While running a small business, there may come a time when you need a job done, but you don’t want to bring someone on full time to do it. This is where an independent contractor steps in.

The definition of an independent contractor has recently been disputed in a Utah courtroom. Read more about this story and the results of the charge and appeal in the Salt Lake Tribune.

For more help in determining whether a person who works for you is an employee or independent contractor, read IRS publication 15a.

Recommended Reading:
Employee or Independent Contractor?
Independent Contractor VS. Employee - State of Missouri
IRS.gov - Independent Contractors vs. Employees

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Many business owners cringe at the idea of attending an event where you know nobody — and are expected to get to know as many people as possible. It’s a part of business, and a fear that some of us have to overcome to be successful. Like it or not, conducting business requires a little face-to-face time.

Australian author Mary Morel offers some advice on this topic in her article “Network Your Way to the Top”.

You will probably get most out of networking if you choose a few networking groups and go to their meetings regularly. The more often you attend networking events, the stronger relationships you build and the more you enjoy yourself.

As with any marketing, you will get better results if you take a strategic approach. Networking events aren’t the place for a sales pitch, though you may give someone your business card and possibly your brochure.

Network Your Way to the Top

Recommended Reading:
Get People Talking About You
Top 10 Networking Skills for 2005
Networking Strategies for Shy Professionals
8 Ways to Use Business Cards to Network and Market Your Business

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I remember the time before I started my own business. I was stuck in the rat race spending 40 hrs a week making other people wealthy.

Do you have a special talent that you could monetize? Do you have the ability to fulfill the needs of thousands (even millions) of people?

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1) Offer a service you know people want.
2) Take the time to establish yourself.
3) Don’t rush to quit your job until you save some money.
4) No matter what your field, contracts are important.
5) Establish an accounting system.

How to Freelance Your Expertise

Recommended Reading:
Making it as a Freelancer Journalist
Evolt.org - Freelancing Tips
Building Your Freelance Business on a Shoestring Budget

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Your identity is an extension of your business that communicates visually, through appearance, and emotionally, through symbolism. Curtailing or ignoring thought, revision, and growth in the design process will hurt your finished product and corporate image.

Have a graphic artist professionally create your logo based on how you want your customers to view your company. For instance, when the GreatFX logo you see above was designed, I wanted something that would show speed, quality, and modernism. The end result was a design that only took a few revisions before we had a winner.

Having a logo created professionally may cost a bit more in the short term, but will pay off multiple times in the long run. A professional logo is one of the best investments a business owner can make!

I Hate My Logo! What You Should Get For Your Money and Why

Recommended Reading:
The Importance of a Logo
Logo Design Articles
More Logo Design Articles

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Many people think branding has to do specifically with product design. While product design helps facilitate the branding process, branding is actually much more intricate.

Branding starts with your consumers brains and not with your product design. Branding is not how your product looks. Nor is it how your consumer feels and perceives your product. Nope. Branding is making your consumers think that there is no other product except yours!

Recommended Reading:
Building Own Brand Important for Small Companies
What is Branding?

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Are you getting maximum benefit from networking events you attend? If not, try taking a look at how you are promoting yourself. Is your business card specific or interesting enough to help make a good first impression?

Here are some tips from Vannie Ryanes of BellaOnline.com, an editorial site with a focus on women’s issues.

Make sure you have a proper business cards. You card should be:

• Clean and unmarked with neat edges.
• In a business card case or clean briefcase pocket.
• Up-to-date information; no hand-written changes.
• Suitable for your line of business; simple/extravagant.
• If you have several businesses have an appropriate card.
• A double-sided card is perfect for multiple businesses.
• Readily available. You should not have to search for your card.

Recommended Reading:

• Five Ideas for Keeping Business Cards Handy
• Ivan Misner: Networking
• Networking for Shy People

Tags: networking events, business card, business cards, businesses, Networking

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In business, the image your company emanates directly influences a client’s first impression. After time, a corporate identity can become worn or dated. First, research your target market and build off what you learn. Understand what your clients want so that you can deliver it via your marketing mediums.

Freshening up your business cards, brochures, postcards, stationery and web pages will help shine a different light on your company.

Supplemental Links:
M&O Marketing Consultants - How to Improve Your Corporate Image
Stelzner Consulting - Identity Makeover Examples

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Trade shows offer a perfect opportunity for a business owner to scope out their competition.

Think about it… all of them gathered in one place at one time displaying their latest and greatest products or services. Even if you don’t speak with a booth representative, you can still walk away with a gold mine of information just by inspecting the booth and taking a presentation packet.

Just by virtue of being at the show, your competitors are sharing the following information:

1) Who they are.
2) What their reputation and image is in the marketplace.
3) Part of their sales and marketing strategy.

For more tips on investigating your competition (including how to get juicy information) please visit the link below.

Source:
TheTradeShowCoach.com

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Quite simply, the business model is an explanation of how a company will generate revenue to meet your expenses and earn a profit. It also explains the sources of the company’s revenues, how much these sources pay and how often.

Is your sales product or service based? Based on this question, here are several types of business models that you could implement or enhance to further your income.

Fee for Service Models:
1) Day Rate
2) Project Fee
3) Monthly Retainer

Product-Based Models:
1) Flat Fee
2) Subscription
3) Bait and Hook

If you aren’t earning as much as you would like through your business, the marketing plan may not be at fault. Take a look at your business model and determine if changes are needed.

Source:
GetClientsNow.com

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How many of you have used a credit card for a business expense? With credit card companies aggressively offering easy approval with sizable credit limits it’s understandable why many people do this.

Banks put small business owners through the wringer before lending money. … if the banks want to lend responsibly, look at it from your own point of view: why would you want to borrow irresponsibly? Because that’s exactly what using your personal credit card can be.

Bottom line: be responsible and use the credit card(s) sparingly. Your business will be much stronger, and you will be much happier.

Source:
ShropshireStar.com (U.K.)

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With the recent hurricane barrage on US coasts, we are reminded that natural disasters can cause more than just property damage.

The winds also can blow in armies of fly-by-night contractors and door-to-door scam artists eager to capitalize on the misfortunes of innocent people.

The California Department of Insurance has put together this preparation guide for yourself and your business in the event of a natural disaster. It focuses on hiring an honest contractor to rebuild your home/business.

Source:
California Department of Insurance

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When it comes to business, who you know is almost everything. Networking yourself is an essential business practice that everyone should take part in. Why? Because quality business relationships can turn into profitable opportunities.

Here are five strategies to make networking profitable:

1) Choose the right networking group or event.
2) Focus on quality contacts versus quantity.
3) Make a positive first impression.
4) Be able to clearly state what you do.
5) Follow up after the event.

Networking produces results. The more people that know about you and your business — and trust you — the better chance you have of gaining a new client or free referral.

Source
About.com

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When starting a new business, preparation is half the battle. Arm yourself with the knowledge of what your target clients want and you will be able to deliver it to them much faster and more effectively.

Lack of research in your target market is like playing darts in the dark. You might hit the target occasionally, but more than likely, you’ll fall short and end up with a bunch of holes to fix.

When you have a clear picture of what your target market is truly looking for, you’ll be able to package your services as a solution. Design all your marketing tools - web site, brochure, telemarketing script, sales presentation - to show how your service addresses the hot buttons you identified.

Source:
HealthyWealthynWise.com

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