The Great American Small Business Challenge

The agency that helps set workers’ comp rates is recommending they increase 4.4% at the start of next year. The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau in early August recommended that the average benchmark pure premium rates for all of the state’s class codes in-crease to $2.62 per $100 of payroll for policies incepting on or after Jan. 1, 2014.

A good portion of the rate increase is due to increased claims filings, as well as rises in medical costs and permanent disability benefits that partly took effect this year and take full effect in 2014.

This year, benefit increases added an-other $620 million in system costs, the Rating Bureau has estimated. In 2014, the increases will add another $590 million in costs for all workers’ comp payers in the state.

That said, cost increases are expected to be offset by savings from reforms contained in SB 863, which was signed into law in 2012 and took effect at the start of this year. Continue Reading »

Tags: insurance, worker's comp, workers comp insurance

The position of Business Analyst seems to have attained swift prominence with modern day companies that are re-engineering their own operations and embedding IT systems at the center of these business.

Professional organizations like the BCS and the IIBA have tailored internationally accepted business analysis training and certification schemes.

The role has now been refined from that of the old-school Systems Analyst from the Nineteen eighties – and as a result continues to progress. Pretty much when Business Analysis appeared to have now evolved into a suitably outlined and more mainstream management style, the use of Agile development and project management software processes is definitely forming fresh opportunities. Continue Reading »

Tags: business analyst

Article by Chris Davodi of 1 Stop Service Business Resources.

Amongst the million businesses that open up every year, some make it past their first year and churn profits while others fail in not being able to generate a profit. Perhaps it might be things that are out of your control like the state of the market or even the economy, in general.

While there is a possibility that you might not succeed due to these factors, you can probably increase your chances by making a checklist of tasks that you should complete when you open a new business.

Here are some vital tasks that can help you succeed, or help you survive when things get rough:

#1: In determining whether the business will suit your life’s goals or not, you can proceed to create a business and marketing plan while also using the break-even analysis to determine whether or not the business will succeed before jumping headlong.

#2: Finding a legal structure for your business is paramount, and this means understanding which ownership structure will suit your business, and perhaps, a lawyer will be able to help you streamline your efforts.

#3: Get a good name for your business and make sure you have the paperwork in place.

#4: It is important to find an appropriate business location so that it will stand more chances for success in its first year.

#5: Obtaining Insurance, filing for permits and licenses while also setting tax reporting and accounting are also important tasks.

Tags: business tips, new business, opening a new business

Article by Pierre Zarokian of iClimber.

One of the best things that business owners can do these days is to promote their business over the internet through social media and in particular, a website. To say the least, it opens up your products or services to a global audience, and that can mean more profitability and potential customers for your business.

However, it’s not just about making any website but one that will catch the fancy of your potential customers, and there are certain aspects of content (and writing it) that you must keep in mind in order to drive traffic to your website.

So here is a list of content writing tips that will help you enjoy a successful business that you can generate through your website:

#1: Keywords, keywords, keywords

With people looking for information regarding certain products or services by the means of search engines and entering certain keywords, you’d be smart if you incorporated those particular keywords (pertaining to your business) in the content on your website. Focus on using one keyword per web page.

#2: Striking a chord with your readers

Remember that you aren’t writing for search engine but humans so you should ensure that you use emotional language when talking about your product or service so that you are able to strike a chord with your readers, and which will cause them to show interest in buying what you have on offer.

#3: Write like you are talking

As most people would have learnt in college or school to write as if you are preparing a dissertation for your Ph.D, using this approach for the internet is not a WISE. Write as if you are talking to a friend – someone who is a curious acquaintance and wants to know more about your product.

If you are interested in professional content writing services, visit www.iClimber.com website. In addition, you may want to read more tips at the iClimber Social Media Marketing Blog.

If you are interested in professional content writing services, visit www.iClimber.com website. In addition, you may want to read more tips at the iClimber Social Media Marketing Blog

Tags: content writing

Article by Kristin Gabrieli of Total Merchants.

Charge backs are a reality that every online merchant has to deal with, and there are several reasons why this happens, one being potential fraud, but the person who has to deal with loss is the merchant as soon as the customer asks for a refund from their bank.

This is why it is so important for merchants to be careful of getting into situations where charge backs are imminent, and so here is a list of tips that will help you avoid charge backs right from the outset: Continue Reading »

Tags: avod chargebacks, avoid charge backs, charge backs, chargebacks, credit cards, merchant accounts

Written by RDPSoft Company

Are you in the market for remote desktop software? Today’s remote desktop management solutions help employers track the productivity of employees who work from home. Whether you have one or 50 employees working from home, it’s a good idea to monitor their workflow with the right software.

But buying remote desktop management software is easier said than done. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to find a product that meets your business needs and budget. How much activity do you want to monitor? Which features are important to you? Do you need the software to produce specific reports? The type of software that works for you might not work for another business. If you’re overwhelming by the task of finding remote desktop software for your business, don’t be. Follow these tips on how to purchase the right remote desktop software for your business needs and budget.

Find a specialty retailer. There are many software companies on the market that offer various products for business owners. Instead of buying remote desktop software from these general software companies, get specific about your search. Find a company that specializes in remote desktop tools. Better yet, find one that designs and makes software. A business that produces and sells only remote desktop management tools is better fit to provide you with quality software.

A specialty company will have not only the products you need, but also more knowledge about the specific items you wish to purchase. This is because they can focus on one type of software as opposed to hundreds. Purchasing your software from a specialty store will ensure that you get a better quality product and better customer service.

Research features. The best software on the market will not benefit your company if it doesn’t offer the features you need. While it’s important to read reviews and get recommendations from other businesses, the only way to ensure you’re buying the right product is to research its features. Make a list of your must-have features, the tasks you absolutely need the software to do. Narrow your search by selecting software that has all or most of the features you need.

Get technical support. Even if you’ve conducted your own research and found the best software for your business, you might not know how to install and use the product. Before you purchase software from just any company, make sure that they offer their customers technical support. Whether it is by phone or email, technical support can mean the difference between the success and failure of using remote desktop software for your business.
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RDPSoft Company produces remote desktop software for remote desktop management. Features include remote desktop log activity, user session activity, and program tracking.

Written by Artesian Tan

If you offer airbrush tanning at your salon or day spa, chances are you will need to purchase new supplies on a regular basis. But finding a good supplier is easier said than done. While there are many suppliers in the industry, not all of them offer high-quality airbrush tanning equipment, products, and supplies. In fact, there are many cheap products on the market, designed to save business owners a lot of money.

However, cheap products can backfire on your business. It’s important to purchase high-quality materials if you want to satisfy your clientele and offer quality treatments. High quality airbrush tanning solutions, lotions, guns, and tools will ensure that you provide your customers with the best possible tan. So how do you find quality airbrush tanning products without going over your budget? Here’s how to buy high-quality airbrush materials without breaking the bank.

Find a specialty airbrush tanning supply store. Many professionals in the beauty industry purchase their supplies from mega beauty supply stores that offer a wide range of products, from hair dyes to makeup kits. But the key to finding quality airbrush equipment and supplies is finding a specialty airbrush tanning supply store. This means that the supplier only sells airbrush-related equipment.

Why is this so important? There are many reasons. A specialty retailer that focuses on airbrush products is more likely to have the best products on the market, a larger variety, and expert advice when you need it most. Finally, a specialty airbrush tanning supply store will have lower prices on the products you need.

Say yes to name brand products. In an effort to lower overhead costs, many business owners purchase cheap treatment materials from generic brands. But generic products are not as good as name brand products that have been tested and used for years. Instead of skimping on quality, go for name brand products. You will be surprised by how many sales you will find on high-quality name brand items.

Go organic. When it comes to quality, organic doesn’t automatically equal better. But it can. Many organic products are superior to non-organic products because they don’t have harsh chemicals that can harm the body. Using organic products can also boost your business. Adding organic products to your list of services can bring in new clientele and help bring in more cash for the same treatment.  Find an organic airbrush tanning solution, lotions, and other products to add to your treatment options.
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Artesian Tan is an online retailer of sunless tanning products and equipment, including airbrush tanning equipment and supplies.

Written by Allied Time

Does your company need a new time clock system? Employee time clocks are vital for daily operations, making it possible for management to keep track of breaks and work hours. But today’s time clocks are nothing compared to the original punch clock. Advanced time clock systems can do everything from identify an employee from their finger print to automatically calculate overtime hours.  What’s more, there are many models on the market, ranging from web-based time clocks to traditional punch clocks. How do you know which time clock to purchase and if you’re getting a good deal? Where is the best place to buy an employee time clock?

Although shopping for an employee time clock system might seem overwhelming, there are many ways to ensure you’re getting the right product at the right price. Follow these tips on how to find the right time clock according to your business needs and budget.

Find a time clock specialty store. Many business owners purchase time clock systems from mega stores that sell all types of products for merchant operations. But the best way to find a good time clock system is to visit a specialty store, one that focuses on employee time clock systems. Since their focus is on time clocks, a specialty store will know everything there is to know about time clocks, including the best brands. This means you can get expert information on an Amano time clock, for example, and better customer service. Unlike a mega store that carries limited supplies, a specialty store will also offer a wide selection of the latest models on the market.

Select the right type of time clock. Once you’ve found a time clock specialty store, it’s time to narrow your search to the type of time clock that best meets your needs. If you want a simple time clock with basic features, consider a traditional punch clock. But if you need advanced software, look into web time clocks and biometric time clocks. A biometric time clock is ideal for companies that require higher security measures, while a web time clock is great for companies that want an advanced system.

Lowest price guarantee. Before you can purchase a Pyramid time clock from a specialty store, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the lowest price possible. How? Find a retailer that offers price matching. This means that they guarantee to offer the lowest price, and even if you find a lower price someone else, they will match that price.
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Allied Time offers employee time clocks and supplies for all types of businesses. Visit the website to purchase an acroprint time recorder or web-based time clock.

This article is written by Charge.com Payment Solutions, Inc.

Nearly every business has a merchant account provider, the company that offers retail and online payment processing services. Without a merchant account, you couldn’t accept credit cards from your customers or process payment over the web. But not all merchant account providers are created equal. In fact, some are downright impossible to work with. If you’re unhappy with your current provider, it might be time to find a new company. But how do you know when it’s time to switch your merchant account provider or if you should stay with the one you have?

Are you tired of your merchant account provider? You’re not alone. There are many ways to tell when it’s time to find a new merchant account provider. Here are a few signs that reveal it’s time to make the switch.

Stuck Paying High Fees

Credit card processing online, in person, or on the go shouldn’t be expensive. Yet many business owners are stuck paying high credit card processing fees. Why? Because they didn’t do enough research before selecting a merchant account provider. The good news is that it’s possible to find an affordable merchant account provider with low credit card processing fees. This is true even if you have poor credit, prior bankruptcies, or if you’re a high risk business. If you’re paying too much for accepting credit cards, it’s time to find a new provider.

Useless Payment Processing Solutions

The right merchant account provider should have the latest payment processing solutions that can be tailored to your business. Are you a mobile business? Your merchant account provider should have a reliable wireless payment processing solution for you. If you run an ecommerce company, you need advanced online payment processing software to accept credit cards on the web. Regardless of your type of business, the right merchant account provider will have the software and tools you need.

If you’re stuck with useless payment processing solutions or equipment and software that don’t meet your needs, it’s time to switch your merchant account provider. You shouldn’t have to go to another company to find these products.

Poor Customer Service

Another reason you might be unhappy with your merchant account provider is customer service. Customer service is very important, especially if you’re having issues with your online payment processing software or web shopping cart. Do they provide technical support when you need it most? Do they offer training on various tools and software? Do they have reasonable hours? If you’re unhappy with the customer service provided by your merchant account provider, it’s time to find a new one.

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Charge.com is an experienced credit card processing company with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Along with merchant accounts, the company offers payment processing solutions, including wireless credit card processing solutions for mobile companies.

Massage beds are important tools for your new salon business. The beds should have good padding for the comfort of your client and provide a stable workstation for your comfort. Chairs should be comfortable and the upholstery should not irritate the skin. Here are some tips to help ensure that your purchases suit your needs.

Size
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a bed is the size of the table. It should be narrow enough that you can comfortably massage but wide enough to accommodate different sized clients. While clients are generally more comfortable on 28-inch beds, if you are short a 25-inch bed would be more beneficial to your back over the course of your career. You should be able to comfortably pivot and square your shoulders to the client’s hips.

Height
The massage bed should have an adjustable height range. Many massage therapists believe that the proper height is measured by your closed fist touching the top of the table while your arms are held down at your sides. While that may be true, it does not take into consideration the size of your client. If the client is large, you may not be able to put enough pressure on their muscles to benefit them. The best choice is an adjustable bed that you can reposition as needed.

Padding
Bed padding ranges in thickness from two to five inches. Clients tend to be more comfortable on soft padding that is at least 2.5 inches thick. The foam should be high density for durability. Lower densities tend to flatten and shorten the life of your bed.

Bed upholstery that covers the padding is generally made of leather or of synthetic materials. Leather is soft, but it is not oil and water-resistant. Vinyl leather may be a better choice because it is strong and durable and easy to clean.

Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is the amount of weight that the bed can support. You should consider the weight of your client and the added pressure that you apply to them when performing a massage. As a general rule, the working weight of a bed should be a minimum of 300 pounds.

Pedicure chairs should be comfortable for the client. You can purchase base models or luxury models. Drainage has been a problem in lower end models with piped tubs. Those types of chairs have been known to build up residue from clients because they do not drain completely. This problem can cause infections in your client’s feet.

There are many decisions to be made regarding proper salon equipment. The tips above are designed to give you an idea of some of the things that you will need to consider.

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Comfort Soul manufactures salon spa furniture, including massage beds and pedicure chairs. To outfit your salon, contact Comfort Soul online.

By Gelato Products

When it comes to starting a business, we’ve all heard the expression, “it takes money to make money.” But that’s much easier said than done. Committing to this line of thinking can often be very difficult, especially when you’re first starting a business and usually quite strapped for cash.

But there’s no getting around it. If you’re not willing to invest in your own success, don’t expect that customers will be. This means spending a bit more on paying employees who will work harder for the money and stick around in the short term. It also means investing a bit more in supplies. Your gelato shop needs white paper cups, ice cream spoons, napkins and more. Spend what it takes to get options that are near the top.

Your customers are smart (that’s why they’re your customers) so they’ll quickly realize if you’re short changing them on the supplies. No matter how good your gelato is or how nice your employees are, this is bound to rub many of them the wrong way, leaving you with less market share—that’s something you absolutely can’t afford when you’re first starting a gelato business.

So bite the bullet early on and just accept the fact that you’re going to have to work a little harder to make up for the money you invested on better supplies.

Gelato Products sells just about every item you need to get your gelato store up and running and see it succeed. From personalized ice cream cups and lids to other ice cream shop supplies and everything in between, this is your one stop store for all the gelato products you need.

In any construction project, it is always advisable to get construction advisory services, to ensure that all bases are covered.  It is definitely a good investment to ensure that your project goes along with as little errors as possible as any small detail missed can mean disastrous results in the long run, especially in terms of production schedule and delivery dates. Your client may be running on a deadline for their operations, having an accurately followed schedule is crucial for everyone involved.

More often than not these firms that offer advisory services, also offer construction & turnaround services which can also help with things like your material delivery and production schedule, perfectly planning when and where it is stored. The only problem is that these services have limitations such as unforeseeable accidents that may interrupt your project flow operations.

Some firms would even feature a structural steel expert which can help you determine what kind of structural materials you would need, especially if your project concerns a tall structure or a sky scraper. Not all kinds of steels are created equal; you can never really know the kind of steel you need without a proper expert on the matter. Some may exhibit more flexibility than others, while some would be more rigid but more prone to cracking and snapping, getting the right balance of flexibility and durability, that’s where the steel expert will come in, to analyze what your requirements are and find a source for you.

Lyle Charles is a firm that deals with advisory services as well as structural steel consultation

By Port Containers

If you’re company needs to ship products or cargo large distances overseas, there are only a few real options facing them. One, fortunately, is to use storage containers which are a top notch solution that will get the job done and save you money in the long term.

When you use storage containers from companies like Port Containers, you’re getting the most space possible to put aboard a ship and move your products. This means you don’t have to split up cargo as much and pay for room you’re not using.

That being said, you might not need a full container. There you have two options. One is that you c an simply rent space from another company that finds themselves in a similar situation. Your other option is that you can be the company to buy the container and rent out your cargo space to other companies.

But that’s not the only way to save money with storage containers. If you have temperature-sensitive cargo, you can get refrigerated containers that will help you keep the climate right where it needs to be. This ensures your product shows up where it’s supposed to, how it’s supposed to and you don’t end up issuing refunds.

If your company needs to ship materials long distances, you should consider Port Containers. Amongst other things, the company offers intermodal containers and shipping containers for sale. They even have used shipping containers and offer free quotes to better help your company save money and can provide you with refrigerated containers if your cargo is temperature sensitive.

By Lyle Charles

Construction projects normally take an extremely long time period to complete, not to mention a lot of manpower and money to properly finish. This long time period means that there will be a lot of potential chances for internal disputes and disagreements, especially for the higher ups. These disputes can be about anything, but more often than not, the external pressures of making budget, construction delay claims and deadlines can add up to the stress of management, causing rash decisions, eventually ending up in disputes. Some construction firms have noticed this as a normal occurence in this kind of industry and have taken advantage of the situation and have started to offer construction mediation for the parties involved.

Being a third party to a dispute can potentially be a complicated task as emotions are running high and voices can be raised, as the mediator for such discussions, it’s important for the team of facilitators to keep a steady head and take into account nothing but the facts of the situation. Having an emotional investment in one side or another basically defeats the purpose of having third party facilitators in the first place, and should be avoided if possible. It’s also important to note that as a representative handles more and more of these kinds of cases, that person’s ability to compartmentalize emotions and properly analyze the situation improves as well, giving the employer a clearer picture of what the situation is and what the firm needs to do to resolve it.

Lyle Charles is a construction consultancy firm that hires experienced professionals and steel fabrication experts to cater to your construction project needs.

By Anoush Catering

                When comes to an event, the best viable solution is obviously catering. However, there are many available Los Angeles catering companies with even more popping up everyday. It then becomes difficult for one to properly choose which catering service to get for your event. Since no one would want their event to turn out unfavorably because of their food, choosing the best caterer is essential in event planning.

All about experience

                Choosing a catering service is just like choosing a doctor or surgeon. You want someone who has experience in their craft and not someone who is on their first week on the job. Choose a caterer who has experience and maybe is a leader in the industry in the past years. A caterer potentially has the success of your event in their hands. Choose someone who was the experience and knowledge to take care of your event.

Food Choices

                One big part of event catering is choosing the right food. Most companies offer a variety of food types and cuisines. While this can be good due to the vast options, it is generally better to pick a company that has specialty in a specific cuisine. This ensures quality in their food and service. Knowing that they have specialized on a certain cuisine and have truly honed their skills in a particular area, you can be assured of quality you can trust. Fine caterers in Los Angeles  that have specialties isn’t hard, it’s just a matter of picking cuisines; Mediterranean anyone?

Anoush Catering is one of the top caterers in Los Angeles  that offer fine Mediterranean delicacies and dishes. There are no better Los Angeles catering companies that offer Mediterranean cuisine.