Business and Investment sidenote

The next question which arises is how exhibition, events and fairs are worth for a business. Whether one should really care an use this concept to materialize the business in order to expand business and increase profit.

There two schools which have different parameters for the new era of Exhibition, Events, conferences, summits and trade shows.

One says , in order to be in business , one should attend such happenings to be in limelight of the business world and the expenses is must to be incurred ,irrespective of no fruitful result .

The other school says, be in an event, exhibition and fairs and click the chances of business, because, there you are for business and people related to business comes handy. Further, they believe that may be one business man cannot afford to go places of the world to show its products and find buyers , but in such trade shows and exhibitions , you happen to meet as much as people come to such events .

Both are right to the extent they support exhibition events, conferences, seminars and business summits as they are must for business.

Whereas, third school which is in minority laments such business trade shows to be wastage of time and money. Since, business is by demand and not by visiting events and exhibitions.

When one thinks after having gone through the thoughts aired by different schools of business , following things comes in the mind , which is also affirmed by the different surveys has had been conducted so far as regards to business vs trade shows :

a) Trade shows are must for a business .
b) Buyers and sellers stand on one platform and an get live buy and sell leads.
c) The chances of business to business increases in such events
d) It is economical as approaching different persons takes time and results wastage of money whereas, such events saves time and money beside increases probability of increasing the finding of buyers.
e) It increases you exposure to the business world
f) It also shows that you are a true businessman
g) Sometimes , the number of business events and exhibitions attended is taken as a parameter to judge a company and its products .
h) Its also confirm the saying that “ one which is seen always, is sold always.

Q1: What is a business name and why is it so important?

A: A business name is the name which a business trades under for commercial purposes. A business does not actually begin by formulating a business plan or opening a bank account. It starts from choosing a name. There is more to business name than just identity. A good business name is an advertising tool. Many large companies even hire expensive consultants to help them name their businesses, products and services.

Q2: I have this business name that I love so much, and I want to start a business under that name. Can I proceed immediately?

A: No. I think the next thing after you must have done a feasibility study on the business itself is to get the business name registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Q3: What do you mean by Corporate Affairs Commission?

A: Registration of business in Nigeria is the exclusive responsibility of the Corporate Affairs Commission, also known as CAC; which has its head office in Abuja, and branches in most states of the federation. The CAC is the federal government agency responsible for registration of all companies.

Q4: But I was told that the cost of registering/incorporating a company is expensive. Can’t I go on with the business then register the name later?

A: My candid advice is No! Having your business registered definitely confers some credibility on it, given that it then acquires an identity. In many important business activities or relationships you may want to get involved in, details of your business registration will be required. You do not have to wait for such occasions before getting your business into the register of companies – you may miss an important opportunity just for that omission.

Q5: Is that all?

A: No. Using a business name similar or identical to that of a registered business name can land you into problems, including legal issues. Besides, if you have succeeded in doing business for several years under a name which has not been registered, that does not confer ownership of such business name on you. The CAC has to approve the availability of such a business name before you can proceed to file an application to get the name registered.

Q6: Does that mean I may forfeit a business name that I have been trading under and has become so popular in the marketplace just because I didn’t register it at first?

A: Yes. Due to your negligence, someone somewhere might have registered that name or a similar one. This means you will lose all the goodwill that name garnered over the years. Do you see that this situation is more expensive? (more…)

Conventionally, business cards are used to introduce yourself, your business, and your products and services, but the design is incredibly flexible. Businesses love the promotional capability of business cards as they easily create brand awareness and recognition. When attending conferences, seminars, fundraisers, and other corporate events, these cards help a lot in the introduction process. What’s best they are cost effective to produce, easy to design, and easy to carry around. This is why cheap business cards are widely available in printing shops today.

Business cards actually originated in China centuries ago. Back them they were referred to as visiting cards or calling cards. The visiting cards used centuries ago were usually large in size and dimension as compared to the business card that is available nowadays. The large size of the visiting cards usually gives a lot of space for visitors to write in their name, notes and other important messages.

In Europe, the visiting cards were first used in the reign of Louis XIV in the 17th century. During that time, newspapers were underdeveloped leaving all merchants looking for their own way of promoting their products and services. This paved the way for the creation of the trade card.

With the success of the trade cards, these cards quickly established its name as the most popular and effective way of promoting a business. Printed with the right information such as a map that point directly to the business, trade cards that time has no formal numbering as compared to business cards today. The earliest form of trade cards were usually created or printed with the use of woodcut or the so called letterpress method. This printing method was used up to the 19th century with the aid of a monotone or simple tints in it, with most people choosing to print their name and other information in plain white card with a black text.

But with the fast, idealistic and creative minds of people, in 1830, lithographic printing process was invented in Europe. These modern improvements that include option to color printing led most of the business back them to create great and sophisticated designs for their cards. However, even if these cards was used and popular in the 18th and 19th century in Europe, visiting cards slowly lose its popularity while the trade card was transformed and developed into a business card that is now widely used by all businessmen.

Now in the modern days, there is limitless range or options available for quality printing process armed with quality lithographic printers that usually manufactures great and consistent printing finish for all requirements in card printing. Moreover, because of the rise of new and quality materials and production process, it has widened so many creative options that are available for your disposal.

And because business card is a very crucial marketing tool nowadays, creating a poor and bad looking one will largely reflect on your business. This led to the improvement of materials used by a business card printer like the use of thicker paper stocks which gives business cards good and superior impression. Further improvements like the matt or the gloss lamination or the spot UV were also develop for added professional appeal.

If you haven’t discovered the marketing power of business cards, it’s time you do today. Create your own card now and experience exceptional success in business.

This article aims to provide the reader comprehensive ideas and tips about cheap business cards.

There is really no evidence to suggest that one trading style is superior to another with regards to total pips generated. However, you can test forex robots (in a live account of course) to find the best of the bunch. Testing a forex robot against your particular brand of trading is imperative to your bottom. After all, you don’t want to be stuck with a swing trading forex robot when you’re a day trader. And certainly you don’t want a forex robot that only trades one pair when you like to trade multiple pairs.

Fine-Tuning Your Forex Robot To Compliment Your Strategy

Some forex robots actually function better in calmer markets. Knowing this and if you know that you love to trade around major news events such as central bank interest rate decisions, unemployment data and GDP releases, you absolutely must find a forex robot that thrives under busy market conditions. One way to prepare your forex robot to function well during busy news days is to get a calendar of upcoming news events. These are available free of charge at several forex-related Web sites. Once you have the dates of the news events you want to trade around, adjust your forex robot’s settings to be prepared during those busy trading times.

The other side of the coin is technical trading and forex robots may actually function better in this environment. At least it’s easier to adjust a forex robot’s settings to meet specific technical critieria than it is to get a forex robot to be a fundamental guru. Technical conditions such as RSI, MACD and Stochastic levels can be easily programmed into most forex robots. Technical trading is usually the backbone of most forex robots, so technical traders can certainly benefit from the use of a robot.

Know Your Forex Robot, Know Your Strategy

If the developers behind forex robots are straight forward about anything, it is the strategy the robot uses to be successful. Even if you don’t understand that, it’s pretty easy to figure out what a forex robot is up after watching it trade for a few weeks in a live account. One of the great attributes of forex robots is that, when used properly, they can be versatile creatures and this means there is a forex robot out there for just about any trading methodology.

Running a business that is not a limited company means you are classed as self employed. This is true whether you employ a number of staff or are a sole trader on your own. You may be using a trading name or running the business under your own name.

As you and your business are the same legal entity, you are personally responsible for any debts that you incur in its running, even if you take an overdraft or loan under the business’ trading name.Therefore if the business gets into financial trouble you could be personally responsible for the outstanding debt and your home may be at risk. However, all is not lost, by taking the correct actions personal financial disaster can be avoided.

Personal debt solutions can be used to turn the business around

If you believe that your business could trade profitably without the burden of debts you currently have, then a personal debt solution could give the business a new lease of life. There are three main options available:

- Debt Management Plan (DMP)

- Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)

- Bankruptcy (As self employed you can continue to run your business even if you are bankrupt)

The solution that you choose will depend very much on your personal situation, whether you are a home owner and whether you feel your business can continue to trade profitably in the future.

Each of the personal debt solutions will reduce the amount you pay to your creditors each month which will make ongoing trading easier. The options of IVA and bankruptcy will also lead to debt being written off which is of course a major advantage.

Business Banking is the major hurdle

The major problem to overcome when dealing with self employed business debt is your business banking facilities. If your business owes money to its bank and you implement a debt solution, you will almost certainly need to move your account.

Even if your business bank account has no debts but you have a personal account and debt with the same bank, it is likely that you will have to close both your business and personal accounts.

It is not necessarily a big issue opening a new bank account. You should note however that it will be unlikely that you will get a credit card or overdraft facilities. If you want to maintain a particular line of credit such as a credit card, this may be possible using a debt management plan. However this would need careful planning and is not necessarily advisable.

If you are self employed and your business gets into financial trouble, you are personally responsible for the business debt. However, you can often save the business and turn things around using a debt solution such as DMP, IVA or bankruptcy.

The key to saving your business is to take prompt action. If you feel that your business has financial problems, you should take expert advice as soon as possible. Such advice will very often lead to a solution which will allow you to continue trading successfully in the future.

Is it worthwhile to subscribe to a service that provides a day trading system to follow?|Is it useful to subscribe to a service that provides a system of trading day to follow?|Is it useful to be a member of the service offering a day trading system strategies?|Can you tell me if it’s a useful subscription for giving a followable day trading system?} This can be somewhat of a trick question, well. You do not want to enter into an agreement with a system provider that is unreliable. However, if the trading system you are considering has a strong experience, you may want to do what is necessary to sign with the service. It may prove to be the wisest move you make as far as success in business trading day. That does mean that to determine if the service is worth the money, you’ll need to act as the system tells you to act. Here are a few ways to do this:

Determine how long the day trading system provider has been in business. These services have been around for some time a record of success and excellent customer service. That is the reason that they are searching for to opt for a solid program.

How much does the service cost? Of course, the service will need to charge that he will stay in business, but you do not want to work with a service that is overcharging for what it offers. Look for services that charge a fair price and deliver an effective system.

You may tend to disbelieve of day trading system, if the offer sounds too pompous and unrealistic. Based on logical and not hype you want a system.

In order to credibly determine whether or not the provider is valid the performance of those others that have signed on with the service in the past will need to be examined. There is not any logic that you can’t succeed in the day trading system provided you have the innovation and are properly motivated, when others have made money in the market in a successful manner.

Once you start a virtual assistant business you will need to get out there and find clients.

Of course you need to start with creating your own website, but don’t expect the clients to come find you. In the beginning you will need to actively promote yourself, therefore remember to include some marketing money in your business start-up plan. If this is your first business, you may not be sure just how to market your new business and wondering how you find those first clients. Rest assured there are many affordable ways to market a home based business.

Here are 5 Marketing Ideas to get you started:  

Advertising. Many people don’t like advertising because it can be expensive and because there is so much advertising today; some which is intended to scam the consumer. However, advertising is still a legitimate and effective way to market your business. Try placing ads for your services in local community newspapers, large newspapers,Yellow Pages and business trade magazines if your budget allows. Fortunately, many business will have a place to leave business cards and/or brochures for free.

Article Marketing. Writing articles is a great way to get known and drive some traffic to your website. You don’t need to submit hundreds of articles or use a submission service. A few well-known article directories such as ezinearticles.com and buzzle.com are enough to get you some free traffic. These article directories allow you to submit articles at no charge but make sure you write quality articles and proofread your writing. Be sure to include a little about yourself and your skills, as well as your website’s url in your author’s bio box.

Professional Business Cards. Always carry business cards with you because you never know who you might meet and you don’t want to be caught without a card. Although there are plenty of cheap and do-it-yourself business cards, don’t skimp here. Your business card is a reflection of your business and your professionalism. Have a professional looking card with your name, contact information and website address. Be sure to include a list of your skills and the services you provide as a virtual assistant.

Social Networking. Social website sites such as MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have huge forums where you can network with other business professionals. Create social groups with other virtual assistants and potential business clients who may need your services and skills.

Promotional Items. Everyone loves free things and giveaways are a great way to market your business. Keep in mind this can get expensive so watch your budget, however, there are many inexpensive promotional gadgets that can do the job. Try magnets, pens, key chains, calendars and other merchandise printed with your business logo and contact information. These are great to give away at trade shows and other networking events. Try to use items that people keep, like pens, mugs and calendars, since many promotional items can be thrown away or lost.

These are five great ways to market your business, but remember there are many ways to market your virtual assistant business. Any method you use that gets your name out there and lets potential clients know about your business is successful marketing. Try some ideas and see what works best for you and don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find the right marketing mix for your business.

Business insurance – what is it?

Business insurance is insurance that is intended to protect a business rather than the needs of an individual. There are many different types of business insurance available today but which one is right for you and your business? And what does it all mean? Here are some explanations to some of the legal terms used:

Negligence – means failing in your ‘duty of care’ to your client, this can include giving incorrect advice or making a mistake.

Intellectual property – infringing copyrights, trademarks or broadcasting rights this includes passing your product off as someone else’s or imitation.

Professional indemnity business insurance – this insurance protects you for sums you have to pay as compensation to your clients because of problems with your work.

What can you insure your business premises against?

Your buildings and / or contents can be insured against:

• Fire
• Earthquake
• Aircraft
• Riot and malicious damage
• Storm
• Flood
• Escape of water
• Impact
• Subsidence
• Theft involving forcible and violent entry or exit
• Other damage of an accidental nature

Business Interruption Insurance – what is it?

Business Interruption Insurance covers Loss of Trading Profit due to interruption caused by an insured event for a selected indemnity period, usually minimum 12 months.

What information do I need to obtain quote for business insurance?

You will be required to give some or all of the following information in order to obtain a quotation:

• your profession or industry
• the level of cover you’d like
• your annual turnover, annual gross income, annual fee income – if the business is just starting up your estimated first year’s revenue
• your business name, a contact name and a valid email address  
• your business trading address
• answer a few questions about your business activities and previous claims history
• the date you want cover to begin
• your bank details

What are the Options?

The decision to sell your business is a milestone.  Selling a business that you have worked so hard at and so long for is difficult for many people.  However, when you do decide that the time is right to sell then you must do everything you can to ensure that you get the best value for your hard work.  There are different routes you can take to selling a business.  You can use the services of a professional business broker, try to sell it privately or try some different avenues.  This article will quickly explore the different ways to go about selling a business and hopefully it gives you some insight into the process.

Business Broker
Using a business broker to help you sell your business is an excellent step to make.  Business brokers are professionals that specialize in the business sale transaction.  Brokers are licensed in the Province of Ontario and must undergo educational qualifications in order to be able to buy or sell businesses.  Brokers help business sellers in many different ways:
-    Helps determine the selling price of a business
-    Maintains confidentiality throughout the process
-    Screens potential buyers for you
-    Finds a buyer
-    Helps facilitate with buyers
-    Is a go-between for the buyers and the sellers
-    Provides professional input

A business broker is the professional that specializes in business sales.  If you are looking at selling a business, consulting with a broker would be a great first step.

Suppliers or Employees
If you are not overly concerned with maintain confidentiality when you are selling a business then you may consider talking to your employees or suppliers to see if there is any interest in purchasing the business.  There are some great advantages to selling to suppliers or your staff – they know the business, they are familiar with the customers, there would be minimal training involved, due diligence might be a lot quicker and you already have an existing relationship with them.  

Word of Mouth
If you have a large enough network you might find that someone you know is in the market to buy a good business.  Obviously you must not be concerned with confidentiality if you go down this route.  Many times friends, neighbours or church members are in the market to do something entrepreneurial and just need the impetus to take the plunge.  Spreading the word that your are  selling a business might be the nudge that is required to get an offer on your business.

Trade Magazines or Groups
If you are a part of an industry that has a trade group or publication that comes out that might be a good option for you to advertise that you are selling a business.  Many time your competitors might be looking to expand their operations or get some synergies by buying a similar company so this might be a good resource for you to explore.

When you think it’s time to sell your business please think through all the options carefully and choose what makes the best sense for you.

Contact us if you think you’re ready to sell.  We serve the Golden Horeshoe area including Toronto (GTA), Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.