Rule of Thumb for Business

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Six common types of business insurance

Six common types of business insurance

After you purchase insurance that’s required by law, you can find insurance to cover any other business risk. As a general rule, you should insure against things you wouldn’t be able to pay for on your own.

  Speak to insurance agents to find out what kinds of coverage makes sense for your business, and compare terms and prices to find the best deal for you. Here are six common kinds of business…

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Use market research to find customers

Use market research to find customers. #customers #markets #smallbusiness

Market research blends consumer behavior and economic trends to confirm and improve your business idea.

  It’s crucial to understand your consumer base from the outset. Market research lets you reduce risks even while your business is still just a gleam in your eye.

  Gather demographic information to better understand opportunities and limitations for gaining customers. This could include…

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What is a Popup

What is a Popup Shop? #handmade #sales #popupshop

What is a popup shop? PopUp shop is the temporary use of physical space to create a long term, lasting impression with potential customers. A pop-up shop allows you to communicate your brand’s promise to your customers through the use of a unique and engaging physical environment while creating an immersive shopping experience.

  What are the advantages of having a PopUp Shop?

Additional Revenue…

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Create a Personal Brand

Create a Personal Brand. #branding #smallbusiness

Creating a personal brand can be a intimidating task. And one of the easiest ways to get lost in the process is to not know how to start. Even Oprah Winfrey began by going through several reiterations before defining her voice into one of the most influential personal brands in the world.

In both our “FameBook” cultural shift and evolving job market, it’s both helpful and necessary to stand…

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How to get your EIN or Federal ID Number the right way

How to get your EIN or Federal ID Number the right way

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses who have employees or are registered as a corporation, LLC or partnership need an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online at IRS.gov.  This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service and you can get your EIN immediately.

Be…

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Iowa Western SBDC Offers No Cost Help For Businesses Affected by SW Iowa Floods

Iowa Western SBDC Offers No Cost Help For Businesses Affected by SW Iowa Floods

Floods and other unexpected disasters can devastate a business. The Iowa Western SBDC is here for all businesses affected and can help in any capacity to help avoid further distress and get businesses back on track to growing. Please share this information with any businesses who has flooding or will lose business because of road access.

WE are available to visit one on one to assist with any…

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Before Opening that Bank Account

Before Opening that Business Bank Account . . #smallbusiness

As soon as you start accepting or spending money as your business, you should open a business bank account. Common business accounts include a checking account, savings account, credit card account, and a merchant services account. Merchant services accounts allow you to accept credit and debit card transactions from your customers.

You can open a business bank account once you’ve gotten…

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Stay On Track

Stay On Track! #SmallBusiness #Goals

Having goals for things we want to do and working towards them is an important part of being human. Goals big and small can be the stepping-stones to a successful business and the way you set them can make a difference to achieving them. The path towards our goals may not always run smoothly or be easy.  It is important to use the SMART method of developing and setting your goals:

Specific:  S…

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Be SMART

Having goals for things we want to do and working towards them is an important part of being human. Goals big and small can be the stepping-stones to a successful business and the way you set them can make a difference to achieving them. The path towards our goals may not always run smoothly or be easy.  It is important to use the SMART method of developing and setting your goals:

Specific:  Spec…

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Is a trademark application right for you?

Is a trademark application right for you?

Trademarks, patents, copyrights, domain names, and business name registrations all differ, so it is important to learn whether a trademark is appropriate for you.A trademark typically protects brand names and logos used on goods and services. A patent protects an invention. A copyright protects an original artistic or literary work. For example, if you invent a new kind of vacuum cleaner, you…

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Be Your Own Boss in 2019

Be Your Own Boss in 2019. #SmallBusiness #Imdboss

Are you dreaming of starting a small business? The Iowa Western Community College SBDC is offering FREE workshops titled “Smart Start” at various times in February. In addition, the SBDC will offer “FastTrac®”, a hands on 4 week/8 hour in March 2019. FastTrac® will give participants the ability to collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs as well as hands on learning as they build their business…

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Cybersecurity is critical to all businesses. #smallBusiness #cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is critical to all businesses, especially small businesses. In order to understand cybersecurity, we’ll begin our Cybersecurity Basics with some definitions, why cybersecurity is relevant to small businesses, and a review of some of the legal requirements associated with data security and consumer privacy.

Cybersecurity Basics Terminology

Cyberspace is the global interdependent…

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Use market research to find customers

Use market research to find Small Business customers #Smallbusiness #marketing

Market research blends consumer behavior and economic trends to confirm and improve your business idea.

It’s crucial to understand your consumer base from the outset. Market research lets you reduce risks even while your business is still just a gleam in your eye.

Gather demographic information to better understand opportunities and limitations for gaining customers. This could include…

View On WordPress

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Managing Business Credit

Establishing and managing business credit can help your company secure financing when you need it, and with better terms. Business credit can be crucial for negotiating supply agreements and protecting against business identity theft.

These five steps can lay the groundwork to sound financial planning.

Determine whether you have business credit on file with Dun & Bradstreet

Establish a…

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Selling Your Business

After careful consideration, you may decide selling your business is a good option.  Sound planning can help ensure you cover all your bases.

Use business valuation to set a monetary value before marketing to prospective buyers. You can do a self-evaluation and also seek out a qualified business appraiser.

Accurately value all property and real estate tied to your small business. This can…

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Start with a Balance Sheet

Start with a Balance Sheet. #smallbusiness

The balance sheet is the foundation of managing your finances. It operates as a snapshot of your business financials. It helps you keep track of your capital and provide a cash flow projection for future years.

A balance sheet will help you account for costs like employees and supplies. It will also help you track assets, liabilities, and equity. You can get insights by separating and…

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Starting A Small Business

Starting A Small Business? You Better Check this out. #startups #smallbusiness

Are you dreaming of starting a small business? The Iowa Western Community College SBDC is offering FREE workshops titled “Smart Start” at various times in July and August. In addition, the SBDC will offer “FastTrac®”, a hands on 10 week/30 hour course from September – November 2018. FastTrac® will give participants the ability to collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs as well as hands on learning…

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