Digg it UP - Business

Barter Your Way to Profits
Have you ever faced any of the following situations? One: You need a lawyer but you don`t have the cash for the retainer. Two: You have a warehouse full of inventory that just isn`t moving. Three: Sales are down and you need more customers.Each of the above problems might be alleviated by bartering.1. What Is Bartering?Bartering is simply exchanging goods or services without money.For example, you give your accountant and his family a meal in your restaurant in exchange for the preparation of your income tax return. This is a barter transaction because no cash changes hands between the two parties.2. Bartering Improves Liquidity and ProfitsA shortage of cash is not an unusual situation for eit

gifts.

Gifts that can be consumed during the holidays are always welcome - your client can never have "too many" of these. They include: food gifts, snack gifts, wine, fruit gifts, and restaurant gift cards for dinner for two.

With logoed or personalized gift items, desk accessories are usually the most appropriate (calendars, calculators, paperweights, memory cards, pen sets, mugs, photo frames, clocks, etc.).

TIP #8: Avoid extremely high value gift items or any personal gifts that may potentially cause discomfort to the recipient.

A very expensive gift may not be a good idea, as it

Google to Dominate Entire Physical Universe?
As you may have heard, NASA and Google have just announced a partnership of sorts. While it seems like an information sharing agreement, a close reading reveals some rather startling things.Google to Dominate Entire Physical Universe?At its core, Google is a search engine. While this is obvious, people sometimes forget it given all the interesting gadgets Google Labs kicks out. Regardless of how you define it, Google typically has at least been restricted to being classified as no broader than an information technology company. It would appear Google has much bigger plans.With more than a bit of hype, Google and NASA have announced they are teaming up. In reviewing the deal, most people are focusing on the data benefits Google will receive

Your business holiday gift, if sent in a thoughtful manner, can be a subtle but effective marketing tool to solidify business relationships and let your clients know they are valued.

Tip #1: Know YOUR company's gift-giving policy as well as your CLIENT'S gift policy before sending a gift.

Many companies have a formal or informal policy of "No Gifts" for a variety of reasons. These clients usually include government agencies, government contactors, and businesses that purchase items through a bidding process.

TIP #2: Plan early in the FALL by updating your business contact mailing list and finding your gift suppliers.

Avoid the holiday rush by giving your (updated) mailing list as early as possible to your supplier, specifying the date you want your gift mailed. Most suppliers will allow some changes to the mailing list up to a week before the mailing date.

TIP #3: Mail your business gift early, preferably immediately after Thanksgiving.

Food or wine gifts will be especially appreciated if mailed early, as they can be used for holiday entertaining.

TIP #4: Personalize your business holiday gift with a note.

Most gift companies will send a personalized note with the gift. Your note should mention a word of appreciation, an accomplishment by the client, or a task you've accomplished together during the year. For example, "Enjoyed working on X project with you this year. Looking forward to working with you again in the future."

TIP #5: Downplay any corporate logo on business holiday gifts.

Corporate logos, while a great way to promote your company, should be discreetly printed or engraved on holiday business gifts, so as not to be construed as over-selling. Remember that beautiful photo frame you very much wanted to display in your home...but it screamed Company X? If it is a thoughtful gift, you client will remember who gave it, long after the holidays.

TIP #6: Give a business gift that reflects the individual's interest ONLY if you are certain it will be appreciated.

If the recipient is a golf enthusiast, a golf-themed gift basket or a personalized golf item will be valued. An expensive bottle of wine makes for a great gift if the recipient is a wine connoisseur. Send a culture-specific gift only if you know the client well and know that the gift will be welcome and appreciated.

TIP #7: For a safe bet, stay with the most popular business gifts.

With logoed or personalized gift items, desk accessories are usually the most appropriate (calendars, calculators, paperweights, memory cards, pen sets, mugs, photo frames, clocks, etc.).

TIP #8: Avoid extremely high value gift items or any personal gifts that may potentially cause discomfort to the recipient.

A very expensive gift may not be a good idea, as it m

Going Public via Initial or Direct Public Offering: The Role of Your Board of Directors
A company’s board of directors can play an important role in determining the kind of funding a public offering receives. If going public is your goal, the selection of board members should be given especially careful consideration.The board of directors serves a couple of important functions for a company that has gone public or plans to in the near future. First, the selection of particular board members can send a signal to investors regarding the quality of a company and the expertise behind the scenes. A board that is composed of highly-regarded experts in a field will be viewed much more favorably than a corporation with a board made up primarily of insiders. Knowledgeable outside experts bring connections, expertise, and a lack of bias that ca

inding your gift suppliers.