Blue Collar Profits
Posted in: Management | Comments (0)
In business today, most of the attention is paid to the sales staff. They win bonuses and are awarded trips because, Nothing Happens Until Something Is Sold. Ignored are the Blue Collar workers transforming the sales into profits. The route worker who services your customer or the service person who interacts with your customer and makes them satisfied. These are also heroes of your company. 
Like linemen on a football team, they don’t score the points; they make it possible to score. ALL of your employees have the ability to create or diminish company profits. You also need to motivate and show appreciation to those in the trenches. Appreciation and acknowledgement will work wonders and it does not need to add to your company expenses.
In 1968 I was part of history. I was a lineman for a high school football team who only allowed 19 points to be scored against us ALL SEASON. No one scored on the ground. If you were going to score points you needed to pass the ball and hope you could complete the pass before we sacked your quarterback. We averaged eleven sacks per game.
Most of our games were low scoring because we did not have an accurate passing quarterback. We had one of the fastest running backs in the state, but he only weighed about 110 pounds, so he was down at the first hit.
Our Line Coach convinced us that we could only win if we, the linemen, could keep the other team from scoring. It wasn’t going to be the flashy running that brought us a victory. It would be our ability as linemen. The victory would come from the trenches.
Ken Bear Cole
A Second Look Business Consulting LLC
Ed Bejarana @ November 24, 2009
WHAT MAKES A GOOD BANK?
Posted in: General | Comments (0)
It is surprising how many people will put their money in just any bank. All banks are not created equal, and let’s just say that some have proven more solvent than others. Besides FDIC insurance, what other characteristics should you seek – and what questions should you consider?
How close is this bank? Is there a branch near where you live and close to where you work? How is the online banking setup? (Yes, you should value convenience, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in mind as you choose a bank.)
How cheap is it to bank there? You’ve heard of overdraft fees and ATM fees. But how about wire fees, notary fees, and fees on cashier’s checks and money orders? Returned-deposit fees? Stop-payment fees? Fees to check your balance? Fees to talk to a teller? (No kidding, some banks do charge for that.) Is it bad taste to ask a bank to detail its potential fees? No, it’s smart. Some banks offer you a free checking or savings account and a whole lot of potential charges besides. Some have plans that cover a whole range of services, plans that could save you some money.
What else can this bank do for me? Can the bank provide your business with credit card processing? Will your checking account give you any interest? What kind of CDs does the bank offer? How about mortgage and loan types? Could you send money overseas via this bank? Do they do any trust planning?
How friendly is this bank? When you walk into the bank, what’s the reception? Do people greet you and ask how they may help you? Or are you ignored for a prolonged period? What happens may hint at the level of service coming your way.
Ask to see a bank officer, if possible. Set down a list of what you want, and see how close your potential new bank comes to providing it. Don’t be afraid to make the bank work for your business – they are working hard than ever for it.
What can you do to make a banking relationship better for you? If you bring major amounts of cash to a bank, of course you’re going to be treated as a VIP. If you don’t, it may help you to establish a relationship or two. So often, we go to a bank and we look at the tellers – and even the loan officers and mortgage consultants – as mere functionaries instead of human beings.
If you have a lousy experience at the bank or you get dinged with some weird fee all of a sudden, ask someone why – maybe the customer service staff can address the matter and work out a solution. Make yourself known – a good way to do that is to bank when it isn’t “rush hour”. A friendly, recognizable customer who wants the best from his banking relationship can turn into a valued banking client.
Would it be better to bank online? How often do you need to go inside your bank? If you really don’t require much in the way of in-person services, maybe an online bank is a better option – after all, why should you pay to support your bank’s branches if you never set foot in them?
Thinking small may help. People were leery of small banks in this last economic downturn, but the customer service can be considerably better at such institutions. When a community bank is bought by a bigger one, bigger does not necessarily mean better in terms of attention.
Dominic Sitowski is a Representative with Crown Capital Securities and may be reached at www.domsitowski.com or dsitowski@crownmail.net.
These are the views of Peter Montoya Inc., not the named Representative nor Broker/Dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Broker/Dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If other expert assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.
Ed Bejarana @ November 23, 2009
School District Funds Are Shrinking in Clackamas County
Posted in: General | Comments (0)
We all know the economy has something to do with it. The school district has made large cuts in their budget and spending, keeping in mind the importance of our youth’s education. The education process can not fall, just on the shoulders of our educators. We ,as a community, need to rally to their support.
“The main hope of a nation lies in the proper education of it’s youth”- Erasmus
The North Clackamas Education Foundation-NCEF, of which I am a board member, is striving to help offset the down turn in the state’s allocated funds to the Clackamas school district. The Foundation , through donations, grants, and civic events, gives student scholarships and teacher grants to help promote the education process.
Go to: www.nc-foundation.org to get more information on this great foundation.
As a realtor in the community, I know that a strong school system benefits us all. New families move into areas with a great school district. The more new families, the more business comes to Clackamas County. As individuals or groups, we can help grow a vibrant community.
Ed Bejarana @ November 22, 2009
Life is like a box of chocolates
Posted in: Economy | Comments (1)
In the movie Forest Gump, Tom Hanks tells us that, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you got until you bite into it. ” Well, for almost 250,000 Oregonians in the Portland metropolitan area, their piece has turned sour and discouraging, because they are without a job. For many, they have also exhausted their unemployment benefits and their savings account is fading away. If things do not change soon, their new home may be the family tent they enjoyed during vacations of the past. Only this time it could be much longer then a week or two.
Some have abandoned the thought of looking for a job. They have decided to start a business of their own, relying on their talents gained buy previous employment. It has been estimated that nearly 70,000 new businesses will be formed in Oregon in 2010. Most of these companies will be in the Portland area and have no employees. These will be composed of the unemployed who are trying to survive. They may arrive in a BMW wearing a $500 suit, but they could also be receiving food stamps and living with relatives. I commend these warriors fighting against their personal poverty. I say fight on, because some of you will discover powerful personal qualities of leadership and courage. These times will prove that you can survive and prosper once more.
Sad to say, not all will become successful, but having a plan of action will greatly improve your odds. As I meet with new businesses, I always ask who is their targeted customer. Too often the response is, “everyone.” That lack of focus will cause you to chase customers who do not have the ability to purchase or interest in your product. You need to ask yourself a few questions prior to mastering the world.
- Who needs my product or service and why?
- Who is already servicing that market?
- What do I have that is different?
- Why should they buy from me?
Answer these questions in as much detail as possible. This is by no means a complete list of questions, which need answering to become successful. It is only a start.
If you have started a business, I would like to hear your story and progress. Your struggles and success can encourage others to continue moving forward.
E-mail http://ken@asecondlookbizconsulting.com
I wish you all the best!
Ken Bear Cole
A Second Look Business Consulting LLC
Ed Bejarana @ November 17, 2009
EXTENDED HOMEBUYER CREDITS & JOBLESS BENEFITS
Posted in: General | Comments (0)
EXTENDED HOMEBUYER CREDITS & JOBLESS BENEFITS
New federal actions aid the real estate sector and the unemployed.
provided by Dominic Sitowski, CEP, LUTCF
After unanimous passage in the Senate and a 403-12 passage in the House of Representatives, President Obama signed H.R. 3548 into law on November 6. The bill extends and expands a key tax credit for homebuyers while also offering more help for those out of work.1,2
The $8,000 credit for “first-time” homebuyers continues. This tax break is now extended until May 1, 2010. If you have never owned a home or haven’t owned a home in the previous three years, you are considered a “first-time” buyer and therefore eligible for the credit (it is a credit of up to $8,000, by the way). You must sign your purchase agreement before May 1, 2010 and close the transaction before July 1, 2010 to qualify for this tax break.3
The $6,500 tax break for move-up buyers. Okay, maybe you aren’t a “first-time” buyer. You may still qualify for this new real estate credit. Have you lived in your current home for more than five consecutive years? You may be eligible for a credit of up to $6,500 if you move out of that home and buy another. Again, you have to sign your purchase agreement before May 1 and close before July 1 to get the tax break.3
Worth noting: BusinessWeek.com contacted Sen. Chris Dodd’s office (the Connecticut lawmaker chairs the Senate Banking Committee) and received word that move-up buyers can qualify for this $6,500 credit even if they have signed a purchase contract prior to November 6, provided the purchase closes before July 1.4
Does everyone qualify for these credits? Not quite. They phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $125,000 a year and couples with AGI of more than $225,000 a year. (The old phase-outs respectively kicked in at $75,000 and $150,000. These higher phase-outs mean that the credit can now help an additional segment of the housing market.)5
You can’t buy a vacation home and claim one of these credits – they only apply to principal residences. In fact, the home you buy has to have a sale price of $800,000 or lower.5
What will this do for the economy? “Every economist will tell you we have to steady the housing market before the economy will turn around,” Sen. Dodd expressed on November 5. “We can’t afford to let this tax credit expire now.” Respected Moodys.com economist Mark Zandi agrees, saying that “from a macroeconomic perspective, nothing is more important than stabilizing housing values.” Zandi thinks that the $8,000 credit has led to 400,000 additional home sales in 2009. On the other hand, Dean Baker, the co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy and Research, questions why the extension is necessary: “For the most part, you’re just giving people money for something they would have done otherwise.” The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that extending these credits into 2010 will cost $10.8 billion across the next decade.5,6
An extension of unemployment benefits. H.R. 3548 – sponsored by Rep. James McDermott (D-WA) – additionally extends state jobless benefits by up to 20 weeks. This will happen as a result of another extension – an extension of the federal unemployment tax on employers until June 30, 2011.5
If you are one of nearly two million Americans whose jobless benefits are set to run out at the end of 2009, this extension will help you. Your benefits will last at least another 14 weeks into the new year – in fact, they will last for another 20 weeks if you live in a state where the unemployment rate exceeds 8.5%. Have your unemployment checks already stopped? You may reapply for benefits.5
A chance for companies to convert losses into cash. What? Really? Yes. There is one provision of the new legislation that many have overlooked: it widens the window of time on the net-operating loss carryback. It lets all businesses apply losses from either 2009 or 2008 to any five years prior to 2008. So business owners, by virtue of the new legislation, have the potential for an IRS refund on the taxes they paid for the five years prior to 2008. There are two asterisks here. One, refunds for taxes in the fifth year of the carry back shrink by 50%. Two, any business that received TARP funds can’t take advantage of this tax break.7
Dominic Sitowski is a Representative with Crown Capital Securities, LP and may be reached at www.domsitowski.com, 503-496-3641 or dsitowski@crownmail.net.
These are the views of Peter Montoya Inc., not the named Representative nor Broker/Dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Broker/Dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If other expert assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.
Citations.
1 google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hZg_pvAKDYQV-RYmrmcBrJTaJ5CAD9BQ71981 [11/6/09]
2 latimes.com/business/la-fi-tax-credit6-2009nov06,0,2604220.story [11/6/09]
3 boston.com/business/articles/2009/11/06/first_time_home_buyer_credit_jobless_benefits_both_extended/ [11/6/09]
4 businessweek.com/the_thread/hotproperty/archives/2009/11/who_qualifies_f.html [11/6/09]
5 money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/news/economy/Extending_unemployment_benefits/index.htm?postversion=2009110612 [11/6/09]
6 latimes.com/business/la-fi-tax-credit5-2009nov05,0,1817786.story [11/5/09]
7 money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/news/economy/tax_breaks_for_business/index.htm?postversion=2009110611 [11/5/09]
Ed Bejarana @ November 17, 2009
Who Are Your High Conversion Oportunities
Posted in: Marketing | Comments (0)
Did you create a marketing strategy to justify your vision or focus your effort?
More often than not, when helping a small business develop their website, I discover they have NO marketing strategy. Those who have written a strategy, more often than not, did so to justify their vision.
If you’ve never heard the phrase, then please allow me to introduce you to a new concept. Niches bring riches!
If have not already created a Marketing Strategy, start today. If you have created a Strategy that identifies EVERYBODY as your target customer, start your first rewrite today.
Your marketing strategy is a road map to using limited resources to succeed in your business. Identifying fewer, more focused target customers will improve your conversion percentage. Do some soul searching, and start with who you DON’T want as a customer. Starting with who you don’t want will help you focus on the personality traits of those you do want as customers.
Why narrow your customer focus? Because you do not have enough time in the typical work year to meet with everyone, you must prioritize your prospects by conversion opportunity. Those with whom you have a natural personality clash with should be eliminated from your marketing strategy. At some point in the transaction, your personality clash will become apparent and the business relationship will halt.
Develop a clear personality profile for your preferred client. Then identify the things this personality type does for fun. Find ways to market to those people where they are having fun. Avoid the direct sales presentation and authentically injected your own personality into the presentation. Let the laws of attraction bring your new customer to you and you’ll be impressed with how easy closing deals becomes.
Ed Bejarana @ November 17, 2009
Santa Is On A Budget!
Posted in: Economy | Comments (1)
This year 38% fewer cargo containers are traveling the high seas. Seasonal buyers have been cautious about this year’s Christmas shopping. For months K-mart has been running adds about lay-away shopping. This is a retro concept from the 1950s. You can select the item now and pay each payday until it is paid off. This is how families used credit before there was Visa.
The truth is that many families will be spending less this Holiday Season. Almost 16 million people are out of work this year. Middle Management ex-employees have been hit especially hard. Too many did not tighten the belt when they were laid off. They had severance packages, which have sustained their life styles, but they are almost gone. So are the unemployment benefits and most of their savings. These are the people who were more concerned about where to vacation, then how to make the mortgage payment. The BMW has been sold and they are now driving a stable used car with better gas mileage. Vacations are on hold and so is Christmas for the adults. The kids will receive less, but hopefully they can find a new gift under the tree.
Hopefully they can discover the joy of being a family and doing things together. This is not the first time this country has seen tight financial times, but it may be for some of your neighbors. So get together with friends, share expenses, and have some fun, because Santa is on a budget this year.
Ken Bear Cole
A Second Look Business Consulting LLC
Ed Bejarana @ November 10, 2009
Ten Reasons To Start a Business Blog
Posted in: Marketing | Comments (0)
The recession is rumored to have ended, yet unemployment continues to rise. While this is not uncommon, unemployment always lags behind the economy, this article is NOT about economic. Rather, I would like to help you make a VERY difficult decision with regards to building your business visibility on the search engines.
Add a business blog site to your website. Ideally, your blog should be integrated with your website, but at the very least, create a company blog site and start writing. For FREE information on how to blog, please visit my companion website, BusinessBlogging.net.
Here are ten reasons why you should add a business blog to your internet marketing strategy.
- Blogs are a great way to introduce new products and services to visitors without recoding.
- Blogs are a great way to generate repeat traffic – pure gold.
- Blogs tell you what customers like and don’t like – first-hand market research.
- A blog is a great way to keep product reviews in front of your buyers.
- A blog entry can be easily syndicated to other sites – all pointing back to your site.
- A blog is easy to set up, easy to maintain.
- Search engines love blogs. Tips for gaining traffic are included in our article “SEO Your Blog“.
- A blog keeps your site fresh.
- A blog has become part of visitors’ expectations.
- A blog is lots of fun.
Ed Bejarana @ November 8, 2009
Extention of the 1st Time Home Buyer Credit+
Posted in: General | Comments (0)
President Obama signed the $8000 tax credit extention this past week. The new program ends April 30th. As in prior programs, first time home buyers are classified as never owning a home ,or have not owned one in 3 years. In addition, the program added a $6500 tax credit for the seller of a home when they purchase another one. The seller must have been living in the home for at least 5 years as their primary residence. It takes a little longer to close on a sale and have it funded. For this reason, prospected buyers with a binding agreement before April 30th, will be granted an additional 60 days to complete the transaction. The income limits have been expanded to $125000 for a single taxpayer and $225000 for a joint return. In the transactions I have had with the qualified buyers of the program, most of the stimulus monies go right back into the economy in the form of enhancements to the homes. Whether new appliances, better windows, more efficient heating and cooling, or new funiture, the program, in my opinion works. I love helping first time home buyers see the value in home ownership. This tax credit helps with the added demands of home ownership. Home prices are low and the mortgage rates low. There are buyers still on the fence with this hugh decision of buying a home. Have them talk to a loan officer first and then to a realtor.
Ed Bejarana @ November 8, 2009
Blog Features You Can Use To Improve Visibility (and links)
Posted in: General | Comments (1)
PortlandBusinessCommunity.com is designed to help you, the small business owner/operator, gain more internet visibility while helping other business people. We have a TON of new features that are hidden behind the scenes that you can take advantage of (for FREE).
Add a picture to all your posts automatically. We use your image from Gravatar.com. Gravatar is a free service. Create an account at www.gravatar.com, use the same eMail address you have associated with your account here on Portland, upload a great picture (preferably of yourself), and VOLA! Your photo will now be included with all your posts.
Add a standard tag to all your eMails automatically. With our recent update, we now include your biography with every post and on your author page. Make sure and keep it short and to the point (no sales pitch). to add a link in your biography, you need to add a little HTML code. Here is the format. Let’s say your company web address is xyz.com, you will add the following code to your biography where you want the link to appear.
<a href=”http://www.xyz.com”>www.xyz.com</a>
Example of how your biography might look with the above address:
The <a href=”http://www.xyz.com”>XYZ.com</a> company has been serving the Portland Metro marketing since 1997. You can reach me by phone if you have any questions: (123) 456-7890
You no longer need to add your signature block to your postings because the system will automatically add your biography.
Please note, Bear and I monitor and moderate the content on this site. If your biography gets to sales pitchy or too long, you will hear from us.
Optimal length is between 200 and 400 characters.
Ed Bejarana @ November 5, 2009
