How to use AI for success in New Business

 

  How to help AI, in Business?

Game-changer for businesses only AI, offering a wide range of profits from operational efficiencies to increased customer experiences. Here’s how AI can be particularly helpful across different kinds of business domains:

1. Increasing Customer Service

•          Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-driven chatbots can provide 24/7 customer service, handling inquiries and resolving issues faster than humanly possible, improving customer satisfaction.
•          Personalization: AI can analyze customer data to deliver personalized experiences, product recommendations, and targeted marketing, significantly improving engagement and sales.

2. Increasing Marketing

•          Predictive Analytics: AI can predict future buying patterns by analyzing customer behavior and trends, helping businesses tailor their marketing strategies accordingly.
•          Content Generation: AI can assist in creating marketing content, such as email copy or social media posts, saving time and resources.

3. Boosting Sales

•          Lead Scoring: AI algorithms can prioritize leads based on their conversion likelihood, enabling sales teams to focus their efforts more effectively.
•          Price Optimization: AI can dynamically adjust prices based on market demand, competition, and customer willingness to pay, maximizing profits.

4. Smoothing Operations

•          Process Automation: AI can automate routine tasks, from data entry to complex workflows, freeing up human employees for more strategic activities.
•          Supply Chain Optimization: AI can forecast demand, manage inventory more efficiently, and identify potential disruptions in the supply chain before they occur.

5. Right Time Right Decision-Making

•          Data Analysis: AI can process and analyze vast amounts of data far more quickly and accurately than humans, providing insights that inform better business decisions.
•          Risk Management: By identifying patterns and anomalies in data, AI can help businesses predict and mitigate risks, from financial fraud to cybersecurity threats.

6. Innovations Product and Service Offerings

•          Product Development: AI can help in the design and development of new products by analyzing consumer feedback and market trends.
•          Service Innovation: AI can create new ways to meet customer needs, such as personalized shopping experiences or AI-enhanced support services.

7. Providing Remote Work

•          Collaboration Tools: AI-enhanced tools can help remote teams collaborate more efficiently, manage projects, and maintain productivity.
•          HR and Recruitment: AI can streamline the recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to initial screening interviews, making it faster and more efficient.
Implementation Considerations
To effectively leverage AI, businesses should:
•          Identify specific business needs that AI can address.
•          Invest in quality data and infrastructure, as AI systems require large amounts of data to learn and improve.
•          Focus on integration with existing systems to ensure seamless operation.
•          Prioritize ethical considerations and transparency in how AI is used, particularly regarding customer data and privacy.
•          Stay informed about AI advancements and continuously explore new ways to apply AI in the business.
Shameful benefits for businesses across various industries are vast, AI requires a strategic approach, but from increased efficiency and innovation to improved customer satisfaction and competitive benefit. 

 

what is a passive income business Informational, Commercial

 Introduction

A passive income business is a type of business that generates income without requiring active involvement from the business owner on a regular basis. In this article, we will explore the concept of passive income businesses in more detail, discussing both informational and commercial contexts. We will explore the various types of passive income businesses, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing passive income streams.

What is a Passive Income Business?

A passive income business is a business that generates income without requiring active involvement from the business owner. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, including:

1. Rental properties - Owning rental properties is a popular way to generate passive income. As a property owner, you can earn rental income from tenants without having to actively manage the property.

2. Dividend stocks - Investing in dividend-paying stocks is another way to earn passive income. Companies that pay dividends to distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders, providing a steady stream of income.

3. Peer-to-peer lending - Peer-to-peer lending platforms allow individuals to lend money to other people or businesses and earn interest on the loans. This can be a good passive income opportunity for those with extra cash to invest.

4. Affiliate marketing - Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies products or services and earning a commission on sales made through your unique referral link. This can be done through a website, blog, or social media platform.

5. Digital products - Selling digital products like ebooks, online courses, and software can be a great way to earn passive income. Once the product is created and published, it can continue to generate income without requiring ongoing work.

6. Rental businesses - Renting out equipment like cars, tools, or party supplies can be a profitable passive income business. As the owner, you can earn rental income from customers without having to actively manage the rental business.

7. Royalties - Earning royalties from intellectual property, such as books, music, or patents, can provide a steady stream of passive income. Once the intellectual property is created, it can continue to generate income for years to come.

8. Storage units - Owning storage units can be a profitable passive income business, as tenants pay rent for the use of storage space without requiring ongoing management.

9. Vending machines - Owning vending machines that sell snacks, beverages, or other items can be a profitable passive income business. Once the vending machines are placed in high-traffic areas, they can generate income without requiring active involvement.

10. Membership sites - Creating a membership site that offers exclusive content, resources, or services can provide a steady stream of passive income from monthly or annual membership fees.

Informational Passive Income Businesses

In an informational context, a passive income business might involve creating content, such as blog posts, podcasts, or online courses, that can continue to generate income through advertising revenue, sponsorships, or product sales.

1. Blogging - Blogging is a popular way to generate passive income through advertising revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Once a blog is established and has a regular readership, it can continue to generate income without requiring ongoing work.

2. Podcasting - Podcasting involves creating audio content that can be distributed through various platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Once a podcast is established and has a regular listenership, it can generate income through sponsorships and advertising revenue.

3. Online courses - Creating and selling online courses can be a great way to earn passive income. Once the course is created and published, it can continue to generate income without requiring ongoing work.

4. YouTube - Starting a YouTube channel and creating engaging content can provide a source of passive income through advertising revenue, sponsorships, and product placements.

Commercial Passive Income Businesses

In a commercial context, a passive income business might involve

Grow Your Business With Intelligent Automation

The business world is a struggle for businesses in any industry. Technology, including intelligent automation, is continually evolving. Businesses must change with it in order to be competitive and successful in our current macroeconomic world. The use of intelligent automation tools can help grow your business and improve how your business operates, reducing your operating costs while improving your production time.

Reducing Human Error

One of the most important benefits that intelligent automation brings to any business is the reduction of human error in the work place. People are naturally affected by their daily lives and outside influences. If a worker, for example, came into work tired or unwell, his or her job performance will likely suffer, the risk of human error becoming greater. Automation software cannot be affected by time of day, mood, lack of sleep, etc., allowing it to be completely consistent in performing the task it was programmed to do.

Additionally, humans need to be taught new tasks and require practice in order to master them, robotic process automation can be updated and perform the tasks instantly.

In terms of business benefits, utilizing intelligent automation tools ensures performance consistency that will ultimately improve the overall quality of work, also allowing human workers to focus on higher priority and more important issues that require critical thinking.

Keeping Jobs Local

Employers have often ventured overseas to hire workers in other countries who can then perform basic tasks at a reduced wage, when compared to local employees. The bottom line can be better for these employers in the short-term, though working with outsourced employees means sending money overseas and trying to manage workers on another continent. Typically, over the long-term businesses that outsource overseas can experience unforeseen issues and costs due to the complications with depending on a foreign workforce.

With outsourced jobs being performed by intelligent automation tools businesses can focus on hiring skilled workers from the local market for the upper levels of the workforce.

Return on Investment

Perhaps the most intimidating factor in implementing intelligent automation within your business is the upfront cost. Putting money into something new is not a leap everyone wants to make. Intelligent automation, however, is not a gamble. Research shows that companies who use are able to automate around half of their tasks, increasing process time by fifty percent. Completing tasks more quickly means companies can take on more tasks without spending additional time on them. Depending on the industry, having jobs done quickly can mean increased revenue.

If performing redundant tasks quickly and accurately will not improve your company's revenue, just simply utilizing automation tools certainly will. Such tools do not need pay, employee benefits, and can work overtime, the return of investment becomes apparent when considering all the expenses intelligent automation does not require.

Intelligent automation tools offer businesses unparalleled levels of productivity, efficiency, and value. Companies will want to avoid the risk of falling behind by adapting with the modern technology, the advantages of utilizing intelligent automation tools can lead companies to developing new business strategies they could have never even possibly conceived of previously.

Best Commercial Upholstery to Boost Your Business

The Start year with a fresh start. It's time to make new plans for your business and possibly a revamped new look. In many cases your office furniture may tend to look dull and dreary after a few years of constant use. The chair itself may be in good condition namely the cushioning and structure but the material may lack luster or be tattered and torn. This is no way to present your business to customers.

When your furniture reaches this point it may be time to reupholster it. There's no need to discard of the chairs that served your business so well, a simple overhaul with new material can make all the difference.

If you have a set of lounge chairs in the waiting room of your office, you can elect to reupholster it with the new material that matches your company colours. This is the most popular reason why businesses reupholster their furniture. It makes a big impression on the customer when your brand image is incorporated in all aspects of your office and furniture. It creates a complete corporate image that the customer can identify. This unity in the corporate image can influence the customer's buying decision.

If you manage a restaurant then it is certain that the restaurant chairs get used every day. This daily use leads to eventual wear and tear of the material. Consider the type and co lour of material that would complement your restaurant's ambience then have the restaurant chairs reupholstered. Your customers will notice the change and will appreciate that the furniture is renewed therefore they will come back again.

Your staff may be sitting on office chairs every day and the material is starting to wear. It doesn't look as good as it did when you first bought it. Don't fret. You don't have to go shopping for costly office chairs again. You can take the office chair to a furniture upholsterer who will recommend the ideal material suitable for daily use. It will be your choice as to what colour you prefer. Preferably select a colour that is in keeping with the office decor or your corporate image. Comfortable office chairs and a pleasant office environment can boost the productivity of your staff members.

Commercial upholstery for your old furniture can give it a brand new look without the costly funding. A small change in the appearance of your business can give it the boost you need and success.

Starting New Business Tips

Now you have been putting in the extended hours of time as an employee and you need to work for yourself rather or perhaps you as of now function as a self-employed entity and it is simply time to formally set up the legitimate stuff to secure and enhance what you have made. So how would you begin a business? That is a great inquiry that we need to investigate in more detail and as the primary request of business (play on words proposed) is to choose what kind of lawful structure we should use to secure ourselves.

Numerous options are accessible to the new business in regards to the authoritative document it should take. Moreover, a current business may think that it's attractive to change forms.

There are plus points and drawbacks to any business form that are excessively numerous. In any case, in looking at organizations the reader ought to have no less than a general idea of the options. The accompanying discussion isn't an intensive discourse of the tax or business parts of the business writes specified. Just the general "widely inclusive" ideas of each will be addressed.

Sole Proprietors

Sole proprietorship are the least complex business form since they are not separate tax or lawful elements yet rather, expansions of the individual taxpayer that claims them. The business has no presence separated from the proprietor. Its liabilities are the proprietor's close to personal liabilities.

Every advantage in a sole-proprietorship is dealt with separately for tax purposes, instead of as a feature of one general ownership interest. For instance, a sole proprietor offering a whole business as a going concern figures gain or loss independently on every asset.

There is no exceptional return to file for the sole proprietorship. The proprietor reports all transactions of the business all alone individual pay tax return (i.e., Schedule C, Form 1040).

A sole proprietor is viewed as independently employed. If a taxpayer is a sole proprietor, there is no tax impact if they remove cash from the business, or exchange cash to or from the business.

Advantages

The advantages of a sole proprietorship are:

(1) Organizational costs should be low;

(2) Legal, accounting, and administrative fees are lower;

(3) State and federal income taxes may be lower; and

(4) Administration is less complicated.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of a sole proprietorship are:

(1) Personal liability,

(2) Inability to income split,

(3) Limited fringe benefits, and

(4) Self-employment tax.

Self Employment Tax

In the event that a taxpayer is a sole proprietor, they should pay self-employment tax (§1401). The self-employed tax is the non-worker part of the Social Security tax raising system. In 2017, independent work tax takes 15.3% of pay (12.4% for social security [OASDI] and 2.9% for Medicare [HI]) from self-employment. Deductible things like home loan interest, land taxes, state wage tax, Keogh plan or IRA deductions, and so forth don't diminish self-employment tax. Nonetheless, since 1990, business deductions, in addition to a sum equivalent to the self-employed tax on half of self-employment income, are permissible in diminishing the self-employed income.

In 2017, the social security tax is forced on the main $127,200 of self work income and the Medicare tax is forced on all self-employment income.

If you want to be financially empowered, at that point finding out about how to maintain your business is super vital. When you pick your form to work together, you should pay your employees as you become bigger, or possibly simply pay yourself. Benefits of new business.

The Career and Growth Path : Food Business Consultant

The food business term and consultant, itself reveals a lot of information. Basically, it is the industry that provides with all the knowledge, guidance and assistance required by the people in their businesses that involve food, including hotels, restaurants, schools, and cafeterias, or any other place where the food is served to the people.

The main purpose of the people belonging to the particular business is to serve their clients in order to offset the problems that occur in their food business. Also, not only at the time of the problem, but the consultants can be approached when someone is about to start his/her new business related to food, they can seek the advice of the food business consultants. As they have the proper and required knowledge, they can assist to solve any kind of problem in a cost-effective way.

Two parties, the consultants and their client (who is in need), are involved in the process. A specific time is decided in advance with a specific aim to achieve and accordingly the fees is charged.

Career path to become "Food business consultant"

Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) is a worldwide industry association that promotes professionalism in foodservice and hospitality consulting.The eligible candidate must clear the two exams to become professional members of the Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI).

Various steps involved in the process of becoming a food business consultant:

— Degree

One must attain a bachelor's degree in food science, food industry management, hospitality or any field related to food industry, in order to pursue the same as the career path. One can get the degree online as many organizations offer the online courses as well.

— Gain experience

In order to become a professional member of the FCSI, an individual must have at least three years of experience in the foodservice industry. Capable consultants can gain the practical experience by working at various levels in the variety of work environments, including, school cafeterias, hospitals, restaurants, fast food establishments, etc.

— The position of an employee of a food business consultant firm

An individual must work his or her way up in the professional hierarchy of food industry consultants and seek employment with a food industry consulting firm. At the initial level, the employee may work in any of the job related to food that is available at the firm and should strive for opportunities to become a project manager in the later course.

— An Associate Member of the FCSI

Before the topmost level, there are a lot of executive levels for a person to clear. Executive or the associate levels are majorly termed as the learning or the trainee levels, where the capable person learns everything in order to attain the higher position in his/her field. An FCSI associate member, after working as project manager, qualifies to become a senior associate member of the FCSI.

— Professional Member of FCSI

After completing the above steps, an individual is eligible to become a professional member of the FCSI. Individuals who succeed to become the professional members are further eligible to serve people that are seeking the help of the qualified food industry consultants. consultant and terms condition in the business and value must be involved.

Promotional Specialties Good for Fast Run Business

For colorful printed t-shirts with your logo or advertisement, promotional specialties can be good for your business no matter what part of the world you are located.

If you have a business then imprinted promotional items can help you spread the word about your business, attract customers and provide them with a usable item they can remember you with.

And it doesn't matter where you are located, these items should be a part of your promotional and advertising campaigns and efforts.

There are literally thousands of items from which to choose to have your logo or advertising placed and you can select items that are good matches for your type of business.

And you can also select items that you feel will be useful, appeal to your customers and at the same time get your advertising message across to them.

One consideration is - if it's an item they can use then they will likely hold onto it a much longer period of time and in that way your ad message will stay with them a greater length of time.

Wearable items are very popular with t-shirts and caps being the most popular. Other popular items include pens, calendars and cups. Small technology oriented items are now popular and include USB jump drives and CD/DVD cleaners.

Ordering advertising specialty items for your business is very easy and can be done via the Internet.

There are many providers around the world and how quick you can get your items depends from where you order and the total cost, including shipping, depends on the location of the provider and their proximity to you.

Most providers, no matter who and were, can provide good quality merchandise for you and your customers. Also the bigger the order the better price breaks you will usually get.

While some advertising specialty companies represent manufacturers, other make the items themselves. And certainly all have the ability to print your logo and advertisement in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

Choose a good provider, visit their website and perhaps call and talk to a customer service person. Explain the type item or items you are considering, give quantities and check their prices, shipping time and then make your decision what to order.

Many of their websites feature ordering sections and provide an online "catalog" of most of their specialties.

Payments are usually accepted by check (may take longer to clear the banks), money orders, PayPal and credit/debit cards.

If ordering from another country take into consideration the exchange rate but international delivery now makes it possible for your package to be delivered to your home for good business.

Recycling Business Waste Paper and Reduction Techniques

The State of Paper Recycling in the U.S.

Recycling has now become a necessity. And if for no other imperative than the betterment of your bottom line, recycling is a virtue as much as it is a canny business decision.

In truth, waste is a liability, and it's costly to generate. And among wastes that could recycled (yet are not), paper is one of the biggest offenders.

Paper products-comprising magazines, newspapers, catalogues, paper packaging, documents, briefs, and mail-account for the largest municipal waste stream. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper makes up to 27% of all municipal solid waste.

In terms of paper and paperboard products, the EPA also estimates that in 2011, only 62.5% of this waste stream was recovered for recycling. Not only is well over one third of paper not recycled, but paper manufacturing the U.S. is the fourth largest emitter of greenhouse gases. About 9% of all manufacturing CO2 emissions are a result of paper production.

Large commercial entities aren't the only companies contributing to these percentages, as schools, universities, government agencies, and many other institutions are complicit as well.

Small to medium-sized businesses are capable of throwing away paper in massive quantities every day as well. Even the strictly e-commerce-based companies of today still "black bin" piles of paper records and internal documents, most of which-if not all-are recyclable.

Our Choice: Green Trees or Greenhouse Gases

Certainly, recycling paper helps the environment in myriad ways; one ton of recycled paper can save seventeen trees, and the less we deforest our ecosystem, the less carbon dioxide will escape into the atmosphere.

Trees are a natural ally in the fight against climate change. By their absorption of CO2, they cut down on the greenhouse gas effect that has led to our rampant global warming problem.

Tips on Paper Reduction for Businesses

Buying recycled fiber paper instead of 100% virgin paper is one way of maintaining a green office. The manufacturing of paper with at least some recycled content puts much less of a strain on our environment than the production of virgin wood fibers.

Although recycled paper has been more expensive to purchase in the past, that is quickly changing as recycled paper becomes more popular and manufacturing processes become more streamlined. Small businesses that may not have the extra resources to switch to recycled paper, or businesses that may not use much paper can still benefit from paper reduction techniques.

Some of these no-cost reduction and recycling tips include:

· Make use double-sided printing wherever possible

· Print only the pages that you need (using the "print preview" function in your word editor or web browser

   will allow you to select only certain pages to print)

· Switch from single-person copies of memos or newsletters to one for each department or office

· Use digital scans instead of printing interoffice materials

· Unsubscribe to bulk junk mail

· Educate employees on paper reduction techniques and encourage your entire staff to re-use  paper

· Start a company-wide paper recycling program

Finance Your Franchise Business Plan And Your Peers Loan

Business establish and funding your franchise business is no easy task regardless if you are just starting out or looking to grow an existing business.

Banks and other traditional lenders - while they do like franchise businesses for several reasons like proven track records, experience and huge brand recognition - are still not jumping up and down to fund these organizations. And, it might not be due to the franchise industry itself but more to do with the financial markets in general and lenders just not wanting to take any risks at all.

Even the SBA - a huge backer of franchise businesses - are at the mercy of banks and other preferred lenders when it comes to funding (or not funding) franchisees.

So, where does a current or potential franchise business owner turn to start or grow their business?

Look To Your Peers

Peer-to-peer lending - organically started in the United Kingdom (UK) - is more about helping individuals get low cost, non-bank loans from people just like you. Peer-to-peer lending works like this. Savers (those with additional money that they want to invest in ways that provide them some type of return on those funds - more than banks are currently giving) will sign up on a platform to look for other individuals that are seeking loans for personal needs - like consolidating debt, taking a vacation, fixing a vehicle or covering emergency needs.

The person wanting a loan also signs on to the platform, gets to tell his or her story and, after being scored by the platform, gets many different savers (individual lenders) to fund their request.

It is faster, cheaper and with a lot less hassle then a bank or other traditional lenders - if those sources would even approve your loan request that is. And, these platforms look beyond credit scores when making decisions.

So, what does this do for businesses or franchises as these peer-to-peer loans are for personal needs?

Peer Loans For Franchises 

Again, started in the UK but now in North America, a company decided that they wanted to take the peer-to-peer lending industry to the business world. Thus, this company, Funding Circle, created a business loan peer-to-peer platform for both conventional businesses and franchises.

The platform offers franchise loans from $25,000 up to $500,000 - to be used to start or grow your business. These loans offer rates from 9.99% to 20.99% and can come with terms of three to five years.

Not bad for a business loan - try to get that from your bank!

From the platform;

"Full application takes less than 10 minutes and applicants receive pre-approval confirmation within 48 hours and the money in their account within 5-14 days of submitting the application."

And, according to their website, the company has put out over $525 million in small business loans worldwide.

Lastly, Funding Circle is not alone. Lending Club, a U.S. based peer-to-peer lender is also offering true business loans up to $100,000 for one to five years at rates starting as low as 5.9%.

    "We cut the cost and complexities of traditional bank loans and pass the savings on to borrowers with easy online applications, low fixed rates, fixed monthly payments, flexible terms, no prepayment penalties, no hidden fees and friendly service."

 

And, again, since these business loans do not come from banks or other traditional lenders, they come with less hassle for approval and much less red tape.

Why Do These Loans Matter To Franchise Businesses?

Normally, we do not promote specific businesses. However, these companies are pioneering new ways in which to fund businesses and franchises - trying to do what they can to fill the funding gaps left open by banks and similar business lenders.

They are by-passing traditional underwriting methods and standards (whom many say no longer work in this new economy) and finding ways to say 'yes'. And, through these peer-to-peer platforms, they are essentially taking the middle-man out (the problem to some) and letting those with money provide those funds directly to franchise owners who need it.

Image the shoe on the other foot. A well known franchise - one that you might frequent often - is asking for a loan and is willing to provide a fixed rate of interest in return. You have some additional money and help fund that loan knowing full well how good that business or franchise chain is. Not only do you help support a company you know well but you earn a fair return on your money (more then you would from keeping your money in a bank). This is a win/win situation.

Now, back to your franchise. Yes, you can apply and hope that a credit committee of a traditional lender approves your request (more likely they will drag it out for months and hope that you just go away) or you can use one of these new, peer based lending system, that puts your request in front of hundreds if not thousands of individuals who not only like and know your brand but have the money collectively to get you the loan your business needs.

Improve Your Web Design and Local Business Marketing

If you do not have a well coded website, get one. Then, use these local search engine optimization tips along with other research because this article alone will not cut it. This article is just a summary to follow, and you should seek out more information on how to increase your Google Page Rank and lower your Alexa Rank.

Tip 1: Create Quality Content With Plenty of Keywords.

Search engines and customers use keywords and phrases to find your website. Make sure you use plenty of the words you would like to be found for in the text of your website. Website designers and owners should create plenty of pages that display all of the content necessary to tell a search engine to show you as an expert for your keywords.

Take the time to look at your competitors' websites and try and have at least as many pages as they do, if not more. One last important tip for local search is to take every opportunity to put your location in your text. This helps for Google Local rankings, and the value of your Alexa ranking means you can charge advertisers higher fees for placing banners on your blog.

Tip 2: Update Content Often With Local Information.

Take every opportunity to add new pages to your site which discuss local topics and events. Search engines will see that you are discussing local events with local keywords and move up your ranking as a local expert. Participate in local events and get your company name on charity and community websites with links back to your websites. These types of links are invaluable and can only be acquired through hard work and giving back to your community.

Tip 3: Use Available Resources - Some Recommendations and Examples Provided

One of the best tools we have found to help promote websites locally is the Google Business Tools suite. This amazing resource center allows website designers and managers analyze, manage, advertise, and invest in a websites online presence.Google has put most of their main business tools together in one location for easy use and understanding.

Check the relevant website design resources out, read about them, and sign up for the ones that apply to you: Google Website Optimizer, Google AdWords, Google Apps, Google Webmaster Tools, Google Base, Google Local Business Center and Amazon's Alexa Internet Business Suite.

Tip 4: Pay Per Click - Monitor Closely and Spend Wisely

If you can set up and optimize your pay per click campaign it can be very successful and sometimes the results are amazing. That being said, we have witnessed many different cases where Pay Per Click advertising has burned through an entire budget in a couple of days. This can happen if you don't take the time to read through the entire process before making your section. Use Local words in your PPC campaign to save money by competing locally instead of globally.Remember, spending money to make money is necessary, but spend wisely.

Tip 5: Local Search Engines: Google Maps, Yahoo! Local, Bing Local

This is an obvious and easy way to increase your local exposure. We have all use Alexa search tool that has given results with a map and indicator dots on related business locations. If you would like to come up for these types of local searches,carefully submit for these specialized location based results. The search engines will often request some sort of verification through call back or traditional mail and pin verification.

Tip 6: Yelp!

Take the time to list yourself on Yelp and register your business. Make sure that you spend the time on these postings that you would for any piece of marketing material for your business. Yelp!, or websites like it, is sometimes the only chance to give an impression you will have with a customer.Be careful. These types of listings are double edged swords. If you don't maintain a high standard of service and quality, this will also be the location that customers will go to vent about their frustrations. These listings will also count as a quality inbound link for search and is useful to increase your search ranking.

Tip 7: Chambers of Commerce

You should become members with at least one local chamber of commerce. This is a great way to establish credibility and become a member of your local business community. Once you have this membership, make sure that your listing on the chamber website is a direct link to your website. Chambers of commerce are considered to be local experts, and their link to you is a valuable one.

Tip 8: City Search

City Search is very similar to Yelp in that it is a popular local search engine. Make sure that you spend some quality time explaining yourself and your business. You should also make sure to check back and monitor your reviews often.

Tip 9: Press Release Services, Face book, and Twitter

Social Media and local publicity can be very important for local results. Make sure to use locations and city information in your profile descriptions. Search engines will look at social media websites, and if you do a good job of mentioning local search words with your search engine keywords, you will begin to see additional results in the social media results sections of search engines. Press releases can be the most important local marketing item a business can employ.

Implemented wisely, a well optimized press release or social media blast can bring you first-page visibility for your keywords very quickly. Sometimes, you can take over more than one spot on the first page of Google. These same items used in their traditional roles of simple media notifications will get you nothing in terms of search results, make sure your marketing and PR companies know what they are doing. It could be hurting you. Your Alexa rank will tumble down and enhance your profile, even as your page rank climbs.

Your Own Online Business The Goals

Thinking about starting your own online business?

Are you on the fence due to all of the mixed information? Let's set the record straight - if you want to start your own online business there's very little downside.

Of course it'll be work. Don't listen to those who tell you that you can build a business without doing any work at all.

And YES you may have to spend some money getting started. Again ignore those people who say that you can start you business without spending any money at all, realistically it isn't going to happen.

But it can be done with very little outlay.

And in most cases the benefits far outreach the potential risk and downside.

So what are the benefits of starting your own online business?

#1 Productivity.

Believe it or not when you work for yourself you're likely going to work much harder than you would for someone else. You also have the ability to set your own hours. This means you can work when you're feeling most motivated and productive.

People generally fall into two categories "Larks" and "Owls".

If you're a Lark, then you're a morning person and you can get up early in the morning and work productively for several hours. Then in the afternoon when your energy lags you can focus on other tasks.

Alternatively, if you're an Owl, then early mornings aren't your thing, but you can work in the afternoons and evenings, and possibly into the small hours of the morning.

The point is, with your own online business, the choice of when and where you work is entirely yours.

#2 Goals.

When you own your own online business the goals you aspire to achieve are your own. You decide what heights you want to reach for. You decide how you're going to achieve your goals and why. You're the boss from the beginning to the end.

Imagine how much more inspiring it is to strive for your own goals rather than someone Else's!

#3 Your own terms.

When you own your own online business you establish the policies and procedures. You choose the business model and the niche. You decide how you're going to market your business and who you're going to market to. In short, you create the business based on your needs, desires and goals.

Of course there are other notable benefits to starting your own online business too. They include but are certainly not limited to:

• Working when and where you want

• Freedom to tend to your family or other outside interests without having to ask for permission from your  boss

• Extra income/no limit to how much you can make

• No glass ceiling

• Spend your days doing something that you love

Sounds great, right?

It is.

Owning your own online business can be extremely rewarding.

Both financially and in terms of personal satisfaction.

The problem is that there is a plethora of conflicting information out there, so it's difficult to decide who to believe and who to trust.

 Then there's the issue of what type of business can I set up?

What knowledge and experience do I have to bring to the table?

Well with the help and guidance of someone who has been there and done it, it's possible for most people to identify a niche that suits them and where there is a market waiting for someone just like you to come along.

Five Important Contract Provisions To Save Your Business

The following five Contract Provisions will undoubtedly help save your business future headaches! While no contract provision can be guaranteed to be enforceable, following some basic principles of use will dramatically increase the odds. Of course, your business won't get any protection without using them in the first place.

1. Warranties

You may or may not want to include specific, express warranties for anything you sell on your website. There is no law requiring you to give any written express warranties to your customers. Although, you can unwittingly make an express warranty through any ads or written materials contained on your website.

But, there are also implied warranties. Certain warranties arise automatically under the law or are "implied" unless they are specifically disclaimed in a written agreement. To avoid the possibility of providing an implied warranty, your contracts must include a disclaimer waving these warranties in a conspicuous manner. A conspicuous manner means that the disclaimer is set off from the rest of the contract by all capital letters, bold type, or a different color. The type cannot be smaller than the surrounding type in the contract.

A written statement regarding the "As-Is" or "With All Faults" nature of the product (or actually disclaiming the implied warranties by name) is sufficient. Internet businesses may use a clearly-labeled hyperlink such as "IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION" to lead to the full text of any warranty. Also, the warranty should be presented in a way that is capable of being preserved, either by downloading or printing.

Implied warranties could include a warranty of title (seller owns the goods, has the right to sell them, no creditor will interfere with buyer's purchase of the goods, and the goods are free from copyright, trademark, or patent claims of third parties), a warranty of merchantability (goods are reasonably fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used), a warranty of fitness for a particular purpose (seller has reason to know of the purpose for which the goods are bought and knows that the buyer is relying on the skill and judgment of the seller to select the goods) and a warranty arising from course of dealing or trade usage (a court presumes both parties have knowledge of trade custom and presumes that custom is intended to apply to the contract). These warranties apply equally to services and goods.

Not all states will allow you to disclaim all implied warranties if you sell goods online. But, you should still disclaim all implied warranties in writing in your terms of sale. (You should also understand disclaiming implied warranties will not shield your business from liability for any injuries caused by a product sold from your website). Without this provision, the goods or services provided under the contract will be warranted with the express warranties arising from what your company states on its website and with the implied warranties provided under state law. Reducing the uncertainty this creates requires a warranty disclaimer.

2. Limitation of liability & Damages

You may limit or alter the types of damages normally recoverable by your customers. Customers may suffer damages if your business breaches any of the terms of sale with a customer or any warranty or if your business is liable for any product defects that cause any injuries. In those cases, the customer would be allowed to recover damages reasonably foreseeable or "within the contemplation of the parties" at the time of contract formation. This means your customers can suffer "direct damages" or the damages that you would expect to occur from the breach, such as cost to repair or replace a product. However the customer may also suffer "consequential damages" (also sometimes referred to as indirect or "special" damages) which encompass all damages that aren't either direct or incidental damages.

Expenses incurred by your customers in connection with enforcing available remedies are "incidental damages." Any lost profits or revenues suffered because of failure of the product are consequential damages. This is a factual determination that could lead to your customers being able to collect a large amount of damages above and beyond the simple cost or value of the product. If you don't limit your damages contractually, your customers may be entitled to collect any and all foreseeable damages.

TIP! Always limit damages to the cost of the item itself or replacement of the item and also have your customers waive their rights to collect lost profits or any type of incidental or consequential damages!

Not all courts will honor these limitations if they feel they are unfair to the consumer (I.e. "unconscionable"). For instance, limitation of consequential damages for injury to the person in the case of consumer goods is unconscionable on its face, but limitation of damages where the loss is commercial is not. Most courts generally uphold limitations of liability and you should always include them anyways. Damage costs that could be recovered include direct damages, which are damages that are a direct result of what happened, like medical costs or property damage, and indirect damages. Indirect damages are those that are not directly caused by the other party but that are incurred because the party was injured. 

Some states have laws that require a disclaimer of liability in a contract to be conspicuous within the contract to be enforceable. For that reason these provisions should be in all capital formats, bolted, set in a larger font than the surrounding text, or otherwise distinguished from the rest of the contract. You also may want to limit the time frame in which the consumer may bring a claim. This greatly decreases the likelihood of a claim being filed.

3. Include An Attorney's Fees Provision

Always include an Attorney's Fees provision in your terms of sale. This clause creates a right to recover costs and expenses paid by the party that prevails in a contract dispute. The way this clause is worded, the costs and expenses are not limited to those paid in a lawsuit-the costs and expenses incurred in any contract dispute could be recovered. This provision is thought to discourage frivolous lawsuits because the party filing a lawsuit risks payment of the other party's legal costs if the suit is lost.

4. Using Forum Selection Clauses (Venue)

I have had numerous clients ask me about forcing their customers to settle any future disputes in a specific location. This is a type of contractual term known as a "forum selection clause" (or "venue clause"), which more or less binds the parties to litigate in a specific jurisdiction. You can and should use a forum selection clause on your website user and product purchase agreements. They are not illegal and can even be justified from a business standpoint. They are used to avoid costly and frivolous litigation. Since these clauses can be extremely valuable, you should understand how to effectively use them. Assuming the terms were validly accepted and proper notice of the terms was given, these types of provisions generally are just as enforceable as the underlying agreement.

TIP! You must also make sure that "notice" that this specific type of provision exists in the contract is provided to the user. This requirement has been relaxed by the courts quite a bit recently, but I still recommend using bold font, 'all caps' or a larger font for your forum selection clause so it stands out from the rest of the agreement.

Sometimes contractual provisions can overreach and be so unreasonable that they are declared null and void by a court. These are sometimes known as "contracts of adhesion." This type of contract is basically an agreement where one side holds all the bargaining power and uses it to write the contract primarily to his or her advantage. This is really how many Internet businesses improperly use forum selections clauses. Understanding how forum selection clauses might overreach and be unreasonable is obviously very important to your Internet business. Basically, the courts won't automatically honor provisions that require the consumer to waive some right.

An unreasonable forum selection clause may also violate publi

c policy. This typically occurs when a particular state has a strong interest in regulating a particular industry or in protecting a certain class of persons. State courts have various approaches in determining the enforceability of forum selection provisions. If a party opposing the forum selection can demonstrate extreme inconvenience that was not foreseeable at the time the provision was negotiated, some states will reject it. But, usually the opposing party has to show that a heavy burden would be imposed if they were to litigate in that forum.

Additionally, for a forum selection clause to be upheld, the parties must use language clearly indicating that the forum selection clause excludes all other courts in hearing any potential dispute. A few states refuse to enforce forum selection provisions altogether (such as Idaho and Montana) while others limit enforcement with respect to certain types of contracts.

The following case summaries illustrate some of these principles:

Fee v. Expedia Inc.- Zachary Fee sued Expedia, which operates the travel website Hotels.com, for deceptive trade practices. Fee alleged that Hotels.com switched the plaintiff's paid reservation from a four-star hotel to a three-and-one-half star hotel. Fee brought the lawsuit in the state of Kansas. But, he agreed to a forum selection clause contained in the click-wrap agreement that required all suits to be filed in Texas. The Kansas court dismissed Fee's lawsuit since the click-wrap agreement on hotels.com required Fee's lawsuit to be brought in Texas, not in the state of Kansas. The forum selection clause used by Expedia was simple and straightforward and only required that all claims basically be heard in the State of Texas. 

Olmsted v. Dell-The plaintiff brought a class action lawsuit in California against Dell, Inc. The plaintiff asserted that Dell designed, manufactured and sold defective notebook computers in violation of California consumer protection laws. Dell's website required purchasers to accept a click-wrap agreement that contained a forum selection clause. This clause required all lawsuits against Dell to be filed in the State of Texas, but it also required consumers to waive their right to bring a class action suit against Dell for any reason. The California court refused to enforce Dell's forum selection clause. The difference in this case is that Dell not only required consumers to litigate in Texas, but the company's click-wrap agreement also required consumers to give up a fundamental right to sue as class action litigants. The court found this to be overreaching. 

5. Choice of Law provisions

Choice of law provisions usually also accompany forum selection clauses. They really go hand in hand, although choice of law provisions can stand alone. This type of provision specifies that the laws of a certain jurisdiction must be applied by the court hearing any dispute. The particular court hearing the dispute will apply the law of the state the court is located in (the forum) unless there is some conflict, such as when an out-of-state consumer sues an Internet business. The court may also apply a different state's law if the contract calls for specific laws to be followed. 

Modern courts follow the rule articulated in the Restatement (Second) of the Conflicts of Laws. It provides that choice of law provisions are presumptively enforceable as long as there is some relationship between the transaction and the state's law that would govern, or by another reasonable basis for choosing a particular states' laws. 

The Restatement basically recognizes there should be no limitation on the power of the parties to incorporate foreign law into their contracts. Under Section 187(2), the express choice-of-law made by the parties is still recognized "even if the particular issue is one, which the parties could not have resolved, by an explicit provision in their agreement directed to that issue." But, there are three exceptions to Section 187(2). First, the chosen state has no substantial relationship to the parties or the transaction and there is no other reasonable basis for the parties' choice. Second, misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, or mistake secured the consent of one of the parties to the inclusion of the provision. Third, application of the state's law chosen would be contrary to a fundamental policy of the state that would be able to apply its own law but for the choice-of-law provision. 

Besides the Restatement, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) also allows the parties to a commercial contract to choose the applicable state law, so long as the transaction "bears a reasonable relation" to the state chosen. See UCC Section 1-105. (The UCC is followed in some form in all 50 states). Thus, the general law in the U.S. is that parties to a contract may choose the law of a particular state to govern the contract, and that the courts will uphold the choice. 

TIP! Most businesses online should simply require disputes to be heard under the laws of the state they are physically located. This is valid since there is already a relationship with the state. Also, selecting the laws of your home state is advantageous since your business is operating under these laws already. If no state law is designated, a court will typically interpret the agreement under the laws of the state where either party is located, or where the contract was performed or signed. 

 

Forum Selection/Choice of Law Lessons:

1. Always use forum selection clauses to avoid frivolous and costly litigation in some distant state;

2. Keep your forum selection clause simple. Don't restrict "fundamental" consumer rights, such as a consumer's right to initiate a claim against your business or initiate or join a class action suit;

3. A straightforward clause selecting the forum for any potential litigation and the choice of law should be simply used and no more. The language should be simple, yet crystal clear and should state the chosen forum is the exclusive forum that any and all disputes would be heard;

4. Finally, there is no guarantee any forum selection clause you use will be upheld. As stated, even if it isn't
unreasonable, the clause may violate the public policy of some state.

This article was written by Philip A. Nicolosi, J.D. Mr. Nicolosi provides legal services through his law firm, Phil Nicolosi Law, P.C., focusing on startup and small business law, Internet & technology law and commercial transactions. 

Mr. Nicolosi serves as a trusted advisor to numerous start-up and small to medium sized businesses. This includes representation for a wide range of business law matters including business organization, corporate/LLC governance, regulatory law, contracts and transactions and most other matters outside of litigation. Mr. Nicolosi provides guidance with e-commerce, Internet marketing and technology-related legal matters.