Posts in category Small Business

Some Tips to Help You Save on Your Internet Bill

Apr 07, 2012 Leave a Comment ~ Written by Jeff Taka

Slow internet in this day and age can be insufferable, but unfortunately, the price of higher-speed internet can be a big roadblock in some people’s lives. It’s understandable that monthly expenses can be difficult to deal with, especially in these trying economic times. There are, however, some solutions that could allow you to get high-speed digital cable or satellite internet without sacrificing more money than you have to.

Although nearly everyone uses the internet in the modern age, not everyone uses it in the same way. Some people simply check their e-mail and browse the news; others enjoy high-quality online gaming, video streaming, and other services. It’s important to diagnose your needs based on what you use the internet for and incorporate that information into your decision-making about internet service deals. If you’re someone who just uses e-mail and Facebook, you probably don’t need the fastest service available, for example.

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Posted in Finance, Technology, Tips And Tricks

The Insurance Implications of Cloud Computing

Apr 05, 2012 Leave a Comment ~ Written by Jeff Taka

cloud computingIf you don’t know what cloud computing insurance is, don’t fret—many people are still getting used to this new and complex form of insurance. That being said, it’s a service that you might be interested in looking into. If you’re dealing in a business that stores some or most of its information virtually, relies on the internet to get work done and make money, or otherwise depends on digital services for its success, then you should investigate some options. Tech insurance may one day save your business.

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Posted in Technology

Putting Together a Startup Marketing Plan

Feb 20, 2012 ~ Written by Jeff Taka

One of the hallmarks to success in any facet of life is the ability to prioritize in an effective manner. Putting the most important things at the top of your to-do list will give you the edge in almost any situation. In the world of business, it’s no different—the successful businesses are those that come up with effective strategies that prioritize the important things to market their products and services in the best way possible. If you simply begin selling your product and expect success without the proper planning, research, and advertising, you’re bound to fall flat on your face. So how do you come up with an effective marketing strategy for your business?

First, you need to define your target market. To whom are you selling your products and services? If you’re in the business of selling an alcoholic beverage, for example, you won’t want to come up with an advertising campaign that targets children. Make your target market both realistic and optimal. Small businesses won’t be able to handle a huge market, and large businesses will struggle with a smaller market. Define your customer base first, and then begin planning the next step.

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Posted in Entrepreneurship

What Are Liquidated Damages

Feb 13, 2012 ~ Written by Jeff Taka

You might hear the term “liquidated damages” a lot when referring to things like delays in construction, but it can be hard to understand exactly what that means. In essence, liquidated damages are the expenses paid by a party—in the case of construction delays, a construction company or individual worker—responsible for the failure to commit to terms laid out in a contract. This assumes that the contract was made within legal standards and in good faith.

A penalty is the contractual agreement made at signing that stipulates what will be paid if a party fails to hold up their end of the contract. The word “penalty”, then, does not refer to the actual losses, but rather to the agreed upon measures for handling any failure that may come up. This is similar to a “fine” for traffic violations, for example.

However, the United States court system has exhibited some confusion in regards to the use of the Liquidated Damages clause. The concern in the case of construction scenarios is that sometimes, the actual losses experienced by a failure or delay are lesser or greater than the penalty stipulated in the contract.

In England and Australia, on the other hand, courts tend to stick rigidly to the terms agreed upon in the contract, instead of considering the possible disparity between the two figures.

Posted in Finance

The Benefits of a Business Coach

Feb 03, 2012 ~ Written by Jeff Taka

daaaa bearsThere’s no shame in needing a little bit of help every now and then. In fact, many of the world’s most respected and competitive environments include coaching systems in place to help individuals maximize their potential, Whether it’s in the world of sports or business, an adviser that can help you realize your capabilities can go a long way in leading you to a better, more satisfying life.

The idea of the business coach is that an outside person with experience and objectivity can help you identify your skills, assess your work environment, and help you get the most out of your job. It’s good for both the employee and the employer, because it produces more confidence and happiness in the employee and better work for the employer.

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Posted in Entrepreneurship, Finance

A Little Bit About Business Mortgages

Jan 30, 2012 ~ Written by Jeff Taka

Anyone who’s looking into purchasing some sort of commercial property will need to understand business mortgages. Whether you’re purchasing property to start a business or you just want to make money on a real estate investment, you’ll need a business mortgage to handle the purchase.

Businesses are divided into different subtypes. “Professional” businesses—which include veterinarians, doctors, solicitors, etc.—are often offered a 100% mortgage. These complete mortgages put the business itself against the loan; you won’t deposit any money. There are certain fees involved with these types of mortgages, so you should look into the different options before making a decision.

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Posted in Banking, Entrepreneurship

The Source of the Entrepreneurial Drive

Jan 06, 2012 ~ Written by Jeff Taka

running your own small businessNot everyone is fit for starting their own business and taking their career by the reins. Some people work better under management and strict schedules in order to accomplish their goals and provide themselves with the means to live happily. There are also people, however, who can’t imagine working for a large entity. They’d rather do things their own way and achieve success through rigorous planning and execution. What separates an entrepreneur from other workers and people of the modern world?

An entrepreneur is not only self-driven, but also self-aware. They are able to anticipate obstacles and concerns along the path do their goals and make the necessary changes and accommodations to handle them before they arise. Entrepreneurs must also be persistent and determined; being easily swayed by signs of trouble does not suit the self-driven businessperson.

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Posted in Entrepreneurship

Allocating Your Time to Create Value

Nov 08, 2011 Leave a Comment ~ Written by Jeff Taka

they say time is moneyPeople in the working world are familiar with the relationship between time and money. In jobs with hourly wages, you’re being paid directly for the time that you devote to your work. The only way to increase your earnings is to either work more hours or earn a raise on your wage. Salaried workers receive a flat payment per year that requires them to devote however much time is necessary to complete their given duties. This could end up being more or less than the average “wage per hour” that compares to their salary.

That being said, there is a disparity in the workplace between those who create value with their time and those who do not. Although productivity can be a slightly subjective term, we can all admit to slacking off now and then on the job. Seemingly harmless activities like checking e-mail or social networking sites, playing a small game, chatting with co-workers, or taking coffee breaks may seem inconsequential, but the time spent not working can really add up. The difference between the worker who spends his or her time valuably and the worker who doesn’t isn’t necessarily just about cutting out all of this downtime, though—it’s about working smarter.

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Posted in Entrepreneurship

Achieving Your Goals as an Entrepreneur and a Person

Nov 03, 2011 ~ Written by Jeff Taka

achieving goals as a teamDefining your objectives is the first step to achieving them. While this may sound like an obvious statement, the idea can easily be lost in the business world. Some businesses begin with a general idea of a plan but fail to set realistic and well-defined goals to work toward. As a result, they end up failing to stay above water. When you’re setting out to run a business of your own, you need to be conscious of your goals and actively strive to achieve them.

The first thing to consider is what you want. It’s obvious that you want to make money, but how do you want to do it? You need to set goals that are both challenging and realistic. Your objectives should include an awareness of the target market and the individuals with whom you will be interacting to accomplish these goals. Whether you are providing a product or a service, working alone or with a group, you need to be aware of your own skills and intentions and make sure that they are in line with the goals you have in mind.

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Posted in Entrepreneurship, Finance