News By Anthony Ricigliano – Going Green with a Small Business

  • May 15, 2011 6:55 PM

Author Anthony Ricigliano – News by Anthony Ricigliano: Many small businesses are taking the opportunity to go green for a variety of reasons including social responsibility and the approval of customers. There is also the potential for company-wide green initiatives to cut costs and improve the bottom line. Prior to deciding on what types of actions are to be taken, there are steps that management should take to optimize the initiative. They are:

* The initiative to go green must come from the top of the company. This lets everyone know that the issue is going to be taken seriously as a bona fide direction for the business.

* The initiative has to engage all employees across the company. This is a great opportunity for a discussion on the benefits of going green.
* Green activities must both relate to the business’ mission and further its objectives.

* The initiative must be integrated into the culture of the company. It’s the difference between being a green company and being a company that works off of a green checklist.

Once the initiative has been introduced, it is advisable to start with simpler tasks and activities to get everyone in the company on the same page. Go with actions that are easy to incorporate and follow. Here are ten actions that any company can undertake while wading into its go green initiative:

1) Start a recycling program where cans, bottles, and paper are disposed of in separate containers.

2) Go as paperless as possible. Do in-house presentations on power point instead of printing out meeting materials. File and save documents electronically.  

3) Reduce marketing collateral to only the necessities. This action alone can save a lot of money over the long term.

4)  Commit to buying ENERGY STAR-certified products.

5) Reduce energy consumption by programming computers and other equipment to go on standby after a period of sitting idle.

6) Turn off computers at the end of the work day. One caveat, if older computer screens are in use which have never been turned off, the cooling down process can harm them. Leave them on until they can be replaced.

7) Switch out incandescent bulbs for fluorescent ones.

8) Incentivize employees who carpool, ride a bike, or walk to work.

9) Eliminate plastic and Styrofoam cups.

10) Use the front and back when printing or copying.

Starting with these activities will help to build the foundation for bigger green initiatives down the line. Get everybody on board and these actions will get you on the way to being a green business, much to the delight of your employees and customers.

Anthony Ricigliano -
About the Author:
Anthony Ricigliano’s background in information technology, distribution, purchasing and regulatory affairs then gives him an edge with integrating that infrastructure with areas in the company that generate revenues.

Sample Small Business Grant Proposals

  • May 15, 2011 6:53 AM

Any successful business plan for grant funding needs to highlight the barriers and risks involved with a project as well as the expectation of great success. Many times potential grant seekers are too optimistic with their business plans and they omit, not intentionally, the downside to their proposal.

It is important for any business plan for grant funding to include any unexpected cost in materials, labor, marketing, and loss of revenue due to delays. Whether you are seeking funding from the SBA, venture capitalist, or a government grant, the committees that review these plans are very knowledgeable about what the numbers mean.

Underestimating the true cost of a business start up will not impress those who are determining whether to fund the project and will ultimately lead to rejection.

Another common mistake with business plans for grant funding is the unrealistic overestimation of first year gross revenue and yearly revenue growth. A business that starts with little allocation for marketing cannot expect to be flooded with business as soon as they open their doors. The same is true with projecting a 100 percent revenue increase every year for the first 5 years. It is important to do the research necessary to determine the real expectations of revenue growth.

Real risks are involved with any business venture and any oversights to these factors could put a projects funding at risk. Not disclosing potential and obvious cost overruns or inflating expected gross revenue will not only doom the business in the long term, but will also jeopardize the opportunity of any grant funding to begin the project.

There have been many individuals in the food and beverage industry, arts and entertainment, and inventors who were very knowledgeable about what would make a good business or new product, but were not necessarily good business plan writers. However many of these businesses have received the grant funding needed for their projects because they sought out help with writing their business plans and grant proposals.

Small Business Grant Source:
Learn the application procedures, various funding sources for specific types of businesses and eligibility criteria for small business grants. You can find the most comprehensive information on availing of small business grants by visiting this online guide on grants

David Hensley -
About the Author:
Apart from the Government, there are several foundations that liberally offer grants for several purposes. Visit the Grant Foundation Guide to know how to avail of free grants from private foundations. Also, check out the Education Grants Guide to find the best sources for all types of education grants.

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Media Bias: Can Small Business Survive?

  • May 14, 2011 6:41 PM


Media/Government Agenda Forcing A Broader Portfolio


by Michael D. Hume, M.S.

I just heard a radio-show caller talk about how she’s closing her 32-year-old successful business in the northeast U.S. because, for the first time, she and her husband have not been granted extensions for their immigration paperwork. They are not illegals, she said, but have become victims of a “crackdown on legal immigration” while a constant flow of illegal immigrants continue to cross our country’s southern border unabated.

This is one of hundreds of sad stories about someone whose small business has been laid to waste by America’s current media/government agenda. If you’re an entrepreneur, you don’t need anyone to tell you the economy’s tough right now, and you probably have done more than a little thinking about what the possible causes of the downturn could be. It started with a mortgage bubble the government and media either ignored or assured us was not a threat. Soon we were awash in bailouts and “stimulus,” driving government debt into the stratosphere. These days, the gulf oil spill and debate over Arizona’s immigration law have been put before us by a government/media complex that probably would prefer we not spend too much time thinking about a tax-and-spend progressivism that is eating our nation’s businesses like cancer.

What does all this have to do with your business? Maybe you are not facing expulsion from the country, like the radio-caller mentioned above, but the tax burden we will all soon carry is a clear and present danger to all businesses, and especially to small businesses. Nanny-state burdens like the so-called “health care reform,” wrong-directed immigration policies that expel hard-working entrepreneurs while inviting thousands of illegals into the country (for whom there will be no hard-working entrepreneurs to provide jobs), shut-downs and takeovers of entire industries (with the accompanying chilling effects on the small businesses downstream), and the like… these are all pieces of a larger agenda that has been imposed upon us by our government and their partners in the mainstream media. So, as a business owner, you might feel like you have no time for “politics,” but none of us will be able to escape these calamities.

Wasn’t running a business hard enough already?

If you even have time to watch TV or listen to the radio, see if you don’t pick up on a biased presentation that borders on malicious propaganda. To hear most mainstream pundits, you’d think everything is going great, and the agenda is finally pulling us out of the wreckage of the “former administration” (which has been our current leadership’s favorite target all along). And if you buy into that thinking, you might wonder why your business is struggling. Is it just you? No, look around: things are not getting better yet, and your neighbors are struggling in their businesses, too.

When I went to journalism school decades ago, we were taught that the media is supposed to be objective. In fact, the true hard-core journalists I knew refused even to vote in elections, just as a precaution against forming an unwanted bias. Wow! What a difference from that day to this. Now we are fed a steady diet by the media, not of the news and facts, but of the “direction” and agenda. Dissent is unwelcome on good days and openly fought on most. Not that it matters, but it’s hard to figure out whether we have a state-run media in the U.S. or a media-run state!

Let me leave you with a more uplifiting thought: all of this does not have to drag your business down. What’s needed now is even more entrepreneurial ingenuity than ever, a broader portfolio of revenue streams, new products, new services, new channels to reach your customers. I heard a happier story the other day about a guy who runs a small boat-accessory business. I would be worried about a boat accessory business these days: who’s got the money for a boat, let alone accessories? But this guy, undeterred, decided to broaden his portfolio through the internet. He already had a presence in cyberspace, garnering something like 10,000 clicks in a three-year period. He took the time to get smart about a more professional platform for his business, and got another 10,000 visits in only three months. Now, he says he’s busier than ever.

Food for thought. Think about how you can broaden your business to make it more resilient to the challenges our media/government leadership are throwing your way. Eventually, the broader economy will be more small-business friendly, and if you can survive until then, the rewards will be more than worthwhile.

　

Michael Hume -
About the Author:
 
Michael Hume is a speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in helping people maximize their potential and enjoy inspiring lives. As part of his inspirational leadership mission, he coaches executives and leaders in growing their personal sense of well-being through wealth creation and management, along with personal vitality.
Those with an entrepreneurial spirit who want to make money “one less thing to worry about” can learn more about working with Michael at http://oneyearplan.net/michaeldhume
Anyone wanting to jump-start their vitality can browse through the best (and most travel-friendly) nutraceuticals on the market at http://shop.enivausa.com/239824
Michael and his wife, Kathryn, divide their time between homes in California and Colorado. They are very proud of their offspring, who grew up to include a homemaker, a rock star, a service talent, and a television expert. Two grandchildren also warm their hearts! Visit Michael’s web site at http://michaelhume.net

Understanding Small Business Loans

  • May 13, 2011 6:06 AM

Small business loans are becoming increasingly easy to avail with the rising competition in the market. Options available in the market are aplenty and attractive. You can look forward to make your business more profitable by infusing more funds. Business loans will ensure you have the right amount of funds at your disposal so that you can invest sufficiently upon your business.

Loans for small business can be availed for various reasons. Whatever may help you to make more money from your business can be a cause for availing a business loan. Purchase of new machinery, renovating business premises, development of infrastructure can be possible reasons to accounts receivable financing. You can as well opt for a loan to build a new business from scratch. In such term loans, the new factory you build will remain as the security against your loan.

How Unsecured Business Loans Can Help Your Business?

Often you might have thought about certain modifications to your existing business to improve your profits. In many cases you might have been unable to employ these modifications due to limited availability of funds. Well, you can employ all such modifications and improve your business efficiency by having some extra funds. Business loans will surely help you in every way that you can think of. You can purchase more raw materials, buy raw material in bulk or set up better production machinery or infrastructure that will enable you to save more.

Loan Options

You can avail secured business loans only if you have some assets to provide as security to the bank or loan issuing authority. The benefits from such loans are reduced interest rates and various other offers that the companies generally offer.

Unsecured business loans require no security and are easy to avail. You can submit application for such loans online and get loans instantly. Companies often understand that a bad credit can result from various mishappenings and hence also give out loans to people with bad credit. These unsecured loans are best suited if you are looking for short term loans. Smaller businessmen who do not have sufficient property to pledge as security generally tend to go for such unsecured loans. These loans have the major benefit but interest rates are higher. This can be considered as a small charge for not providing any asset as security.

Favorable Government Policy

Over the past few years, government has understood the importance of small and medium business enterprises. These businesses play an important role in increasing the employment opportunities in the country. Hence even the government often takes step to make the process of availing small business loans easy and speedy.

Scrutinize Fine Prints

Many companies offer great attractive deals that anyone can fall for. Caution must be taken before availing any such offer that stands apart from the rest. You should read all the terms and conditions of the offer document so that you are safe against any hidden costs and conditions.

Tom Arnold -
About the Author:
We are here to connect business owners with lenders for small business loans and unsecured lines of credit.   Visit now to find out more at http://assistbusinessloans.com/.

SEO News- Best 7 Tips that work out for Small business SEO

  • May 12, 2011 6:01 PM

For last three weeks I have been firm at work exploring popular SEO guides that worked for small businesses. Unlike large competitors, small businesses do not have personnel or ad budgets to market in the present economy, but fortunately, none of these factors actually matter for online marketing because small business SEO is the best way to steal market share and of course to level the playing field.

After exploring the finest sources and communicating with popular SEO experts, I have realized that organic SEO is the best way to sustain a small but focused scope. The following is the list of 7 SEO Google tips that I found necessary for small businesses to generate results and I hope this list helps the new and inexperienced businesses that are looking for top SEO News.

  • Make a site that is easy to load Now that Google has initiated speed into the search engine ranking algorithm, its time to make sure that your website is easy to load. By improving your website’s speed you also improve customer experience, which helps in converting your visitor into customer. Use tools such as YSlow or Web Page Analyzer to check out the problem behind slow speed. Make a site that is SEO Google friendly and easy to load so that you do not make users wait to purchase your products.
  • Optimize for local search Going local is the most beneficial technique for small business enterprises. Around 70% local consumers use Google SEO local listings to search information about the nearby companies. Verify your business on the local listings such as Yahoo Local, Bing Local or Google Places to get maximum benefits.
  • Connect with the customer by adding personal touch to your site The major advantage that small businesses have is chance to connect with the customers by adding a personal voice. By making your voice heard you are not just adding trust but also showcasing your authority in the market. Add recommendations and reviews along with product features and how your services can benefit the customers.
  • Give importance to content Content has always been the king for the search engines and it still is. Search engines not just give more importance to unique SEO friendly content, but, the better opportunities are given to users to find your products and services. Explain everything – services you provide, the benefit customers can get, feedback, improvements, everything that makes it easy for the customers to build trust.
  • Filter your internal links Make sure that your navigation scheme is getting all of your content. Internal links not just add value to your website but also make customers and search engines happy. Develop a linking mindset, think professionally about your website’s linking architecture or use sites like CopyBlogger to refer older posts in your articles. You may also add sitemaps, older posts and related products so that your old but informative content is seen or linked to.
  • Don’t fuss about receiving no-follow links Do not get carried away solely by trying to get incoming links lacking dreaded no-follow. You cannot manage how search engines act. Providing better services and customer satisfaction is your SEO guide. If you focus on good content, search engines will focus on various aspects of SEO by themselves. Better content attracts better links and it is good for both SEO and customers at the same time.
  • Create content for people not only for search engines If your sole purpose to create the content is to impress the search engines, you are missing on all your business profits. As per the Google SEO guide, creating a user friendly content can help you more as compared to just creating content for search engines. A user visits your website to see how your services can benefit him, but when he comes to your site and finds a content that is confusing; he may leave and might not come back. If you want more inbound links and business profits, make sure to write for the customers because no matter how important search engines are, they cannot avail your services!

Ashish Sharma -
About the Author:
Improve your online business with more such useful SEO News , blog promotion& updates on upcoming search engine optimization techniques, Google SEO Tips at SEO-SMO.net – a Next Generation SEO Guide. Browse this online SEO SMO magazine and find out Is your website SEO fits social media trends?

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Small Business Grants for Waterfront Access

  • May 12, 2011 5:58 AM

The objective of the business grants to waterfront program is to provide funds to the local units of the government like Municipalities to revitalize the waterfronts create monetary benefits to the communities and provide access to the public.  This also includes providing funds for the acquisition of the waterways, demolition activities, and public infrastructure and facility improvements.  

The basic criteria for availing the grants should be that the funds are being used for the eligible activities of the project as per the waterfront redevelopment plan.   The plan should include how the project will contribute to improving the local economy and community development; provide recreational opportunities to the public and public access to the waterfront.

Any local unit of the government which includes  Country, City, Village and township  and any authority or public body created as per the State law are eligible for the grants.  The applicants must submit the grant application along with the waterfront redevelopment plan clearly indicating the activities that are likely to be carried out.

Grants cannot be used for purchase of land, stadium for use of sports activities and private or municipal areas.   The activities should include environmental response activities on the waterfront property, demolition and other facilities along the waterfront, acquisition of waterfront property and public infrastructure and facility improvements to waterfront property.

The public waterways offer an important recreation resource which is the essential part of the shoreline communities.  Recreational facilities include a wide variety of activities without disturbing the natural resources and maritime heritage.  By identifying the potential areas along the waterways, the recreational activities can be improved.   
The other available approaches that should be considered for grants through capital spending by the Federal, local and State governments include the following activities.  

By forging partnerships of both public and private entities, access to coastal and inland waterways can be improved and increased.  Steps should be taken to protect the existing public access and develop the new public access areas along the waterfront.  
Non profit organizations, trusts and environmental organizations in particular, can work with the local people to improve the public access.  Large institutions like schools and hospitals located along the seafront can provide public access and recreation on their grounds.  

By establishing the partnerships between waterfront businesses and local government, the amenities   can be improved along the waterways to enhance business and public access.  
The state and federal grants can significantly increase a community’s ability to attract the private and public resources so that it can take advantage and respect the cultural characteristics of the waterfront.  

The Environmental protection funds help to protect the environment which includes open space conservation, public access, historic preservation, urban waterfront redevelopment and water quality improvement.   This grant is also used to assist the community to implement their local waterfront revitalization programme and other community plans. The EPF grants are made available annually to all the eligible municipalities by issuing a request for applications in the late spring or early summer.

Small Business Grant Source:
Learn the application procedures, various funding sources for specific types of businesses and eligibility criteria for small business grants. You can find the most comprehensive information on availing of small business grants by visiting this online guide on grants here

David Hensley -
About the Author:
Apart from the Government, there are several foundations that liberally offer grants for several purposes. Visit this Grant Foundation Guide to know how to avail of free grants from private foundations. Also, check out the Education Grants Guide to find the best sources for all types of education grants.