plus 4, Business owners are making New Year's resolutions - Fresno Bee

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• Business owners are making New Year's resolutions - Fresno Bee
• Milpitas business operator supports community rehabilitation program - San Jose Mercury News
• Q.C. business owners angry over thefts - East Valley Tribune
• Unwanted phone calls top consumer complaint in 2009 - Miami Herald
• Doctor Headlight Restoration Of Houston Franchise/ Business ... - PRLog (free press release)

Business owners are making New Year's resolutions - Fresno Bee Posted: 30 Dec 2009 01:21 PM PST Kern realized that the one time when she and clients aren't talking about business is when they call her during the holidays to say thank you for the gift baskets she sends. "It's the only conversation a year where we stop and ask about kids and really transcend the normal stuff," said Kern, president of Kern Communications. "I want to take an opportunity to not talk about business." She plans to chat with a different client each week. But she's not thinking in terms of a coffee klatch. "At the end of the day, especially in a service business, you have to perform, but it is all about relationships" with clients, Kern said. --- PROTECT THE COMPANY CASH FLOW Heather Logrippo sometimes finds herself waiting for customers to pay for the ads they take out in her Boston-based real estate magazine, Distinctive Homes. So her resolution is to accept credit cards to be sure she's paid on time. She also wants to be sure she doesn't get burned when customers say they'll buy ads but never send in the copy for it, leaving her with blank space and lost revenue. "I'm not a bank," Logrippo said. "For too long I've been sympathetic," Logrippo's customers are real estate agents who want to list their properties. But once a house is sold, "they don't feel any urgency. ... There's no rush to pay me." Many small business owners have had problems getting paid during the recession because their customers are struggling, not forgetful like Logrippo's. And many have also turned to credit cards to preserve their cash flow. There is a downside to credit cards, and that's the fee that a small business must pay the card issuer. But, said Logrippo, "it's a better assurance that I'll get paid on time." --- MAKING IT OFFICIAL Howard Ankin started his law practice in 1997, and it has grown to 25 employees. In the early years, he didn't worry about formulating policies for vacation and sick time and other personnel matters. Now, though, he says it's time to formalize those policies and put them in writing. "When I had a smaller office, the informality worked well for me, and now, at this point, the informality is working against me," said Ankin, whose firm is based in Chicago. So one of his resolutions is to create an employee handbook, something that human resources professionals urge small business owners to do. The beginning of the year, before employees start asking for time off, is an ideal time to do it. Ankin has also decided his firm needs a cohesive marketing strategy. He's hired a public relations agency, is having a new Web site created and is using Twitter and other social media to get some notice for the firm, which specializes in workers compensation and personal injury cases. "Instead of having a happenstance marketing program, where someone calls and asks, 'do you want to put an ad in the Yellow Pages,' for 2010 we're trying to have a plan in place," he said. Ankin is embarking on something he's never done before with a marketing program. Many publicity pros believe his timing is right, at the start of the economic recovery, when companies will be doing more business and needing more help. Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Milpitas business operator supports community rehabilitation program - San Jose Mercury News Posted: 30 Dec 2009 02:32 PM PST Joe Herradura, owner of Joe's Tune-up and Auto Service Center, has a new service to add to his already comprehensive list of vehicle repair offerings. Herradura now offers convenient drive-up recycling of unwanted, reusable clothing and small household items at his location at 400 S. Main Street in Milpitas. The donation facility is the result of a partnership with The Salvation Army in Silicon Valley, whose retail stores re-sell donated items to support its services that benefit the community. "We are happy to offer this service to our customers and anyone who wants to drive in," Herradura said. "We make vehicles run like new again, just like the Salvation Army restores individuals to new and productive lives. We think this is a great partnership." "The Salvation Army is very grateful to Mr. Herradura for this support," said Captain Anthony Markiewicz, administrator of the Army's San Jose Adult Rehabilitation Center. "Donating unwanted goods keeps them out of the landfill and helps us help others. Recycling is always a good idea." Joe's Tune-up and Auto Service Center was established in 1994 and provides vehicle repair, tune-up, air-conditioning, brake repairs and many other services. The Salvation Army ARC program, established in Silicon Valley in 1966, serves those with serious life problems including alcohol and drug dependencies. The program is nearly 100 percent self-supporting through proceeds from Salvation Army Retail Stores, sales of donated vehicles, cash contributions and other in-kind donations. The Salvation Army needs unwanted reusable clothing, household items and appliances. These may be taken to any retail store, or donation station or picked up through telephone or online arrangement at (800) SA TRUCK or www.satruck.org. For more information, contact Markiewicz at 298-7600. Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Q.C. business owners angry over thefts - East Valley Tribune Posted: 30 Dec 2009 02:32 PM PST Queen Creek business owners and residents menaced by increasingly brazen thieves gathered this week to commiserate, exchange e-mails and search for solutions. The group, which included officers from the Maricopa and Pinal County Sheriff's Offices, didn't settle on any concrete measures or resolutions to combat the rising banditry, but it agreed to start meeting on a monthly basis. Mark Schnepf of Schnepf Farms, who moderated the meeting Tuesday at the Queen Creek Library, called the gathering a good start. "I think we laid the foundation for a community-wide effort that will ultimately have some very good results," he said. The losses business owners say they've seen over the years are staggering by any measure, let alone to mom-and-pop operations. Bartling Enterprises, an automobile services and repair shop near Scotland Court and Ocotillo Road, said it lost up to $90,000. Highland Homes, a builder in the area, said it's lost about $250,000 through theft and vandalism over the years. And Painter's Auto Body, also near Scotland Court and Ocotillo Road, lost at least $40,000 from burglaries, said Bradley Booth, an employee. "If we sat down and started totaling it up, we'd probably be $40,000, $50,000, maybe even $60,000 (in losses)," he said Wednesday. Frustration was palpable among business owners. Ben Lyman, a superintendent for Highland, said the company tried several kinds of security options, including hiring guards and buying portable alarms with global positioning technology to track stolen property. "We've just really felt helpless," he said. "We've done all kinds of things to try and catch these guys." Many business owners complained about the law's inability to catch and convict the bad guys. Reflecting on the meeting later, Booth expressed disappointment. "Personally what I got from it was, 'It's the owners fault that we're getting broken into and there's nothing the police can do,'" he said. "That's what I came walking away (with)." Lt. Mike Mitchell from the Maricopa County Sheriff Office told the group it has to have realistic expectations on law enforcement. He explained the office has only five full-time officers dedicated in the area. MCSO provides Queen Creek with law enforcement services as the town has no police department of its own. Officers said business owners can take proactive actions to protect their property including installing good lighting, copying serial numbers on expensive equipment and getting rid of bushes, which can obstruct a property's view and provide cover for burglars. Andrew Good, an investigator with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, said the moves are about making it hard on the criminals. "(If) you take away that opportunity, you take away the possibility that that crime is going to be committed," he said. Town manager John Kross, who wasn't able to attend the meeting, said prior to it that statistics show property crimes decreasing in the area. "Talking with our counterparts in Gilbert and Mesa, they're seeing the same trends, which is overall very good news in terms of it going down," he said. "That doesn't diminish what individual business owners might be experience and we take all that extremely seriously." Schnepf, who said he's been hit eight times since October, believes the thefts are drug-related. He said a group is stealing property and then selling it. He's proposed to the group that everyone chip in to offer a reward for the arrest and conviction of the burglars. Schnepf Farms already put up a $5,000 reward. Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Unwanted phone calls top consumer complaint in 2009 - Miami Herald Posted: 30 Dec 2009 12:23 PM PST Florida consumers' biggest gripe in 2009 was unwanted telephone calls, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs said Wednesday. More than 6,500 complaints came from callers on the state's Do Not Call registry and another 3,600 came from people not on the list who also wanted to kvetch about telemarketers. Coming in No. 3, then, were complaints about problems people had with travel or vacation plans. Credit and banking-related problems came in fourth with nearly 3,000 complaints. Other issues that made the department's top 10 list were gripes about vehicle sales and accessories, auto repair shops, medical issues, landlord-tenant disputes and complaints against real estate brokers and agents. To join the state's Do Not Call registry, Floridians pay an initial fee of $10, with a $5 annual renewal fee. Calls are exempt from the list can be found at www.800helpfla.com/nosales.html. To join, or file a complaint, call 800-HELPFLA (800-435-7352) or 800-FLAYUDA (800-352-9832) for Spanish-speaking operators. Or go to www.800helpfla.com. Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Doctor Headlight Restoration Of Houston Franchise/ Business ... - PRLog (free press release) Posted: 30 Dec 2009 02:32 PM PST PR Log (Press Release) – Dec 30, 2009 – Doctor Headlight is the nation's leading headlight restoration franchise and licensor, specializing in automotive headlight restoration. We are the only company to offer a replacement warranty because we know our systemworks. Doctor Headlight's system is not a cleaner; it is a restoration process that goes beyond all current conventional polishing and kit based cleaning processes to address issues that were previously impossible to correct. Rock chips, sand pitting, dry cracks, oxidation, tarnishing, internal water damage, internal HID haze, failed seals, and internal condensation can now all be addressed within one restoration appointment. How is Doctor Headlight different from other business opportunities? Doctor Headlight dealers typically command two times the price point over competitors per restoration. Our dealers command more money for three reasons, brand recognition, guaranteed 100% new quality of finish, and the industries only lifetime replacement warranty. Customers understand value, and Doctor Headlight is committed to providing the very best. Doctor Headlight is a national headlight restoration franchise. Unlike individual's offering small business opportunities with little or no support, as a Doctor Headlight dealer you will have access to Doctor Headlights infrastructure. To match the combined acumen of Doctor Headlights resources you would have to be proficient in Corporate Law, Accounting, Administrative Services, Retail Sales, Web Design, Corporate Sales and more… You will receive actual equipment, materials, and support. Not a bunch of headlight restoration kits or a buffer and polishing wax with instuctions. Buffing processes & clear coat kits do not last. Doctor Headlight offers the industry's only Lifetime Replacement Warranty for a reason. We offer a lifetime replacement warranty because our system works! If you are looking for a hassle free money making opportunity — this is it! WHY DOCTOR HEADLIGHT? Brand As an entrepreneur starting your own business is filled with obstacles from building credibility to establishing customer base & customer retention and so on. Doctor Headlight has already spent time and money establishing its brand as a nationally recognized industry leader. Allowing its dealers like you to take advantage of immediate credibility with consumers. Selling Power Ask anyone you know who's ever tried selling their service to a new car dealership and you will find it is close to impossible. Large nationwide accounts prefer to negotiate with national companies. Doctor Headlight's sales staff will do just that… Sales associates will negotiate with new car dealerships, national auto service centers, insurance companies and more to help ensure your success over your local competitors. Proven Sucess To start a new business as successful as a Doctor Headlight dealer you would first have to develop a comparable headlight restoration process and be proficient in all areas of the business. Legal, Sales, Marketing, Accounting, Computer Science, Promotions, Telemarketing Sales, Tax Law, & Back Office Services. Doctor Headlight has spent years honing our skills in every area of the business. With the learning curve eliminated you can completely concentrate on achieving your goals. Buying Power When a local business buys a roll of tape, the business often purchases for a single location only; therefore, it´s buying a lower quantity at a premium price. When a Doctor Headlight dealer buys the same product – even the same volume of product – it can take advantage of national accounts that significantly reduce costs for individual dealer. So, taking advantage of substantial buying power will help reduce your business expenses over your local competitors. Networking Opportunities Unlike individual businesses that can´t share best practices with one another, as a result of competitive pressures, our system is designed to allow for networking and knowledge share in a non-competitive environment. That way, you´ll be in a better position to learn from not only Doctor Headlight's corporate staff, but also from other more experienced dealers. The Doctor Headlight System Comprehensive Onsite Training A Doctor Headlight corporate representative will fly out to your location and train you hands on. An unmatched value, a Doctor Headlight dealer development representative will teach you how to land new car dealerships and train you on how to close the deal. You will mirror the representative as he/ she sells dealers & repair shop owners in your own local community for you. By mirroring the representative you will learn valuable lessons and ideas that will help you conserve and develop the relationships you and the corporate representative will have built while honing your restoration skills. · Build-out assistance · Chemical Makeup · Application Techniques · Trouble shooting Learn To Be Successful With Doctor Headlight Once you become a Doctor Headlight dealer, you´ll receive on-site comprehensive training in every aspect of operating a successful Doctor Headlight business. In our Dealer Training Program, you´ll learn everything you need to know – from technical information to marketing, sales, and much more. With the help of dealer development specialists, within a short time, you´ll be well on your way to achieving your dreams of business freedom. Continue To Be Successful With Doctor Headlight At Doctor Headlight, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to supporting dealers long term. In order to move you closer to achieving your goals with Doctor Headlight, our corporate representatives will visit your location once every six months throughout your first two years with Doctor Headlight. In addition to these visits, dealer meetings will be held annually in your area, and custom-designed seminars will be made available, so you can learn how to more efficiently grow your business. Your corporate representative will also help you develop and implement your own personalized business plan each year. In addition, your corporate representative will always be available to answer your questions, whether you´re out in the field or in your home office. That way, you´re never out there alone. Grow Your Business With Doctor Headlight No matter the industry, the key to growing any successful business is marketing. Doctor Headlight has developed a dynamic marketing program that can easily be implemented by our dealers. As a dealer you will have access to discounts on Radio, TV, Print, and Internet marketing. A turnkey marketing campaign is only a phone call away. What support services does Doctor Headlight offer? *Additional fees apply Business Filing Assistance Doctor Headlight can procure and file all necessary documentation to register your new business with the state, eliminating costly mistakes and IRS audits. · Incorporation or LLC or DBA. ·Tax number assignment ·Tax assistance · Invoices · Letter Head Sales & Scheduling Support Our Doctor Headlight sales staff will answer all incoming customers calls and make the sale for you when you are busy. In addition, they will schedule the appointment for you and even route your appointments. No conversations with annoying background noises. Consistent, professional sales execution. NO HASSLE, JUST RESULTS! Back Office Support Doctor Headlight will correctly process all of your sales invoices and file your taxes on a monthly basis, eliminating costly mistakes and reducing the risk of IRS audits. Our CPA will find all applicable tax write-offs, maximizing your profits. Our back office service pays for itself throughout the year in savings. Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

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