Alloy Silverstein - Resource - Business Tips Archive

11/1/2010 - Consider using social media to market your business

Many "older" business owners (defined as anyone over the age of twenty-one) undoubtedly think "social media" websites (such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and hundreds of others) are simply playthings for scatterbrained teenagers. While it's true that Junior is likely using his revved-up cell phone to blog and tweet and who knows what else, it's also true that social media websites can generate real revenue for companies large and small. LinkedIn, for example, is a business-oriented social network for professionals that boasts over 80 million users in 200 countries. Those users represent a huge base of potential customers for businesses willing to learn the ins and outs of social media venues.

10/1/2010 - How to build business credit

Whether your firm has been operating for years, or you decided over last night's coffee to start a new venture, you're sure to face the need for business credit. Entrepreneurs often ask friends and family to invest in their start-up businesses, and many draw on personal funds to launch new firms. But to address ongoing business needs — such as requirements for inventory, equipment, and real estate — most firms seek additional help from credit card companies and banks.

9/1/2010 - More money saving tips for small business

If you're the owner or manager of a small business, you've undoubtedly felt the pain of this economy's ever-so-slow recovery. Demand for your products or services may have dwindled and when revenues are down, businesses need to adjust by tightening their belts. But reducing expenses is a balancing act. Cut costs that make a significant contribution to your income, and you may find revenues declining further. Trim expenses that are "fat" — unnecessary because they don't bolster the bottom line — and your firm can become leaner and better able to compete.

8/23/2010 - Watch out for special rules when making a Roth conversion

Making a Roth conversion this year? Be aware that not all your retirement funds can be converted.

8/16/2010 - Some business meals get a full deduction

Are you watching what you eat at work?

8/9/2010 - DB(k) retirement plans are new this year

Have you heard about Plan X?

7/1/2010 - How to work with vendors when cash is tight

5/1/2010 - Basic financial statements provide important information for your business

4/1/2010 - Manage cash flow in your business

3/1/2010 - Five customer service tips

Loyal customers are worth their weight in gold, and that's not just a cliché. Studies have shown that businesses often spend five to six times more to attract a new customer than to keep an existing one. Over the long term, those dollars add up. In fact, a company's skill at caring for its customers often determines its survivability in the marketplace. Make customers happy and they'll stick with you; disappoint them and they'll tell their friends.

2/1/2010 - Generate new business with an effective trade show display

Showing off your stuff at a trade show can generate new business and help you reach customers that otherwise might pass you by. On the other hand, a hastily constructed and shoddily maintained display booth can drive potential customers away and may even damage your business reputation. In trade show marketing, as in so many other aspects of business, it pays to focus on the details. If you're planning to use a display booth to exhibit products or services, here are five well-tested tips.

2/1/2010 - Need financing for your small business? Look into an SBA loan

If you're a small business owner whose company needs an infusion of cash, the Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to help. A federal agency charged with assisting small businesses, the SBA provides most of its assistance by loan guarantees to lenders. Such guarantees encourage private institutions (mostly banks and credit unions) to lend money to new or struggling businesses. SBA-backed loans, which can run from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, are very flexible. They can be used to finance working capital, equipment, furniture, buildings, and a variety of other business needs.