South Florida Small Business Events

Here are some of the upcoming international business events in the Miami and South Florida area:

 

Miami Herald: Business happenings around South Florida-

Here is the link to the Miami Herald’s list of weekly business events.

 

Latin Business Club of America: Networking Event-

Join Latin Business Club of America for another fantastic Networking Event Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 20 Biscayne Blvd. Miami FL 33132 Where Flagler Meets Biscayne www.MIABiscayne.com FREE ADMISSION COMPLIMENTARY DRINK & APPETIZERS Over $1000*  Cash Raffle and Prizes will be given away Valet parking available: $10 Our last cash winner went home with almost $500 In 2009, we gave away over $15,000 in cash and prizes *$1000 refers to the combined value of cash and prizes that will be given away

Latin Business Club of America Networking Event Joining us at our networking event will be: The Doral and Airport West Chamber of Commerce The Florida State Hispanic Chamber Latin Chamber of Commerce of USA (Camacol) Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida American Nicaraguan Chamber of Commerce and Panamanian American Chamber of Commerce LET'S GET NETWORKING!!!

 

South Florida International Business Expo-

South Florida INTERNATIONAL

Business-to-Business Expo

Business-to-Business Trade Show – Free Seminars - Awesome Networking – Trading After-Hours

Organized & Supported by Members of the “Alliance to Promote International Trade”

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

or Publisher@SouthFloridaChamber.org or Register to Exhibit @ www.ChamberRSVP.com

or under Products & Services at www.SouthFloridaChamber.org

PRESENTED BY

Broward County Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Foreign Trade Association, World Trade Center Miami, Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce of South Florida, Bolivian Business Council, Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Caribbean Trade Center, Chile U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Colombian American Chamber of Commerce, Costa Rican American Chamber of Commerce, Dominican American National Chamber of Commerce, Doral Business Council, Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Miami, El Salvador American Chamber of Commerce, Florida China Chamber of Commerce, Greater Miami Aviation Association, Hialeah Chamber of Comer & Industries, Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Miami, Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Broward County, U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce Inter-American Chapter, Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce, Enterprise Florida

TEAM EVENT – Together Everyone Achieves More

@ The Miami Free Zone

2305 NW 107^th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172

Up To 300+ Exhibitors & 5,000+ Business Exec’s

International Trading After Hours

Business Expo: Wednesday, May 12^th, 2010

commemorating world trade week 2010

3:30pm – Seminars, Opening Ceremony & Business Expo, 8:30pm – Raffles, 9pm end of expo.

FREE ADMISSION with RSVP Below to Seminars & Expo Includes Hors d'oeuvres, Great Networking & much more!!!

Exhibitor Space Only

6Ft Table Exhibitor Package $175.00

Oversized VIP Exhibitor Space $350.00

Membership & Exhibitor Packages Include:

6 Ft. Table Expo Package, 1 Year South Florida/Broward County Chamber Membership, Free $295 Ad In the South Florida Business News Newspaper, A Tile Ad ($240 Value) for 90 days on www.SouthFloridaChamber.org, Full business listing in our 4 Color Referral Directory, Your Member Discount faxed and e-mailed to all members, Free Classified ad, Free Job Posting, Free Article Submission, Free Coupon ad, Free Professional Gallery Listing plus Much Much More……

ONLY $425.00* (Value $2,320) or OVERSIZED VIP Spot Only $625.00 (Value $2,995)

RSVP PLEASE __#Attending May 12^th __Exhibitor Registration May 12^th __Send Info RE: Below

Company Name __________________________________Contact Name___________________________________

Address__________________________________________________City______________________Zip__________

Phone___________________Fax______________________E-mail________________________________________

___6Ft Table Exhibitor Package $175.00 ___Oversized VIP Exhibitor Package $350.00

_Pkg #1-6’ Package & 1 YR Membership $460* _Pkg #2 – Oversized VIP Exhibitor Spot & 1YR Membership $660.* *= Includes One Time $35 admin fee

_Check ck.#_____ Tot Amt $______ Electricity – $25 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. No cash or credit card refunds. BCCC/SFCC is a 501 c 6 non-profit org.

Fax With Payment To (954) 566 - 3398

Or Mail to SFCC BCCC 2425 East Commercial Blvd. Ste 103, Fort Laud. FL 33308

81 Consecutive Sold-Out Trade Shows, Over 16,075 Exhibitors, Over 329,000 Attendees, Millions of Dollars in Transacted Business, Partnerships, Alliances, Contracts, New Customers, New Relationships, New Products!!

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

www.BrowardBiz.com www.ChamberRSVP.com www.SouthFloridaChamber.org

Join the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce on Facebook by clicking here http://www.facebook.com/broward.chamber

Follow the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce on Twitter - Click thru on this link www.twitter.com/BrowardChamber

For the next 30 days, all business owners in South Florida are entitled to one free job posting on the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce websites. Send the Job Offered Title and any description of this position and any contact information to Publisher@SouthFloridaChamber.org.

To see the 2009 Official Broward County Referral Directory on-line, log onto http://www.sficc.org/2009-referral-directory.html

To see the 2010-2011 Official South Florida Referral Directory on-line before it goes to the printer, log onto http://www.erhunit.com/erhu/dir/

To see the most current issue of the South Florida Business News Newspaper on-line, log onto http://www.southfloridabizdirectory.com/Newspaper.swf

 

University of Miami: Multi-Chamber Networking Event-

 

Green Day Hialeah-

 

14th Annual Lawyers Strike Against Child Abuse Bowling Tournament-

GRAB YOUR BALL We're Going Bowling!

Family Resource Center of South Florida Presents the 14th Annual Lawyers Strike Against Child Abuse    Bowling Tournament

Saturday, June 12, 2010      Registration 12:30pm Tournament 1:00 pm BIRD BOWL B o w l i n g  C e n t e r 9275 SW 40th St · MIAMI · 305.221.1221 Registration Fee                                        Limited Space! $350 team/lane                                                    Live DJ 4 bowlers per lane                                    Raffle & Auction includes shoes & lunch!                                                  DOWNLOAD THE RESERVATION FORM Questions, call (305) 960-5536 All proceeds to benefit:

Educating the International Small Business Owner

Here are some interesting articles and blog posts for international small business owners:

The Global Small Business Blog: How to do Business in India-

This article discusses and links to some great resources if you are a small business owner interested in doing business in India.  It is always important to make sure you cover all your bases when entering in to a new market.

America’s Best Business Practices: What Color is Your Small Business?-

Here is an article that gives some insights into the “Green Revolution” and its impact on small businesses.

E-Zine Article: Two Million Jobs Are Coming to the United States-

Here is an article about the potential impacts of the Export Initiative of the White House.

Entrepreneur Daily Dose: Listening in on the President's Entrepreneurship Summit-

Here are some insights that will help small business owners understand the focus and direction of the President regarding entrepreneurship.

MoneyTalksNews: Five Steps to Turn Your Hobby Into a Business-

Small businesses often grow from a hobby or interest of a small business owner.  Here are some tips if this is something you are considering.

MyVenturePad: Do you blog for international business?-

Here are some tips about the role that blogging can play in marketing your international small business.

The Daily MBA: The Fun of Guest Posting-

Another way to promote your business/material is by guest posting on some other small business blog or forum.  Here are some reasons why it may help your small business.

This Week In Review: Small Business Blog

Here is what we were talking about this week:

Small Firms Need a Healthcare Checkup as Laws Evolve

Robert Rogers’ Miami Herald article on the impact of Health Care Reform on Small Businesses.

International and Small Business Events in South Florida: Week of April 19, 2010

A sampling of events and resources that are on the horizon for Miami small businesses.

5 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Operations

Some times for all small business owners, start-ups and seasoned, that will help improve operations.

International Articles and Resources for Global Small Businesses

Some great places to go in order to get information for international small business success.

South Florida Small Business Spotlight: SOLUTIONS Insurance Services

This week’s Small Business Spotlight.

 

Enjoy and share!

South Florida Small Business Spotlight: SOLUTIONS Insurance Services

This week’s spotlight is on a South Florida insurance company, SOLUTIONS Insurance Services.  Remember to share with your friends and associates and let them know about this local small business!  Also, if you know of a Miami or South Florida small business that should be spotlighted, feel free to let me know at: www.corallaw.com.

 

Small Business Spotlight: SOLUTIONS Insurance Services

 

What is your business name?

SOLUTIONS Insurance Services

How long have you been in business?

3 years, 4 months

What industries do you serve?

Not focused on any one industry – the partners in the business have significant experience in healthcare including private physician practice, hospital and insurance as well as wireless telecom and the non-profit sector.  Our commercial clients cover many industries including medial, video production, interior design, restaurant/bar and more.

What motivated you to start your own business?

To prove that excellent customer service could be provided in this field.

If there is one aspect of your business that sets you apart, what would it be?

We cover group and individual clients. For our business clients we have additional business support services including payroll processing, human resources and employee training and development.

What is your favorite part about owning a business?

The ability to adapt quickly to fit a customers need.

Who is your ideal client/customer?

Two – 1) Self employed individuals or individuals with families that need health coverage. 2) small businesses with 4 or more employees that would like to offer benefits as well as save money while doing so.

What is something that you have learned as a small business owner that could assist other small businesses?

Many small business owners do not realize the flexibility they have in offering employee benefits and the potential tax savings.  It’s possible to offer benefits to your employees with NO cost to you and potentially even with a tax savings.

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your business?  What is it?

Contact Information: 

954-839-6375 or 800-928-7449 ext 1670

ghardy@solutionsinsuranceservices.com

http://www.solutionsinsuranceservices.com

5 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Operations

Every small business wants to find more efficiencies, save on costs and thereby generate a greater profit.  Add your comments on things you think also help.  Here are 5 ways that a small business owner can improve their small business operations:

Establish a Plan

The first key to any sort of improvement is the lay out a plan.  Put it writing and spell it out clearly.  Planning can occur on many different levels and at many different times.  If your company has several areas of operation, you can address one issue at a time and therefore spread out your planning time.  Regardless of how you structure it, though, it is critical to create a plan for your operations.

Research Your Industry

It is critical to constantly educate yourself on what you are doing.  Take a look at your competitors.  What are they doing to be successful?  Why are they doing what are they doing?  What can you do better?  Also, take a look at businesses that started in your industry and then failed.  Why did that happen?  What did they do that lead to failure?  How does that compare with what you are doing?  Also, research the processes that you use in your business and compare those to similar industries and see what they do.

Measure Your Changes

For any plan to really be successful, you need to have a way of measuring success.  When you sit down and plan out the things that you will do to improve your operations, it is critical that you spell out how you are going to measure it.  What are you doing to track the changes?  Who is in charge of documenting the information?  What numbers are most important for you to see that the changes are working?  Make sure your plan comes with a way of evaluating it.

Re-evaluate Your Small Business

Always take time to go back to your original plan and re-evaluate the things that you are doing in your small business.  How have the circumstances changed?  What can we continue to improve?  What is working?  What should we discontinue?  This process of re-evaluation is enabled by effectively created metrics under your plan, as addressed above.  Always be willing to make adjustments to improve your business, but have a real reason for when you make those changes.

Delegate in Your Small Business

As much as is practicable in your business, assign tasks to other people either internally or via out-sourcing.  This becomes even more effective when you have a good handle on the talents of the individuals that you are using for delegated work.  If you know your employees well, you may be able to delegate some tasks, such as social media management, that might not normal fall under the purview of their responsibilities but that they have a great aptitude for.  The more you can maximize everyone’s efforts in the business the better your operations will be.

 

What are your thoughts?  Add you comment below:

International and Small Business Events in South Florida: Week of April 19, 2010

Here are some upcoming events that small businesses can look out for in the coming weeks:

Week business events listed in the Miami Herald-

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/19/1581465/business-agenda.html

Palm Beach Post Business Events-

http://events.pbpulse.com/search?cat=3&st=event

Ft. Lauderdale Credit Repair Workshop-

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-credit-repair-workshop-0421,0,2021621.story

BizBash Expo Event-

http://premierguidemiami.com/bizbash-expo-debuts-in-florida/

Small Firms Need a Healthcare Checkup as Laws Evolve

Health care reform generated a lot of discussion and debate.  Now that the bill has passed, small business owners need to evaluate the impact that the new law will have on their operations.  Because of the importance of the issue, I wrote the following article for the Miami Herald.  What are your thoughts?

Miami Herald Article: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/19/1583525/small-firms-need-a-healthcare.html

Miami and South Florida Business Events

Here are some upcoming event for South Florida and Miami-area businesses.  If you know of other events that should be listed, please let me know:

Miami Herald Event List-

The Miami Herald outlines upcoming events at the above linked page.

March of Dimes Happy Hour-

 

Colombian Chamber of Commerce Event:

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY!

The Colombian American Chamber of Commerce in Miami, cordially invite you to participate in EXPOCOLOMBIA that will be held in Miami April 23rd, 24th and 25th of  2010.

Pre-screened business-to-business meetings will take place Friday April 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. All meetings are free of charge for U.S. counterparts, but appointments are required. To schedule your one-to-one appointments with the visiting delegation, contact Juliana Figueroa at 305-4249128 or jfigueroa@colombiachamber.com.

 

The Organization of Women in International Trade Event:

The Organization of Women in International Trade
(OWIT- South Florida)
The National Association of Women Business Owners
The Professional Black Book Club
&
&
Nicole Shelley Models by The One On One Group
present
IBN
(International Business Networking)
April 28, 2010
6:00PM-9:30PM
Viceroy Miami
Club 50
485 Brickell Avenue,
Miami Florida 33131
Welcome Drink
Hors d'oeuvres
Business Networking
followed by
After Hours Beauty Bar
Light Entertainment
Informal Modeling
Door Prizes
Business Image Stylists
WIN A FREE TRIP TO BIMINI BAY!
Gift bags and more....
Music by
Saxophone Player, Andrea
Dress Code: Business Chic
RSVP
info@owit-southflorida.org
Cost 
$10 members
$20 non members
THE ONE ON ONE GROUP 

 

Miami Finance Forum Event:

 

Center for Hemispheric Policy Mexico Event:

Mexico: Opportunities for Change

Panelists

Gabriel Casillas

Chief Economist, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Mexico City

Luis Rubio

Chairman, Center of Research for Development (CIDAC), Mexico City;

Co-Chair, “Mexico Under Calderón” Task Force

Manuel Suárez-Mier

Economist in Residence, School of International Service, American University; Washington, D.C.;

Former Representative of Mexico’s Attorney General in the United States, Embassy of Mexico

This event is generously underwritten by the Tinker Foundation

Supporting Organizations:  Georgetown University Club of Miami, Miami Council for International Visitors, Oxford University Society and US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce

Media Partners:  AméricaEconomía, Hispanic Target Magazine, Latin Business Chronicle, LATIN TRADE, LatinFinance

and Mercado de Dinero

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Location:  JW Marriott Hotel                  1109 Brickell Avenue

Time: 8:00-8:15 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast            8:15-9:45 a.m.  Presentations and Discussion

Program Fee:  $30; Academics and students – free admission with valid ID

Registration: By email to chp-rsvp@miami.edu or by fax at (305) 284-9871.

Payment:  Please make check payable to Center for Hemispheric Policy. Mail check with registration form to: Center for Hemispheric Policy; P.O. Box 248297; Coral Gables, FL 33124-6535.

Cancellation policy: By email, fax or telephone, before 12:00 noon, Monday, April 19, 2010

For more information, please call Patricia Salinas at (305) 284-3707, or visit our website at www.miami.edu/chp .

 

Broward County Chamber of Commerce Expo:

Greetings! I wanted to let you know that I am one of the speakers tomorrow at this event!  *7:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Palm Theater): Law of Attraction Marketing & Client Manifestation Tactics with Coach Evie Grow Your Business Seminar Program at the South Florida Chamber of Commerce Expo April 13. When You RSVP the event is FREE!!!!!

Listen to 18 Speakers for FREE!!! "Grow Your Business Seminar at South Florida / Broward County Chamber of Commerce Expo THIS TUESDAY, April 13. WHEN:                April 13 (Tuesday), 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM WHERE:              Embassy Suites Hotel in Boca, 661 NW 53rd                             Boca Raton FL, 33487 HOW MUCH:       Free* (Only when you  RSVP with the link in this email, otherwise $10) RSVP with this link and save the $10 admission fee and attend at NO COST as our guest (but you must RSVP). http://southfloridachamber.eventbrite.com EXPO SEMINAR SCHEDULE - 2 Tracks to Choose From: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Check-in 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm (Palm Theater): Take the Stress Out! The Fastest & Easist Technique to Reduce Stress in Your Business & Personal Life 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm (St Croix): Alternative Financing Options for Small Businesses in Today's Economy by Palm Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm (Palm Theater): Keys to Successful Networking in this Economy 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm (St Croix): SBA Programs & Services presented by the Small Business Administration 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm (Palm Theater): Financial Solutions for Business Owners 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm (St Croix): Top 10 mistakes Businesses Make When Taking Credit Cards + 12 Requirements to be "PCI Compliant" 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm (Palm Theater): Simple Ways to Maintain Your Health, Work & Life Balance 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm (St Croix): "Mindstorming, Networking & Referral Session" for Women from the Chamber's NEW Women's Division(5-6pm) 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm (Palm Theater): How to Increase Your Staff Productivity and Get 40 Hours of Work for 40 Hours of Pay 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm (St Croix): continued..."Mindstorming, Networking & Referral Session" for Women from the Chamber's NEW Women's Division (5-6pm) 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm (Palm Theater): How to Win US Federal Government Contracts for Your Small Business 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm (St Croix): Globalization: The Future of Business (and how you can cash in) 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm (Palm Theater): How to Turn Ideas Into Businesses in 1 Day 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm (St Croix): 7 Benefits of Creating a Corporate Wellness Program for Your Business 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm (Palm Theater): Getting Started with Online Marketing and Social Media for Business 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm (St Croix): Healthy Life = Healthy Business. Tips on Business & Health Success from a Doctor in Business. PLUS Live Q & A with a Board Certified Doctor. $2,000 in Raffles. *7:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Palm Theater): Law of Attraction Marketing & Client Manifestation Tactics with Coach Evie 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm (St Croix): Running a Service Business in This Economy presented by the Palm Beach SBDC 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Palm Theater): "Game Theory" & Entrepreneurship Attend some or all, but be sure to check out the exhibitors at the EXPO  while you're there! The Seminars are packed with information and NOT sales pitches. All seminars will start ON-TIME and are 30 minutes in length. We, along with the South Florida / Broward County Chamber of Commerce are committed to helping you grow your business and enhance your professional skills. RSVP Now to get your ticket emailed to you so you can Attend Free: http://southfloridachamber.eventbrite.com

Reading About Business:

There is a lot of good content for business owners.  Here are some entries to check out.  If you have any suggestions, feel free to add a comment-

Best Biz Practices- The Entrepreneurial Journey

Learn about another entrepreneur journey and developing their business.

E-zine- International Marketing and Advertising Translation - The Top 20 Blunders, Mistakes and Failures

Learning from others mistakes and ensuring that we do not make them again is good medicine for any small business.  Check out this article on some classic international marketing blunders.

Entrepreneur Magazine- Daily Dose: Marketing, Board Members and Online Documents

Here is a list of resources for small business owners.  Help for your small business can come in many ways.  These are good places to start for marketing and leadership assistance.

Social Media for Hispanic Small Businesses

Everyone talks about the positives and negatives of social media for small business.  Here is a post that addresses social media in a cultural context.

My Venture Pad- Word of Mouth the Magic Miracle?

What type of word of mouth buzz are you creating for your small business?

The Small Business Advisor- Protect your Intellectual Property

Intellectual property can be a critical element to businesses of any size.  What is your small business doing to ensure that it is protected.

The Daily MBA- Five Reasons Why You Need the Media

A good PR campaign can go a long way to generate interest in your small business.  Make friends with the media.  If you can make their life easier, they will work wonders for your business.

BusinessWeek- Social Networking Tips from Kindergarten

Get tips on using basic principles to succeed in a social media campaign.

5 Ways to Improve Your Contracts

Every small business owner should have a good handle on what is in each of their contracts and should play some role in their development.  The reason for this is that contracts can play an important role in shaping the nature of the business that is performed.  Here are five “c’s” to focus on while developing your contracts.  Feel free to add any suggestions that you may have in the comments:

1) Clarity

Make sure that you and whomever you are contracting with understand the nature and the terms of the contract.  While it is relatively simple these days to purchase or download template contracts for your small business, it does not necessarily mean that they will be a clear outline of what the two parties are planning on doing.  For a contract to be truly effective, it needs to be clear.

2) Conversation

Take the time to discuss with the necessary parties what everyone thinks their role and others’ roles are in the agreement.  A contract, in essence, is the written summation of what the parties agree their roles and responsibilities are.  Talk about it.  Negotiate it.  Make sure everyone understands what they should do and what others expect.

3) Consistency

Contracts are much easier to manage if you establish a level of consistency in each transaction.  While each deal is different, there are many similarities from deal to deal.  The more consistency you can create, the easier your job is.

4) Cooperation

Too many people feel like business needs to be dog-eat-dog.  Real, meaningful business is about relationships.  Work hard to establish those relationships and then use any agreement to maintain that.  Work together to build consensus on what the business relationship will be.  Create opportunities to succeed and be reasonable with mistakes.  We all make them.

5) Cohesiveness

At the end of the day, it is important to make sure that your agreements work together.  This can mean across deals (duties and responsibilities in one contract should not conflict with duties and responsibilities in another contract) as well as within a specific contract.  Make sure that there is harmony in the work that you are doing and there is less likelihood of difficulty.

Miami Area International Small Business Resources and Events

Here are some resources and events that may be of benefit to Miami-Area small businesses operating internationally and locally:

WorldCity: Resource and Events for Miami International Small Businesses

Beacon Council: Miami-Dade International Business and Small Business Advisory Council

Florida Chamber of Commerce: International Days Event for International Business

Trade USA Market Zone for International Small Businesses

Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce: Equity in Latin American Event for International Small Businesses and Others

Lawyers.com: Taking Your Small Business International

The Impact of Values in a Cross Cultural Business Context

Included below is an interesting article about business, values and international transactions.  Most of the principles about these interrelationships and connections internationally actually have direct application in the work that you do locally.  Miami, where I practice and live, is a very cosmopolitan place with numerous cultures and values represented.  Because business is fundamentally about creating and maintaining effective relationships, it is critical to know the values and background of those with whom you are interacting.  This occurs both locally and internationally.  Here are some great insights about that process:

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Impact-of-Values-in-a-Cross-Cultural-Business-Context&id=1077313

Partners for Self Employment Small Business Seminar:

I will be teaching at the following event-

PARTNERS FOR SELF EMPLOYMENT INC

PRESENTS

A FREE WORKSHOP BY

ROBERT ROGERS, P.A.

“LEGAL ENTITIES”

LEARN THE BEST WAY TO STRUCTURE YOUR BUSINESS

IF YOU OWN OR WANT TO OWN A BUSINESS YOU CANNOT MISS THIS WORKSHOP!

Business Entity Workshop Outline:

I. Title

a. “Understanding Florida Business Entities”

II. Discussion items

a. What are my options for business structuring in Florida?

b. What are the general tax consequences of each business entity?

c. How will each business entity protect my personal assets?

d. Learn how to use company structure to create flexibility in ownership.

e. How can I structure my business to prepare for future success and growth?

f. How can I change my entity if a different one is a better fit for my company structure?

g. Review concerns specific to small and emerging businesses regarding entity setup.

III. Sidebar Items

a. Develop a general understanding of business entities in the state of Florida

b. Gain valuable information from an attorney about how to use the Florida business entities.

c. Due to limited seating please RSVP: cornell@partnersforselfemployment.com

d. When: April 7 2010

e. 7pm-8:45pm

f. Where: 3000 Biscayne Blvd. Ste. 215, Miami, FL 33137

g. FREE PARKING AVAILABLE

DUE TO CONSTRUCTION ON BISCAYNE BLVD

PLEASE ENTER 30^TH STREET FROM NE 2d AVENUE

Taking Your Small Business International

Below is a link from Lawyers.com that explains some of the things that small business need to consider when exploring international expansion.  The article gives a good breakdown of the different types of international work that a small business can get involved in as well as lists some good resources to consider.   A key element to consider when reviewing this resources is a proper evaluation of capacity and understanding of potential markets.  These pointers address legal issues in international business generally, but each country and market will present distinct ways of operating and challenges to success.  Enjoy the article.

 

http://business-law.lawyers.com/small-business-law/Taking-Your-Small-Business-International.html

Today in Business Blogs

Included below are some links to business blogs on the internet today:

Customer Complaints are Good for Business

This article discusses the increased access that we have to customer complaints because of social media and important principles to implement as we respond to those complaints.  We must always evaluated what is at the root of that complaint and use it as a catalyst to improve ourselves and our business.  It goes beyond simply responding.  Complaints really should be agents for change and that requires a bit of humility on our part.  Get more information by reading the article.

Prenuptial Planning for Business Partners

Clearly outlining interests and expectations are boons to managing any growing business relationship.  Business owners should take the necessary time to evaluate potential issues and how you deal with them at the onset of the relationship; not when the problems arise.  This article includes some good tips about how to go through that planning process.

Why Small Town Small Biz Has an Advantage at Using Social Media Tools

Social media is creating tools that are becoming more and more localized.  So, while it is also easier to engage the world, we should also recognize the benefits in engaging our local audience.  This article has some great information in that regard.

Small Business Advisory Sessions

As a part of my law practice, I will be offering a new service entitled Small Business Advisory Sessions.  Information is included on my website.  Click to learn more.  I would love some feedback on what small business owners would like to see in an Advisory Session like this.  Please add to the comments the things that you would look for.

4 Questions to Ask When Working Abroad

Globalization is still in full force and now more than ever, small businesses are breaking into the international market.  But with increased access to new business market, there is also increased access to potential liability.  Here are four questions you should ask as a business owner when considering expanding into an international marketplace.

1) Who are my potential clients?

When working internationally, it can sometimes be more difficult to investigate potential vendors or customers to evaluate whether or not they will be able/willing to do business with you.  Also, there may be more risks in operating in certain countries or with certain governments as clients given that country’s political and economic structure.

2) What are the country’s compliance requirements?

Also, different countries will have different regulations as to how you can do business within their country.  This means that the relationships that you make in one country may need to be structured differently in another country.  Sometimes you may need a distributor or other local liaison.  Other times you can directly access the market.  There may be different costs associated with the ways that you operate, so this evaluation must be taken in to account before entering that market.

3) What are the tax concerns that my business faces?

Different countries tax different income in different ways.  Some countries directly tax foreign direct investment.  Others have bi-lateral or international treaties that allow for some tax benefits.  Also, the IRS has specific standards for US businesses that general revenue abroad.  Especially if you foresee significant international income, it becomes critical to sit down and discuss the process with an international tax professional.

4) What culture concerns should I be aware of?

Having the relevant understanding of a specific countries culture is critical in the business process.  Some cultures value the relationship as much if not more than the business.  Others are more formal and “arms-length.”  This also impacts what different business deem to be an agreement.  Cultural research is a necessary part of doing business internationally.

International Trade Workshop Series

The Miami Free Trade Zone is hosting an international trade workshop series for small and medium sized businesses.  Here is some information:

The 2010 Import / Export Workshops
Session 1: Importing into the United States for International Trade Professionals
Thursday, March 25, 2010 (8:00 am – 11:00 am)
Session 2: Exporting Compliance for International Trade Professionals
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 (8:00 am – 11:00 am)
Session 3: Importing Food Products in Compliance with FDA and U.S. Customs Rules
Thursday June 3, 2010 (8:00 am – 11:00 am)
Cost to attend each event is $30. Light refreshments will be served.
If you wish to pay by check, please indicate which session(s) and date
you will be attending and make the check payable to
Trade Mission Center of the Americas, Inc. and mail to:
Jay Malina International Trade Consortium
111 NW 1st Street, Suite 2200 Miami, Florida 33128
Seating is limited, so please register now!

Another blog discussing the event:

http://exportamos.com/?p=1980

The Benefits of Advisory Boards to Small Businesses

I came across this blog post and it presents some ideas that I have been thinking about a lot recently.  Advisory boards are used frequently in major corporations but are often overlooked by small business professionals.  Advisory boards are great ideas for three reasons: 1) it allows business the chance to get feedback from industry professionals, 2) it creates and interesting and unique sounding board for small business owners, and 3) it can also act as a unique marketing arm for the business.  Take a look at some of the resources in this blog:

http://mazurkraemer.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/the-value-of-an-advisory-committee-for-your-business/

25 Ways to Jump-Start Your Business

Linked is an interesting article from Inc.com that discuss 25 things that you can do in order to jump-start your business.  Here are why three of them stand out to me:

#2 Engage Your Employees-

By engaging your employees more in decision making and planning within your business, you can an added “advisory board” with an unique and fresh perspective on the direction of your business.  It also allows employees to feel more committed and involved in the organization, thus further motivating them.

#6 Shed Your Problem Customers-

This is true in any industry, we should not be so caught up in making a sale, closing a deal or signing a new client that we lose sight of what they might cost us in the long run (e.g. unrealistic demands on time, inability to be satisfied, consistent complaints about work product).  You are better served focusing on a few good clients.  Don’t let the bad ones distract your time from that.

#18 Find Some Amazing Interns-

As the article says, interns help to fill gaps within your business.  Take advantage of local colleges and university.  Work with career services offices to create new and unique ways of motivating quality interns to join your team.

 

For more ideas, check out the article-

 

http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/02/25-ways-jumpstart-business.html