FinditLocal411 Blog
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:56 pm
 E-Commerce is slowly sucking the life out of small businesses. As the big boys get comfier and comfier on the web, your customers are slowly being drawn to their “ease-of-use”, “convenience” and “functionality”. Web design and development is progressing to impressive levels these days and the big winners are customers.
Major companies provide online portals for customers to easily purchase goods and services. But what if your business cannot afford a $10,000 website for your company with an online shop? With this in mind, FindItLocal411 has launched the E-Commerce solution for small businesses.
We are proud to announce the launch of two features on FindItLocal411.com that will drastically improve the way you attract customers. “The Marketplace” and “The Blast” are designed to help you and your customers conduct better business.
The Marketplace
The Marketplace is structured to function as a “web mall” or “online store” that features the products of businesses from across town or across the nation!
 The concept is simple: If you are a business owner, you can list your products (like Pet Detangler show on the right) on The Marketplace site for customers to peruse. Once products are bought, you will receive orders via email with purchases deposited directly into your bank prior to shipping. You ship the purchased product to the customer and the sale is complete! It’s like opening a new store online for minimal cost.
The Blast
To complement your Marketplace presence, we will be instituting an “Email Marketing Blast” to promote your products. Emails can also be utilized to highlight special services, sales or special announcements. These messages reach thousands of consumers directly once they express interest in this “deals” notification.
The emails are designed to increase exposure and sales at the same time. The schedule of emails works like this: Twice a month we will deliver a customized message about some feature you wish to have known about your business to a list of your current and past customers “only”. And twice a month we will deliver another message (or the same message if you choose) to “our entire list” of subscribers driving new customers to your business. That’s four times per month your message is delivered directly to many thousands of known customers!
Increased Business
These two features are intended to enhance the standard Business Listing Directory we already have in place. As many readers know, companies and organizations listed on our site enjoy significant boosts in page views and hits/month. Even if your business model will not benefit from “The Blast” or “The Marketplace”, our Business Listing is sure to provide value.
Since our launch in the spring of 2009 FindItLocal411.com has become a resource for small business. We focus on day-to-day business issues on our blog and offer many ways to leverage your business through online marketing, advertising and social media. The addition of E-Commerce options, our latest addition to FindItLocal411.com, may prove to be our biggest evolution yet. Home businesses can now compete in the same market space as Wal-Mart or Target.
Online Purchases Going Up
Shoppers are turning to the Internet with greater frequency these days as the chart to the right shows. Granted, the spending referred to occurred in 2006, but it is safe to assume that online sales have only increased in the three years since. With this new FindItLocal411.com program, businesses of any size in any part of the country can jump on board and earn their share of the industry spending.
Table Courtesy of Wikipedia.org.
January 26th, 2010 at 11:16 am
What’s the current state of your company? Sometimes that answer is harder to find than you think. You may inherently know of your problems, but until you face these issues head on and conduct a business analysis, you may doom yourself to an environment of stasis.
Business analysis incorporates many different factors and can be somewhat difficult; therefore, one must know what they are doing in order to take advantage of such an analysis.
Analysts
Seek out a Business Analyst if you seek someone who can properly perform an analysis. Like many professionals deemed, “Analysts”, they are trained to use a variety of different methods and to discover and fix the problems that may result and appear as a result of the analysis. Analysts can provide you and your company valuable and well-documented data on your company as you move forward on many problem-correcting decisions.
Make sure your business analyst covers the following concepts:
- PESTLE: This is a technique that is used to perform an external environmental analysis through looking at external factors such as: Political, Economical, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental aspects; hence the name.
- MOST: This technique is used to perform an internal environmental analysis through looking at factors such as: Mission, Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics; hence the name.
- SWOT: This technique is used to help the business determine and focus on their strengths and weaknesses. SWOT stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
- CATWOE: This technique is used to help understand what the business is trying to achieve. It stands for: Customers, Actors, Transformation Process, World View, Owner, and Environmental Restraints.
There are several more techniques that a Business analyst uses in order to provide an accurate business analysis, and if performed properly, problems will be discovered, as well as the solutions for the problems. And, in the end, by using this technique, a business can better increase their bottom line by fixing the problems, even though they might have not known they ever existed without the use of such an analysis.
January 20th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
The truth about starting your small business: It’s a grind. How much of a grind is up to you though. There are several things you can do to help your business get off to a good start. First off, it is not a small endeavor. Starting a small business is a large responsibility that takes plenty of resources (both human and financial) if you want the business to be successful. Assembling those resources in a tactful way takes time and somewhat excruciating effort…but the payoff can be rewarding.
Ready…Set…Business!
It is for that reason why we have put together 5 tips to help you with your dream to start a small business. The internet provides many people the opportunity to open a their own business nowadays. Renting office space and holding grand openings aren’t requirements anymore, but there are a few crucial steps that you must waddle through. When you go to start a small business, take these considerations into mind:
- Capital. Starting a business requires money. Whether you are renting a building (if that is your business model), entering deposits on utilities, or purchasing necessary office supplies, a fixed startup account is needed. You can always borrow the money from a lender; however, you will want to make sure that you save money for the start up costs as well. This will help show the lender that you are serious about the business. Even in some cases (depending upon the business) you may be able to save all of the financing that you need; therefore, allowing you to stay out of debt from the beginning.
- Start small. Don’t get carried away in the beginning. There is always room for growth later.
- Protect your personal assets. Make sure that you file the proper documentation to keep your business and your personal assets separate.
- Make sure you have a business plan. You must know how and if you will make a profit and know the route that you must take in order for that to be possible.
- Be competitive. You must be competitive in the business world in order to survive. Maintain your competitive edge at all times.
These are just the beginnings of a successful business. We have documented each step thoroughly in previous posts, but these 5 steps are important to keep in mind as you prepare to construct your new business.
January 14th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Right about the time your little business-that-could starts earning money…the big decisions arrive. For this post, we’ll focus on incorporation. And then, the next confusing choice will be deciding on whether to become a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC). After you find the pros and cons of those decisions, you need to decide WHERE to incorporate.
Two Places at Once
Surprisingly, you can live in Wisconsin and be incorporated in Florida. Your business operations could be in California and be recognized in New York! At one point in time, business owners didn’t have this choice, however, that is no longer a problem.
Basically, a business can become incorporated and registered in any state in which they choose. Different states offer different laws on the topic and are governed by different statutes. So, just because you have a business in Nevada you may be able to receive better benefits by becoming a corporate business in another state.
Proper Paperwork
 With all this displacement and jumping around between states, it’s easy to lose track of which licenses, permits and registrations you have completed according to the state’s business codes. We at FindItLocal411 implore you to organize this process as efficiently as possible. Not having the proper licenses and permits can result in fines, the inability to conduct business and more.
Locating and understanding the different licenses and permits that is required for your business can be time consuming result in many headaches. There are businesses out there who offer services in this area. For a small fee, they will locate the different licenses and permits that you need for your particular business, and if you have more than one location for your business, they will handle the paperwork for all of the locations.
Make the Leap
 Becoming a corporate business can be beneficial and can also provide you and your business with additional tax benefits at the end of the year. Also, it helps protect you, as the owner, from having your assets combined in with the business; therefore, if the business is named in a lawsuit or files bankruptcy, your personal assets will not be affected.
Incorporating your Business is a scary step, but it’s not a point of no return. Stay relaxed and keep focusing on your goals. Your hard work and strong product as carried you this far. Grow with wisdom and dedication and don’t let the details get in the way.
January 12th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Starting your own business can be extremely exciting. You can’t wait to open the doors, or even the virtual doors, in order to get your business generating an income. However, before you can do this appropriately you have to have a sound business plan into place. A business plan helps to serve as a blueprint for a business as it helps to guide the direction that you should take. Planning your business start up should entail several key aspects.
Key aspects to planning your business start up:
- Develop a business plan.
- Secure a budget for all key areas, such as marketing, employee compensation, and more.
- Obtain a date for opening the doors.
- Start an advertising campaign prior to opening the doors to let consumers know that your business will soon be opening.
- Use a press release in order to announce the opening.
Planning
These 5 elements will ensure a solid foundation for the start of your new business. Planning, consideration, and more allow you to go into the endeavor with your eyes open and in a professional manner. Not doing things mentioned above can hinder the path that your business may take and can possibly set your business up for failure before you even open the doors.
Like in any business, research and well-guided preparation are strong indicators for success. If you are unable to do any of the above mentioned tasks, there are other businesses out there that specialize in those areas.
There are businesses that can help you develop a business plan, a marketing campaign, write press releases for you, and more. By no means are you expected to have all these things on your to-do list. Handling all these tasks can be very stressful. Obtaining outside help in these key areas can prove to be beneficial in a variety of different ways.
January 7th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Many people have the dream of owning their own business and working for themselves; however, the dream often fades right around the time the risk monster rears its ugly head. Owning a business entails a great deal of risk and oftentimes scares owners away. If your business fails, then essentially you assume all of the financial loss that was associated with the company.
The financial support of one’s family remains atop the list for many in business, so revenues are always a major factor in business ownership; however, by buying a business that already exists you can help to relieve some of the stress.
Buying the Business – What to Consider
Buying a pre-established business will give you a foundation to determine whether the business is profitable enough for you to invest in. Years/months of financial records and market-shares are already functioning, allowing for a more exact assessment of the business’ success.
When purchasing an existing business, make sure that you cover these three elements:
1. Consult an Accountant
Present an accountant with the financial reports in order for you to figure out two main objectives:
A) Can the business be considered a sound investment?
B) Are the financial reports that you have been granted real or forged?
2. Hire a lawyer
In order to make the acquisition as smooth as possible, bring a lawyer to answer your big picture questions. You may even want to consider making your newly purchased business a limited liability company; therefore, you do not personally assume all of the responsibilities that the business will assume. In this case, if the business happens to fail, your personal assets will not be affected. Talk to your lawyer to help weigh the other options that you may have as well. Nolo.com offers several easy-to-read web resources filled with legal advice for small businesses.
3. Consider a contract
A contract that would keep the former owner from opening a competing business within the local area for a determined period of time could also be beneficial.
Buying a business can help take some of the stress out of owning your own business. At least you will know whether or not the business is profitable before taking such a risk; however, that does not mean that the business will stay profitable; therefore, you need to try to run the business in the same manner as it had been before. After all, it was successful, so the former owners must have been doing something right.
Keeping these three objectives in mind will keep you safe from unforseen damages while you can focus on aquiring a great business.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Not all businesses require a brick-and-mortar office to become successful. As the masses of entrepreneurs grow, there are several types of companies that would work well as an Internet Business for both product and service industries. If prospective business owners begin by understanding how to market this type of business as well as how to most successfully compete with companies that actually have office space, you can learn how to start an internet business.
Step 1 – Get Official
It’s a huge misinterpretation that an Internet Business doesn’t have to jump through the same legal loops and a brick-and-mortar company. There is a very real requirement for any type of business to file with the state for both tax and employment purposes. Just because no one sees your business on Main Street doesn’t mean that you don’t have to exist to both the federal and state government. Your local small business association will help you find and complete the paperwork you need to make your business official.
Step 2 – Put a Face on Your Business
It seems a little redundant to say that an Internet Business needs a website. However, because your website IS your business, you need to be very careful to consider the following points when creating it:
- Use a reputable web designer Be cautious in who you choose to design your site. Have an Intellectual Property attorney look over the contract before you sign to ensure that the site you pay for belongs to your company and includes all the aspects you want for your business.
- Keep SEO in mind in your layout and site building. If your web designer doesn’t know how to include these points, see about finding a web marketing expert to help get your site off the ground the right way.
 Step 3 – Build your Brand
Use Social Media Marketing tools to build your online brand to your target market. Sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn offer powerful tools to business owners looking to connect with their consumer base. Targeted, inexpensive and traceable, they are a vital part of any business marketing plan.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
Have you worked in the corporate sector for many years and found that the rat-race isn’t exactly your idea of the perfect work environment? The job world is drastically different from the scenario our grandparents and parents faced. There is no longer a gold-watch waiting for you at the end of a few decades of service to one company.
Changing of the Guard – The Nomad
The average employee lasts three to five years in one company before moving on for more money, or before the company is forced to “downsize” to improve budgetary standing. Three to five years wouldn’t have gotten three links on that gold watch, but then again, the term “downsizing” was not a regular part of vocabulary 30 years ago either. Therefore, it’s not terribly difficult to understand the boom of online entrepreneurship happening, but what are the specific factors driving the online business boom?
Corporate Insecurity
It’s no surprise that corporate businesses have been struggling of late – just look at the recent bailout programs and business buyouts for proof. With this in mind, many business people have found themselves out of work. They have the skills and they have the experience, but with a flooded job market, the competition more fierce than many expect. Going the route of the entrepreneur and starting an online business can be often done with minimal starting capital and networks forged through the corporate sector.
Low Overhead/Global Access
If your service can be done online, or your product can be sold globally, then beginning an online business, even as a part time venture, offers many people a low-cost way to bring in extra income while opening up their market base to the entire world.
Great Office Space
Ever dreamed of working from home? Online business owners can work from their home office, their sofa or their porches. They can work in their pajamas and at their own set schedule. Keep in mind however, that the hours can be just as long when working from home. Many online businesses work with clients all around the world, so their schedules become your schedules in some instances.
Time to Act!
Entrepreneurs are notorious for recognizing a great opportunity when they see one. We certainly agree with that statement and urge you to recognize the opportunity before you now. There are a number of success stories in this sector — from college students who wanted control of their careers, to executives offering consulting services. Whatever your scenario, you can find a way.
December 17th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
As you celebrate your patent for your new business product, you may experience an overwhelming thought. Don’t worry…that should be happening. Holding the patent isn’t enough. The standard plan is to promote it to retailers, consumers and distributors for both direct sale and licensing agreements. It’s a daunting task, but there are several routes you can take involving social media, PR and memberships with trade organizations.
Social Media Promotions
LinkedIn is a powerful Business to Business (B2B) social media site that allows business product sellers to connect with businesses that would be interested in their products as direct sales reps or distributors. We suggest this tactic with caution though; cold-contacting LinkedIn users isn’t recommended. You must first build a relationship or start a conversation before jumping into the nuts and bolts of sales representation.
By creating a business profile on LinkedIn and joining groups within your niche as well as those that would include the businesses you plan to market to, you have the ability to directly promote your product to the key members of your target market.
For example, if you are selling a drink-related product, researching groups targeted to the beverage industry and retailers or distributors within that niche is a great way to start. Once you have joined these groups, take the time to introduce your product directly to your target market.
Public Relations: It Still Works!
Public Relations is not going anywhere. The vast influx of social media and search engine optimization isn’t replacing the PR industry, it’s merely adding more tools to the field. Press Releases are still a viable form of promotions to keep your industry and market aware of goings on with your business and news about your business product. Using both online and print media as a vehicle for information about your business is an effective way to build brand awareness and attract potential buyers.
ASI – Advertising Specialty Institute
 As a business product supplier, the easiest way to get your product in front of thousands of potential buyers and distributors is by joining the Advertising Specialty Institute or ASI. Boasting connections with more than 130,000 distribution sales people, this organization is the largest marketing organization in the specialty product industry. Membership opens up contact potential to all their members and is the easiest way to open up the floodgates for your products distribution.
Little Steps, Big Gain
Whatever technique or strategy you choose to implement, know that getting the word out is vital to the success fo your patented product. Anytime you make a connection with a peer or sales representative, think of it as a step in the right direction. Each tiny step is part of one big leap.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:57 am
 Whatever happened to that mild Fall? Winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21st, but if you’re living in the Great Lakes region, Winter has arrived. Feet of snow have appeared on our streets like an unwelcome guest to dinner…and unlike those guests, you can’t wine ‘em and dine ‘em away. With the un-relentless Winter weather upon us, you may have forgotten how to find warmth in your day to day life. FindItLocal is here to remind you of a few simple tips to stay warm this winter.
Plan Ahead
Preparing yourself for the cold temperatures is the best way to avoid that unwelcome chill. With new smart-phone technologies, constant updates online and regularly scheduled weather alerts from your traditional tv weatherman, planning ahead has never been easier. Add these weather check-ups to your regular routine (yes that may mean waking up a few minutes earlier) and you won’t be caught in a snowstorm wearing just a fleece.
Gear Up
This is the perfect time of year to acquire the essentials for Midwestern Winter living. Whether you’re 15 or 75, asking for winter clothes is never a bad decision when it comes to your Holiday Wish List. New innovations in thermal-living are made each year, so why not stay up on the trends to protect your health? Guarding your face, ears and feet against the cold can significantly improve your outlook on low temperatures.
Your Car Gets Cold Too!
The family car is often treated as a sanctuary this time of year as you and your loved ones dash to and from the vehicle to spend as little time as possible in the winter wind. If you want more from your car (and especially it’s heater) this time of year, make sure you step up your game as well.
- Mind the parking signs – Midwestern streets are notorious for their hidden “No Parking when Snowing” parking rules. If you are new to your city, make sure you’re aware of any parking limitations that may not be noted on street signs.
- Plowed In – How many times have you been late to work because your car was covered in snow by the plow? Learn from those mistakes and find a parking garage close to your home when blizzards are approaching.
- Tools – In case you do get plowed in, or find your iced over by frost, make sure your equipped to fight back. We suggest packing your car with an ice-scraper and light-weight shovel, along with the usual emergency kit, this winter.
Conserve Heat
Keeping the heat you have is crucial to warding off old man Winter’s clutches. Bundle up when you go outside, but bundle up your home as well. Paying for heat is an expense many families forget about this time of year and the unforeseen financial burden can disrupt other budgeted items. You can eliminate wasted heat by covering your windows with plastic insulation. The saran-wrap-like material prevents heat from escaping, and also keeps the cold drafts from entering your home. Additionally, keeping furniture away from the heater inside your home will allow warmth to circulate your home more easily.
Stay Warm!
As you can probably remember by now, gone are the carefree summer and fall days of dashing out the door at a moment’s notice. If you don’t look like the Michelin Man every time you walk out the door, the cold will find it’s way in. Winter can be a fun time for everyone if we take the time to ready ourselves for chilly temperatures with the proper preparations. Please include your wintery tips in the comment section. Happy Holidays!
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