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 port containers

Engaging in the export business is actually very rewarding. The whole notion about going into export will only cause you trouble is actually not true. For starters, you can buy used containers for sale or seek out storage containers for rentso you can transport your goods. Going into business through export is not easy, because after all, nothing is easy if you stand to make so much money out of it. So, what makes the export business so different than going into regular business? Sure, any typical business man would tell you that you don’t need to go overseas because America is the largest economy in the world, and all the money that is to be made can be made right here. It is true that America is the largest economy in the world, but you will have to understand that going into business overseas may even be more profitable. Imagine if McDonalds never expanded to the rest of the world, how do you think their profits would be looking right now? As a matter of fact, the largest companies in the world are how they are right now because they had the foresight to expand into foreign countries. You can be just like they are, and all you need is a little hard work as well as a very good business sense to get all the right deals that will make you the most profits and give you the most business growth as well to expand your market share.

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Conex containers don’t actually have to be expensive. It all depends on where you buy it from

Written by Phin Upham

In 1947, Chung Ju-Yung founded an engineering and construction company he called “Hyundai.” It took twenty years for Ju-Yung to go beyond construction and into motorcars, releasing his first in partnership with Ford in 1968. But Hyundai wasn’t satisfied with resting his company laurels on this joint venture.

He hired George Turnbull along with five other top British automotive engineers. They designed and built the Pony, a small 4-door sedan that used rear-wheel drive to get around. The first exports went to Ecuador, then to Benelux.

Hyundai brought the Pony to Canada in 1984, but the vehicle couldn’t pass the strict emissions standards set by America. The Pony quickly became the top selling car in Canada, and Hyundai rolled its one millionth car off the assembly line in 1985.

A year later, Hyundai brought the Excel to the United States. Fortune called it the tenth best product of the year, owed almost entirely to its affordability. The Sonata, a line that continues today, went into production in 1988. By ’91, the company had developed a proprietary gasoline engine it called the Alpha. It also built its own transmission, which helped to create technological independence for Hyundai.

An Indian division began production in 1996, but the big break came in 2004 when J.D. Power named Hyundai the second best brand in initial quality. Hyundai also gained significant market share after its sponsorship of the 2002 World Cup, a deal which still continues today.

Phin Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Twitter page.

Submitted Start Pac

When you think about taking your plane or helicopter into the air, there are probably a number of different factors you know you must consider. Like any good pilot, you probably have a checklist you use to ensure you’re being safe and thorough in your preparations. However, so long as you have safety covered, there are a number of other things you can do to get the most from your trip into the sky.

Just like many motorcyclists enjoy a good pair of gloves for better grips, you may as well when it comes to flying your plane or helicopter. They also look great and can protect your hands when exiting the vehicle on cold days. Obviously, you never want to take the controls with number fingers.

A ground power unit is also a cool accessory you should have nearby. With a portable GPU, you never have to be inconvenienced if your plane or helicopter’s battery dies prior to take off. Just use the unit to jump the battery and get back into the air.

Lastly, consider a bag or kit for all your supplies necessary for de-icing a plane before taking it into the air on a cold day. It’s convenient and could safe your life.

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Whether you need aircraft maintenance equipment or portable power supply  units for getting energy where it’s needed most, Start Pac is here to help. Not only are their products 100% American made, but their reputation in the industry for providing high-quality, affordable products speaks for itself.

Written by John Woodson

A jewelry business does not have to mean a multi-million dollar enterprise. As a matter of fact, it can be a small business that even runs out of your bedroom or living room. When the word jewelry comes into mind, it does not have to mean expensive items made out of precious stones like diamonds and sapphires, it can be made out of cubic zirconia, Swarovski crystal, and other fancy beads that are shiny and sparkly as well. That’s right, you can do all of this at home. All you need to have to get started is have some Earring kits, and all of the materials that you need in order for you to make your jewelry and accessory creations. You can sell to your friends and neighbors, or you can even sell online. You do not have to go big right away, you know. You can start by making a few pieces a week, and see whether people like it or not. A substantial investment, then, is not necessary if you create your own jewelry at home. Think about it, if you invest a hundred dollars in the materials that you buy and make 20 pieces of jewelry which you can sell for 15 dollars a piece, how much is that? That’s 300 dollars, or a return of 3 dollars for every dollar you invest. Sounds good? Of course it does. And that’s why running a jewelry business from your own home does not have to be expensive nor impossible as well.

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Too Cute Beads is the place to go to for the creative genius inside of you. You can buy everything like jewelry findings right here.

This article was written by Phineas Upham

The United States Automobile Association was started in 1922 by a group of Army officers as a method to self-insure. It is a Fortune 500 company that offers diversified financial services that include banking and investing advice, in addition to providing insurance for military members that have been honorably discharged.

After three army officers found themselves in a high-risk insurance pool, they decided to try alternate methods to insure themselves. They formed a small company to do just that, and USAA has since expanded its services to include banking and insurance for members of the armed forces and their families.

It conducts almost all of its business through direct marketing, and retains no agents. It uses employees to close deals, and does most of its business either through the telephone or online.

The company name changed after its services were opened to include members from foreign military forces as well. The company has offices established in Frankfurt, Germany and London, England. In the 1960s, USAAs services expanded further to include home insurance, and then again to offer life insurance.

The company isn’t like most other companies on the 500 list. It caters almost exclusively to members of the armed forces, but serves the immediate families of those members as well. This includes National Guard and Reserve units in addition to primary branches of the armed forces. Although many of USAAs financial products are geared toward military members, investment and deposit-only banking services are available to non-members.

USAA currently employs more than 23,000 people in offices throughout the Continental United States.

About the Author: Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phineas Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phineas on his LinedIn page.

Written by Cash Registers Online

If you are engaged in a business like a coffee shop or a diner, you’ll find that thermal printers from brands like Royal Cash Registers and SAM4s cash registers can be very useful. Sure, it may need a special type of paper called thermal paper but the beauty of it is that you wouldn’t need any ink for it at all. This special type of paper allows you to print on it by applying heat at certain temperatures; most of the time, it usually prints in black and red depending on the temperature set in the thermal printer. So, if you do have a thermal printer in your business, you will find that your cost in printing of receipts and invoices would be greatly reduced thanks to the fact that you no longer have to buy ink or ribbons in order for you to make them. Imagine the amount of money that you can save here thanks to thermal printing! Apart from the money that you can save with these printers, you will also be able to save a significant amount of time here because your employees would no longer have to manually issue receipts to every single customer that they entertain. These printers are actually being used in most stores all over the world. And if you notice carefully, most food and beverage establishments use them too. The fact that you are a small business establishment doesn’t mean either that you can’t use this device in your stores.

If you’re looking to buy a cash register for your business, make sure it also comes with cash register manuals. You have to be on the safe side especially when making an investment like this.

Written by Gelato Products

Every business needs some kind of thing that will set them apart from the rest. You do not want to be seen as a generic store that would eventually fade into the background and out of relevancy from the minds of consumers. You need to do a little marketing and advertising! As a matter of fact, even personalized ice cream cups, coffee cups and lids would be a great start. At least that way, your customers will be able to know where they get their great tasting coffee, gelato or ice cream. Brand marketing allows you to keep your customers and retain your market share especially when your competition isn’t really doing anything about it. Apart from securing your market share, you may even attract new customers by having some really great designs for your cups and branding. You see, it takes more than just great tasting ice cream to make your customers loyal. That’s because anyone can make good food; but you will soon realize that not everyone can make it unique and desirable to consumers. In other words, you are giving your customers what they want, and you are also giving them a reason why they should keep coming back for more. Your quality of service and any trademark slogans or methods of service would also take you and your business to profitability. Generate buzz! Keep your store and your brand in the minds of your customers so that interest over it can be sustained and grown.

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Do you need to switch to better frozen yogurt suppliers? If you do, then you should make sure to choose the best.

Article by Fix Bad Reputation

In the world of online reputation management, there are two types of feedback you want to avoid. The first occurs on social media. Customers will always vent about perceived injustices, but the problem can grow if you choose not to respond. Do seek out these potential challenges and seek to resolve them privately if possible. This gives you control over the situation, and allows you to save face publicly.

The second potential fire storm is closer to a “reputation bomb.” These occur when a customer is beyond dissatisfied, and bordering on downright angry. These kinds of disputes tend to gain steam, and the customer will actively try to recruit others to vent their frustrations about your company. There may be hash tags, like the famous #MyNYPD hash tag, that can end in problems for your business. In this case, citizens posted pictures of police brutality, instead of the intended messages of community building. You must be mindful of the unintended consequences for your brand’s hash tag or search term.

Hate sites are another potential problem, where customers devote a blog or a website to documenting the potential problems your company may have. This may coincide with poor media coverage, or just have bad timing for you.

Identifying these potential problems before they spiral out of control will help your business scale more effectively, and cement your brand.

This article was submitted by Fix Bad Reputation, who offers reputation management services such as thedirty post removal. Visit the site to learn more.

Written by Phin Upham

Nintendo was a playing card maker up until the early 70s, when limitations in the business became apparent to the company CEO. They had been making handmade cards for a game that was extremely popular in Japan. Similar to Poker or Bridge, Hanafuda was Nintendo’s primary revenue source for almost 100 years.

On a trip to the states to meet with executives of the United States Playing Card Company, then the world’s largest supplier of playing cards, Hiroshi Yamauchi found that the employees of US Playing Card Co were occupying a tiny office. Yamauchi saw then the limitations of his profession, and worked to change the direction of his company soon afterward.

His first attempt was acquiring rights to Disney characters, so that he could print them on his playing cards. The company also explored starting its own TV network, and a venture selling instant rice. Nintendo’s new ideas failed, which sent its stock price tumbling to 60 yen.

Then Nintendo shifted its focus to games in 1966. It developed a series of light gun games, the most popular being the Laser Clay Shooting System, but not much else happened until 1979. By then, Nintendo had already hired Shigeru Miyamoto. Miyamoto gave birth to Donkey Kong, Mario, Zelda and Pikmin just to name a few of his accomplishments.

In 1979, Nintendo debuted its first foray into gaming consoles. It was called Game & Watch, and it used a d-pad to maneuver characters onscreen. It was a huge success, catapulting the company into the realm of video games.

Phin Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website

This article was written by Samuel Phineas Upham

Before theater came to the big screen, there were the Dubinsky brothers. They were travelling performers who found themselves in the Midwest, acting in tent shows and melodramas. They found an opportunity to take over their own performance space, and purchased the Regent Theater in 1920. They soon changed their name to “Durwood” and started the Durwood Theater Company.

By 1961, leadership had changed hands to one of the Dubinsky’s sons. Stanley Dubinski, who had attended Harvard University and had served in the air force during World War II, renamed the company to American Multi-Cinema Inc.

By 1963, AMC had opened its first multi-plex, consisting of just two screens. Stanley reasoned that he could operate the same theater with the same staff, but could enjoy greater profits serving two screens at once. This kicked off an industry trend of multi-plexes, which helped to cut costs and provide for a greater selection of movie titles as well.

AMC expanded to ten locations by the 1980s, including sites in the UK. It expanded internationally to offer multi-plexes in countries like Portugal. It was a publicly traded company until it was acquired by Marquee Holdings in 2004. They kept it off the market until an IPO was announced in 2006.

AMC has managed to stay relevant through a variety of programs geared toward servicing its loyal base. It began a rewards program, which gave customers free concessions or movie tickets based on a point system. It also began its pass program, so someone could buy a ticket as a gift for someone else.

About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Samuel Phineas Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Samuel Phineas Upham on his Twitter page.