.
Here are six ways to rein in spending as you start and grow your business:
Work from Home, Co-Working Spaces or Serviced Office Space
From Department of Commerce Blog
November 2, 2012 - 5:15pm
Here are federal resources
available to you and your family as we all work together to recover from Sandy.
These links will help connect you with assistance for yourself, your family and
your business, health and safety guidelines, ways you can make donations and
volunteer, and information about what the government is doing to help.
Government Resources to Help You Recover from Hurricane Sandy
November 2, 2012 - 4:00pm
NOAA post-storm response operations are
underway in the aftermath of Sandy. NOAA vessels are now conducting surveys to
speed the re-opening of waterways and aircraft are flying missions to capture
detailed imagery of coastal storm damage along affected portions of the U.S.
East Coast.Â
NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey began
mobilizing to respond to Hurricane Sandy before the storm reached U.S.
waters by preparing vessels, personnel, and equipment to conduct
hydrographic surveys of hard-hit areas to locate underwater debris and shoaling
that can paralyze shipping at the nation’s ports.
November 2, 2012 - 2:15pm
Â
Microsoft and the U.S. Small Business Administration are teaming up to host a Tweetup for Portland area small business owners and entrepreneurs to learn about business resources in the community. The event is open to mom-and-pops, tech startups, and everything in between - just bring your tweeting (or other social media) skills.
In addition to meeting other entrepreneurs in the community, participants will have a chance to hear from SBA’s Sean Greene, Associate Administrator for Innovation & Investment, and Microsoft’s Mark Drapeau, Director of Innovative Engagement (Public Sector).
November 2, 2012 - 2:27am
Warning: this post is all about the questions. It doesn’t include the answers. Asking the right questions is a good first step to getting the answers.
Theoretically we should be able to measure the ROI (return on investment) of anything we do in our business. We talk about ROI, and return, and payback when we look at an ad campaign, direct mail, product development, purchasing some big-ticket item. We make assumptions about ROI all the time. But it’s not always easy, and our assumptions are not always correct.
November 1, 2012 - 7:31am
Between 2009 and 2011, U.S. exports grew by 40 percent and the federal government is pressing to provide programs and resources that help U.S. companies succeed internationally.
Making the decision to export, however, is significant. Is your product marketable overseas? Can your business tolerate the benefits versus the trade-offs of exporting?
October 31, 2012 - 7:46am
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a freelancer, an online business or operate a growing bricks and mortar company with multiple employees. In all cases, two things are certain: 1) You must pay business taxes (of course), and 2) you need to know a little bit about business law.
The problem is there are so many laws and regulations that impact small businesses, from ensuring the emails you send to your customers fall within marketing and advertising laws to trademarking your name to making sure you comply with labor laws.
October 30, 2012 - 4:44pm
Many communities are still feeling the effects of Superstorm Sandy, including power outages and flooding. The importance of listening to instructions and safety information from your local officials and FEMA cannot be understated.
Federal response teams are already providing assistance to affected communities. SBA is closely coordinating with our federal partners to share information in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
For the latest on the Federal government’s response to Sandy, you can read FEMA’s blog or follow updates on Twitter.
October 29, 2012 - 7:42am
Think you can build your business with coupons? Think twice.
Coupons have their place for many businesses, but they also carry the irksome problem of attracting the wrong kind of buyer. We all know them – the over-eager coupon clipper who stalks only those businesses that offer a special deal. This customer is often a one-time buyer and not the kind of consumer who is going to help you build your business. Even worse, you may incur couponing losses.