BUSINESS INFO. >>>

Which Workplace Posters Am I Required to Display?

2008-01-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: December 24, 2007

As a small business owner you are required to put up certain posters where job applicants can see them. They include posters on the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. The U.S. Department of Labor makes all of the posters available.

There are also many private companies that publish the posters in a combined "large display" board, which makes them even easier to hang.

How Do I Maintain My Business's Good Credit?

2008-01-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: December 25, 2007

Just as in your personal life, it's important that your small business has good credit.

To build or improve your business's credit profile:

Pay within the set terms of suppliers
Make sure you are on top of renewals or obtain any new licensing that you are expected to have for your business operations
Limit the number of inquiries regarding your credit profile
Don't overdo it with business credit cards (have a couple, not a dozen)
Maintain thorough, up-to-date financial records

Do My Consultants Need Small Business Experience?

2008-01-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: December 26, 2007

AllBusiness.com is a business Web site that provides information and services to small businesses.

Ideally, look for an advisor who has worked with small businesses such as yours. This is particularly important if your business is subject to special laws - such as rules governing restaurants, farms, or firms whose workers are involved in dangerous occupations.

Should I Make My Web Site Global?

2008-01-23T18:23:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: December 27, 2007

To attract more customers, consider creating Web site content in many languages. New database-driven solutions to manage multilingual content are the best way to manage and update a large multilingual site. These systems store content in a database, allow you to edit and update it in English, and then dynamically generate the content in whatever language you choose. One of the top vendors in this market is Transware. But be careful: Computer translation programs can be inaccurate.

How Does Employment Law Work?

2008-01-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: December 28, 2007

Employment laws can come from federal, state, or local sources, and it can often be confusing to figure out which ones apply to your workforce.

The answer depends on factors such as:

how many people you employ
the number of employees in each location
the minimum number of employees specified in the employment law statute

Remember, as an employer you cannot pick and choose which laws to follow, even if they overlap. You must comply with all federal, state, and local laws that are applicable.

What Should I Know About a Franchise Opportunity Before I Buy?

2008-01-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: January 1, 2008

Part of doing your due diligence when analyzing a franchise opportunity is contacting existing franchisees. Talking to franchisees from the company you are interested in allows you to get more candid answers than those provided by the franchisor and a clearer view of the whole picture.

Make sure you completely read all documentation and consult accountants and lawyers who specialize in franchises before making your decision.

How Do I Research the Competition When Formulating a Compensation Plan?

2008-01-23T18:04:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: January 2, 2008

If you do not know what a "normal" compensation package is in your industry, you have no point of reference about what to offer. You might be offering too much, or not enough. Both extremes will end up costing you money. Many organizations perform salary surveys, including chambers of commerce, business associations, and other agencies. Find out what constitutes a typical compensation package, and craft yours accordingly.

How Do I Save Money off Workers' Comp Claims?

2008-01-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: January 3, 2008

In most states, workers' compensation is "no fault." That means that on-the-job injuries are covered by workers' compensation insurance regardless of the cause of the accident. In other words, if employees are injured on the job due to their foolish or careless behavior, those accidents are covered by your workers' compensation insurance. This is why it's crucial to continually promote safety awareness and safe work habits.

When Should I Lease Equipment?

2008-01-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: January 4, 2008

Leasing equipment makes particular sense if your business relies upon cutting-edge technology such as the latest computers and communications devices.

A series of short-term leases will cost you less than buying new equipment every year or two. Some office equipment leases even have yearly computer upgrades built into them - eliminating that difficult decision of whether you can afford to upgrade or not.

How Do I Shop for a Credit Card Processor?

2008-01-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: January 7, 2008

Are you looking for a company to process your credit card payments? The following tips will help you find the best one for your business:

Look for a company that has a well-established track record and solid reputation. This is the best way to avoid scam artists trying to take advantage of the explosion of e-commerce.
Compare pricing from at least three processors before making a final choice. Be sure to compare all the fees, not just the discount rates.

What Are Good Marketing Materials to Invest In?

2008-01-23T17:54:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: January 8, 2008

Professional-looking marketing materials let your customers know you mean business. Make your small business look "bigger" with high-class marketing materials.

Home-printed business cards with perforated edges or cards printed with standard designs available through Microsoft software or online business card vendors scream "small-time vendor" to your potential clients — and that is how they will want to compensate you.

Should I Follow Consumer Protection Laws?

2008-01-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

By AllBusiness.com

Published: January 9, 2008

Consumer protection laws will generally apply to your corporation. A wide variety of both federal and state laws protect the interests of consumers. These laws exist to protect consumers from fraudulent or unethical business practices, misleading advertisements, and defective products. Federal and state consumer protection agencies provide information and advice for consumers.

What Is the Best Way for My Business to Fight Spam?

2008-01-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

How can you stop spam overload?

First, don't reply to spam messages to ask to be removed from the list. Unsubscribing lets spammers know they have a "live one" on the other end and may increase your junk mail.
Many hosting companies allow you to employ a spam blocker, such as Spam Assassin, at the server level. Your spam will be shuttled to a particular junk folder before you ever see it. Talk to your hosting company about this option.

How Do I Improve My Customer Service?

2008-01-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

Customer service should be as routine as paying your bills. Remember that every contact with a customer -- whether it's by e-mail, phone, written correspondence, or face-to-face meeting -- leaves an impression. Use phrases like:

"sorry to keep you waiting"
"thanks for your order"
"you're welcome"
"it's been a pleasure helping you"

Never argue with a customer. Instead of focusing on what went wrong in a particular situation, concentrate on how to fix it.