Blog Alert for Business.com B2B Online Marketing Blog, Apr 2, 2014

New Posts to Business.com B2B Online Marketing Blog on Apr 2, 2014:

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1) The Strategist?s Guide to Defining Company Culture
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/whatworksforbusiness/~3/51sELeiMb7s/

You?ve developed a clear strategy, vetted it with experts, received external market validation and carefully communicated it throughout your organization. Yet the strategy isn?t gaining traction. You reevaluate, refine and adjust the strategy, communicating it again and again only to see the same poor results. The reality is your strategy may not be the issue. It may be your culture. […]

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Self storage facilities are cash cows!
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Blog Alert for Business.com B2B Online Marketing Blog, Apr 1, 2014

New Posts to Business.com B2B Online Marketing Blog on Apr 1, 2014:

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1) Top 7 SMB Markets To Watch In 2014
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/whatworksforbusiness/~3/jETiTybhaFY/

We have good news to report! Small businesses are still purchasing and B2B marketers are investing more marketing dollars than ever in an attempt to reach and retain this ever-important demographic. According to a new study from the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council and Penton, 2 out of 3 business-to-business marketers are investing more in engaging […]

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Blog Alert for Business.com B2B Online Marketing Blog, Mar 19, 2014

New Posts to Business.com B2B Online Marketing Blog on Mar 19, 2014:

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1) How to Schedule Your Day as a Social Media Manager (In a Digital World that Never Sleeps)
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/whatworksforbusiness/~3/YWevlW48XE0/

Whether you?re a veteran social media scholar or an aspiring intern, you know full well that your work-day schedule is filled to the brim with multidisciplinary assignments. Posting messages. Creating engaging content. Monitoring conversations. Responding to followers. Finding intriguing images. Researching. Copywriting. Blogging. Reporting. Meetings.  The list goes on. You feast and thrive off the aforementioned, but time […]

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Blog Alert for What Works for Business - Business.com, May 4, 2011

New Posts to What Works for Business - Business.com on May 4, 2011:

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1) Use Online Marketing to Promote Your Business
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/whatworksforbusiness/~3/LqWLf8YAXD4/

Is your business online savvy or is it being left in the dust by the competition? Part of your company?s online approach should include properly using SEO to draw more customers to your Web site, thereby opening the door to more potential sales. Simply stated, the process involves using the correct keywords so that search [...]

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Guide to Creating a Home Office with Minimum Distractions

How to work at home and still get the job done

A home office that is well-planned and fully functional is critical to the increasing number of people who work out of their homes either full- or part-time. Know your personality, your work habits and the patterns of activity in your household, then design your space accordingly. The most important elements for setting up a successful home office are:

1. Boundaries between your home and work life
2. Office space that meets your needs for privacy and noise level
3. An office organizational plan that includes effective equipment and ergonomic furnishings

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select your space and set it up efficiently

If you require silence to concentrate or to take important phone calls, you will want a room with a closed door in a secluded part of the house away from capering children and barking dogs. If you crave activity, if a room in the back of the house makes you feel claustrophobic or if you live alone, you may be happier setting up a more centrally-located workspace, such as a corner of a large kitchen.

I recommend: Better Homes & Gardens gives advice on how to select your space, design it and set it up.

Select space-saving equipment

Consider buying multi-functional equipment that saves space, such as combination printer/fax/copier/scanner units. A separate business phone line with voice mail will enable you to keep your private and business life separate and project a professional image, so you may want a cordless phone with two lines.

I recommend: Read reviews for computers, printers and other equipment at CNET.com.  Compare pricing at Shopper.com, BizRate.com, PriceGrabber.com or NexTag.com.

Select ergonomic furnishings

There is a temptation when initially setting up a home office to scrimp on furnishings. Don't do it. Buy an adjustable, ergonomically correct chair that gives good support. To prevent repetitive strain injury, you may need two tables, one the correct height for typing and the other the correct height for writing.

I recommend: The U.S. Deptartment of Labor provides guidelines for setting up an ergonomic computer workstation. The Typing Injury FAQ has articles about repetitive strain injury as well as lists of sources for ergonomically correct products. Ergonomic Resources is one of many online sources for ergonomic products.

Set up boundaries

Set up rules about when you are to be left alone to work and strictly enforce them. Be specific that you are not to be interrupted while in your office except for hurricane alerts, other acts of God, lunch or whatever else is important to you. Be firm. On the other hand, when you are outside your office, resume your personal life. It is easy when working at home to fall into the trap of working almost 24/7.

I recommend: A "Do Not Disturb" sign can help remind your family that you are working. Create your own at BuildASign.com or buy an elegant version at BayVillageStore.com.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Study the ebb and flow of activity in your household. A home office in a den next to the children's playroom may be destined for failure.
• For those with limited space who do not have a noisy family or roommates, a decorative screen can effectively separate your work life from your home life.
• If your chosen office space is not soundproof enough for business calls, consider a phone in a more secluded area such as the basement.

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Guide to Finding an Office-Ready Home

House hunting hints for home-based businesses

Finding a new house is no picnic — you've got to consider the basics, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the architectural style, the yard and, of course, the price. Then you've got to consider the appeal of the neighborhood, the quality of local schools and access to shopping and entertainment. Add the fact that your new abode also needs to house an office where you can run your business, and the chore becomes even more difficult. To simplify the quest for an office-ready home, you need to know what to look for, including:

1. Zoning law compliance
2. Adequate space
3. Wiring needs
4. Internet access
5. Phone capabilities

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check zoning laws

When searching for a home that's also suitable for operating your small business, check zoning laws to make sure it's legal to run a business in the location you are considering. Zoning restrictions regarding signage, on-street parking, business hours and hiring employees vary by city, county and state. If you're considering buying a condo or co-op, check with the homeowners' association about restrictions regarding home businesses.

I recommend: Visit MegaLaw for links to zoning law sites in your state, county or municipality. Ask zoning questions or find a zoning lawyer at Free Advice.

Determine office space needs

Determine how much space you need for your office and make sure your new home fits those needs. Finding a home with a separate guesthouse or studio with its own entrance that can be used as an office is ideal, especially if you'll be having clients visit.

I recommend: Download a handy evaluation worksheet from ColdwellBanker.com. Be sure to include your office needs on these forms and share them with your real estate agent.

Use the Internet to search

Take advantage of the Web in your search for a home that will double as your office. Most national real estate firms allow you to search for homes online using specific search criteria. Save time by taking online virtual home tours, which can quickly show you whether or not a home fits your business needs. Many new homes are now being built with home office needs in mind.

I recommend: Visit Prudential Real Estate, Coldwell Banker or Century 21 to search for homes online.

Get wired for success

Older homes are rarely equipped for the electrical needs of a small business. Unless you find a home that previously housed an office, you aren't likely to find one with enough electrical outlets for your needs. In most instances, you'll need to hire an electrician to install additional electrical outlets.

I recommend: Find a local electrician at ElectriciansNetworks.com or search your local YellowPages.com.

Check Internet access

Look for a home that can be wired for high-speed Internet access with either DSL or cable.

I recommend: Check with Verizon Business DSL, Speakeasy Business DSL or Comcast to determine if the home can get high-speed Internet access.

Assess phone capabilities

If you're going to be using a multi-line phone system, look for a home that's already set up for multiple phone lines. Or verify with the local phone company that it can be equipped for additional phone lines.

I recommend: Find out how much it will cost to add phone lines with a local phone company, such as BellSouth or Verizon.

Find an agent

Look for a real estate agent who has experience with home offices. If they've worked with home-based business owners in the past, they'll probably have a better idea of your needs.

I recommend: Find a real estate agent at RealEstateAgent.com or contact the local branch of a national real estate firm, such as RE/MAX.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Look for a home with ample free street parking. If clients or employees have to pay to park, have to park far away or have to drive around for a long time looking for a spot, they may be discouraged from doing business with you.
• Consider how easily accessible the home office wiring is. If you ever have a problem, you don't want to have to head for the basement or crawl space to find the circuit breaker. And if you ever need a technician who gets paid by the hour, you can cut costs if wiring is readily accessible.
• Don't forget about storage space. As a business owner, you're required to maintain financial records for years so make sure your new home has adequate room to stow important business records.
• Check out the noise level at the house during your normal working hours. Will the neighbor's noisy kids, barking dogs or loud stereos disrupt your business?

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Guide to Finding Home-Business Opportunities

Use technology to add freedom to job life

Technology has made starting a successful home business easier than ever. With a computer equipped with Internet access, an email program and an all-in-one fax-printer-copier, you can launch a home business and serve customers located just about anywhere in the world. When choosing a home-business opportunity, ask yourself:

1. Is there a legitimate need for this product or service? Will people buy it?
2. Do I have a genuine interest in this product or service? If you don't, pick something you love to do, as it may be difficult to motivate yourself when the couch, the refrigerator and the TV set are just feet away.
3. Can I afford the startup costs involved in setting up my home office or buying equipment?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Familiarize yourself with trade groups that offer home-business opportunities

Some home-business trade, advocacy or networking groups that offer startup tips and deals on services such as marketing and health insurance also list home-business opportunities.

I recommend: Check out the National Association for the Self-Employed and the Mother's Home Business Network for tips on starting and running a home business as well as business opportunities. The National Small Business Association is a helpful business advocacy group.

Be wary of Internet offers promising easy wealth

The Internet is rife with bogus home-business get-rich-quick offers. Three common scams: envelope stuffing, home-assembly and pyramid schemes. Avoid opportunities that ask for substantial up-front money before you can get started.

I recommend: Learn about common home-business Internet scams by accessing this SEC scam page. 

Research a company before you agree to work for it

Do your due diligence on a company before beginning work. See whether complaints have been lodged against it. Also check to see whether it is a legal entity.

I recommend: Find out what questions to ask to determine whether an opportunity is legitimate at Work At Home Business. Research whether there are complaints lodged against the company at your local Better Business Bureau.

Read, read, read

Learn about home-business offers and success stories by subscribing to a trade publication or reading a popular book on starting your business at home.

I recommend: Home Business Magazine dispenses advice and lists opportunities. Read the books Start Your Own Home Business in No Time and Work-at-Home Sourcebook, which includes details on more than 1,000 opportunities.

Invest in the right software

The difference between profit and loss can be small in a home business, especially at startup. Once you find the right home-business opportunity, keep track of your expenses and your orders with the proper software, from a mail-order management program to accounting software.

I recommend: Manage mail, Web and phone orders with Mail Order Manager. Handle home-business accounting with 2020 Software or Quicken. 

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Designate a particular space in your home for your office - a separate room dedicated exclusively to your business. Not only will it help you be more diligent in your approach; it also makes it easier to meet tax laws governing the deduction of the value of that space.
• Set regular hours for each work day, and make sure you stick to that schedule.
• Be particularly careful in making financial outlays for your new venture. Put off as many business purchases as you can until your customers or clients start paying you.

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Guide to Small Office/Home Office Set-Up

Start a small business with the right home office furniture and office supplies.

Equipping your home office with furniture, small business software and home office supplies is the first step toward running a productive business. You'll get more done if your home office has everything you need to work comfortably and efficiently. The good news is, these days there are plenty of home office supplies and solutions tailor-made for small business owners - so in the end, your home office can be just as professional as you are. Every space is different, but if you work from a home office there are five must-haves:

1. Office furniture that fits your space.
2. Small business software for financial management.
3. A dedicated phone line for your small office.
4. Home business insurance.
5. Basic home office supplies.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose small office furniture for efficiency and style

Home office furniture should make the most of your small office space. Look for a desk with built-in storage or shelving. Small office furniture and storage solutions need to be functional, but don't forget appearance. Even if you think clients won't drop by, it pays to be prepared.

I recommend: Direct Home Office Furniture offers discount home office furniture in several styles. The workspace department at IKEA has compact desks, filing cabinets and shelving units (plus an interactive guide to designing your home business work station). Select a desk chair at Office Depot. Check Eco-Lights for desk and floor lamps.

Remember home office supplies and basic office equipment

Like any company, a small business in a home office needs pens, paper clips and other basic supplies. Turn a drawer or cabinet into your "home office supplies closet" and keep it stocked. Most home business owners also need equipment like printers, fax machines and scanners. An all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax saves space and money.

I recommend: HP sells printers and all-in-one machines specifically for the home office; for more choices, see the all-in-one printer directory on Business.com. Need to stock your home office? Supplies are available at any major office supply superstore, such as Staples, Office Depot or OfficeMax. PensXpress can create custom pens with your business name or logo.

Connect with small business phone service

Ask your telephone company how much it would cost to add a second phone line for your home office. Having a dedicated business phone line is critical; it keeps work and personal calls separate. Make sure your home business phone has voicemail or an answering machine.

I recommend: Verizon, BellSouth and AT&T/SBC offer a host of small business phone solutions. If your phone company charges too much for a second line, consider switching to an Internet phone service like VoIP. For a toll-free number and automated answering options, try Freedom800.

Use software geared for the small office

Small business financial software will track your income and expenses - and make taxes easier by suggesting deductions. Other software packages let you create and print your own stationery.

I recommend: Quicken home business software is a simple solution for managing finances and calculating possible business deductions. Avanquest USA's home office software creates checks, invoices, business cards and letterhead.  Find more small business accounting software at Business.com.

Get a home business insurance policy

You have a homeowner's policy, now you need home business insurance. Most home business insurance policies include general liability coverage and limited coverage for loss of income or valuable business documents.

I recommend: State Farm offers a Business in the Home policy that covers property, liability and loss of business income or records. Contact your nearest agent to ask about rates. The AARP Home Business Insurance Program is available in 46 states, and provides up to $100,000 in business liability protection for AARP members.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If you'll be spending a lot of time in your small office, consider an ergonomic desk chair to reduce the risk of back strain.
• As your home office grows, so will your storage needs. Plan ahead to manage document overflow.
• Before choosing small business software, make sure it's compatible with your operating system.
• Make your home office a clutter-free zone. Remind your friends and family to respect your workspace.

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