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Business Laws: What You Need to Know

There are a myriad of things you must think about when opening any type of business whether it is a small business or a large corporation and one of those is how business law may affect you. Failure to pay attention to business and corporate law can land you in a world of trouble-both legal and financial. The good news is that you do not necessarily need to be a graduate of a fancy business law college or have a business law major to brush up on the basic ideas of small business law and corporate business law.

If you've paid attention to the headlines lately, you probably know that employment law for business is one of the number one areas where you can get into trouble if you aren't up on all the employment laws and regulations. There are numerous laws that govern the employment of both regular employees and contract employees. Just for a broad overview, take a look at all the employment business laws you must meet:

· Civil Rights Act of 1966
· The Equal Pay Act of 1963
· Americans with Disabilities Act
· The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
· The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
· The Equal Employment Opportunity Act
· The Bankruptcy Act
· The Occupational Safety and Health Act
· FMLA, the Family Medical Leave Act
· Employee Polygraph Protection Act Labor Law
· FLSA, the Fair Labor Standards Act

And that's not even counting the various state employment business laws that might apply to your business! If you aren't sure of whether you are meeting all the regulations, it's a good idea to get a checkup for your HR department.

Do you happen to work in the international arena? If you have anything at all to do with international business, then you should be aware of the many ways in which international business law can affect you, your business and your bottom line. At a minimum, you need to make sure that you meet general international business laws, specialized export laws, import laws and any laws of the foreign country in which your business operates.

And what about the business law scene at home? Were you aware that in addition to Federal business law and international business law, you are probably required to meet State business law regulations? Do you know whether you need a business permit or license? Failure to obtain one can result in the shutdown of your business and hefty fines and penalties. This is just one of the ways that state business law, such as California business law, can affect the health of your business if you aren't careful to stay on top of things.

Finally, what about Internet and online business laws? Were you even aware that there was such a thing? The Internet has exploded so much in the last decade that the government has found it necessary to institute Internet compliance laws. If you operate a website of any kind and do not meet the compliance regulations, that site could be shut down and you could face criminal prosecution and hefty fines.

Of course, no one should ever attempt to navigate the complexities of any type of business law alone and the best course of action is to always seek the qualified professional advice of a business law firm, but hopefully these tips will help you to understand a little bit more about business law requirements.

Summary: When operating a business, regardless of whether it is a small business or a large corporation, you need to be on top of business law compliance. Even if you hire a business law firm, it's still a good idea to understand what regulations you must meet.

Matt Bacak became "#1 Best Selling Author" in just a few short hours. Recent Entrepreneur Magazine’s e-Biz radio show host is turning Authors, Speakers, and Experts into Overnight Success Stories. Discover The Secrets To Unleash The Powerful Promoter In You! Sign up for Matt Bacak's Promoting Tips Ezine ($100 value) just visit his website at http://www.powerfulpromoter.com or http://promotingtips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/114800

Business Strategy - Vital in Getting Ahead of Competitors

Businesses need a business strategy to rise above their competitors. Formulating and planning the strategy for the business needs some goals as a basis though.

Start with Some Goals In Mind
It's very important that the business state its goals first. The business has to state its long term goal and short term goals as well. With that, a business strategy can be formulated. Strategies are formulated as to how such goals can be achieved.

Setting goals should be given a timeframe. This way, the strategies formulated for each can be evaluated after such time. Goals should also be measurable so there would be a way to indicate whether strategies and implementation were effective.

It's also important to keep the strategies up to date. If the business did not achieve its goal for a certain period, then the strategies need to be reviewed and adjusted. Markets also evolve and change, hence the need for updating strategies.

Coming up with a Marketing Plan
Completing a marketing plan is a very important part of formulating a business strategy. The marketing plan would contain a background of the business. More importantly, it would contain core marketing strategies for the business. Of course, strategies would generally be based on research and analysis. A list of strengths and weaknesses should be listed and analyzed. Opportunities and threats are also looked into if the business wants to be thorough.

Financial Forecasts Included
Well, this is usually included in the marketing plan as well. Financial forecasts should be included to assess how profitable the business is going to be or expected to be. Aside from that, it is from the financial forecasts that the business would know how to manage its finances and anticipate its cash flow, inventory and other financial matters.

Business Strategy: Evaluation
While the marketing plan is that important, checking how well the strategies did is really important if the business wants to achieve not only its short terms goals but also its long term goals. It is important that evaluation is done so strategies can bring the business ahead of its competitors.

Looking at Your Business and Knowing Your Customers and Competitors
The business strategy should not only be about the company. It should also look at what is happening in the market. The business must be conscious of what its competitors are doing so it can strategize on how to get ahead of them.

For instance, a business could decide to pursue a price based strategy in order to get a lion's share of the market. On the other hand, one can also pursue a differentiation-based strategy.

Again strategies should be based on what the company sees will bring it ahead of its competitors. But the other half it though is knowing the company customers. If the company knows its customers, well then it will be able to anticipate how it would react to every price change, for example, or how it will appreciate additional features.

Of course, the decision on which strategies to take should always be based on the combination of all these factors. Again, the time frame and evaluation is important. Keeping the strategies updated is vital too.

Victor Ghebre is the editor of Settinggoals101.com where you get practical tips and information on goal Setting [http://www.Settinggoals101.com], motivation, leadership and more.

For More Great Content Please Visit Business Goal Setting [http://www.settinggoals101.com/business_goal_setting.html]
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Home Based Business Financing Guide

Well, the good news is there are several resources available to finance your home based business. You'll have to do some research to find what's available in your area, but this guide will show you several areas to begin looking to get the financing you need for your home based business.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is an excellent place to turn to for home based business financing. It doesn't make grants that your home based business won't have to pay back, nor does it make direct loans to small and home based businesses. Instead, the SBA guarantees loans given by private lenders. This reduces the risk associated with new business ventures and makes it easier to get lenders for your home based business. However, to get a SBA loan, your home based business must be a profit making one, and you will have to guarantee your loan personally. This means putting your personal assets at risk. Also, to be eligible for an SBA assistance and/or loan, your home based business has to be in the United States, and there's other criteria that must be met. Still, if you're looking for financial assistance to start your home based business, the SBA is a good place to start.

Private grants are another type of financing you can look into for your home based business. There are many different types of grants, and there could likely be one for your home based business. The Internet is a great place to do your research. The grant process can take awhile, so if you decide this is the route you want to go for financing your home business, and your home based business meets the criteria of a grant, you will want to get started with the grant writing process as soon as possible. Also, you may need to hire a grant writer to help you. Grant requirements are strenuous, and there's a great deal of competition for small and home based business grants. It's well worth the time and effort to research grants, though, to try to get a grant for your home based business because the money given does not have to be paid back.

Another type of home based business financing is through what's called angel investors. These are investors who are willing to lend money to fledgling small and home based businesses, generally because they know a good thing when they see it and are willing to take some risks. Angel investors for home based businesses may not be that easy to find, but with some networking in your area, you'll be able to locate several. Joining your local Chamber of Commerce is a good way to find angel investors. Also, talk to accountants who may be able to bring together several investors for your home based business. This happens a lot more often than you might think because investing in a small or home based business can provide a good tax break for many people. And then there are just some good souls out there who want to help others start home based businesses because they've been there themselves and managed to create successful home based businesses of their own.

One final note. The only investors to be wary of for your home based business are those you might find in your own family. It just simply isn't a good idea to borrow money for your home based business, or for anything else for that matter, from family members. There are just too many things that can go wrong in a financial obligation like this. A family member you borrow money from to start your home based business may pressure you to run the business their way, or worse, your home based business could go under and have to declare bankruptcy. It's horrible to lose any investor's money, but when it's Uncle David's, it's much worse. So only borrow money for your home based business from family members as a last resort, and only if you're certain you have a sure thing.

Charles Fuchs
http://www.charlesfuchs.com
http://charlesfuchs.blogspot.com

I grant permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, and the article is not changed in any way.

Copyright © 2006, Charles Fuchs, President of Vision Management Enterprise Inc., is an established online marketer who specializes in helping people start their very own Work at Home Based Business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/45764

Best Home Business Ideas - How to Choose One

When searching for a home business idea you need to be careful because there are so many scams out there you may end up losing a lot of money. There are thousands of so called experts claiming they will make you rich. The truth is there is no get rich quick scheme that works. Even the best home business idea will require some work on your part. But if you are willing to put some elbow grease at it eventually you will succeed.

So what do we need to look into before choosing the right home business idea?

Is this home business idea right for you?

If you are looking at MLM (multi-level marketing) you must be willing to spend a lot of time on the phone. If you are looking to do some Pay per click for affiliate programs, you must be willing to do a lot of keywords research and invest a good amount of money etc... So choose carefully the type of business you feel comfortable doing.

Next What are the costs involved?

You should investigate on the startup costs of any so called home business idea. Starting an online business is very inexpensive compared to an offline business but that does not mean you won't have to spend a few dollars.

- Will you need to build your own website? (can be very expensive if you don't know what you are doing)
- Will you be left alone when the time comes to advertise your business?
- What tools will you need to run your business? (a lot of them are free but a lot of them cost money)

Make sure you investigate this aspect very closely.
Do some research on this Home business idea/opportunity.

Many of the home business ideas and opportunities on the net have some reviews about them, so make sure you do your homework before buying. Don't believe everything you read on the sales page. Of course some opportunities are the real deal, but a lot of them make money by promising you big money and fail to do it.
And at last find a good home business idea and stick to it.

Like I said you will need to work in order for your business to succeed. So work hard on your business and don't try to buy every e-book that comes your way because they have a good sales letter. You will end up with no money and no business. I am not saying to stop learning internet marketing but do your research before buying and concentrate on what you are doing. I had to learn that the hard way.

I was lucky enough to find Stone Evans marketing system. That was it for me. He covers every aspect of an internet business and even provides you with a lot of materials to run your business, even a website. He even provides you with free mentoring from some of the best marketer on his team for free.

Best Regards
If you would like to make money from home. Visit my website to discover how to make money online with best home business ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/165293

Twelve Tips For Strategic Business Communications, From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach

Have you ever thought about the millions, no lets make that billions, of communications that take place each day in the world of business? We have e-mail, IMs, cell phones, PDA's, iphones, direct face-to-face communications in meetings, and on and on and on. Communication is taking up more and more of our time as we conduct business. So, having said that, let me ask you if you believe we really are using our time and communication strategically? And are we really thinking strategically about the most effective forms of communication for each specific situation? Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach believes you gain a significant strategic advantage in your business when you think more and act more strategically with your business communications.

Reflecting upon those lessons learned from my more than 35 years of professional experience in business and the myriad of experiences from business coaching, here are twelve (12) tips for strategic communications in your business.

Tip # 1: Commit to being yourself in your business communications. It is best to write the way you speak. Do not try to sound like someone else. You do not have to be overly formal to achieve effective business communications. In fact, my professional experience indicates that most people receiving business communications will understand what you're saying much more easily when you use a normal, conversational tone. ??
Tip #2: Be positive! Focus on delivering your business message using a positive tone and a positive approach, even if it is something the person receiving the message may not want to hear.

Tip #3: Understand the environment where your business communications will take place. What is the environment for your business communication: on the phone, in a business office, face-to-face with a client, or a non-business location? Determine what makes you feel most comfortable, sitting, standing, etc. before initiating the communication.

Tip #4: Clearly define what is at stake with your business communication. Know why you are communicating, what you want to communicate, and with whom you will be communicating.

Tip #5: Communicate at the receivers level. To achieve an effective business communication the receiver of your message must understand the message you're sending. Don't try to impress the recipient of your message with big words that they will not understand.

Tip #6: Always avoid sending any business communication when you are angry.
When angry, you may be vulnerable to saying or writing things that you would not normally say or write and this will present a big communication barrier. So, if you are angry, step back and wait till you are calmer and then prepare your message and choose your words carefully.

Tip #7: Always avoid the use of technical language and jargon in your business communications, unless you are communicating with someone within your specific industry and using common words, phrases, and acronyms. And if you are unsure if the recipient of your message will not understand, then define the term or terms in your communication.

Tip #8: Strive for clarity and brevity in your business communications. Extra words do not always enhance your message. Demonstrate respect for the valuable time of the recipient of your message by keeping your business communications to ones that convey something important and meaningful.

Tip #9: Always observe proper business etiquette in all business communications.

Tip #10: Be an active listener during business communications. And make sure you not only listen, but that you "hear and understand" what is being communicated.

Tip #11: Always communicate the benefits and values you are providing to the recipients.

Tip #12: Try to anticipate questions and try to answer them in your business communications. This has the potential to save time and possible additional communications.

The need has never been greater for well-crafted, carefully considered and effectively targeted business communications. Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach encourages you to fully realize the benefits of business coaching to strategically and effectively communicate in your business.

Glenn Ebersole, Jr. is a multi-faceted professional, who is recognized as a visionary, guide and facilitator in the fields of business coaching, marketing, public relations, management, strategic planning and engineering. Glenn is the Founder and Chief Executive of two Lancaster, PA based consulting practices: The Renaissance Group, a creative marketing, public relations, strategic planning and business development consulting firm and J. G. Ebersole Associates, an independent professional engineering, marketing, and management consulting firm. He is a Certified Facilitator and serves as a business coach and a strategic planning facilitator and consultant to a diverse list of clients. Glenn is also the author of a monthly newsletter, “Glenn’s Guiding Lines – Thoughts From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach” and has published more than 250 articles on business.

To find out more about the benefits & rewards of effectively working with a strategic thinking business coach, please contact Glenn Ebersole through his web site at http://www.businesscoach4u.com or jgecoach@aol.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/647210

The Secrets to a High Income Home Business Online Revealed

How many times have you asked yourself "self...is there a more desirable job in the world than working from home? Then asking yourself the next question, "is the home business online?" Followed of course by "where exactly is this high income home business online?"

I am going to go over some valuable information for you take with you and I promise by the end of reading all this you will have learned something valuable to take with you through your successes to find the a high income home business online.

I am going to break down the concepts that produce a high income home business online with the following ingredients necessary. The first is what it takes to succeed in a high income home business online. Point blank it is consistency and knowledge. Here is what I mean. If you want to succeed you have to keep plugging yourself into all of the things that I am discussing on this page. This consistency of work must be applied everyday for the time you have set for yourself. The knowledge portion is about taking everyday as a learning experience. My best gift to myself for my first year was learning and soaking up knowledge everyday about home business online, learning from some mistakes, and most of all keep driving, kept going. I was consistent. Both the need for knowledge and consistent work combined daily will lead to growth and wealth for your business. Now, can you earn a high income fairly quickly from a home business online? Yes, I see it in my own team fairly regularly. I encourage that kind of drive. However, to sustain that high income levels for your home business online you are required good solid personal development and basic online business training. Guess where that comes from? It comes from that knowledge you seek everyday, soaking up and reading everything you see about home business online.

The second concept that produces a high income home business online for yourself is lead generation. This ingredient is always necessary for any high income home business online. For this what you do need is a pipeline filled with prospects (leads). This pipeline can be manifested for your business in two ways; free lead generation and paid lead generation. Paid lead generation does wonders for your time management for your home business online. Here are a few paid lead generation tactics: P.P.C. (Pay per click), lead campaign buying, and ezine ads, just to name a few. Some of the successful free lead generation tactics are email marketing, forum posting, article writing, and my favorite video marketing. It is best to experience both paid and free marketing to see what works for you and your business. This experience and consistency of free and paid lead generation will create growth for your business, that I promise. The key is to generate more leads that you can handle in a single day. Because after you have gone through all the leads you can handle in that one day, you have the next day ready with enough leads from the previous day to work with. No single lead, prospect or person is the drive or success for your business. The only single person is you.

The third concept that produces a high income home business online for yourself is true mentor and guidance. True mentorship and guidance is providing real value and teaching you about real marketing. It is to help build a mindset of a real entrepreneur. For me also what I do is really give out all the goodies. Duplication! All the tactics that I test that work and make money, I give out. Now that doesn't mean you won't be working hard to apply those tactics, oh you will. But there is no need to struggle on something that is already hard enough for most new people to grasp. What you need to do is look for true mentorship and guidance to produce a high income home business online for yourself.

The forth concept that produces a high income home business online for yourself is effective marketing campaigns. It's all about what you are trying to do for your home business online. If you are direct selling for a company making $1,000 sales off of each sale it doesn't make sense to use crappy banner ads on a site for car ads. More than anything you must find out what works for your home business online. Called simply "testing." In a successful team for home business online the testing has been done for you before you join a home business online. When it comes to finding the best marketing campaigns for your home business online the true marketers have to test it. I personally tested my home business online before I went out to promote it to my list and new prospects. I would never want to market something to the masses that doesn't work. Once I tested the business itself, my team partners and I started testing out the marketing campaigns that would either work or not work for the home business online. I tested, tested, tested, until there is enough feedback that calls for the right adjustments. All that was left is the right direction to earn high income from my home business online.

The fifth concept that produces a high income home business online for yourself is true leverage. Any online company that claims that they are the 9th wonder but they can't prove they DUPLICATE true leverage with their compensation plan in a reasonable amount of your attention span is not a wonder for you to waste your time investing in. To save yourself months or years of frustration on finding a high income home business online follow everything that I am discussing here on this page. You want 1 hour each out of 1000 people rather than 1000 of your own hours

The sixth concept that produces a high income home business online for yourself is high conversions. Without high conversions there is no high income. The first crucial step in high conversations for your home business online is web copy. The web copy has to be crafted with content where that content contains a funnel that produces desirable information and opportunities. The business I work with contains $20,000 a page web copy. Most web copy for their home business online sites are not designed with the psychological conversions tactics needed to truly convert.

The seventh concept that produces a high income home business online for yourself is automation. One of the big problems with ANY home business online is that people can not communicate effectively. People cannot close sales effectively. After the opportunity is surrounded their life, time and money, action is then required, they take action by get their prospects on the phone...then they screw it all up. Well let's start with the problem of the phone. If you are a high income home business online earner then chances you are not on the phone. Trying to convert your prospects on the phone does not earn you high income for your home business online. Automation. What you need is to remove human error of people who cant sell by setting up automation from a system.

The eighth concept that produces a high income home business online for yourself is a system. Here it is, the big reason for the success of anyone I have seen online. I can't tell you enough how key this is for any high income home business online. It is so important to have some sort of system in place so the human error of bad communication can be removed. Once human error is removed the system sells for you, trains your prospects, and automates your business for you. This way people you sign up can actually make money. Otherwise 95% of the people who join the home business industry and try to earn high income from their home business online don't make that much money because they have to do all the selling, all the training, with almost no automation. Unless you want to seriously develop the skills of communication that most humans lack so much in selling and be that system yourself. Get a home business online that has a system that communicates for you. Where can I find the right one your asking huh? Well, contact me and check out what I offer and I will explain more for you.

You can also see my squidoo page at http://www.squidoo.com/highincomehomebusinessonline for more information on how to produce a high income home business online for yourself.

To Learn How You Can Make Money Online Using Jason's Powerful Marketing Strategies Which Built Him A Massive 5 figure Monthly Income on Autopilot Visit: [http://www.get2onlinesuccess.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/872794

Make Your Presentation Memorable With a Business Quote

A presentation can be tricky task to master and sometimes a quote can make it or break it. In business, you want the presentation to be perfect and make its mark. Why is it so important? Presentations in the business world are given to business partners, at public conferences, and to prospective buyers and investors. A bad presentation can cause disinterest, leave a bad impression of the company, and possibly even loss of money.
Quotes are beneficial to a presentation because they can be used as a valuable way to grab your audience's attention. Use them as an additional resource to the presentation and as a way to emphasize ideas and create a positive view of what is being presented. Witty quotes are often made by someone famous. Because of this no one will question the authenticity and the presentation will come across with more importance. It is very important to make sure the person being quoted has authority in the subject and that the quote is applicable to what you are speaking about.

When using quotes one thing you do not want to do is stretch them to fit the point. Don't depend on them alone to make the speech and stay away from common expressions. Choose something unique that makes the presentation stand out. If the expression is too common, it will not be noticed and be noticeable because too many people have used it. Remember that quotes should be used as a motivational and inspirational tool for acceptance of the idea being presented. Use them at the beginning of the presentation to get your audience's attention or at the end to leave your mark. Do not overuse them because it will harm the overall presentation.

Imagine having an important meeting with investors. These people will decide if a new product will get the green light. It is very important to impress them and leave them with a good feeling about your company and the idea you are selling. The most important part of this meeting is an effective presentation full of good facts and reasons why the product will be desired by customers. It should also tell how the new product or idea will bring in great revenue. This is all good information but often these items are hard to remember. Catch the eye of your investors by ending with a witty quote that excites them about the product and helps them remember by association. This is not only a good way to reach investors. Use them in any business related speeches such as promotional booths, business meetings, charity events, and product announcements.

You want to make as big of an impact as possible on anyone associated with your business. Quotes are motivational, inspiring, positive, and make the presentation more memorable. Use them effectively and they will provide positive results for your company's ventures. Start your own collection of witty quotes and begin contemplating the effect they can have on your business today and in the future.

Presentations can be the good foundation for a business deal, pitch to investors, or in regular business meetings. A witty business quotes book is a good tool to use within your presentation. They help keep your audience's attention, make the presentation memorable, and can lighten the situation in some cases. Business quotes are something every business should look into as a better way to communicate to business partners, investors, employees, and customers because they can be used in so many different ways.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3869212

Business Card Sizes & Finishes

Business Card Sizes?
Are you looking at getting some business cards printed? The standard size of cards is 90 x 55, although in reality they can be cut to any size you choose. Business cards are generally printed on 310gsm or 350gsm white artboard. Clients often believe there are many different colours of paper to print on, but 95% of business cards are printed on plain white card, a coloured card look is often achieved by printing inks of cream, gold or another background colour.

The most common card finishes are a plastic lamination called celloglazing. You can choose between matt or a gloss celloglaze. These finishes provide considerable protection to your cards and they are ideal for tradesmen who can be handing out cards in often dirty environments. These coatings do keep the cards much cleaner and any marks can be easily wiped off. The plastic lamination also gives your business cards more water resistance and a nice feel.

If you want to write on the back of your cards, it is better to choose a matt celloglaze finish, or a satin finish. Most business card stock is coated with a slightly gloss (or satin) finish which can be easily written on. Do not pick gloss celloglaze on the back of your cards if you wish to write on it. Gloss celloglaze is virtually impossible to write on.

If you prefer you can have Gloss celloglazing on the front and matt celloglazing on the back. This gives you the best of both worlds, but will cost you a little bit more.

If you decide to only have the plastic lamination on one side, please bear in mind that paper is porous. Therefore it will absorb a little water from the atmosphere. If you have a plastic laminate on one side only, this side will be less likely to absorb water from the atmosphere. This may cause your cards to curl slightly. To prevent this please keep them in their box and keep them inside your office.

Diana Paton owns and operates Adelphi Design & Print with her husband Andrew Paton. Their family run design & print business has been operating for over 15 years. Find out more about their services at http://www.adelphi.net.au.


Business Studies Online - What Are My Options?

Business studies online are available to everyone - so what are my options? From expensive degree courses all the way through to free courses (Yes, there are even free courses available if you know where to look!), all is available online to enable you to tailor your learning to suit your life. The internet is teeming with opportunities for education as well as making money, and regardless of your situation right now, there is an opening somewhere to get you to the level you need.

So, where do you start?
1) Decide whether you need a business certificate or degree. Will your future career need a traditional four year degree background? If you intend looking to the public or private sector for work once your training is complete, find out what the requirements are for the job you are interested in pursuing and research that avenue. If you can't afford university fees, check out if there is an online degree course that will enable you to work and learn.

2) If you don't need a full degree, will you still require a certificate in business studies? Accounting, finance, business administration or management certificates etc provide proof that you have undergone certified training and have advanced knowledge in that particular field. Certified courses are readily available online, so check out the London School of Business and Finance or World Wide Learn sites as a starting point

3) If you don't need a full degree or certificate, other options include internet training centres such as iMMACC (internet Marketing Mentoring Coaching Centre). These are membership programmes that offer practical training and mentoring in all aspects of online business. Although you won't receive a degree or certificate, you will get shop-floor, practical training in running a business online, and receive training in internet keyword research, building a website/landing page, using social bookmarking and networking, etc.

4) If you don't have any money available at all, but still want to learn some of the basics of running an online business, check out On Line profits. This is a free course that will give you a basic understanding of key elements of online business. (There is a small charge for a domain name, but you can cancel after three months). Further study will probably be required at some point in the future, but it is a great starting point.
Whether you intend to continue in the paid work force, or if self-employment is your goal, refining your options will point you to the right business area for further research. The recession has birthed a new season of online business ownership, and expert training will help you really understand your business so that you can do it well.

A lot of money can be made in the online business niche if you know how, so click on the following link now. [http://www.earnyourwealth.co.uk] We can save you a lot of time and trouble by offering a proven system to get you where you want to be. I hope you have enjoyed my business studies online - what are my options? review!

Olive Bush is an online marketer teaching people from around the world to make money online and how to build their home based business. To learn more about Olive and her business please visit [http://www.earnyourwealth.co.uk]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5552788

How to Build a Stronger Business? Align Your Business Ethics With Your Business Culture

Business code ethics need to be part of your organization's culture; and recent business ethics cases prove that need. Stories of large business fraud to small business embezzlement are being reported with ever-increasing frequency; unfortunately business ethics are under attack.

How often in your business day do you need to make decisions? What is the basis for those decisions? Do you have a business vision statement and a mission statement that helps you with your decision making? That is, can you align your decisions to your vision and mission? Many business owners and managers face challenges in making decisions; not because they can't decide, but because they need to make a decision without an ethical framework.

Developing a business code of ethics is necessary for all business ownership. You need to identify how you want your business to be operated. If you have your ethics code written and available, making tough decisions will become easier.

What should a business code of ethics include?
  • A focus on the organization's long-term direction (the vision) and the shorter-term goals (the mission).
  • Identification of values that are important to the business. A sense of your business culture.
  • What ethics means to your business: your definition of business ethics.
  • Acceptable workplace activities and behaviors.
  • Unacceptable workplace activities and behaviors and the sanctions or consequences that will result if unacceptable behaviors occur.
  • Orientation and training that will be provided to support the values and culture and ethics of the organization.
  • The role of communication and ethics: how will employees and other stakeholders understand what you value, or don't value, without communications.
  • The relationship and responsibility of the organization within its community.
  • Industry standards and practices; and how your organization is focused on meeting or over-achieving against those standards.
For the most part we all like to believe that we are ethical in our decisions, and that is likely very true where there are clear-cut right versus wrong decisions. But the bigger challenge lies in making ethical decisions between right versus right options. These types of decisions are often the most difficult.
 
For example, is it right to continue paying your executives a high salary while you cut the work hours (and therefore the net pay) of your lower-paid employees? Is it right to provide a price discount to one customer but not the other? Is it right to reward one employee with a gift certificate for work well done on servicing a large account when other employees have worked hard to support smaller assigned accounts?

Your code of ethics should be written in clear enough language that these, and other, decisions are easy to make and easy to support. Additionally your ethics code needs to provide a basis or framework for assessment. The framework could be questions to be asked and answered.

For example, if you are faced with a significant issue:
  • Identify and determine the different points of view on the situation.
  • Define what the cost is (both tangible and intangible) of the proposed solution(s)?
  • Affirm that your vision, mission and values statements clearly support your proposed solution(s); in other words, are they aligned? (If the answer to that question is no, then either your solution is wrong or your vision, values and missions statements don't accurately reflect your culture).
  • Does the proposed solution or decision 'do no harm' (this is the basis for most ethical reasoning)?
Reports of recent business ethics cases highlight the need for businesses to operate in an ethical manner. Your business brand and identity is tightly connected to the values and the ethics you demonstrate, and commit to, in your business. Build a business code of ethics; and make sure you 'live' to your code; you will build a stronger, more effective and more sustainable business. 
 
Kris Bovay is the owner of Voice Marketing Inc, the business and marketing services company. Kris has 25 years of experience in leading large, medium and small businesses and has worked hard to build a strong reputation for ethical business practices. Kris also teaches a business ethics and practices course at the largest post secondary institution in British Columbia, Canada.

For more on managerial ethics, visit the small business resources and services site, More For Small Business Copyright 2008 - 2009 Voice Marketing Inc.

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