The business lending landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years, making it difficult for some business owners who still rely on the classic model of marching down to the local bank or credit union and filling out a few application forms and disclosures. The global financial crisis has been one of the major forces of change, along with the advent of Internet technologies, globalization, and the overall transformation of modern business.

Many American business owners no longer enjoy the widespread and unbridled prosperity that seemed to be the norm decades ago. As a result of this decline in profitability amidst a highly competitive business climate, credit and underwriting guidelines are now stricter than ever. This could be a dispiriting situation for some business owners, but the good news is that there are a few alternative ways to obtain business financing.

Here are the top five ways to secure a loan for your business:

1 – The Traditional Approach

This approach is still one of the preferred ways for American business owners and budding entrepreneurs to obtain financing. It is a moderately bureaucratic affair; consisting of application forms, credit checks, financial statements, business planning, and other aspects of due diligence. These loans often require that applicants have a considerable amount of experience in their chosen field or line of business. Cosigners and collateral are typical requirements.

Traditional business lending still makes sense because it is a respectable part of the economic establishment. The credit crunch has unfairly taken some of its sheen off, but it is still a very viable approach to commercial financing, one that all business owners should attempt at least once. Given the tight credit and lending requirements these days, getting approved for a traditional business loan can be a huge morale booster.

2 – The Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA lending and the traditional approach have been existing in harmony since the mid-1950s, but since the passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, SBA loans are pretty much the only way for startups and small to mid-sized enterprises to get old-fashioned loans. While the SBA does not actually fund the loan, it guarantees up to 90 percent of it, thus making it more attractive for banks to lend. SBA loan approvals have been sky-rocketing in the last couple of years, and the pace is expected to continue.

Getting SBA loan approvals often calls for even more transparency and due diligence than the traditional approach, but the government agency is ready to help with counseling and guidance that can be found right on their website: www.sba.gov

3 – Financing Based on Accounts Receivable

Business owners who have kept good records of their account receivables and invoices can ask business loan brokers for asset-based alternative financing methods. Short-term loans can be obtained based on the amounts of outstanding invoices and the clients’ ability to repay. Future gross receipts can also be calculated from credit and debit card records kept by merchant processors, thereby giving a loan underwriter an idea of how much of an advanced loan can be given to a business that agrees to repay by drawing from future proceeds.

4 – Partnerships and Venture Capital

By nature, entrepreneurs tend to shun partnerships and angel investors due to the potential amount of control they could cede in exchange for funding. The horror stories of corporate raiders and greedy venture capitalists are mostly spectacular and overblown. Partnerships and capital investment agreements are always negotiable; no business owner should ever feel pressured into signing oppressive contracts for money. When seeking venture capital, business owners are strongly advised to check that their potential partners are reputable by looking at lists like the Entrepreneur 100: www.entrepreneur.com/vc100/

5 – Creative Lending

Grassroots financing, peer-to-peer lending and crowd funding are Internet-powered community financing opportunities for progressive business owners looking for creative funding. Internet-savvy borrowers are advised that these alternative financing methods are based on the wisdom of crowds and subject to the court of public opinion. Economic analysts are observing sites such as prosper.com and kickstarter.com to understand how participatory lending is shaping the future of business finance.

There is one more important factor to remember when securing a loan for your business: By going with a traditional approach, the business owner’s personal credit record is usually queried, something that can result in lower credit scores. A business loan application rejected by an established lending institution is likely to influence future decisions of traditional lenders. By choosing alternative methods of financing, a business owner is less likely to put his personal credit history on the line.

Author Sheila Barnett writes on personal finance and budgeting for www.financialcalculator.org, a site with helpful details and financial tools such as an investment calculator, a millionaire calculator, and even a brand vs. generic calculator!

The Internet has made it easier than ever for even small businesses to expand into international markets; however that doesn’t mean that it’s easy to trade on a global stage.  If you want to succeed internationally, you’ll need to do your homework first, and understand the many challenges that international businesses face.  Here’s a short checklist to help you avoid the most common international trading pitfalls:

1. Check time zones:  When you’re networking at international events, the idea of working with a company based on the other side of the ocean seems like a brilliant one.  The team are easy to work with, friendly, and incredibly talented.  However, when you urgently need to speak to their tech team, and it’s midnight where they’re based, you’ll quickly wonder what you were thinking.  Iron out service level agreements, and consider time zone differences, before you commit.
2. Accept the language barrier:  It’s true that in many industries, most people speak at least some English, and for those that don’t, some German or French might help you get by.  A basic course in English at high-school level won’t prepare you for the real world with all its slang, sarcasm, and strange idioms.  If you’re planning on dealing with a lot of foreign companies, understand that wires will get crossed from time to time.  They may miss-understand your jokes, and you might think they’re being terse or rude when they’re trying to be formal and polite.  Always, always, give people the benefit of the doubt.
3. Fully research tax laws:  Granted, taxation doesn’t make much sense at the best of times, but when you’re entering the world of international trade it gets even fuzzier.  Make sure you hire a good accountant, and understand how trading with foreign countries will impact your bottom line.
4. Budget for travel expenses:  You probably won’t be able to afford to do site visits for your new international suppliers or clients, but you will want to start attending more international events.  Make sure you have room in your budget for keeping your new relationships alive.
5. Get an international bank account: If you’re buying things in Euros, getting paid in US Dollars, and paying your employees in British Pounds, then you’ll have a hard enough time keeping up with exchange rates, let alone getting charged exchange fees by your bank.  Try to find an account that doesn’t charge a fortune for international transactions.

Succeeding on the international market can be challenging, but it is possible.  Make sure that you carefully manage the expectations of your international clients, and that they know when they can reach you, and when you are likely to try to reach them.

It’s a good idea to try to touch base with current and prospective clients as often as possible.  Attending international events is a good way to meet as many people as possible without having to spend a fortune rushing from site to site.  Consider getting business cards made up with a description of your company in a couple of different languages, as appropriate for the business you’re in.

Written by Amy Fowler on behalf of AMA Events, experts in organizing national and international events.

Limited liability companies (LLCs) came into the focus of American business people in the late 1970s. Prior to that, most business entities were limited to the sole proprietor, partnership or corporate structures. European companies were the first to enjoy a business structure that limited the liability of the partners who held ownership interest in a company, and later Latin American business enterprises adopted and expanded the concept to include individuals who were interested in protecting their assets from creditors, court litigants and overburdening taxation.

The use of an LLC as an asset protection strategy was first noticed in Panama, a country where wealthy families were often at the mercy of frivolous lawsuits and questionable attempts by the government to relieve them of their holdings. Then there was the issue of personal liability, whereby the reckless behavior of business partners in their personal lives threatened the financial integrity of companies. The first LLC structures were filed in Wyoming and Florida, and by the late 1980s the Internal Revenue Service had recognized them for the purpose of taxation at the federal level.

It is estimated that for every stock corporation formed in the United States these days, two LLC filings are being tendered. While the majority of these filings are for a commercial purpose, many LLCs are being organized for the purpose of protecting different types of assets, including fine jewelry, luxury watches and other personal items.

The Concept Behind LLC Asset Protection

In business law, the legal concept of limited liability establishes that an enterprise organized as an LLC cannot be subject to liability imposed by the transgressions of the members who hold ownership interest in the company. It is possible for an LLC to be formed with a sole partner who holds 100 percent interest and manages the company as well; in fact, the sole proprietorship business structure has fallen out of favor among “one-man shops” due to the popularity and sheer advantages of the LLC. The idea is that the business enterprise can survive even if the partners or members assume heavy debt burdens and end up being chased and sued by creditors.

The way LLC asset protection works is that members are allowed to transfer ownership of real and personal property to the LLC, while continuing to make use of the property as they see fit. A primary residence or a vacation home, for example, can be listed as an asset of the LLC and thus placing a lien against it will not be an easy endeavor, nor will be seizure. A similar situation applies to personal property like fine jewelry, expensive watches, antiques, and other valuable items.

LLC Precautions

An LLC that is actively doing business can be subject to litigation. When a lawsuit is filed against the LLC, the plaintiff can go after the company’s assets, regardless of who originally transferred them to the company or who happens to be enjoying them. This means that if three individuals who are members of an LLC each transferred an investment home to the company, a plaintiff can sue the LLC and go after all three homes at once.

In some states, creditors can go after the membership interest in an LLC, thereby gaining access to the assets during bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings.

Forming an LLC for the purpose of asset protection is a strategy that has been tested in many jurisdictions, but not in all of them. The statutes in some states explicitly prohibit the formation of an LLC for the purpose of asset protection, and thus it is always recommended to contact an attorney for any questions related to these matters.

Author Tanya Peterson resides in NYC and is a jewelry appraiser for watchrepairny.com, a Manhattan provider of fine watch repair services since 1978. Tanya’s grandfather was in the antique watch business and it’s been a fascination with her since childhood.

If you have been with a particular insurer for some time, you may benefit from switching to a different insurance broker and company. However, there are pros and cons to switching, and lower premiums aren’t the only factor to consider.

If you secured a good deal on your insurance policy some years ago, it may be the case that you haven’t questioned it since. The payments go out of your account automatically every month, meaning that you don’t have to worry about it again. Although the knowledge that you are covered brings peace of mind, staying with the same insurance broker and even specific policy over the long term may not be the best or most cost-effective solution. Conversely, if you are thinking of switching to gain lower premiums or other benefits, it is worth taking a broader view of the process, since there are other factors to think about.

Needless to say, there may be circumstances in which you have to change insurance broker. If your business is much larger or looks very different than it did several years ago, or if you now have specific risks that you did not previously, you should certainly consider changing your policy to reflect these facts. Depending on how different your business is, you may need a different insurance broker to do this.

Pros and cons of staying with your current insurance broker

Staying with the same insurance broker has many of the advantages of maintaining any long-term business relationship. Knowing who you are dealing with has enormous benefits, not least because you know that this person has a good understanding of your company and requirements. Changing broker means starting again from scratch, for both parties.

The long-term relationship works in both of your favour, since the insurance broker values your future business, which should be reflected in the way they treat you. This factor should typically make customer service faster and easier, since the broker ought to prioritise you as a repeat client. They may even offer you preferential rates to reward you for your business over the years and to incentivise you to stay.

Having said this, there may be downsides to the long-term relationship, particularly if it is not rewarded in such ways. In the worst case, your business is taken for granted and prices may even be higher, since you are considered a certain prospect for the future. In other cases, good service may not be enough to mitigate the less competitive rates.

Pros and cons of switching

Just as there are advantages and disadvantages to keeping the same insurance broker for many years, there are pros and cons to switching. One of the most obvious advantages may be that you can get a better deal elsewhere; what seemed like a competitive policy years earlier might now be relatively expensive if the market has moved on. If your needs have changed in the meantime, there may be other benefits to be gained by switching insurance brokers; you may, for example, be able to bundle together several different policies (which you might not previously have needed) into a combined policy, accessing economies of scale in the process.

Whilst it may be useful to switch insurance brokers occasionally, you should think carefully before making a habit of it. A new insurer will track your insurance history and will know who you have used in the past, and for how long. Insurance companies are generally sceptical of clients who switch on a regular basis, since they know that they will probably not stay with them for long. They may deny you a policy on these grounds.

Conclusion

The decision to change insurance brokers is one that should not be taken lightly or on the spur of the moment. Although you may be able to make financial savings in the short term, you should always keep an eye on the long-term picture, including how the relationship with your current broker might evolve over time, and how it might affect your future chances of accessing competitively-priced policies.

This article was supplied by the leading firm of Irish insurance brokers, Robertson Low, established in 1995 and the only Irish incorporated ‘Lloyd’s broker’.

Of all the considerations that must be taken prior to starting a small business -like the business plan, marketing and advertising, personnel, etc.- the financial aspects are the most important. This doesn’t mean that finances should be considered first; in fact, the very first step an entrepreneur should take is to carefully think about the business idea at hand and make an assessment of the strengths that will carry her or him into the often merciless world of commerce. Once that has been accomplished, financial considerations may follow.

Since every business is different, the following five financial steps to take before getting started may not apply to all entrepreneurs, but they should at least be considered. Some of the steps will involve decision-making, while others are simply meant to function as advisory:

1 – Financial Analysis:

This is a mandatory step that should be clearly stated on the business plan. This cannot be done haphazardly, and thus it is recommended that planning or accounting software be used to determine just how much money the business will need and how much it reasonably stands to produce. Business hopefuls who plan to get loans or money from investors will not get too far without a solid financial analysis.

2 – Funding:

This is another step that should appear on the business plan. For some business owners who have some cash set aside for special occasions, it may be tempting to throw it all at the business. This may not be such a good idea, since a business venture involves a certain degree of risk. A good analogy to think about here is playing the lottery, hitting the blackjack tables in Las Vegas or buying stock on Wall Street. The only money that should be put at risk is the money that isn’t needed or will not be missed if it evaporates. Whatever the source of funding, it should be stated on the business plan, and it may be in the form of loans, gifts, credit cards, a home equity line of credit, etc.

3 – Savings:

Starting a new business often means going without income for an unknown length of time, sometimes until the break-even point is achieved. Depending on the industry, this could take months or even years. The financial analysis should always include the salary of the business owner, but there’s always the possibility that the sales may not be sufficient to cover expenses, let alone salary. Lack of savings is one of the main reasons behind small business failure.

4 – Health Insurance:

This is a thorny issue for entrepreneurs who are going from a full-time job with benefits to self-employment without guarantees. If a business owner plans to hire staff members who must be given health insurance due to state or federal labor laws, then that cost should be on the business plan. For entrepreneurs who are starting a business without employees, going without health insurance could be hazardous. The monthly premium of an adequate health insurance plan should be figured out in the salary of the business owner.

5 – Maintain Debt Ratios:

Getting approved for a business loan for the first time can be an exhilarating experience that could start an entrepreneur on the path to cumulative debt. Once a small business begins operating, the offers for credit cards and additional loans start to rain. While the availability of all that credit is certainly tempting, entrepreneurs should beware that getting into deep debt can quickly erode the bottom line of a business. Accountants and small business advisors are the best sources of information for learning just how much debt can be taken on.

By taking the time to assess how you want your business to progress financially, you can save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run. Take these 5 steps and integrate them into your business plan to ensure your success!

Author Jessica Stevens is a financial consultant and content contributor for wisebread.com, a site offering reviews on some of the best travel credit cards and great money tips for living large on a small budget.

The Internet has become the most important medium for effective marketing, but at the same time it has become the most competitive. While in the past a simple web page was the sole requirement necessary for the search engine crawlers to index a web page in their respective web results, the sheer amount of the Web –currently estimated at more than seven billion web pages- has resulted in information overload. For small business owners, an efficient Internet marketing strategy can be the ticket to profitable success, but only if the following five tips are given careful consideration:

1 – Web directory listings: Google may be the most ubiquitous Internet property now, but Yahoo! is credited with the concept of organizing the seemingly vast amounts of information available at the time “Jerry’s Guide to the World Wide Web” was created in 1995. Yahoo! is considered the first major commercial success in terms of web directory listings, and while the company has since moved towards a search-based paradigm, it is still considered a powerful means for small businesses to gain a solid online presence. For small business owners, web directory listings are more effective when they are linked to online communities that share a common affinity with the potential products or services offered.

2 – Content marketing: Attempting to crack the fabled Google search algorithm to get a listing to appear near the top of the search results has managed to create an ugly side of the Internet. Spam pages and link farms are just some of the results of prior Internet marketing practices that have been rendered virtually useless by Google’s Farmer and Panda updates to its indexing algorithm. Google’s current approach to indexing consists of semantics and prominence that can motivate valuable learning and social interaction. For this reason, small business owners are urged to find Internet marketers that are knowledgeable in meaningful content creation.

3 – Keywords: The Google Farmer and Panda algorithmic updates were a hard blow to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) marketers who were convinced that keyword stuffing was the silver bullet that could guarantee top search engine placement. Keywords still form part of a valid Internet marketing strategy, but they must be carefully chosen by small business owners. Creating a glossary of words that are related to a business is a good practice; for example, a company that is engaged in the maintenance of office equipment in Denver should make sure that keywords and key phrases such as “copy machine repair in Denver” are included in their web page copy and online advertising campaigns.

4 – Learn analytics: This is something that every small business owner or person responsible for marketing should strongly consider. Many SEO professionals either send web site analytics reports directly to their clients or give real-time access via online dashboards. However analytics are displayed, learning about what they indicate and how to match them to business goals should be a priority of every business enterprise.

5 – Leverage the power of social media: Establishing a presence on Facebook or Twitter is simple enough; it’s just a matter of a few clicks. Harnessing the power of online social networking isn’t such a simple matter. Social media marketing has become more intricate and competitive than search engine placement, but when a solid strategy is formulated and implemented, it can be marketing gold. Just remember: a social media strategy usually comes after a brand has been established.

One last consideration that should be given to Internet marketing for small businesses these days is to consider the issues of transparency and negative feedback. Going online means high visibility, and this can turn into a potential situation in which a business may end up on the receiving end of a rash of negative commentary. Potential customers will be watching, and thus small business owners should be aware of the need to constantly provide quality service.

Tina Sanchez is a corporate trainer who also writes for the Aviva Directory, a website search adviser with lists of sites from business tools to marketing guidance. You can search by state, such as Texas or by categories, like online revenue.

The topic of intellectual property isn’t typically discussed by small business owners, even though it should absolutely be in the minds of all entrepreneurs. The main reason why intellectual property (IP) isn’t talked about much is that it is often seen as an immaterial concept, and to some extent that is correct. The recommended way to think about IP is to consider it a business asset that could conceivably be listed on a company’s financial statements once it has been given a proper evaluation. Just like with many other items that are part of the asset list of a business, IP requires a certain level of protection. This protection may not necessarily be of the kind used to protect physical assets like company vehicles and office equipment, it is more likely to be legal and procedural.

To illustrate just how crucial IP protection can be to the business process, consider the successful lawsuit by toy and doll maker Mattel -IP owner of the iconic Barbie doll- against MGA Entertainment, Inc. MGA is the maker of the rival Bratz doll. The design concept behind Bratz originated at Mattel by an employee who was doing consulting work for MGA. Although Mattel decided not to pursue the Bratz line of dolls for young girls, they rightfully sued for their IP and gained $100 million from MGA. That lawsuit is just one in a string of litigation cases involving the Bratz dolls, which have resulted in millions of dollars spent by both companies in legal fees.

Making sense of IP in small business enterprises

While IP laws differ from country to country, there are international treaties in place that seek to protect IP on a global level. In the United States, IP can be classified into four different types:

1 – Copyrights: Works of creativity such as songs, computer software applications, books, or technical drawings can be protected by copyright for a period of 70 years. While copyright law does not compel authors to necessarily register their works with the Library of Congress, it is often a good idea to do so; especially when it is believed that the work in question could bring significant profits.

2 – Trademarks: Logos are intrinsically tied to corporate brands and can serve to distinguish a company from a sea of others. Logos can be protected under IP law by filing for trademark status. The unfair appropriation of logos is rampant, and the best way to stop such practices is with trademarks.

3 – Trade Secrets: These are a bit more complicated to understand. Trade secrets can be protected if they meet certain criteria like uniqueness, competitive edge and protection by means of disclosure. If a business process in a small company is not universally known, but it is proven to be the main means by which the company is profitable, then that process can be considered a trade secret that must be protected by non-disclosure or non-compete agreements.

4 – Patents: If the success of a small business is centered on innovation and inventions, then those must patented to achieve legal protection for at least 20 years; long enough to realize exclusive significant profit and to come up with improvements or new inventions. Without a patent in place, anyone else could veritably copy -or even steal- and invention and attempt to profit from it.

With the exception of copyright, which is granted to authors of creative works virtually as soon as they are created, protecting IP is a complex affair. Drafting the agreements that disclose trade secrets and a company’s intention to protect them is not a simple endeavor, and the process of filing patents and trademarks can also be difficult and intricate. The services of an IP attorney are essential whenever questions about IP protection arise among small business owners.

Author Eldon Shaw recommends checking with an Attorney at the Doyle Raizner firm, to protect the rights of small business owners.

With the stock market and current economic climate being volatile, many people are considering purchasing precious metals for investment purposes. Adding approved precious metals to your retirement portfolio is known as purchasing a precious metals IRA. Although, as with all investments, there are risks, purchasing precious metals has a number of distinct advantages.

Stability

Precious metals are a stable investment, as values tend to increase over time and prices do not fluctuate widely, as with stock purchases. Confidence in even American financial markets has wavered over 2011, making buying precious metals even more attractive, as their value is internationally recognized.

Defensive Asset

One of the reasons the price of a precious metals remains so stable over time, is that value does not depend on a company or even a government’s performance. The value of precious metals is also independent of the value of the United States dollar. In fact, the opposite is true. In times where other investments drop in value, precious metals tend to remain stable or even rise, as people lose faith in financial markets. That is why adding precious metals to your portfolio is known as a defensive asset.

Determining Quality

Include only precious metals of very high quality in your IRA. Purchase gold that is at least .995 fine, or 99.5 percent pure. The American Gold Eagle is specifically listed in the legislation as acceptable. Other coins, such as the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the Austrian Philharmonic also meet the pureness standard.

Silver

Add silver of at least 0.999 fineness or 99.9 percent purity to a defensive asset. The Silver Eagle has specially been mentioned in United States law as acceptable for an IRA, although a coin such as the Royal Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, which is 99.9 percent pure, is also acceptable.

Platinum

If you are considering adding platinum to your IRA, choose coins or bars that are at least 0.9995 pure. The Platinum Eagle is an acceptable IRA purchase, as is the Platinum Maple Leaf and the Australian Platinum Koalas coin.

Palladium

Palladium, a white silver metal, is more valuable than silver and more rare than even gold. Ensure your purchases are of at least .9995 fine or 99.95 percent pure to add to an IRA. Palladium, as with both gold and silver, is collectable in either bar or coin form. The Palladium Royal Canadian Maple Leaf coin is an example of one of few palladium coins minted.

Find Trusted Sources

Only approved rollover custodians can manage precious metals IRA assets. These companies follow their incorporating state’s banking commission rules. Look for a long, stable business history. After completing paperwork, the purchaser funds the account, usually from an IRA he or she has already purchased. The authorizing rollover custodian is then directed to begin purchasing approved precious metals. The metals themselves, once purchased, are usually stored securely in a bank vault.

Portfolio Security

Balance your portfolio by combining stocks with more stable assets such as bonds and defensive assets. By rolling over between five to ten percent of your stock into a precious metals IRA you can add security to your retirement plans.

Fran Delaney is a finance writer in Los Angeles.

The global financial crisis has been a boon to economists who are fond of coining new terms and resorting to colloquialisms to explain what everyone already knows: Hard times are still upon us, and the slow pace of the economic recovery is excruciating. The financial news media has also shown a penchant for using these terms, and thus we get to hear about “green shoots,” “mustard seeds” and a “Goldilocks Recovery.”

Some great literary analogies have emerged as well, such as comparing the economy to a bad marriage and envisioning recovery as “a distant ship in the harbor.” Resorting to such euphemistic language does nothing for the many business owners who have been deeply affected by the sluggish economic pace imposed by the current bust cycle.

The Dangers of Apathy

A lack of spirit has been the most acerbic aspect of the struggling American economy. Business apathy was first detected shortly after the financial landslide, precipitated by the fall of disgraced investment banking firm Lehman Brothers in 2008. While the assets of failed banks were being seized by government regulators, the economy contracted and investors rushed for the exit door.

Corporate America concluded that the best way to weather the economic storm was to drastically cut down on overhead expenses by slashing payrolls and reducing operational scope. Banks took a harsher approach by sharply trimming down on their lending initiatives. While this approach to conducting business can be labeled as careful and measured, it is ultimately apathetic and dangerous since it further impedes economic recovery.

The overcautious approach exhibited by business leaders has done little to advance economic recovery. Some banks have chosen to profit from sitting on piles of cash and exhorting fees from account holders, adopting tight credit and lending guidelines that have done little to advance the economy. As a result of this apathy, many business owners have opted to shelve expansion plans and conserve capital.

Staying Ahead of the Pack

Investors who exit the market, and business owners who downsize and wait for the proverbial green shoots to grow into giant beanstalks, tend to miss out on great opportunities. Industry leaders such as General Electric and Microsoft were founded during recessions, and Internet giant Google has expanded the most since the early days of the credit crunch. There are just a few business opportunities to explore during tough economic times, and expansion is one of them.

The main argument in favor of expanding in a difficult economy is that successful expansion attempts help companies stay ahead of the pack and gain a valuable edge. This in turn enables business owners to maximize their profits when the good times eventually return.

Taking a Leap of Faith

Business confidence is the antithesis to business apathy. Business owners who think they have a winning strategy in their hands should take action instead of following the herd instinct of waiting out the storm. Losing hope is akin to losing money in the long run.

Small business owners who decide on taking a leap of faith and expanding their business should not feel forced to throw caution into the wind and reach into their capital reserves to fund their plans. The Small Business Administration offers programs such as the SBA (7) loan that are perfect for providing cash flow and funds for expansion. Instead of tapping into hard-earned and precious capital reserves, forward-thinking business owners should apply for SBA loans. SBA underwriters are more likely to issue guarantees to applicants who have adequate reserves—especially if those plans include putting a few unemployed people to work.

The business-lending environment isn’t as dire as defeatists like to indicate. The current administration has signed into law a variety of initiatives and tax cuts favorable to small business owners, and the SBA is reporting record numbers of approvals. For small-to-medium business owners who wish to grow, the time to act is now.

As a small business consultant, Tom Blanchard researches new ways to market on the web, and even recommends social couponing for business marketing. Online coupon sites, such as couponcroc.co.uk, can mean discounts for everything from electronics purchases to travel deals.

Logo design has become the one of the most competitive marketplaces on Earth. Studies made by marketing professionals and graphic designers, about the impact of logos and ideograms over the years, have revealed that humans are highly visual creatures attuned to style and aesthetics. Logos serve a variety of purposes; they are used for identification, branding and communication. Here are just some of the reasons why a logo can make or break your business.

Logos Mark Beginnings

New businesses begin with ideas, and logos usually come next. Entrepreneurs can convey a main idea or multiple thoughts into one logo. Two of the immediate purposes are to establish a visual platform for recognition, and start down the road to brand building. Logos are highly purposeful concepts, and this is why it’s essential for businesses to sit down with a professional and work on creating a design brief.

A strategy often employed by logo designers is to get their clients to write down several single words or adjectives that describe their ideas, business functions and objectives—before moving on to the conceptual design stage. It is also a good idea to get key people involved, such as business principals and employees.

Distinction at First Glance

A logo is truly successful when it achieves iconic status. A single mention of Twitter immediately brings to mind the cute bluebird logo. In the past, mentioning the word Android would have conjured up images of science fiction films, but these days it’s more likely to evoke a vision of a curious green robot. Powerful logos manage to enter the realm of popular culture and ingrain themselves into the collective consciousness, such as McDonald’s golden arches and the United States Army star. In the vast ocean that is today’s competitive business environment, the right logo can help consumers choose between different brands.

Napkin Sketches

Business history is filled with mentions of startups that began with a rough outline of a plan and a logo hastily drawn on a napkin. Some of these famous stories include the logo of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin business empire, the Porsche logo, and Paramount Pictures’ iconic mountain. People love these stories because they shine a light into the amazing spirit of entrepreneurs, but the reality is that these napkin doodles quickly found their way to a logo designer. The world of graphic design is filled with highly influential nuances and subtleties that call for expertise. Had Virgin chosen to stay with Branson’s crude doodle, history may have played out differently.

The World of Typography

Graphic design owes a lot to typographers. They are responsible for making visual communication both pleasurable and mesmerizing. They are the technically inclined passionate nerds of the visual arts. Logo design firms often consult typographers for inspiration and highly technical aspects of the logo creation process. Typographers are visual psychologists who are well versed in the intricate ways in which we interact with text.

Some of the world’s most recognizable brands base their strength on typographical logos. Think about Pizza Hut, the Facebook lettering or the Toys “R” Us logo; these may seem like fancy written versions of the company’s name, but a significant amount of careful design went into making them visually appealing.

Logos Are Forever

Successful companies that realize their logos are intrinsic to their achievements take extra steps to ensure their logos are curated (make sense and are effective) and then protected. Michael Dell at one point employed hundreds of designers to ensure that his iconic Dell Computer logo met the stylistic requirements of our times. Polaroid has transformed itself as a business many times over, but the company’s logo has pretty much stayed the same. Even after a company departs the marketplace, its logo survives and sometimes becomes a marketable item.

There are several other considerations regarding logos—such as trademarks and redesigns—which are not covered here. The bottom line is that a logo is highly integral to your business, and should be given the right amount of attention.

Professional logos say a lot about a company. It is your first impression to the world. Avery Petersen, a personal consultant and brand marketer, provides his clients with advice on how to put their best foot forward. Logomojo.com has been providing his clients with logos that represent them in the right way.

No, this is not a reference to ‘The Borg’ – the nemesis of Star Fleet in Star Trek (well, actually it is), but more to say that we are all project managers and to deny otherwise is futile!

Let me explain. I recently did a project where I put an extractor fan in my bathroom. Well, being perfectly honest I didn’t ‘do it’ – as I am not a qualified electrician – I merely project managed it. My mandate/driver for change was to stop mould developing on my bathroom ceiling. So, I had options:

1. Open the window when taking a shower or bath
2. Install an extractor fan
3. Do nothing (and continue to get mould)
4. Don’t have a shower or bath, or indeed any form of hygiene that created humidity.

Clearly, 3 and 4 were not options. So I am left with 1 or 2. Option 1 is the cheapest option, but with two children under 5 years old, giving them a bath in the middle of winter with the window open is not desirable. So, there I am discussing the merits of a 35KW extractor fan, how long the fan overrun should be and do I connect the extractor fan to the bathroom light or a separate switch? How I pine for my hedonistic twenties!

But is this a project? Well, yes. It is introducing ‘change’ to my ‘business-as-usual’ (i.e. my life) and it will bring ‘business benefit’ (i.e. no mould on the bathroom ceiling). So, I ran this project like, well, a project. And….I used PRINCE2! Why? Because it is the industry standard project management method…and ‘I can’. I do maintain my wife is a lucky lady!!

Even though it was a small project, I still ran it using PRINCE2 – I still needed a business case (options 1 – 4 above and selected option based on business need, cost, benefits etc). I still needed monitoring and control (I phoned the electrician up and asked ‘how is it coming along? A Checkpoint Report in PRINCE2). I still needed to manage risk (what if the electrician fell through my ceiling?). I still needed to keep key stakeholders informed, but did I arrange a meeting with my wife and do a PowerPoint presentation on the status of the project? No, but we communicated throughout (for clarity, my wife was the Project Executive). O.k. I may be being over simplistic, but all the hallmarks of PRINCE2 are there.

Have you been in similar situations? Have you gone through the same thought process as I did? If you can draw analogies, then PRINCE2 is for you.

I said above that I used PRINCE2 because ‘I can’. And ‘I can’ because I have done the training and got the Prince2 qualification – which gives me a certain level of competence to be able to use PRINCE2 in the best way for my own means (an understanding wife letting me ‘indulge’ in PRINCE2 at home also helps!).

This competence starts with correct training and attaining the PRINCE2 qualifications. So, go on…resistance is futile!

A small business loan is exactly what is says on the tin – a loan for a small or even a start up business to help fund the business. These loans may be taken out by existing small businesses that are looking to expand and grow and need a cash injection to enable this to happen. Alternatively they may be taken by start up businesses in order to get the business set up and get the equipment etc. in place for the business to get off the ground.

Traditionally small business loans have been taken out from big name banks who have offered the services of small business advisors and loans that meet the needs of a wide range of businesses. However, these days it can be more difficult to get small business loans from traditional banks due to the increased restrictions that have been put into place by banks.

If you are looking to go to the banks for a small business loan you will need to be armed with a solid business plan either relating to your start up business or relating to the expansion plans of your existing business. This, along with other factors such as your credit history or your company’s financial situation, will help the bank to determine whether or not to extend business finance to you.

The amount that you will be able to apply for by way of a small business loan will vary from one bank to another, as the lending limits can vary. Generally you could be looking at as little as £1000 to as much as £25,000 or more. Some banks offer special terms such as deferred repayments when you first take out the loan, giving your business a little additional financial breathing space.

Of course, as is the case with any loan the rate of interest that you will pay can vary depending on a number of factors, ranging from the lender that you go through to your business plan and credit status. You need to shop around to look for the most competitive rates on business loans in order to try and get the best deals.

If you find that it is difficult or impossible to get the small business loan that you need there are other options that you may be able to consider, such as crowd funding or peer to peer lending. You could also consider options such as borrowing against the equity in your home or asking friends and family for investment.

Andrew is a consumer finance journalist and money blogger. He blogs about most subjects, from personal loans to mortgages to tax reduction.

Credit is an absolutely necessary tool for small, as well as large businesses. Companies need credit to expand and increase profits. Credit can also allow extra funds for marketing, and targeted advertising increases your exposure in the market place.

The basic premise for any business is to supply a product or service to the consumer at a competitive price. Companies many times are short of operating capital and may need equipment or technology to better service their customers. They need credit to move forward. Being denied access to credit would force many companies out of business. Credit is a business tool that is used to increase production, while the extension of credit to your customers is also a tool to boost sales.

Increase Your Profits by Extending Credit

In today’s economy, people still need to shop—but these consumers have cash flow issues. The problem is many buyers do not have the funds to make purchases when they want or need them. Customers have budgets and cash flow problems, the same as companies.

Many consumers want to expand their quality of living, and they require an extension of credit in some cases to achieve that goal. Extending credit to current clients will provide those opportunities, and offering it as an incentive to new traffic will also increase the customer base. Companies can sell more of a product or service by offering credit. According to many economic experts, extending credit to customers can increase sales by as much as 50 percent.

Credit Cards vs. Invoicing

There are several ways to extend credit. Invoicing is one way and issuing credit cards with your business name is another. Traditional invoicing allows individuals to purchase today, with the promise to pay in full within 30, 60 or even 90 days. There is normally no fee or interest, unless the account is not paid within the agreed timeframe. The company wins by increasing its sales, and the customer wins by getting what they want right now.

Issuing credit cards extends the in-store financing setup for a longer duration, and therefore demands interest be paid. Businesses will increase sales by extending credit, but servicing the accounts will probably require additional employees. Charging interest rate or a flat fee will defer the costs of servicing the credit accounts.

Credit Extension and Upgraded Product Quality

Companies offer products and services priced to sell. A market study of the consumer base has indicated that the company can be competitive at a certain retail pricing range. Customers will shop at the business and purchases are based on what they can afford.

The higher-end products normally do not sell because the business cannot be competitive with pricing. Extending credit on better quality merchandise will sell more of it. Higher quality merchandise tells the consumer that the business is growing and possibly expanding. Credit allows consumers to afford the better product.

Small businesses that extend credit for the first time can expect some clients not to pay on time, and they will have some loss. The fees charged to extend credit can offset some of that loss. The increase in sales and profit margins will far outweigh any loss to due to delinquent payments. Keep in mind that your accounts receivable are assets and collateral, and typically lenders will look favorably upon them.

Gina Hamilton is a financial consultant and also writes for credit card sites. She suggests you check out Kanetix credit card comparison charts before choosing your next card account.

In the world of business it can be really tough keeping up a good credit file. It is so easy to fall into debt and miss payments every now and then. With each payment that you miss, it gets marked upon your file. If you fall into bad credit, your business reputation could really suffer. There are a number of ways to establish a good credit report. Below you will find the best tips to help improve and maintain a good credit file.

Tip #1: Know Your Personal Credit Score

Many business owners have no idea what their personal credit score is. The first step is to find out whether you have good, average or bad credit. Once you know what you are dealing with, you can figure out how to improve it. Your personal credit score could affect your business.

It is worth noting that you are legally entitled to one free copy of your credit report. You can get it from a credit report agency such as the Dun & Bradstreet’s Personal Credit Report website.

Tip #2: Find Out Your Business Credit Score

Two great companies to turn to for your business credit score, include Credit Gate and D&B Express. Once you know what state your business credit score is in, you will have a pretty good idea of whether your business will be accepted for credit.

Tip #3: Regularly Check Your Credit File

Once you know what your scores are, you should take a look to see if there are any errors. Sometimes companies do make errors and you may have something on your file that shouldn’t be there. This could cause you problems when it comes to getting accepted for credit in the future.

Many people find out that they’ve been the victim of identity theft when they check their credit reports. If you want to keep updated about any suspicious activity that may be on your file then you can sign up with a reporting service.

Tip #4: Make Sure You’re Protected

Don’t take any risks with your security. Make sure that all business and personal documents are shredded before they go in the bin. There are many fraudsters who will happily rummage through the bins to steal your identity. If you shred all information that is going in to the bin, it limits the chance that fraudsters can steal it.

When it comes to your employees, make sure that you do background checks. Keep all of your documents safe and locked away, and ensure that your computer is password protected. It’s sad to think that we live in a time where you can’t trust anyone. However it’s better to be safe rather than sorry!

Tip #5: Use Business Credit Cards to Improve Your Credit

Sometimes credit cards can actually help you to improve your credit file. If you shop around you’ll find plenty of business credit card deals available. Compare the different ones on offer and choose one which suits your needs. Then aim to use the card for your business expenses such as travelling expenses and stationary. Pay off the balance in full at the end of the month, and that cycle of regular use and payment will improve your credit score.

These 5 tips can really help you to keep a check on your personal and business credit files.  By continuously monitoring them and looking out for errors, it will enable you to improve your score and be alerted to any potential problems. Follow the tips above and you’ll soon be on your way to a better credit file, and a business that will never struggle to get credit.

This article was written by Timothy Ng. You can read more of his work at CreditCardFinder.com.au where he has a number of comprehensive guides to all types of credit cards.