Helping Small Business $ucceed

5 Traits Your Next Freelancer Must Have | Inc.com

2012-02-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

5 Traits Your Next Freelancer Must Have Inc.com

Philanthropy and Small Business: A Win-Win Situation | Fox Small Business Center

2012-01-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

Philanthropy and Small Business: A Win-Win Situation Fox Small Business Center

2012-01-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

To all of my Blog followers,

Today my father passed away after a seven month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the one who gave me my passion for business and set a standard of integrity and hard work for which I hope I can live up to in my life. Thanks Dad, I love you always.

Stacey

Welcome to the shark tank!

2012-01-23T15:21:00.002-07:00

So, you want to make a living at photography?

Youhave chosen an over-saturated, under appreciated market to try to make money in,so now how are you going to make it work?

Withso many competitors and so little market you need to find a way to set yourselfapart.

Who are you?

What sets you apart from every otherphotographer? What is your niche? Have you established a brand identity? These are questions you need to answer if youare going to survive in photography.

You also need to consider:

Areyou priced appropriately and profitably?

Areyou offering the right products to maximize sales?

Doyou know your market and how to get the most from your client base?

Let us help! With our thirty-five years of industry experience

We can do a review of your profit and loss statements and provideyou with a written summary of your revenue and expense lines. We will also give you a written analysis ofeach line item and where modifications can be made to improve your cash flowand your bottom line. We can help youcreate a profit and loss statement if you do not have one.

In addition, we will review your price lists to analyzeprofitability and suggest ways of increasing profits. Often times this means restructuring and adjustingthe way products are offered and does not necessarily mean prices need to beincreased.

In this ultra-competitive market we can help you create anidentity and product line which will set you apart from the masses.

Managing your business finances can be tedious, overwhelming andfrightening. Making yourself stand outin the crowd can also be difficult. Let us help you build your businessprofitability and create a plan to set you apart from the competition.

Save50% on our Business Sustainability Package

Offer ends February 28, 2012

E-mail us at stacey@itsc123.com or call 208-595-4234 to learn how we can assist you.

Image files--to share or not to share

2012-01-18T17:36:00.001-07:00

Ah, to sell or notto sell, that is the question. When itcomes to selling digital files of the images created it becomes quite a dilemmafor many photographers. There areprobably as many schools of thought on this as there are professionalphotographers.

As thephotographic industry has transitioned from film to digital capture theconsumer has become much more astute to the process involved in creating thefinal images sold to them. Here a coupleof suggestions to help photographers deal with this often times misunderstoodprocess.

First, let’sconsider the business side of this decision. The fundamental question is the photographer’s profitability. In other words what does the photographerneed to make from each session to maintain the profit level they need to stayin business?

Understanding andknowing where the sales average needs to be on each job and pricingappropriately to achieve that average will assure you are profitable. So now the question becomes how to make theimage files available to our client once we have met our threshold ofprofitability. Once it is met itprobably begins to make sense, from a pure business perspective, to allow theclient to purchase the image files.

With this in mind,once the client has reached a certain investment level with the studio it maybe alright to sell them the image files for an additional fee. Creating additional incentives, bonuses andminimum order requirements are all ways to get the client to the purchase levelthe photographers needs them to be.

The photographercan also consider allowing the client to purchase reprints from them at a muchreduced price once the minimum order requirement is met. This way they are still on control of thequality of prints which are being made.

The client maydecide it is simply easier and better for the photographer to maintain thefiles and get additional prints from them if and when the need arises.

Secondly, and morefundamental to most photographers is the idea of giving up control of theirimage files. Losing creative control canbe frightening and the products created outside of that control can put sub-parimages on the street.

This should be adecision made by each photographer as a reflection to their desire to maintaincreative control and the overall mission and vision for their business. Also, if the photographer wants to keep theimage file it will require a system of file management, backup and storage.

Either way,consider only offering the image files which the client placed orders. If they did not like an image well enough topurchase an image originally why would they want the image file?

In summary, setyour prices and create a structure which assures your profitability. Consider the pros and cons as they apply toyour business and your desired ongoing relationship with the client and finallyhow you want to be perceived in your market area.

Employer vs. Contractor: How to Classify Workers for Tax Purposes | Fox Small Business Center

2012-01-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Employer vs. Contractor: How to Classify Workers for Tax Purposes Fox Small Business Center

CES 2012: A Preview for Small Business | Fox Small Business Center

2012-01-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

CES 2012: A Preview for Small Business Fox Small Business Center

Want More Business? Ask for It | Fox Small Business Center

2011-12-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Want More Business? Ask for It Fox Small Business Center

2012 Predictions for Small Business Owners | Fox Small Business Center

2011-12-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

2012 Predictions for Small Business Owners Fox Small Business Center

Greetings

2011-12-24T14:27:00.006-07:00

To all my followers, Merry Christmas and wishing you a successful and prosperous New Year.

Writing Off Illegal Activities: Legal? | Fox Small Business Center

2011-12-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Writing Off Illegal Activities: Legal? Fox Small Business Center

How Small Business Owners Can Achieve Success With Best Practices | Fox Small Business Center

2011-12-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

How Small Business Owners Can Achieve Success With Best Practices Fox Small Business Center

Serial Entrepreneur's Four Tips for Starting a Business - DailyFinance

2011-12-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Serial Entrepreneur's Four Tips for Starting a Business - DailyFinance

Don't See What Your Need? Launch Your Own Product Line | Fox Small Business Center

2011-11-22T20:47:00.000-07:00

Don't See What Your Need? Launch Your Own Product Line | Fox Small Business Center

Market Planning Retreat!

2011-11-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Market Planning Retreat!

Five Ways Your Business Can Grab Market Share Today | Fox Small Business Center

2011-11-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Five Ways Your Business Can Grab Market Share Today | Fox Small Business Center

Simple Steps to Reboot Your Brand | Fox Small Business Center

2011-10-31T09:31:00.000-06:00

Simple Steps to Reboot Your Brand | Fox Small Business Center

Problem No.1 for Small Businesses: Uncle Sam | Fox Small Business Center

2011-10-26T18:42:00.000-06:00

Problem No.1 for Small Businesses: Uncle Sam | Fox Small Business Center

Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy (with captions)

2011-10-20T21:25:00.001-06:00

Does Your Business Need an App? | Fox Small Business Center

2011-10-18T20:37:00.000-06:00

Does Your Business Need an App? | Fox Small Business Center

Five Signs That Your Ads Aren't Working | Fox Small Business Center

2011-10-12T08:37:00.000-06:00

Five Signs That Your Ads Aren't Working | Fox Small Business Center

Financial Health Profile

2011-10-07T18:29:00.000-06:00

Financial Health Profile

TrendWatch Video: What Can Small Businesses Make of the Economy? | Inc.com

2011-10-03T16:25:00.000-06:00

TrendWatch Video: What Can Small Businesses Make of the Economy? | Inc.com

What's Missing From Your Budget? | Fox Small Business Center

2011-09-27T17:25:00.000-06:00

What's Missing From Your Budget? | Fox Small Business Center

Does Your Business Need a Tune Up? | Fox Small Business Center

2011-09-13T09:14:00.000-06:00

Does Your Business Need a Tune Up? | Fox Small Business Center

Tips for Marketing on a Shoe-String Budget | Fox Small Business Center

2011-09-03T18:58:00.000-06:00

Tips for Marketing on a Shoe-String Budget | Fox Small Business Center

How to Create a Buzz About Your Brand | Fox Small Business Center

2011-08-28T20:45:00.000-06:00

How to Create a Buzz About Your Brand | Fox Small Business Center

Tech Tips for Small Businesses: Use Facebook - Galloway, NJ Patch

2011-08-20T19:36:00.000-06:00

Tech Tips for Small Businesses: Use Facebook - Galloway, NJ Patch

Six SEO Tools Every Small Business Needs to Use - Fox Small Business Center

2011-08-13T20:05:00.000-06:00

Six SEO Tools Every Small Business Needs to Use - Fox Small Business Center

Tune into Your Social Sphere - Fox Small Business Center

2011-08-10T16:54:00.000-06:00

Tune into Your Social Sphere - Fox Small Business Center

You are invited to join our new Facebook Group

2011-08-05T12:04:00.002-06:00

We have created a new Facebook group to offer additional information and help to the small business owner. Please join us at:

http://www.facebook.com/editgroup.php?gid=177846232284632&sk=members#!/home.php?sk=group_177846232284632¬if_t=group_r2j

What Is an Appropriate Casual Dress Code for the Summer? | Inc.com

2011-08-05T11:19:00.000-06:00

What Is an Appropriate Casual Dress Code for the Summer? | Inc.com

The Science of Getting People to Say ‘Yes’ - Fox Small Business Center

2011-08-02T20:52:00.001-06:00

The Science of Getting People to Say ‘Yes’ - Fox Small Business Center

How to Sell on Value Rather Than Price

2011-07-26T16:16:00.000-06:00

How to Sell on Value Rather Than Price

Changing With the Times to Outlive the Recession - Fox Small Business Center

2011-07-22T12:22:00.000-06:00

Changing With the Times to Outlive the Recession - Fox Small Business Center

Making Marketing a Priority - Fox Small Business Center

2011-07-12T16:38:00.000-06:00

Making Marketing a Priority - Fox Small Business Center

Top Five Businesses to Start in 2011 - Fox Small Business Center

2011-07-12T16:37:00.000-06:00

Top Five Businesses to Start in 2011 - Fox Small Business Center

Social media touted as key tool for businesses

2011-07-08T12:29:00.000-06:00

Social media touted as key tool for businesses

How to Break Into the Daily Deals Space | Inc.com

2011-07-04T19:11:00.000-06:00

How to Break Into the Daily Deals Space | Inc.com

Fresh Ideas for Offline Marketing - Fox Small Business Center

2011-06-29T16:20:00.000-06:00

Fresh Ideas for Offline Marketing - Fox Small Business Center

Seven Cringe-Worthy Business Plan Mistakes - Fox Small Business Center

2011-06-20T14:30:00.000-06:00

Seven Cringe-Worthy Business Plan Mistakes - Fox Small Business Center

Why a $14/hour employee costs $20

2011-06-13T16:14:00.001-06:00

Why a $14/hour employee costs $20 - Mar. 26, 2010

Five Ways Business Owners Cope With Rising Costs - BusinessWeek

2011-06-13T16:12:00.000-06:00

Five Ways Business Owners Cope With Rising Costs - BusinessWeek

How to Help Your Company Shift Course - Fox Small Business Center

2011-06-05T20:07:00.000-06:00

How to Help Your Company Shift Course - Fox Small Business Center

Five Ways to Use Twitter for Marketing That You Might Not Know About - Fox Small Business Center

2011-05-31T10:41:00.000-06:00

Five Ways to Use Twitter for Marketing That You Might Not Know About - Fox Small Business Center

How much longer can photographic film last?

2011-05-31T10:39:00.000-06:00

How much longer can photographic film last?

Putting money down a rat hole

2011-05-15T14:25:00.001-06:00

Have you ever attended a seminar, convention on workshop and heard a great speaker. They filled you with great ideas about how to improve your business, get more customers, and make more money. You leave full of ideas and motivated to change.

Then you get back home and the notebook full of ideas and the marketing package you bought from the speaker gets thrown in a drawer and forgotten. Why, because you may not have any idea how to implement the ideas into you business.

Often it is because the speaker told you of their success but weren’t in a position to help you modify their ideas for your circumstances.

This is where we can help. We have worked with hundreds of small business owners to help them tailor a marketing program which works. We work one-on-one with you to learn about your business and your potential customers. From there we help you modify marketing ideas and strategies to attract your targeted clients.

We want to help you. Before you invest another dime in someone else’s marketing ideas only to toss them aside without putting them to use you need to call us. We will help you decide what marketing will be most beneficial for you and your business, create a plan for implementing the concepts and a process for reviewing how well they worked for you.

This year instead of investing in more ideas which get thrown in the drawer—call us—we will help you put together a plan which will address your business and maximize your success. Rather than buy a canned marketing program we will help you create your own customized plan. And we can do it for about what you would invest in the canned plan—contact us today.

To get started fill-out our online form or call us at 208-595-4234.

Five Audit-Proofing Tips for the Self Employed - Fox Small Business Center

2011-05-13T14:33:00.000-06:00

Five Audit-Proofing Tips for the Self Employed - Fox Small Business Center

Protecting Business Owners From Identity Fraud - Fox Small Business Center

2011-05-09T16:52:00.000-06:00

Protecting Business Owners From Identity Fraud - Fox Small Business Center

Meet Your Four Customers - Fox Small Business Center

2011-04-23T08:32:00.000-06:00

Meet Your Four Customers - Fox Small Business Center

How Michelin, Bayer, and Fiji 'Market for Margin' - BusinessWeek

2011-04-17T17:23:00.000-06:00

How Michelin, Bayer, and Fiji 'Market for Margin' - BusinessWeek

Tips to Protect Your Business Smartphone - Fox Small Business Center

2011-04-17T17:18:00.000-06:00

Tips to Protect Your Business Smartphone - Fox Small Business Center

Myths to Avoid When Starting Up - Fox Small Business Center

2011-04-13T16:59:00.000-06:00

Myths to Avoid When Starting Up - Fox Small Business Center

Marketing, the Kung-Fu Way - Fox Small Business Center

2011-04-06T20:38:00.000-06:00

Marketing, the Kung-Fu Way - Fox Small Business Center

Supercharging Your Referral Efforts - Fox Small Business Center

2011-03-27T19:39:00.000-06:00

Supercharging Your Referral Efforts - Fox Small Business Center

The Five-Second Rule - Fox Small Business Center

2011-03-13T17:33:00.000-06:00

The Five-Second Rule - Fox Small Business Center

Getting the Most From Social Media Interns - Fox Small Business Center

2011-02-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Getting the Most From Social Media Interns - Fox Small Business Center

Small Business Branding 101 - Fox Small Business Center

2011-02-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Small Business Branding 101 - Fox Small Business Center

It’s Time To Kill Multi-Tasking :: Articles :: The 99 Percent

2011-02-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

It’s Time To Kill Multi-Tasking :: Articles :: The 99 Percent

Leveraging Loyalty: How to Keep Customers Hooked - Fox Small Business Center

2011-01-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

Leveraging Loyalty: How to Keep Customers Hooked - Fox Small Business Center

5 Reasons Your Web Site Isn’t Attracting Leads - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2011-01-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

5 Reasons Your Web Site Isn’t Attracting Leads - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

Business of 2010 and 2011 in One Word: 'Uncertainty,' 'Hope,' 'Bad,' 'Better' - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2011-01-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

Business of 2010 and 2011 in One Word: 'Uncertainty,' 'Hope,' 'Bad,' 'Better' - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

What is your New Year's resolution

2010-12-29T10:19:00.003-07:00

2011 brings about the opportunity to correct the things which are keeping us from full success in our business. What resolutions do you need to make? And more importantly, how are you going to successfully implement these changes? WE CAN HELP!

The current economy has had a major impact on all of us. The question becomes, what are we going to do about it? WE CAN HELP!

How? By offering you a FREE one hour telephone consultation! ... During this consultation we will discuss those things which are most concerning and are having the biggest impact on your business. We have thirty-one years of experience in small business and management. Let us put our experience to work for you!

During the phone consultation we will help you identify the specific areas where you need to direct attention and give you advice on how to get started. Some of the areas you may consider are:

Managing your business in a poor economy

Debt management

Creating marketing which works

Understanding the numbers

Profitable pricing structures

Time management

Or there may be something else?

This consultation is valued at $250 and is yours free with no further obligation. If you choose to continue to work with us we have a variety of consulting packages and services to assist you.

So, now is the time to get those tough questions asked and let us help you find solutions which will bring you more success in 2011 and the future.

What do you have to lose, an hour of your time? What do you have to gain? A more profitable and productive future for your business!

You must fill-out the web form to get started .
http://www.SpeSend.net/itsc.staceyf60/SurveyIniitalBusinessQuestionnaire/Survey.aspx

Please answer the questions fully so we can make the best use of our time on the phone.

Call us today at 208-595-4234

Five Mistakes in Social Media Branding

2010-12-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Five Mistakes in Social Media Branding - FoxBusiness.com

Grow in 2011: 5 Action Steps - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2010-12-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Grow in 2011: 5 Action Steps - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

What are the biggest concerns you have about your business in the coming year? | LinkedIn

2010-12-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join in on this discussion:

What are the biggest concerns you have about your business in the coming year? | LinkedIn

Make 2011 Great!

2010-12-07T10:19:00.001-07:00

Market Planning Retreat!

Its time to get away and get a plan

Spend an entire day one-on-one with Stacey and your staff. We will work with you to create a comprehensive twelve-month marketing plan tailored specifically for your business. Stacey will come to you, simply select a site away from you business location and we will be there to walk you through creating your plan....This package will include:

A review of your current marketing efforts prior to the retreat
Creation of an overall vision for your business
A calendar of promotional marketing
Creation of ongoing promotions
A time-line for implementation of your program
Selection of advertising methods for each promotion
Creation of ad copy and marketing material layouts
A system for reviewing the success of your marketing efforts
Work on specific needs you may have for implementing this program

Creating the proper environment for your annual planning is very important. We recommend you do this away from your place of business. Contact us for more information on how to make this time the most productive.

Bonus! You will receive one-hour of telephone follow-up and review of your plan per quarter for the next twelve months.

Retreat must be scheduled between January 5 and March 31, 2011.
All retreats must be booked by December 24, 2010.
Hurry; there are only a limited number of retreat dates still available.

Request more information http://www.spesend.net/ITSC.staceyf60/SurveyCurrentSpecials/Survey.aspxOr contact us today at info@inthespiritconsulting.com or by phone at 309-962-8143.
Cannot be combined with other offers

FoxBusiness.com - Holiday Vacation Tips When You Work for You

2010-12-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

FoxBusiness.com - Holiday Vacation Tips When You Work for You

Cyber Monday Specials all week long

2010-11-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

Offer #1

One Day Only—Wednesday, December 1

Financial Health Profile

So how is your business doing? Profitable? Able to meet payroll? Current with your bills? Paying yourself?

NOT SURE?

Let us help

We can do a review of your profit and loss statements and provide you with a written summary of your revenue and expense lines. We will also give you a written analysis of each line item and where modifications can be made to improve your cash flow and your bottom line.

We will do all of this for you for just $295*

*A current YTD and previous year P&L statement must be provided

Fees paid may be applied to a full consulting package

You don’t have to wait until the end of the year. We will work with your current year-to-date information, by doing it now you will have a jumpstart on 2011. Managing your business finances can be tedious, overwhelming and frightening. Let us help you get back on track and put you back in control of your business.

Contact us today at info@inthespiritconsulting.com or by phone at 208-595-4234

--------------------------------------------------------

Offer #2

We Can Help--Let Us Prove It

We are offering 45% off our 5-hour consulting package Time can be scheduled in one or multi-hour sessions. All time must be used within six-months.Fees paid may be applied to larger package.

Promotion ends December 3, 2010

Visit our website at inthespiritconsulting.com for full details. May not be combined with other offers. Total package must be pre-paid.

--------------------------------------------------------

Offer #3

50% off any of our consulting packages.

This is by far the best offer we have ever made and may not be repeated.

We will give you half off the regular price of any of our consulting packages. To take advantage of this special simply send us an e-mail before 6pm MST on Friday, December 3.

"Cyber Monday Offer" must appear in the subject line. Include your daytime phone number in the body of the message. We will then contact you to get started helping you maximize your business success. Send e-mail to stacey@inthespiritconsulting.com

Please note we will be doing follow-up calls so be sure to include a daytime phone number. We will also send you an e-mail confirmation that you have qualified for this offer.

Some restrictions apply. May not be combined with other offers

--------------------------------------------------------

Simply fill out this form

http://www.SpeSend.net/itsc.staceyf60/SurveyCurrentSpecials/Survey.aspx

or call 208-595-4234 to get started with any of the above.

Customer Service Mistakes

2010-11-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

Customer Service Mistakes

Tips for Branding Your Small Business - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2010-11-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Tips for Branding Your Small Business - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

Retail Online Integration Mobile Site | The Retailer's Guide to Cross-Channel Success - Current Issue - Shop Talk : A Starter's Guide to Creating Your Company Blog

2010-11-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Retail Online Integration Mobile Site | The Retailer's Guide to Cross-Channel Success - Current Issue - Shop Talk : A Starter's Guide to Creating Your Company Blog

Facebook a 'Cocktail Party' for Small Business - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2010-11-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Facebook a 'Cocktail Party' for Small Business - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

Starting Over: Live, Learn and Move On - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2010-11-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Starting Over: Live, Learn and Move On - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

When it Comes to Business Crises, A.D.A.P.T. or Else

2010-10-27T10:55:00.000-06:00

When it Comes to Business Crises, A.D.A.P.T. or Else

Home, Work, Kids and Finding Balance

2010-10-04T18:37:00.000-06:00

FOXBusiness.com - Home, Work, Kids and Finding Balance

How to Deliver Great Customer Service

2010-09-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

How to Deliver Great Customer Service

Tips for (Really) Working From Home - FOXBusiness.com

2010-08-29T13:05:00.000-06:00

Tips for (Really) Working From Home - FOXBusiness.com

1000 Followers

2010-08-12T12:42:00.003-06:00

We are pleased to announce we have surpassed one thousand followers on this blog. Thanks to everyone for your interest. Be sure to watch for more original content coming in the near future.

Employee Costs for Small Business Much More Than Hourly Wages

2010-07-27T14:12:00.000-06:00

Employee Costs for Small Business Much More Than Hourly Wages

UPDIG for photographers

2010-07-17T21:55:00.003-06:00

The UPDIG guidelines aim to clarify issues affecting accurate reproduction and management of digital images. These guidelines were created to establish photographic standards and practices for photographers, designers, printers, and image distributors. The guidelines cover Digital Asset Management, Color Profiling, Metadata, and Photography Workflow.

Version 4.0 of the guidelines represents the industry consensus as of Sept 22, 2008. The guidelines were prepared by the UPDIG Coalition, with the help of many digital imaging professionals, software vendors, and hardware manufacturers. The UPDIG Coalition is dedicated to promoting standards for photographic digital imaging.

www.updig.org/pdfs/updig_photographers_guidelines_v40.pdf

FOXBusiness.com - How to Make Your Customers Love You

2010-07-08T15:33:00.000-06:00

FOXBusiness.com - How to Make Your Customers Love You

3 Questions You Must Ask Before Investing in New Equipment : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum

2010-06-30T11:54:00.000-06:00

3 Questions You Must Ask Before Investing in New Equipment : Money :: American Express OPEN Forum

Six Ways For Small-Business Owners To Save Money - WSJ.com

2010-06-30T11:51:00.000-06:00

Six Ways For Small-Business Owners To Save Money - WSJ.com

Leveraging Customer Reviews Online - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2010-06-23T11:32:00.000-06:00

Leveraging Customer Reviews Online - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

How to spy on the competition - Small business- msnbc.com

2010-06-09T21:50:00.000-06:00

How to spy on the competition - Small business- msnbc.com

The Entrepreneur's Guide to Tech - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2010-06-03T16:59:00.000-06:00

The Entrepreneur's Guide to Tech - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

Business Innovation 'Made Us Human' and Moves Us Forward - BusinessWeek

2010-06-02T20:54:00.000-06:00

Business Innovation 'Made Us Human' and Moves Us Forward - BusinessWeek

Embed a Google Form on a Facebook Fan Page. « Grand Rapids Social Marketing Lunch Meetup

2010-05-25T16:54:00.000-06:00

Embed a Google Form on a Facebook Fan Page. « Grand Rapids Social Marketing Lunch Meetup

Small Businesses Feel Economic Conditions are Improving, According to Capital One Small Business Barometer - MarketWatch

2010-05-24T18:31:00.000-06:00

Small Businesses Feel Economic Conditions are Improving, According to Capital One Small Business Barometer - MarketWatch

10 Worst States for Entrepreneurship and Small Business

2010-05-14T12:40:00.000-06:00

http://www.foxsmallbusinesscenter.com/slideshow/sbc/2010/05/06/worst-states-entrepreneurship-small-business/#slide=1

Study: Women Rock As Small Business Owners - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

2010-05-03T16:31:00.000-06:00

Study: Women Rock As Small Business Owners - FoxSmallBusinessCenter.com

Pitney Bowes Survey Reveals Resiliency of Small Businesses Facing a Tough Economy - MarketWatch

2010-04-26T16:06:00.000-06:00

Pitney Bowes Survey Reveals Resiliency of Small Businesses Facing a Tough Economy - MarketWatch

Success is a Choice : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum

2010-04-20T21:12:00.000-06:00

Success is a Choice : Innovation :: American Express OPEN Forum

Small businesses still searching for the recovery

2010-04-13T12:14:00.000-06:00

Small businesses still searching for the recovery

For Small Business, the Jobs Forum Is All About Credit - You're the Boss Blog - NYTimes.com

2010-04-06T16:31:00.000-06:00

For Small Business, the Jobs Forum Is All About Credit - You're the Boss Blog - NYTimes.com

Small businesses starved for capital - chicagotribune.com

2010-03-31T19:04:00.000-06:00

Small businesses starved for capital - chicagotribune.com

What States and Cities Do to Help Small Businesses - NYTimes.com

2010-03-29T14:53:00.000-06:00

What States and Cities Do to Help Small Businesses - NYTimes.com

Government controlled healthcare

2010-03-26T09:53:00.002-06:00

I made the following statement on my Facebook page the night the Healthcare billed passed the Senate and it began a firestorm of comments which I wanted to share on my blog.

"To all who voted for and supported the federal healthcare bill may God have mercy on your soul."

Carolyn Jarmon Jones
Over dramatic much?

Dave Russell
what a hateful, disgusting sentiment.

Roger Mathis
You think socialism is the answer, Dave? Freedom, slowly slipping away, so goodbye to the UNITED states.

Chris Humphreys
I'm sure God is pissed that we took a little bit of power from a for profit insurance industry.

Stacey Friedlein
Read more on the subject of maintaining the free enterprise system here. http://inthespiritconsulting.blogspot.com/2010/03/socialist-society-cannot-live-as-free.html

Stacey Friedlein
Be happy we live in a country where companies are allowed to make a profit.

Michael Smith
And this is the problem with the country ... 2 sides against each other.

Mitchell Burt
Stacey, I understand that you disagree with what our nation has voted to attain, but this is simply inappropriate and offensive and I'm frankly embarrassed for your lack of control. I ask you , what does it profiteth a man to lose the world AND his soul in the process? Perhaps you should go to your room and pray on it...

Dan Baiotto
I have to agree with you Stacey.... I for one have been part of a high risk insurance pool.... not fun, couldn't afford to see my regular doctors let alone get sick. I am all for reform...getting rid of pre-existing conditions. I am all for tort reform.... I am not for government funded abortions. The president executive order is only as good as ... See Morethe paper it is written on. Law is law , executive orders don't trump law. Just wait..... the first time it comes up and goes to the Supreme Court....they will have to stand on the law, not a promise from a president. Sad day indeed. What about the catch 22 that says all must have insurance or you pay penalty.. that law goes into effect immediately. and to those who have a pre-existing condition and can't get insurance...but will in 4 yrs.... What do they do Pay the fine for the next 4 yrs?????????

Jen Hester
I doubt I need God's "mercy" for supporting a bill that will give healthcare to those that go without. I think He would appreciate us taking care of each other.

Jim Wilson
God does not show mercy to communist.

Dan Baiotto
I think the representatives will need God's mercy for supporting a bill that supports and funds the death of the unborn, the old who can't afford or the sick who will suffer from the decrease in health care. Show me one other nation that has a successful socialistic health care program that has better health care than what we are getting now or used to get.

Roger Mathis
Jen, your are correct, and if this were a motto that we HAD lived by there would be no need for reform......but moving on......Stacey, I appreciate the stand that you have taken, if you stand for nothing you'll fall for anything-You Stood!If you had a chance to read www.healthreform.gov and all the propoganda put in this sight to make us think we need THIS particular bill, it's insane.

Andrew McDavid
Yes Jen, we will take care of each other, but does it have to be at the point of a gun, or a fine, or an agent of the govt. putting his hand in my pocket?I am all for taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves; the unborn are a perfect example, and they have been dealt another death blow with this legislation.I think Stacey's statement might be better said; God have mercy on us all.

Stacey Friedlein
I rarely let my political views known on a public forum. However, this is such a critical issue to the future of our country and to the future success of small business I felt I needed to comment.

Stacey Friedlein
I don't disagree that those who cannot get health insurance or other help don't need assistance. I just do not believe it should be the job of government to provide it to them.

Danielle Goodman
Great Quote by Dr. Adrian Rogers......You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthly out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The goverment cannot give to anybody anything that the goverment does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people... See More ... See Moreget the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot mulitiply wealth by dividing it.I believe in charity, but I believe that I should be able to give it by choice. I believe that all Americans should have a reason to work, not take a hand out. Even in my college days, I worked 1 sometimes 2 jobs, paid my rent & utilities & paid for my health insurance. Of course it was alot of money for me, but I did without things that I would have like to have had in exchange for being responsible. It is still this way today. I have 3 kids, we are on one income (for all practical purposes) and we pay for our health insurance. We don't go to the doctor unless we are really, really sick. Unlike people I know (a relative) who runs to the ER everytime she coughs & doesn't pay for it. BTW, she sits & chooses to watch TV all day. Unlike some of us, working hard. BTW, Insurance is a business. Yes, I think that there are a few things that need to be fixed, they should not be able to just cancel you if you get sick (I don't know anyone who has had that happen & I know several cancer patients) But at the end of the day, if Insurance does not make money, they will not stay in business. How many of you want to run a business just for charity? They have to keep a certain ratio or they can not guarentee to be able to pay claims. I just think, if you don't have insurance & you can't pay for it out of pocket, then you don't get treated (except for kids) I mean if your house is burning down, you can't run out & get insurance.

Stacey Friedlein
So everyone understands. I do not oppose the idea of healthcare for everyone. I just do not want the government running the program.

Danielle Goodman
I think everyone should have healthcare & .....health insurance. Perfect world, huh? I don't want the goverment stepping in & controlling any more of my life than they already do. The people who want insurance, have it, the people who can't or won't afford it, still won't & we just gave more power to goverment.

Jan Sexson
Stacy, thanks for having the guts to take a stand. Considering this country's current deficit, and even more, the predicted future deficit, the passing of this bill frightens me. Social Security and Medicare are already in trouble, consequently I don't have a lot of faith in the government to run our health care. Being self-employed, I have no ... See Moreinsurance. Every cent I make is going to support my son who is too ill to work, yet it will take several months at the least for him to be approved for Social Security Disability. Consequently, I can not afford insurance and certainly can't afford to pay a fine for being too poor to afford insurance! Possibly, in four years, the government might supply me with health care, but what quality? Time will tell. Like you, Stacy and Dan, I am also upset that this bill allows payment for abortion. So much for protecting those who cannot protect themselves. I need insurance, and I don't pretend to have the answers, I'm only voicing my concerns about whether this health care bill is the answer.

Nina Miller
If there was a God and if he was any good, he'd make sure people wouldn't get sick in the first place. Seriously.

Ernie Baiotto
You need to look at the hidden things in the bill--For instance Harry Ried has a clause that say no future congress can change this section of the bill. Also the the buying of votes from Conneticut, vermont, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Lousianna. Is this the way our government was meant to be run? Our forefathers are probably turning over in their graves this morning.

Stacey Friedlein
I am not a fan of dividing democrats and republicans but am more interested in defining idealogy without labels.

Jeff Delaney
Excellent point Danielle....in light of this marked legislation, you'll begin to see the face the "business" of health care change drastically, and my guess is that you won't like it. I am constantly amazed, (I really don't know why) and the things that our government comes up with. I understand their motivation (to keep their jobs) but really. We ... See Morespeak of keeping drunks off of the road, but then allow their charges to be reduced to non-moving violations if you have the $$$. We speak of the atrocity of the taking of an unborn life, yet dare not to find a solution to the problem, even though it beats you upside the head. We reform health care without addressing one of its major facets, malpractice, for medical professionals (who are human beings) in the event that God forbid they make a mistake. Let me see if I can find a tie there.....Attorneys sue doctors and get huge settlements for their clients, lining their pockets with dollars that could other wise be used to lower health care costs for everyone and extend coverage to those who cannot afford it. How many "Lawmakers" are Attorneys? Hummmm? Perhaps it's time to elect people who aren't so familiar with the law, and more familiar with the real needs of people.

Jeff Conrad
Thank You Stacey for your comment. I've been roaming around today in a great void feeling like I was alone. Now may GOD have mercy on us all and overturn the demise that has been set forth by the forced legislation on us all. Some representative government. Lets go back to pre-revolutionary times.....oh wait a minute we already have.
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The good and bad in health care reform for small businesses - USATODAY.com

2010-03-26T09:39:00.000-06:00

The good and bad in health care reform for small businesses - USATODAY.com