How to Make Your Small Business Look Big

                            

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As a small business owner, you have passion for what you do, and the confidence that you can do it well. But it’s also important to have certain key markers of professionalism in place, so customers can have equal confidence in your work (and you can start growing your client base as a result).
At SurePayroll, many of our customers run businesses with as few as one to 10 employees. Some have small offices; others work from home. Sometimes, the owner is the only employee.
So, how do they compete in a tough economy and crowded marketplace? The answer is that they don’t have to look small just because they only have a few employees. Here are some simple ideas gleaned from our customers that can help your own small business instill big business confidence:

Use Technology Wisely

If you’re considering outsourcing, consider only those services that aren’t core to your business. Whether it’s tracking shipments, getting contracts signed, managing customers or running payroll, most of these services can be handled safely and efficiently online.

Make Your Website Count

A professional, easy-to-navigate website is no longer a luxury. It’s expected. But when customers come to your site and see that it’s clean and well designed, they’re not going to question where your business is located (perhaps in a home office) or how many employees you have (maybe only one).
When hiring a web designer, be sure that you look at work done for other companies, and make sure it holds up to what you envision for your own.

Be Social

Part of this is social media. It’s become fairly standard to have Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and even Google+ pages. They’re easy to set up and can provide a nice outlet to promote your business and also connect with customers. It’s free advertising, really.
The only thing to keep in mind is that, once you create a social media presence, it won’t look good if it suddenly drops off. So make sure you’re ready to start, and that you can put forth the time to manage the pages like any big business would.
The second part of being social is actually getting out and meeting people. Whether it’s at a trade show, seminar, or charity event, get out and actually shake some hands. It lends a face to your business, sets the stage for potential partnerships with other businesses and frequently spurs that word-of-mouth endorsement small business owners crave.

Keep the Home Part at Home

If you do run a home-based business, there’s no need to make that known. The likelihood is most of your client interactions will be at remote locations, over the phone or online. Unless you’re asked directly, it’s not information you have to share. As long as you treat your customers and vendors well, they’re not going to know the difference.
Now, none of this means you can’t run your business wearing a pair of slippers and a tracksuit if you’re so inclined. As long as you’re good at what you do, no one has to be the wiser. In fact, it’s probably never been easier to run a business efficiently without the help of a large staff.
With technology, social media and the Web, you can accomplish almost anything.
The author, Scott Brandt, is vice president of marketing at SurePayroll, Inc. For more small business and payroll tips, visit our blog at http://blog.surepayroll.com.  

Recommended by the editors:

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Hard work goes into every success. Talk to an agent about small business insurance to help protect all that you’ve earned.

 

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While typically categorized as such, insurance agents may consider themselves helping those in need and protecting good people during stressful, uncertain times. Who are we to disagree? Sometimes the truth lies in the eye (or mind) of the beholder.

Minimize Your Gas Bill with 5 Toasty Alternatives

Wednesday, February, 27th, 2013 at 6:00 am

Tags: Condo, House, Savings, Winter

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My almost-2-year-old son is a fabulous singer. His new favorite song is the Christmas classic “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” He likes to belt it out whenever we’re walking out to the car because it’s winter in Michigan and, baby, it IS cold outside.
The other problem with Michigan winter is that it’s pretty darn cold inside, too. And since we’re not millionaires, raising the temperature via central heating isn’t always the best option. If you’re in the same boat and you’d like to stay warm without going into debt, consider some alternative measures to keep yourself warm. Before you touch that thermostat, here’s how you can stay a little warmer without cranking up the heat.

Bake Something

Winter and fresh chocolate chip cookies go together like campfires and s’mores. A chilly day isn’t complete until you’ve baked up a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies, mouthwatering brownies, cheerful confetti cake, rich red velvet cheesecake… oh sorry, where was I? Oh yes — if you’re considering hibernation to cope with the cold, you’ll need to stock up on calories! Heavenly treats can warm the soul. (One thing to remember, though: While using the oven to bake may naturally help warm up your kitchen, don’t ever consider using the oven as a space heater. It can pose a carbon monoxide hazard.)

Get Moving

Now that you’ve gobbled your fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, you’ll need to get some exercise. The best way to free your veins of ice is to get your heart pumping. Clean the house. Pop in an exercise DVD. Play “freeze tag” with the kids (freeze tag, get it?). Getting out from under the blankets when it’s cold in the house is a bit like jumping into an unheated pool, but once you’re in motion, chilly limbs will be a thing of the past.

Let the Sunshine In

Sunshine can improve your metabolism, up your energy levels, lower your blood pressure, and even warm your house! A room full of natural light can make the coldest home look and feel much, much warmer. Interior blinds are the perfect way to make the winter sun work for you. When the sunshine hits the window, open the slats to let the heat and light stream in. When the sun is gone, close the blinds to keep the heat in and the cold out.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans: Not just for summer. Once cooler temperatures hit, flip the reverse switch on your ceiling fan so that it moves clockwise. This way, your fan will force the hot air down to the floor. Your heater may therefore work more efficiently because the room will be more evenly heated. Just make sure to use a low fan speed to avoid drafts.

Stop Cold at the Source

You should’ve winterized your home months ago, but the good news is, it’s not too late. You can start by using caulking and weather stripping around your windows and doors to seal off leaks and prevent drafts. Check out my article on the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for more detailed information on winterizing your home. You’ll be amazed at how much warmer your home feels after just a few minutes’ worth of work.
Saving on your heating bill doesn’t mean that you have to open yourself up to the possibility of frostbite. With a few simple changes, and a little bit of action, you can make it through the coldest of winters without letting your gas bill skyrocket.

Christine Bilger is a writer at Quicken Loans and she loves blogging about family, personal finance, and mortgage tips on the Quicken Loans Zing Blog.

Recommended by the Editors:

• Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips for Chimney and Furnace Season
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5 Tips to Protect Your Identity at Tax Time

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Whether you owe money or are expecting a refund, preparing your tax return on your own or hiring a professional, tax time can be, well, taxing. The last thing you probably want to worry about is identity thieves tapping into your financial accounts, opening new lines of credit or committing other types of theft or fraud.

But according to Identity Theft 911, tax season is a prime opportunity for identity thieves. W-2s and other Internal Revenue Service tax forms contain a wealth of information–everything from Social Security numbers to financial account information–that can be a target for resourceful criminals.
Protecting your identity, however, doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these simple steps to help safeguard your personal information from hackers and identity thieves during tax season.

1. Be vigilant with your information online. According to the IRS, impersonation schemes thrive during tax season. This is when thieves claiming to represent the IRS send emails, make phone calls or send traditional mail in an attempt to steal people’s Social Security numbers or other sensitive personal information. However, it’s important to remember that the IRS says it does not contact people by email or social media, so, if you’re the recipient of any electronic messages, you should know that they are fraudulent. If you suspect that a piece of mail you’ve received is part of a scam, you can visit IRS.gov for information on how to determine whether it is authentic.
2. Keep an eye on your mailbox. While cyber-crime has become many thieves’ preferred method of obtaining personal information, it’s still important to closely monitor your mailbox. All official tax forms are delivered by mail, and some thieves find it easier to simply open someone’s mailbox and steal their forms than figure out Internet passwords in order to reap personal information.
3. Leave your Social Security card at home. According to the IRS, you should not, at any time, carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. The card should be kept in a safe place, preferably in a safe-deposit box or another secure location. If your Social Security card is in your wallet and your wallet is stolen, then it’s possible your personal information can fall into the hands of identity thieves. With your Social Security number, a thief can compromise your bank account and open new lines of credit.
4. Be crafty with your password. Refunds from electronically filed tax returns are typically direct-deposited into financial accounts, which can help protect a refund check from being stolen from your mailbox. However, if you e-file, you need to know how to do so safely. One way to protect yourself is by creating a strong user password on the website through which you file your tax return. To ensure Internet security, incorporate a series of numbers, letters and punctuation marks into your password.
5. Know your tax preparer. Fraud rings have been known to front as tax preparation centers. Scam artists prey on the unsuspecting customers of these centers, stealing personal information and sometimes redirecting their tax refunds. According to Forbes, there have also been instances when a corrupt tax preparer has sold a client’s information to a criminal, who then used the information to file for a fraudulent tax return. The bottom line? It’s a good idea to research your tax preparer or accountant and make sure he or she is legitimate and ethical.
In addition to taking steps to thwart tax-time identity thieves, you may also want to consider purchasing identity theft restoration coverage, which can alert you to potential fraud and help you repair any damage to your identity in case you do become a victim.

13 Family Safety Items for a Mom’s Purse

 

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I used to carry a massive satchel for a purse until, one day, I realized that I didn’t use 80 percent of the items inside, and that I was walking with one shoulder noticeably higher than the other.
That’s when I decided to pack lighter and smarter. I still carry my cellphone, a small wallet and I try to always have cash with me. But here are a few family safety items you may not have thought of – unusual items you can carry in your purse.

1. Two or three small pieces of moleskin; just the right size to cover a sore spot on a foot before it becomes a blister. Make sure to buy moleskin that has adhesive on one side.
2. Individual packets of sun block, insect repellent and antibacterial gel wipes. There’s no need to carry entire bottles if you buy some of these packets.
3. A black Sharpie. This is handier than a pen or pencil if you need to leave an emergency note with your car, or write your cellphone number on your toddler’s arm (in case the two of you get separated in an emergency).
4. Peanut butter in a packet for a quick jolt of protein. Almond and other nut butters also come in these foil packets.
5. A tiny LED flashlight to light the way, find your keys or signal for help.
6. A small pair of tweezers. This is not just for plucking a stray eyebrow but for removing slivers, cactus spines or tiny shards of glass.
7. Super glue can be handy to keep a small wound closed. Don’t use it on the face or near the eyes or on a jagged, deep cut. Of course, super glue is also handy for mending a broken nail or other small repairs.
8. A tube of lip balm or chap stick, wrapped in several inches of duct tape. (This is a good way to store a small stash of tape).
9. An individual packet of a powdered sports drink mix, to provide a boost of energy and electrolytes.
10. A set of hand and/or foot warmers during the winter.
11. Jelly beans, or other hard candies. These can help alleviate a sore throat or cough, pacify cranky kids and provide a boost of sugar. If yours contain Vitamin C, that’s even better.
12. Several safety pins of different sizes. The uses for these will become self-evident.
13. A multi-tool. Even in the days of carrying The Big Purse, I was always looking for a way to cut through twine, price tags, etc.

Keep most or all of these family safety items in a quart-size zip-top bag, both to keep things organized but also to provide a plastic bag for trash in all sorts of emergencies.

Lisa Bedford, author of Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst Case Scenarios, also blogs at www.thesurvivalmom.com. She believes there is power and peace in being prepared.

Has Your Child’s Identity Been Stolen? Know the Warning Signs

 

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Many of us have heard the warnings about identity theft. But, did you know that your children can fall victim to identity theft too?
Recent statistics show that it happens. Carnegie Mellon University’s CyLab found that 10.2 percent of 40,000 children involved in a 2011 study were victims of identity theft.
Childhood identity theft can have devastating long-term financial implications. It can affect a child’s ability to take out a student loan, receive a scholarship or get a credit card. Identity theft may even impact future job opportunities.

Child Identity Theft Warning Signs

How do you know if your child’s identity has been stolen? Be vigilant about protecting your child’s identity, and watch for the following red flags:

1. Unsolicited credit card offers. Have you received one or more unsolicited credit card offers in your child’s name? Credit card offers are never intentionally sent to minors.
2. Social Security account statement. These statements track annual contributions and anticipated benefits. Unless your child has a part-time job, an earnings statement in your child’s name is a clear indicator of fraud.
3. A bill or a collection agency call for your child. Don’t dismiss this as a case of mistaken identity. A call from bill or collection agency can be a clear sign of identity fraud.
4. The Internal Revenue Service contacts you about your child. If the IRS informs you that your toddler hasn’t paid his income taxes, this is a warning sign that someone may be masquerading as your son.

Tips for Preventing Child Identity Theft

Identity protection for your child starts with some privacy precautions. Here are some tips that may help reduce your child’s risk for identity theft:

1. Be proactive. Start by checking with the fraud divisions of all three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit reporting agencies typically do not keep a report on file for minors. If there is a report, then there’s a good chance that your child’s identity is compromised.} And consider purchasing identity restoration coverage, which can help protect you and your family against identity theft and help repair any damage to your identity. Talk to an Allstate agent for more information.
2. Be cautious when giving out your child’s Social Security number. If a school, youth sports team, or a medical office asks for your child’s Social Security number, know that it’s OK to question why they need it, what they will do with it and how they plan to keep it safe.
3. Shred anything with your child’s personal information. Shred forms, documents and mail before disposal.
4. Never carry your child’s Social Security card. To help reduce the risk for theft; leave you child’s card — and the cards of all the members of your family — in a safe place, like a safe at home or a safe deposit box.

What to Do If Your Child’s Identity is Stolen

If you find out that someone has stolen your child’s identity, there are some steps you can take to minimize the damage. If you discovered that a credit report (fraudulently) exists for your child, contact any one of the three major credit bureaus (that bureau is legally required to alert the other two) and ask them to put a “fraud alert” on the file. Report the identity theft to the FTC. Also, contact your local police department to file a report.
By taking a few simple proactive steps, and staying alert to early warning signs, you can minimize your child’s risk for identity theft or the impact it will have should it ever occur.
What concerns you most about someone’s stealing your child’s identity? Share your thoughts below.

Looking for ways to defend yourself against identity theft? Consider identity restoration coverage.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips for Chimney and Furnace Season

Thursday, January, 31st, 2013 at 6:16 am

Tags: Home Safety, Safety, Winter

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Winter is here. And while you’ve probably fired up the furnace plenty, and stocked up on firewood, have you studied up on carbon monoxide safety?
A common output of malfunctioning or improperly used appliances, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that’s nicknamed the “silent killer” because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. Furnaces, stoves, ovens, water heaters and blocked chimney vents can all be potential sources of carbon monoxide, or CO.
So how do you protect yourself? Here are some important safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration that can help keep you safe from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter.

Furnace and Chimney Safety Precautions

• Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected annually by a licensed professional. This includes your furnace, water heater, wood stove and any portable heaters.
• Make sure the damper is opened and clear of debris before using a fireplace.
• Never use your oven or stove to heat your home.
• When purchasing new appliances, look for products that have been tested and are labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside and is kept clear and unblocked.
• Damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney, moisture around the windows and walls near a furnace, and excessive rust on vent pipes or the outside of appliances can all be signs of a potential CO problem. Call in a professional if you spot these signs.

CO Alarm Testing and Replacement

• Run a test on your CO alarms at least once a month, and replace them if they aren’t responding correctly. Sensors in carbon monoxide alarms have a limited life.
• A CO alarm isn’t a substitute for a smoke alarm, and vice-versa. You should familiarize yourself with the different sounds each alarm makes.
• If the carbon monoxide detector is beeping, go outside and immediately call 911 or the fire department.

Proper ventilation, a solid cleaning, and a working early-CO-detection alarm are your biggest allies when it comes to preventing a carbon monoxide buildup this winter.
Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Services. To learn more about carbon monoxide safety, visit www.adt.com.
Recommended by the editors:

• Winter Warning: How to Heat Your Home Safely
• Chim Chim Cheree: Chimney Maintenance Tips
• 5 Hidden Dangers in Your Home

For more on home safety, check out the Tools and Resources section on Allstate.com.