http://dev.onebiz.com/ en erik.yowell@smartonline.com Copyright 2009 2009-03-29T15:30:13+00:00 http://www.onebiz.com/site/cast_a_larger_shadow_six_ways_to_avoid_being_seen_as_too_small_for_the_job/ http://www.onebiz.com/site/cast_a_larger_shadow_six_ways_to_avoid_being_seen_as_too_small_for_the_job/#When:15:30:13Z The economy has made everyone nervous.  Selecting a business to tackle just about any task is now fraught with more hand-wringing than has been seen in decades.  Amazingly, concern with opting to work with small businesses is greater than many might imagine. The issue centers on sustainability; will the small business exist during and after the assignment or will a bump in the road send it crashing into the abyss?The economy has made everyone nervous.  Selecting a business to tackle just about any task is now fraught with more hand-wringing than has been seen in decades.  Amazingly, concern with opting to work with small businesses is greater than many might imagine. The issue centers on sustainability; will the small business exist during and after the assignment or will a bump in the road send it crashing into the abyss? Given the state of some of the country’s largest and best know companies, that concern may not be wholly unfounded.  However, small businesses tend to be the ones hurt first and fastest in downturns; cash flow interruptions can have dire impact. A small business can appear more viable for the long-term by following these six suggestions that add up to it casting a larger shadow. Pay your bills on time, every time.  Aside from building goodwill with suppliers, it helps send a message of solvency. Present your business professionally in all possible forms, from invoices, business cards, Web site design and content, even how phone calls are answered. Take on bigger jobs that you can manage through smart subcontracting. Get visible in the community through simple, yet effective publicity efforts, involvement with business or civic organizations or easily accomplished email campaigns. Make certain all references are solid, from your customers to your credit rating. Do pro bono work.  It always pays dividends and speaks volumes about commitment. Business Climate 2009-03-29T15:30:13+00:00 http://www.onebiz.com/site/the_best_time_to_start_a_small_business_is_during_a_bad_economy/ http://www.onebiz.com/site/the_best_time_to_start_a_small_business_is_during_a_bad_economy/#When:12:31:25Z Your career is secure with the corporate machine….Right?  Think again.  The current economic mess is leading companies to post lower earnings, which will force more layoffs.  So if the inevitable happens, what next?  Start your own business! Your career is secure with the corporate machine….Right?  Think again.  The current economic mess is leading companies to post lower earnings, which will force more layoffs.  So if the inevitable happens, what next?  Start your own business! Today’s tough economic climate may be the perfect time to start your own business: Reduction in Operating Costs: Better deals from suppliers, landlords and employee salaries are more easily negotiated. Easier to Fill a “Niche:” Creating a business based on a very specific need will profit better Customer is King: Social media has taught everyone that customers want to be “engaged.” As a small business, you have a better opportunity to give customers the attention that big business can’t. Fewer Competitors: Most won’t have the guts to start their own business; competitors will be scarce as you provide a targeted service. International Opportunities: A relatively weak U.S. Dollar means that customers outside America are more likely to buy from you. Web Networking/Marketing: The Internet has advanced to a point where getting the word out on your business via Twitter, Facebook, Linked-in or your own blog is easy and affordable. Connect with potential partners, customers and suppliers while growing your reputation at the click of a mouse. Starting a Business 2009-02-25T12:31:25+00:00 http://www.onebiz.com/site/six_surefire_ways_small_businesses_can_hold_on_to_customers/ http://www.onebiz.com/site/six_surefire_ways_small_businesses_can_hold_on_to_customers/#When:12:28:16Z The expression “a bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush” should be placed on the desk of every small business owner.  The moment times get tough - as they are today - grabbing new business becomes the focus.  That couldn’t be more wrong. The expression “a bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush” should be placed on the desk of every small business owner.  The moment times get tough - as they are today - grabbing new business becomes the focus.  That couldn’t be more wrong. It costs twice as much to gain a new customer as it does to hold on to an existing one.  He adds there are six proven actions any small business can take to ensure a customer stays a customer. Provide a Progress Report - Show your customer or client the work you’ve been doing and the results you’ve achieved.  By giving him/her something s/he can read and react to, questions are answered and suspicions are erased.  What’s more, the customer may realize s/he needs you to do additional work. Meet Face-to-Face - If most of your dealings are done over the phone, make a point of holding face-to-face meetings periodically.  Meeting in person says you are interested in his/her business and it gives you an opportunity to literally see things that you can help address. Avoid Jargon - Every business has its own verbal shorthand.  When speaking with a customer use terms s/he can readily understand.  S/he feels more comfortable and sense you’re working with him/her as a team. Ask for Feedback - Never assume the customer is satisfied.  Throughout the work process, ask how your customer feels about what you’re doing and show him/her by word and deed the comments are taken seriously. Tune your Offering - As proud as you may be about your product, remember it’s being made for the customer.  Make certain you know exactly what s/he wants, when it’s needed and more.  Avoid the kind of surprises that no one likes. Be Open to Change - For any number of reasons customers change processes, be it terms and conditions, purchase orders, accounts payable or just about anything.  Customers know s/he is valued if you show a willingness to work with him/her as much as you want him/her to work with you. Product Information 2009-02-25T12:28:16+00:00 http://www.onebiz.com/site/obamas_emergency_relief_plan_gets_top_marks_from_small_business/ http://www.onebiz.com/site/obamas_emergency_relief_plan_gets_top_marks_from_small_business/#When:12:22:07Z Before he takes the presidential oath of office, Barack Obama is getting huge applause from owners of small businesses for the emergency relief plan he’s proposed.  Key findings of our January OneBiz Small Business Outlook include: Before he takes the presidential oath of office, Barack Obama is getting huge applause from owners of small businesses for the emergency relief plan he’s proposed.  Key findings of our January OneBiz Small Business Outlook include: 67 percent of those surveyed support moves to make the cost of health care for employees less of a burden; and, 78 percent of respondents gave two thumbs up for efforts to improve and increase private lending to small business; 94 percent pointed to the Zero Capital Gains and related tax relief for small businesses and start-ups as the element of the plan that held greatest interest and appeal Small businesses must be able to invest to compete and win against larger businesses with deeper pockets. Make no mistake, small business is the backbone of our country’s economy, and aiding their growth and supporting their creation will act like a high octane priming of the nation’s economic pump. Our online survey was conducted during the week of January 12, 2009, among individuals who indicated they were owners/principals of businesses with 50 of fewer employees operating in the continental United States.  The survey had 750 respondents in the following types of businesses: Professional services/knowledge industries, 55 percent, Service industries, 25 percent, and Manufacturing/fabrication, 20 percent. Announcements 2009-02-25T12:22:07+00:00