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One of the easiest ways to grow American minority-owned businesses is to sell products and services to people outside the U.S.

How To Get Help Growing Your Business
Posted: 8/19/2010

(NAPSI) - When it comes to expanding your business globally, minority-owned firms have a natural competitive advantage--and a new initiative may further improve their chances at success.

The minority business community has a great advantage in the global market--due in large part to language capabilities, cultural compatibility, ancestral ties and business agility.

President Obama's National Export Initiative (or NEI) calls for doubling U.S. exports within five years. Under the NEI, there will be more credit available for exporters, more government trade promotion and a sharper focus on knocking down the barriers that prevent U.S. companies from getting free and open access to foreign markets.

The goal of the NEI is to increase the number of small, medium-sized and minority-owned firms exporting to more than one market by 50 percent over the next five years. The initiative also hopes to focus attention on exporting to emerging markets, and identifying market opportunities in fast-growing sectors such as environmental goods and services, renewable energy, health care and biotechnology.

More than 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside the U.S. and one of the easiest ways to grow American minority-owned businesses is to sell products and services to people outside the border of the United States. To assist minority-owned firms in breaking into global markets, MBDA Business Centers work with a variety of partners to help create strategies for growth.

To help grow your export business, MBDA recommends you:

• Look at industry trends and know your position within the domestic market prior to establishing an international business strategy.

• Research the global market for your products and services.

• Determine the effects of exporting on your current operations.

• Outline what resources you will need to successfully execute your export strategy.

• Familiarize yourself with various global distribution channels.

• Contact an MBDA Business Center to assist you. There are more than 45 Centers nationwide. Visit www.mbda.gov to locate a Center near you.

Sandpoint, Idaho, has fostered a number of successful entrepreneurial ventures, including Litehouse Dressings and Coldwater Creek, which have grown to become large national companies.

Tips For Being A Successful Entrepreneur In A Challenging Economy
Posted: 8/12/2010

(NAPSI)-Jobs are few and far between these days, so more people are hanging out their own shingle and starting a business.

But not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. Hours can be long, starting up can be expensive and there's no guarantee for success. But for many, the satisfaction of being their own boss is priceless.

"The rewards of successfully operating a business are phenomenal," says Jim Hogge, a business adviser in one of the most entrepreneurial states in the country--Idaho, which ranks fifth in the nation for new startup businesses.

Hogge, director of Idaho's Small Business Development Centers, says certain factors need to come together in order for entrepreneurs to be successful.

So what does it take to be an entrepreneur?

Here are some questions to ask yourself before starting a business:

1. Can you be a leader? Do you have the vision, passion, discipline, organizational skills and the motivation to work through the good and bad times?

2. The average entrepreneur works 67 hours per week. Are you willing to devote the time to make the venture successful?

3. The founder typically provides 25−35 percent of the funds needed to start a business. Do you have access to this much money?

4. Do you have experience in operating this type of business or a similar business? It is challenging to start a business without having to learn everything about the business as you go.

5. Entrepreneurship is a family endeavor. The business will initially take much of your time and can be a lonely journey. Will your family provide the support you will need?

6. Is your location helping you? Choosing a place with low taxes, access to university assistance, a dedicated workforce and low energy and business costs is more important than ever when every dollar counts.

"The entrepreneur can build something that is enduring and financially rewarding," says Hogge. "Most importantly, there is a great deal of enjoyment, satisfaction and even fun in building your own business."

To learn more, visit www.commerce.idaho.gov/building-your-business.

Solutions for Small Business is unlocking the secrets to entrepreneurial success.

The Secret To A Successful Small Business
Posted: 8/5/2010

(NAPSI)-Small businesses are rapidly becoming large forces in the market.

According to U.S. Small Business Administration administrator Karen Mills, "Small businesses are a key engine for job creation across the country." They are reaching larger audiences in a more targeted manner. Their small size and correspondingly simpler organizational charts often let them leverage technological developments more quickly and to greater tactical advantage than those in larger organizations.

For example, adapting to Web-based computing where shared resources such as software and information are provided on demand needs less staff and infrastructure, both of which are more entrenched in larger organizations, thereby requiring staff buying and training.

With fierce competition amid the backdrop of an economic downturn, smart business decision makers know they must employ cutting-edge technology solutions to help with customer acquisition and customer retention and to achieve organizational success. Yet, according to the Yellow Pages Association, more than half of small businesses say that generating new customers is a challenge for them.

As a whole, small businesses are frequently claiming a bigger piece of the market by harnessing some of the innovative Web-based business tools and services available from cable companies.

While today's small businesses may be cutting back in all aspects, there is help for entrepreneurs who want to remain viable and competitive. Small-business executives are discovering a wealth of battle-tested solutions to help them market their products and services, raise capital and boost employee productivity through webcasts, podcasts, case studies and white papers, all free from America's top cable companies at www.solutionsforsmallbusiness.com, so they can gain an edge over their competition.

Small Businesses Make Something Big Of Themselves

Small Businesses Make Something Big Of Themselves
Posted: 7/29/2010

(NAPSI)-More and more small-business owners have their heads in the clouds these days--and that's a good thing.

That's because Internet-based, "cloud" computing and communications services accessible from any PC and from any location are now available at a fraction of the cost of hardware alternatives. These solutions offer small businesses tremendous flexibility and productivity advantages while eliminating the burden of managing and supporting costly, premises-based equipment.

It helps that one company known for developing innovative business communications services offers a powerful cloud communications solution that lets subscribers manage day-to-day communications online from any Web browser. This enhances business productivity while reducing overhead expense by providing integrated, one-stop access to an affordable suite of essential communications tools.

The 8x8 Virtual Office Pro cloud communications solution features an easy-to-use online dashboard that enables:

• Unlimited local and long-distance VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calling (plus advanced PBX calling features) from a PC, iPhone or desk phone;

• A visual overview and online control of business calling activity;

• One-click access to contacts and co-workers;

• Video Web conferencing with call recording and archiving;

• Unlimited faxes;

• Presence management that tells workers whether you're logged in, logged off, on the phone, off the phone or currently unavailable;

• A comprehensive view of all voice mails, recordings, fax messages, calls and chat history.

According to Matthias Machowinski, directing analyst for enterprise voice and data at Infonetics Research, "From our IP PBX survey, it appears businesses are increasingly embracing a hosted services model to more easily ramp their capacity needs up and down without a huge cash layout for equipment."

With hosted services like 8x8 Virtual Office Pro, priced at under $50 per user, a company's administration and use of its everyday communications tools are now as simple as sending an e-mail or clicking a contact name to place a call. This is further enhanced by the efficiency and productivity advantages associated with having supplemental communications capabilities from a single provider right at your fingertips.

For additional information, visit www.8x8.com or call (866) 879-8647.

Businesses of any size can save money and gain access to valuable communications services simply and affordably.

Franchises offer their franchisees education and support.

Want Your Own Business? Consider a Franchise
Posted: 4/17/2010

(NewsUSA) - Entrepreneurs hoping to become their own boss know that it can be difficult to get a leg up in the business world. But there are ways to improve the chances of success. For example, purchasing a franchise allows Americans to enjoy the freedom of business ownership with fewer risks.

United Franchise Group (www.unitedfranchisegroup.com), which encompasses successful franchises such as Signarama, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection and Plan Ahead Events, exemplifies some of the benefits of purchasing a franchise.

• Franchises provide proven business models. With a first business, it stands to reason that your business model will need adjustments. But when you purchase a franchise, you buy a business that knows how to operate. Franchises have a track record of success.
  
  
• Franchises come with built-in name recognition. Any successful franchise has spent years building its brand name and gaining public recognition. That means that the public immediately trusts new franchise locations. Instead of spending time and energy just getting the word out, you can devote yourself to running your business.
  
  
• Franchises offer financial advantages. Franchises can buy items in bulk, reducing costs for individual locations. Additionally, banks may be more willing to provide funding for a franchise than an independent business.
  
  
• Franchises offer training and support. For example, UFG employs a group of trained support specialists who travel to stores around the world to assist in everything from basic operation to business development. UFG also uses a mentorship program to help new franchisees. The company selects highly successful franchisees to advise new stores on opening, technical questions and other issues, as well as to provide motivation.
  
  

If owning a business sounds attractive, buying a franchise might just be the way to go. But it's important to do your research. For additional facts about UFG, visit www.unitedfranchisegroup.com.

Summer Tax Tips: Does the IRS Owe You Money

Sacramento – Who couldn’t use a little extra cash this summer! The IRS may have some money for you.

If you have not filed a prior year tax return and are due a refund, you should consider filing the return to claim that refund. If you are missing a refund for a previously filed tax return, you should contact the IRS to check the status of your refund and confirm your current address.

Unclaimed Refunds

Some people may have had taxes withheld from their wages but were not required to file a tax return because they had too little income. Others may not have had any tax withheld but would be eligible for the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.

• To collect this money a return must be filed with the IRS no later than three years from the due date of the return.
• If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.
• There is no penalty assessed by the IRS for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.
• Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the Forms and Publications web page of IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
• Information about the Earned Income Tax Credit and how to claim it is also available on IRS.gov.

Undeliverable Refunds

Were you expecting a refund check but didn't get it?

• Refund checks are mailed to your last known address. Checks are returned to the IRS if you move without notifying the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service.
• You may be able to update your address with the IRS on the “Where’s My Refund?” feature available on IRS.gov. You will be prompted to provide an updated address if there is an undeliverable check outstanding within the last 12 months.
• You can also ensure the IRS has your correct address by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, which is available on IRS.gov or can be ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
• If you do not have access to the Internet and think you may be missing a refund, you should first check your records or contact your tax preparer. If your refund information appears correct, call the IRS toll-free assistance line at 800-829-1040 to check the status of your refund and confirm your address.

New City Website Is Business Relocation & Job Growth Tool

“Prospector” is the name of a new City of Rancho Cordova on-line project. Economic Development staff members are not prospecting for gold but are using an innovative website to attract job growth and businesses to Rancho Cordova.

Located at www.RanchoCordovaProspector.com, the website is an interactive mapping tool that provides site selection information regarding available commercial, retail, and industrial properties plus economic statistics.

Users simply enter basic data such as their space needs and then with a click of a button, they are able to rapidly tailor maps and reports to suit their needs and access data that would normally take weeks to collect and thousands of dollars to obtain from specialty data researchers. Available reports include demographics, consumer expenditures, and business and workforce data.

The City has partnered with local commercial brokers to provide the most current and comprehensive data on local properties within City limits and along the Highway 50 corridor from Bradshaw Road to Hazel Avenue. Because Prospector uses Geographic Information System technology, it is more powerful than typical websites.

More than 200 local properties have been uploaded to the new site, about twice as much data as similar sites in the Sacramento region. And more than 1,200 postcards and emails have been sent to brokers, site selectors, and consultants to promote Prospector, both locally and nationally.

“By using Prospector, a business is able to analyze and evaluate the site-specific advantages and opportunities of each business location,” explained Micah Runner who headed up the Prospector project for the City.

Any commercial broker, property owner, developer, or similar realtors can list available commercial or industrial properties at no cost by calling (916) 851-8700 or emailing econdev@cityofranchocordova.org.

“Our goal is to simplify the process of working with City government when preparing for relocation and expansion decisions,” said Curt Haven, Economic Development director for the City of Rancho Cordova. “Prospector links interested parties with available sites and valuable data – quickly, easily, and free of charge.” Since its incorporation in 2003, more than $1.3 billion has been invested in the City from both public and private parties. Prospector is another tool to maintain and attract job growth in Rancho Cordova.

“With Prospector, we are now open and ready for business on-line,” said Haven. For additional information about Prospector, please contact Runner at (916) 851-8700 or at mrunner@cityofranchocordova.org.

By Helen Brewer, Public Information Office, City of Rancho Cordova

Growth Potential in Q3 and Special Report:
What ‘Perks’ Do HR Managers Really Want?
IR-2008-77, June 6, 2008

Hiring Trends Third Quarter 2008
Sacramento companies are expecting to hire more in the 3rd Quarter. Pacific Staffing has learned that fifty-nine percent (59%) of Sacramento’s top companies plan to hire in this Quarter. Twenty-two percent (22%) percent attribute their motivation for hiring to expand their workforce in July, August and September. In direct phone polls of 100 top regional companies, human resource contacts report plans to hire more added workers in Q3 2008 than were hired in the previous quarter (16%), or at this same time last year (14%). Most Third Quarter is still motivated by the need for replacements, forty-one percent (41%) are hiring for expected attrition while eighteen percent (18%) seek workers for seasonal needs.

The expected number of companies planning to reduce their workforce in the upcoming quarter has also fallen since the last Employment Trends Survey in April. Eight percent (8%) of companies polled in June say they will reduce their workforce. Seven percent (7%) say it’s slow business prompting the expected layoffs.

Workforce Challenge?
Thirteen percent (13%) of those polled say helping employees cope and reducing company costs for gasoline is their primary headache in the near future.

100 Sacramento Regional Top Companies By Industry: 35% are Service, 37% are Manufacturers, 19% are Construction and 9% are Retail

Who? What? When? Where?
Sacramento employers are seeking qualified technical skills, sales, customer service, manufacturing, warehouse and shipping experience in Third Quarter.

For more information & previous workplace hiring surveys go to ww.pacificstaffing.com.

Make a Wish: What ‘perks’ do Sacramento Human Resource managers want?
When offered the choice of bonus money, more vacation, a larger office, more staff, a company car or something they might suggest, what did they choose most often?

When asked to ‘make a wish’ about incentives on the job, HR pros in Sacramento wanted more paid time off! Vacation was selected by twenty-nine percent (29)% of those polled, while another twenty-eight percent (28%) went for bonus money. No one wanted a larger office, but eight percent (8%) of the human resource managers asked for more staff. Three percent (3%) chose the company car.

Most interesting were suggestions offered by those polled. The ability to manage their own work through flextime came up frequently in all industry sectors. Others suggested job security, better recognition for work done well, medical benefits for dependents, 401 K employer matching, and one just wanted a gas card!

IRS Adds Functions to Online Payment Agreement Application
IR-2008-77, June 6, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today introduced several new features to the interactive Online Payment Agreement application , which will make it easier for taxpayers and their authorized representatives to make changes to existing installment agreements.The system will now permit:· Individuals to revise their payment due dates and/or amounts on existing agreement

• Individuals to revise existing extensions to regular installment agreements and direct debit installment agreements.
• Individuals to revise existing regular installment agreements to a payroll deduction installment agreement or a direct debit installment agreement.
• Practitioners with valid authorizations to use the signature date found on their approved Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, or the caller ID as an alternate way to authenticate when requesting agreements for clients.

More than 75 percent of those eligible for an installment agreement can establish one using the online application, according to the IRS. Since launching in October 2006, more than 30,000 taxpayers have successfully used it to set up a payment agreement.Eligible taxpayers who owe $25,000 or less in combined tax, penalties and interest can self-qualify, apply and receive immediate notification of approval for installment agreements – including pre-assessed agreements on tax year 2007 Form 1040 liabilities and paperless direct debit agreements.Paying taxes on time and in full avoids unnecessary penalties and interest. However, taxpayers who cannot pay in full may request a payment agreement. To be eligible, a taxpayer must first file all required tax returns and be current with estimated tax payments, if applicable.

El Dorado Savings Bank Celebrates 50 Years in Business!

During the week of June 16-20 El Dorado Savings Bank will be celebrating 50 years in business at all 35 branches in Northern California and Northern Nevada. El Dorado Savings Bank opened its first branch in Placerville at 448 Main Street on January 3, 1958. In the following 50 years El Dorado has expanded to 32 branches in Northern California and three in Northern Nevada. The bank now employees 350, has a local call center, Internet banking, assets of over $1.5 billion and has been awarded a 5 star rating from BauerFinanial every year since 1993. El Dorado is also the largest locally owned bank in the greater Sacramento area.

“We offer all the services of a large bank with the friendly, personal service of a neighborhood bank,” stated Tom Meuser, Chairman of the Board and CEO. “Many of our customers and employees have been with us over 20 years”, he added. “We’d like to thank them all for making our first 50 years so successful and we hope they continue on with us for the next 50”.

The celebration will include refreshments Monday, June 16th through Friday, June 20th, with lunch being served on Thursday, June 19th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A drawing for a $500 savings bond will be held at each branch on Friday afternoon, June 20th. Entry blanks will be available at all 35 branches throughout the week.

Ormand Named VP of IT at Heald College

Roseville, CA, May 12, 2008 – Heald College today announced Matt Ormond, Citrus Heights resident, has been named Vice President of Information Technology (IT). In this role, Ormond will be responsible for overseeing Heald’s engineering efforts, including campus IT operations, network services and application support.

Ormond has worked in Heald’s IT Department for 10 years. He started with Heald in 1998 as an adjunct faculty member preparing students for advanced certification in Microsoft Windows technology. In 1999, he became the network administrator for Heald’s Sacramento campus. Ormond has also worked as the regional IT manager, overseeing six campuses; as the IT manager, overseeing all 11 of Heald’s campuses; and most recently as the director of IT.

“Matt’s commitment and contributions to the success of our students and the College are exemplary examples of what Heald College is all about,” said Nolan A. Miura, president and CEO. “Matt’s management and IT experience, as well as being a Heald graduate, make him a perfect fit for this position. I am looking forward to additional contributions from Matt as he moves Heald’s IT Department forward.”

Ormond graduated from the Sacramento Heald Institute of Technology in 1994 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in electronics technology and received an Associate of Applied Science degree in networking technology from Heald in 1996. Ormond received his Bachelor of Science degree in management from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

About Heald College
Founded in 1863, Heald College is a private career college, with 11 campuses in the western United States. Its mission is to provide career-focused programs in healthcare, technology and business that prepare students for workplace success in the shortest practical time – generally 18 months or less. Heald College offers associate degrees, short-term diplomas, and certification training programs, and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). For more information, please call 1-800-88-HEALD or visit www.heald.edu.

The Future of Telephone Technology
New Internet Calling Opportunity - Great for Stay-at-Home Moms

(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) - It wasn't long ago that rotary phones were in fashion. These days, the internet is a growing means of telephone communication. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) companies, which offer internet telecommunications services are growing rapidly.

One company, called VIPConnectz!, offers these international internet-based telephone services for individuals and small businesses. The company uses a flat-rate fee for all international calls, taking the guess-work out of global calling.

"VOIP is a billion dollar industry," said Leon Gillis, who is affiliated with VOIP company VIPConnectz!." Some analyst seem to think that in the future all telephone calls will be made over the internet because of the low cost."

In a recent corporate call, Gillis discussed just how many multi-millionaires will be created by this new technology and how those who are involved early will have the greatest earning potential.

"Imagine calling across the world by using the power of the internet and knowing exactly how much it will cost," said Gillis. "There is a reason this new technology is growing rapidly - we are connecting the world."

The company uses affiliate marketing to spread the word, which also allows individuals to tap into this growing phenomenon, while earning extra income.

"Stay at home moms in particular are very excited about this opportunity," said Gillis. "Anyone who could use extra income will be enthusiastic when they hear the details."

Affiliates receive a monthly residual income for direct sales. They also receive income from independent sales representatives and managers. A compensation plan, and several bonuses - including for signing up - are exciting for affiliates.

"This is a way we share this new technology with those who want more than the average work day - for people whose dreams are bigger than that," said Gillis.

Contact Leon Gillis by calling 719-574-4005 or go to his web site www.vipconnectz.com.

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