Examine Pricing

Here is a timely article about what companies should do to evaluate pricing.  This is important for the coming year as the market is still adjusting.  Enjoy the read:

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/11/examine_pricing.html

2nd Annual Transit Summit: Miami-Dade County

Should Small Businesses Be Allowed to Be Bigger?

Here is an interesting article about the SBA policies related to small businesses and thoughts related to adjustments that may need to be made in the definition of a small business.  Adjustments definitely have their benefits and disadvantages.  How much growth is too much?  Read and feel free to interject your opinion in a comment:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/11/should-small-businesses-be-allowed-to-be-bigger.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+entrepreneur/dailydose+(Daily+Dose)

Shelling Out to Keep Your Business Alive

What are you doing to keep your business afloat?  Here is an interesting article from Entrepreneur.com that discusses the lengths that certain small business owners are going to in order to keep their businesses operating.  Feel free to comment about some of the things you are doing in order to maintain your operations.  Here is the article:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/10/shelling-out-to-keep-your-business-alive.php

South Florida Networking Event: The Power to Grow Your Business

Here is an upcoming networking event:

Miami Finance Forum Event

Here is information on an upcoming Miami Finance Forum Event:

The Miami Finance Forum is proud to present the $250 Million Florida Growth Fund with Greg Baty, Vice President of Hamilton Lane

Please join us Tuesday November 10^th 7:30 am untill 9:30 am at Bankers Club where Greg Bety will present future plans in managing the $250 million Florida Growth Fund and investing in Florida

Bankers Club is located at 1 Biscayne Tower on the 14^th floor.

Miami Finance Forum would like to thank our sponsor HOGAN & HARTSON LLP for making this event happen!

Don’t pass up this great opportunities to meet other financial professionals, learn about the Florida Growth Fund investment plan, discuss the topic of the day, and enjoy full breakfast

Please see the full invitation below

You MUST RSVP by November 8^th to attend this event as space is limited!

Please contact Elena Djakonova at rsvp@miamifinanceforum.com or

call 877-FF-MIAMI/877-336-4264

Parking is available inside the building!

Admission is always complimentary for Miami Finance Forum Members! For our guests it is $40.00 if paid in advance and $50.00 if paid at the event

A Twitter Contest That Allows Businesses to Make Their Pitch to Venture Capitalists

Everyone wants access to funds.  Here is a unique contest that will allow business owners their 140 characters or less to pitch their idea.  I love when companies buy in to new media!  Here is the article:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/10/contest-lets-winners-pitch-vcs.php

Small Business Lending Workshop:

Information is key in a recession and now is a great time to get information about how your company can get access to funds.  Here is some information on an upcoming event:

 

BUSINESS WORKSHOP
JOIN OUR SURVIVE & THRIVE
WORKSHOP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
CO-SPONSORED BY:
Reach Local
Thursday, Nov 12th
6:00pm-8:00pm
CITIBANK
899 W. Cypress Creek Rd,
Suite 8 Ft. Lauderdale,
FL , 33309.
(Inside the Citrix Building)
To Register:
Call (305) 807-5782
ACCION USA is a nonprofit
organization that has provided
loans and small business training
since 1991. Learn more at
www.accionusa.org
Get personalized business advice at this FREE
event sponsored by Citibank & ACCION USA.
RECEIVE FREE COACHING FROM PROFESSIONALS IN THE
AREAS OF:
• Banking for Small Businesses
• Boost sales with e-marketing
• Alternative Financing for Small Business

Asia Business Expo: South Florida

A great opportunity for FL businesses to learn about doing business with Asia.  Spread the word to business owners that you know that may be interested:

Obama’s Small Bank Plan

Here is an article from Forbes.com that describes President Obama’s proposal to use some TARP money to assist community banks so that they can lend to small businesses.  This is a promising prospect to all small businesses access to capital.  Hopefully they do something that will incentivize lending so that the money will actually be lent to small businesses.  Access to capital is critical to a small business' success.  Here’s the information:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/21/loans-banking-obama-entrepreneurs-finance-obama.html

South Florida Business to Business Expo

Included below is information for the South Florida Business-to-Business Expo.  Expos are a great way to see what is out there, gain access to resources and grow your business.  Go out and meet other business owners:

SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS EXPO

@ Quality Inn Sawgrass Conference Center

1711 N. University Dr. Plantation, FL 33322

Thursday, November 5^th, 2009

General Admission 4PM – 9PM  Only $10

EXCLUSIVE “Exhibitor Only” Reception & Networking 1PM – 4pm

74 Sold-Out EXPO’S – 1^st Ever @ This Hotel – 150+Exhibitors, 3K Business Executives

74 Consecutive Sold-Out Trade Shows, Over 14,250 Exhibitors, Over 262,000 Attendees, Millions of Dollars in Transacted Business, Partnerships, Alliances, Contracts, New Customers, New Relationships, New Products!!!

Presented By

Broward County Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Business News Newspaper, Broward County I.T. Council, Broward County Real Estate Committee, Broward County International Committee, Broward County CEO Forum, & Many World Class Partners, Alliances and Chambers of Commerce!

The BROWARD COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is a 501 c 6 Non-Profit Corporation

Traditional Chambers of Commerce are a thing of the past… At the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce, our “Highest Priority” is to “Bring Business to Our Members.” When you join this chamber, you, in effect are hiring a professional marketing company, a public relations firm, a multi-media consultant, an advertising company, a website marketing firm, a merchant services firm and an outside sales force at an incredible “mere” fraction of the cost. We promise to bring new customers to your door, to your website and calling on your phone! WARNING: This is not your grandmother’s chamber of commerce!!!

Clear Channel Communications will be promoting this Expo on all of its Radio Stations – Y-100, BIG 105.9, LOVE 94, 940AM, NEWS RADIO 610, 103.5 THE BEAT, ZETA ROCKS, MEGA 94.9. RADIO Advertising Gives you MORE BANG for the buck! Miramar offices are located at:7601 Riviera Blvd. Miramar, FL 33023 Phone: (954) 862-2000 http://www.ccmiami.com

ECONOMIC STIMULUS – TAKE ACTION - SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS!!!

Register to Exhibit at www.ChamberRSVP.com

Under one roof, businesses and professions serving a huge variety of market sectors. Meet with our area's buying community and decision-makers. Interact one-on-one with potential customers. Establish and build relationships with other vendors.  Exhibitors demonstrate and showcase goods and services while making contacts and developing new clients. Technology, commerce, finance, manufacturing, insurance, healthcare, education, and more... It's All Here!!! There will be businesses participating from Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties!!!

25+ Reasons to Exhibit at South Florida Business EXPO: Secure new business contacts, develop prospect database, accelerate the sales process, access the decision maker, provide hands-on exposure to products and services, identify and assess new markets, maintain market viability, introduce a company to a new market, launch a new product or service, counteract competitor claims, generate media exposure, build brand awareness, recruit new distributors, retailers or representatives, recruit personnel with specialized skills, network with the regional business community, expand your business out of county and Internationally, gain customer feedback, maintain profile with competitors,  test the market for new product or service development, identify and assess new markets, getting your customers to buy more, maintain  or extend relationships with existing clients, trade show return-on-investment is lasting, market research, prevent client switching.

Often Imitated – Never Duplicated

Exhibitor Pricing:

_6' Table Pkg $250

_8' Table Pkg $295

_6’x8’ VIP Pkg $450.00

_6’x16’ Premier Pkg $1,075

Membership & Exhibitor Packages

Membership & Exhibitor Package 1 Includes:

-6 Ft. Table Expo Package (Preferred Space)

- 1 Year Broward County/South Florida Chamber Membership

-Free $250 Ad In the South Florida Business News Newspaper

-A Tile Ad ($240 Value) for 90 days on www.BrowardBiz.com, www.SouthFloridaChamber.org, or www.SouthFloridaBusinessnews.com

- Full business listing in our 4 Color Referral Directory

-Your Member Discount faxed and e-mailed to all members

-One free article, coupon, classified ad & job listing

-Directory Listing on 3 Different web sites plus Much More……

ONLY $450.00* (Value $2,420)

Membership & Exhibitor Package 2 Includes:

-6’ x 8’ Large VIP Exhibitor Package

-1 Year Broward County/South Florida Chamber Membership

-Free $450 Ad In the South Florida Business News Newspaper

-A Tile Ad ($240 Value) for 90 days on www.BrowardBiz.com, www.SouthFloridaChamber.org, or www.SouthFloridaBusinessnews.com

- Full business listing in our 4 Color Referral Directory

-Your Member Discount faxed and e-mailed to all members (2x)

- 2 free articles, coupons, classified ads & job listings

-Directory Listing on 5 Different web sites plus Much More……

ONLY $650.00* (Value $2,960)

Log Onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to Exhibit at this Show and pay on-line

Company Name __________________________________Contact Name___________________________________

Address__________________________________________________City______________________Zip__________

Phone___________________Fax______________________E-mail________________________________________

__6 Ft Table $250 __8Ft Table $295 __6’x8’+ VIP $450 __6’x16’+ Premier $1,075 += Larger space available upon written request

_Pkg #1-6’ Package & 1yr Membership $485* _Pkg #2 VIP & 1yr Membership 6X8 VIP $685* #3_6x16 + 1yr Membership $1,295*

*= + One Time $35 admin fee __$1,000 Silver Sponsor __$2,000 Gold Sponsor __$3,000 Platinum Sponsor – Sponsorships Include Membership

General Admission = $10 x __=$____ _Check ck.#_____ Tot Amt $______ Electricity – $75 Extra

Log Onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to register and pay on-line

__ MC,VISA,AE,DISC #______________________________________________Exp. ________Sig._____________________________

Any refunds requested on this show will be honored towards future shows or advertising. BCCC is a 501 C 6 Non-Profit Organization

Fax With Payment To (954) 566-3398

Or Mail to B.C.C.C. 1640 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Ste. 403, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

Broward County Office #2 B.C.C.C. Broward County Chamber Building, 2425 E. Commercial Blvd, Ste.103 Ft. Laud, FL 33308

7040 W. Palmetto Park Rd. Suite 4-635 Boca Raton, Fl. 33433

701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1550, Miami, FL 33131

INFO: Broward (954) 565-5750  Palm Beach County (561) 683-8414  Miami-Dade (305) 278-1811 

www.BrowardBiz.com

www.ChamberRSVP.com

www.BrowardCountyExpo.com

www.SouthFloridaExpo.com

www.SouthFloridaChamber.org

www.SouthFloridaBusinessNews.com

OTHER EVENTS

__Wednesday, October 28^th – South Florida & Miami-Dade County International Business Trade Show & Seminars at Miami Free Zone, 2305 NW 107^th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172 – 4pm – 9pm. Join the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce and the South Florida Business News newspaper as we partner with dozens of other Chambers of Commerce and other International Organizations to bring you one of the LARGEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOWS IN SOUTH FLORIDA. Over 250 Exhibitors and Thousands of Business Executives in attendance. You can log onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to register to exhibit!

__Thursday, December 10^th – South Florida Business-To-Business EXPO & International Trade Show in Pembroke Pines/Miramar Business District. 100+ Exhibitors and 2,500+ Business Executives.

__Tuesday, December 15^th – Happy Holidays Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Networking Cruise along the Winterfest Boat Parade Route 3 days later without the crowds. Join over 300 Business Professionals for Great Food, Drinks, Awesome Networking & Holiday Cheer!

PLEASE RSVP __More Info __Exhibitor Registration __Free Vip Passes for Oct. 28^th Expo

__Please send us Free VIP Passes for Miami Free Zone Expo on Wed, October 28^th @ in Miami-Doral, FL.

__Our company would like to submit articles or press releases in the South Florida Business News newspaper.

__Please send us Membership information that we may be included in the “Official” South Florida Referral Directory.

__Please send us information on attending the “Doing Business with Broward County Government” Seminar.

__Please send us advertising pricing so that we may place an ad in the New 2009 South Florida Referral Directory.

__Please send us sponsorship information for the October 28^th, November 5^th, December 8^th expo or another future expo.

__We Would like to be a distribution point for the FREE South Florida Business News Newspaper __25 Copies __50 Copies

__We would like to be a distribution point for the 2009 Official South Florida Referral Directory __15 Copies __30 Copies

FAX REPLY TO (954) 566 – 3398 or e-mail Publisher@SouthFloridaChamber.org

www.BrowardBiz.com www.SouthFloridaChamber.org www.SouthFloridaBusinessNews.com

www.ChamberRSVP.com

High Impact Marketing on a Limited Budget

Included below is the tip of the day for small business readers of BusinessWeek.  These are some timely tips for businesses as marketing is critical for success but budgets are not what they used to be.  I especially agree with the first point… We need to re-connect with our communities.  Find people that are complimentary to our efforts.  Collaborate to success.  Here is the link for more information:

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/10/high-impact_mar.html

Accountability

Written in an unapologetic manner, this interesting article in Entrepreneur focuses on the importance for small business owners to take personal accountability for the management and success of their business, even in times of economic difficulty.  A truly successful business is managed in such a way that it can weather the storms as well as sail in the sunshine.  The latter is easy to do, the former is where many businesses stumble.  Check out the pointers expressed and let me know what you think:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/startupbasics/article203238.html

Business Card Exchange in Miami

Here is an upcoming business networking event in Miami.  For those small businesses in the area, it is a great opportunity to meet other business owners and service providers, especially if you are interested in international business.

Today's Tip Dispelling Two Sustainability Myths for Small Businesses - BusinessWeek

For those businesses who are concerned about the environmental impact of what they do, this article in BusinessWeek gives an excellent summary of why even small businesses can be engaged in planning a more sustainable business culture.  An important element of compliance planning within any business is to be aware of progressive regulations related to the environment as well as other business legal matters.  Enjoy the insights!

Today's Tip Dispelling Two Sustainability Myths for Small Businesses - BusinessWeek

In race for stimulus dollars, we're coming in last - Business Monday - MiamiHerald.com

In this morning's Miami Herald, there was an article that outlined the stimulus money that is coming in to South Florida.  Not enough projects are being made available to small businesses.  I hope this article inspires people in South Florida to work together to create opportunities for small businesses.  Now is an excellent time to explore opportunities to collaborate and form strategic partnerships in order to succeed in breaking out of this economic downturn.  Have a read and hopefully it gives you ideas as to how to succeed.

In race for stimulus dollars, we're coming in last - Business Monday - MiamiHerald.com

Marketing Strategies in International Business

Given the state of the global economy, it is essential for businesses to explore alternative markets.  Given advances in technology, transportation, and logistical support, more than ever, small businesses are able to be market players internationally.  But just because you can do business internationally doesn't mean that you should.  International business requires a different type of preparation, cultural understanding, and business management style.  Here's an interesting article about certain marketing strategies businesses can use, and should use, when operating internationally.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Product-Strategies-For-International-Business-Marketing&id=2686998

Online Training Resources from the SBA

One of the things that most small business owners neglect is ongoing business training.  Many do not have the time to go back to school and get an MBA or take university courses in business.  Even so, it is still necessary for these business owners to get training.  That is why this resource from the SBA is beneficial.  They have a myriad of different topics that small business owners can learn on their own time.  Check it out:

http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html

Local Lessons From International Business

Expanding on some of the principles of marketing, localization and internationalization discussed already.  Here are two articles that articulate what businesses need to look for as they expand into any market.  Two keys: Improve your planning and research your market.  Here you go…

 

http://ezinearticles.com/?Could-You-Extend-Your-Business-Abroad?&id=2457621

 

http://ezinearticles.com/?Think-Local,-Act-Global-For-Businessmen&id=2440915

Working with Family

This article explores some of the potential pitfalls that can come when working with or hiring family in your business.  Working with family can provide certain benefits to a small business, especially in a downturn, but one needs to be able to properly separate the business and the personal relationships.  When a business owner is realistic about the skills of a family member and their ability to contribute to the business, it is more likely for the working relationship to succeed.  Some of the principles presented in the article related to family employees can and should be applied with any employer/employee relationship.

 

http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/employment/mixing-family-and-work/?cid=1122