How-to Articles
How-to articles by business experts, from the New York Enterprise Report. Please note that the articles will open in a new window. To close the window, click on the X in the top corner of your browser.
How-to Improve Marketing
A Press Release Not For the Press
A press release can be a great tool to deliver compelling news about your
company to your business network — even if the media doesn’t pick it up.
Want Your Prospect’s Attention? Get Lumpy!
Forget traditional direct mail: The way to go is with direct “lumpy mail” —
unusual–size mailers that will really get noticed.
Not Getting Your Phone Calls or E-Mails Returned?
Here are some ideas that may help elicit a response from that new prospect.
Drip... Drip... Drip Marketing
With drip marketing, the small business owner has a deliberate and powerful tool
to reach his audience.
Trade Show Tricks
Trade shows enable businesses to efficiently reach prospects, demonstrate products and increase visibility. But exhibiting at a show can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars (for a local tabletop venue) to thousands of dollars. Make the most of your investment with these tips.
The More You Know, the More You'll Sell
Mine your customer database to boost sales.
Talkin' 'Bout the Competition
What to say and what not to say about your competitors
How to Market Your Business With (Virtually) No Marketing Budget.
Gregg and Evan Spiridellis decided they needed to get the word out about their
tiny animation studio, JibJab Media. With the 2004 election coming up they
decided to showcase their work with an e-mailed Flash animation poke at Bush and
Kerry.
Want to Be a Noted Expert in Your Field? Write a Book!
One of the best ways to become an expert in your field is to write a book.
Becoming a bona fide author will not only enhance your credibility tremendously,
it can provide a new revenue stream for your business.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Sales
Whether you are employing an outside ad agency or creating something on your
own, here are the dos and don'ts of creating a striking, well-designed
advertisement that delivers results.
Turn Your Company into a Media Event
What you need to know to create the perfect media event.
How to Write Killer Ad Copy
Looking to create ad copy that really gets em'? Here are some do's and don'ts of
the copywriting business.
Building a Brand That Will Build Your Business
You think that branding is just for the big guys like Coke and Nike? Wrong!
Whether you know it or not, you are already building a brand. Here's the scoop
on how to build one that will increase your visibility - and profits.
Build the Angle and the Press Will Come
All businesses can benefit from good media coverage.You can get it for your
company too.
Create the Perfect Survey
How to create the perfect survey to get feedback on what your clients think
about your products and services.
Turn Your Company into a Headliner
Need to get some media attention for your company? Follow these tips.
Five E-mail Words to Live By
How PVBIT can help your email marketing campaign.
Creating the Perfect PR Buzz
Public relations can put your company in the spotlight, but getting there
requires a plan and creativity. Here's how to get your 15 minutes of fame.
Advertising: Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Pro?
You're ready for some advertising that will really get you noticed - but can you
afford an outside ad agency? Should you try to do it yourself? A primer for the
business owner.
Searching for Creative Inspiration?
With many functions such as Google sets, image search, and AdWords, Google has
become a great brainstorming tool.
Five Tips on E-mailing Customers
Good news for small-business owners: According to email usage studies, consumers
are most interested in hearing from local businesses they support. Here are five
specific tips to help your campaign succeed.
Whaddya Mean Lucky?
Small companies too often take a gambler's approach to marketing: they toss
money in, cross their fingers, and pray for a jackpot. Here's a better way.
Creating Synergy
By teaming up with a company whose products or services complement yours, you
create synergy-and you may both increase your business.
Five Ways to Get Positive Public Relations for Your Company
Promoting your business via the media takes a special hook and savvy know-how.
Picking a Public Relations Firm
A PR firm or consultant could be the difference between getting attention and
getting great publicity. Here are some tips to making sure you pick the right
one.
There is Gold in the Hispanic Market
More than 25% of the people living the New York area are of Latin origin. Here
is how to market to that growing audience.
How to Make Direct Mail Work for Your Business
Direct mail is one of the most effective and efficient ways to market your
product and services. Here's how to do it right.
How-to Network
The New York Area's Noteworthy Networks
The New York area is home to many "bests" - including some of the best
networking groups for small businesses. Here are a few of the finest.
Got To Get Away?
You're at a cocktail party talking to Joe - but you're dying to talk to that new
client across the room. What do you do?
Build Your Network, Build Your Wealth
Get to really know the person you are talking to and focus on how you can help
them - then you're on the right track to creating a powerful network that will
pay dividends for years to come.
Turning Networking Into Net Worth
The kind of networking that brings you rock-solid results has little to do with
glad-handing at a cocktail party and giving out business cards. Two experts
share their tips on making networking a profitable experience.
Who You Know: Networking Your Way to Sales Leads, Investors, and Employees
No matter what your field or your goal, there are networking organizations for
you. Whether you're in search of an IT professional, you want to increase your
sales in northern New Jersey, or just keep your business referrals coming in,
there are networking events you can attend this month.
How-to Improve Operations
Are You an E-mail Addict?
A new 12-step program for e-mail addiction might help wean you away from your
inbox.
How Long Should I Keep My Paperwork?
What to Throw Out - and When Your files are overflowing, and you need to know
which documents to keep and which to chuck. Here's a handy reminder.
Are Your Documents Spilling Your Secrets?
Who knew that something as seemingly harmless as a Microsoft Word document could
embarrass you, divulge information you'd rather keep to yourself or even open
you up to liability?
The Myth of Multi-tasking
You're multi-tasking, efficiently getting so much work done in so little time.
Do You Fear Digital Larceny In Your Office?
In many cases, your most valuable assets can be taken with just a couple of
mouse clicks. Are protected?
To Telecommute or Not to Telecommute?
Allowing employees to telecommute can save you office space and money, not to
mention letting your workers feel more empowered. But you want to make sure it
is also in the best interest of your business. Here's what you need to know
first.
Customer Service Rx for Your Business
Do you know the most common reason customers take their business elsewhere? It
isn't due to dissatisfaction with a company's products or services, but with the
way front-line employees treat them. Failure to cure this problem can quickly
dead-end your business.
Is Your Computer Workstation Ergonomically Designed?
One of the most common causes of discomfort and lost productivity in the office
is poor workstation design. Follow these simple steps to ensure a healthy work
environment for yourself and your workers.
Should You Feng Shui Your Work Space?
In recent years, feng shui has become a popular decorating approach to improving
the ambience of a home. But more entrepreneurs are turning to this ancient
practice to help stimulate a positive - and more productive - work environment
as well.
The Electronic Filing Cabinet
Papers, papers everywhere, and not a file to be found. Is it time for an
electronic document management system?
Want Next-Day Package Delivery at Great Prices? Here's How...
Need a package delivered by the next day to New Jersey or Connecticut but don't
want to pay ridiculously high prices for express services? Here's how...
Help, I'm Drowning in E-Mail!
Are you spending too much of your time answering email after email. Follow these
tips to downsize your email.
Avoid The Trap: Processes to Help Your Business Grow
Do-it-all owners drive many a start-up's success. But sooner or later you have
to step back and let the company grow. Here's how two founders did just that,
and how you can, too.
Saving Energy Helps the Environment and Your Bottom Line
Energy efficiency isn't just a buzzword; it's a way your company can save money.
From powering down your computer monitors to changing light bulbs, your company
could keep a few thousand in the bank each year depending on how fervently you
change your habits.
eBay Can Save Time and Money While Your Business Grows
Many small business owners have used eBay as "one stop shopping." It eliminates
the need to waste precious business hours and you can do it in your pajamas.
Staying Safe Via Your Friendly OSHA Rep
Believe it or not, OSHA can save you money while keeping your business
hazard-free. The good news is: It's absolutely FREE!
How Did Your Crisis Management Plan Work in the 2003 Blackout?
Was your company prepared when the lights went out in August? Now more than ever
smaller businesses need to plan for disaster or at least for business
disruption.
How-to Reduce Your Taxes
The Paper Chase
The problem stems from the way most people approach their filing: They focus on
filing, not on finding. As a result, the documents that they work with most
often at any given time - the high-value documents - are buried in an
undifferentiated mass with all the other, low-value documents.
Year-End Tax Planning
It's time for year-end tax planning. Steps taken between now and the end of the
year can materially affect your 2005 tax liability.
New York's Tax Laws Change (Again)
New York's tax laws have change(again). Here's what you need to know.
Year - End Tax Planning
Our expert outlines the steps you should take now to minimize the taxes you'll
pay next year.
Doing Business In and Out of the City - Tax Planning Opportunities
If you do business in NYC and live outside NYC, there may be steps you can take
to minimize your business's income taxes.
Don't Overpay Employment Taxes!
Overpayment of employment taxes happens more often than you think. Take these
steps to minimize this often overlooked expense.
A Pain Free Way to Slash Company Payroll Taxes
TransitChek is an easy way to save your employees some spending money on their
daily commute. Believe it or not, getting started is so easy you'll wonder why
you haven't done it before now!
The 2003 Tax Act: Congress Wants You to Spend and Will Reward You to Do So
The 2003 Tax Act has some unprecedented benefits for smaller businesses planning
on making capital expenditures. Too bad NY, NJ and CT did not go all the way.
Why You Need to Be Aware of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
The alternative minimum tax (AMT) is fast becoming the federal income tax most
people pay. If you are a business owner in New York State/City, increases in New
York State and City income tax rates, together with the AMT, may result in a
higher overall tax bill than you expected.
How-to Find Employees
Turning Your Children Into Employees
Passing on your business to your offspring might be your dream, but are your
kids the stuff top-notch employees are made of? Read about these best practices
to make sure your children really are ready to come on board.
A Key Employee on Vacation?
Some basic tips on when to get in touch with employees when they are away — and
more importantly, when NOT to.
Seven Tips to Hiring Resilient Employees
If you want to hire someone with resiliency strengths, here are some key areas
to explore during the interview process.
How to Make an Offer They Can't Refuse
Finding the perfect employee is like falling in love - but once you pop the
question, you don't want to be rejected. Here's how to get that prospect to say,
"I do."
Team Building Begins at the Interview
One small business owner uses some unconventional hiring and management
practices to make sure her employees perform well together. Watch how she makes
it all work.
Hiring to Last
You need a new employee who will be an asset to your company and a long-term
player, but you don't want the process to take forever. Here's how to up your
odds of making that happen...
Is My Secretary A Serial Killer?
Background checks on prospective staff are essential during the hiring process.
Here is how to do it:
New Employees: Try Before You Buy
Not sure if an increase in sales is a temporary spike or a good sign of things
to come but still need to hire staff? Consider taking employees for a "test
drive" before you commit to a long-term hire.
How to Find Employees
It's official: Hiring is up. Here are the best options for finding the right
person.
How-to Increase Sales
Cement the Deal with an After-Sale Strategy
So you’ve heard that three-letter word every salesperson longs to hear: yes.
Here’s what you need to know, in between the handshake and the signed contract,
to ensure that closing the deal will go smoothly.
The Fine Art of Greeting Your Prospect
Change the pattern of inane greetings, and watch your sales effectiveness soar!
The Care and Feeding of Your Sales Staff
Your sales team is cast from a different mold than the rest of your employees:
Here’s how to nurture them so they can not only show you the money, but also
work well with the rest of your workers.
Running an Effective Sales Meeting
Here are some key tips to follow to ensure you are running an effective sales
meeting.
How to Qualify a Sales Prospect
The first step in any sale is making sure you have a customer who is serious
about buying. Here are the ABCs of qualifying a prospect — and getting past the
first hurdle.
Three Flavors of Sales Funnels - Web Extra
Web Extra
But We Had So Many Prospects!
A sales funnel can help you figure out what happened to all those prospects, and
how to improve your sales staff’s effectiveness.
Questions for Your Sales Staff - Web Extra
The key to managing is properly motivating your staff members, and the key to
determining the best non-monetary motivators is to discover what drives each
sales rep you manage.
The High Cost of Selling On Price
No one wants their product or service to be considered a commodity - that's not
where the profits are.
How to Always Pitch a Strike
Each person you talk to is different. If you're seeking a partner or an
investor, you should know something about them or how their firm works.
Power Up Sales With a CRM Program
Everything you wanted to know about customer relationship management programs
but were afraid to ask.
Building a Better Sales Culture
See how one Brooklyn company revved up its sales team and closed out its best
year ever. Also, ways to mine your customer database to boost sales.
When It's 'No Sale,' Do You Register?
Most of us know that developing new business is a crucial activity for any
organization, yet we still feel as if we're wasting too much valuable time
chasing down prospects that simply don't pan out.
Spiritual Selling
Joe Nunziata, an internationally known speaker and sales and business
development trainer, has recently published Spiritual Selling: How to Use the
Attractor Sales System to Create Abundance in Your Business.
Turn Your Direct Mail Into Direct Sales
Inexpensive and effective options for your next direct mail campaign.
New Sales Channels, New Profits
Your distribution channels - the how and where of reaching customers - are the
lifeblood of successful, growing business. Find out which channels are right for
your company.
Certify as a Woman-Owned Business - Resource List
Talking Sales? Talk Straight
Try out these sales tips when convincing your next prospect to buy.
Five Tips to Following Up the Close
How to turn that meeting into a sale.
Getting that Second Date
You have an appointment with what could be an important prospect and want to
make sure things go great during this first, oh-so-crucial meeting. Here, our
expert provides a few pointers to get you to that second meeting.
Make The Cold Call Hot
When cold calling a prospective client, you have about 30 seconds to get your
message across before the fatal "no thanks, not interested." Here are some
indispensable words of advice to turn a call into a sale.
How to Increase Your Sales This Year
Try these five tips, one at a time.
Customer - Based Pricing
Pricing your products based on your costs is often bad business. Here's how to
use "customer-based" pricing to boost your bottom line.
Pricing for Success: Simple Pricing Ideas With Big Bottom-Line Impact
Pricing is an often-overlooked tactic of smaller companies that fail to meet
their potential. Learn to price strategically to your advantage.
The New Plastic Gift Card
Gift cards are quickly replacing gift certificates in the marketplace. This
article shows you the benefits of a gift card program for retailers and
consumers, with real-life examples.
7 Steps to Successfully Sell to Executives
Selling to C-level executives requires discipline and perseverance in order to
succeed. You need to keep a few important items in mind when you sell to the
top.
Increase Sales While Improving Customer Relations
You don't have to pound the pavement to find new customers. Open your doors to
entice your current customers to spend more.
How-to Increase Web Traffic & Sales
Web Surfers Call You
Pay-per-call advertising produces customer phone calls, not clicks. Is it right
for your business?
You've Learned Your E-commerce Lessons, Now Reap Your Rewards
CASE STUDY: How one company, TennisTip, used our e-marketing series to turn its
website into a powerful sales and marketing machine.
More Ways to Convert Internet Traffic to Sales
Your e-commerce website is already equipped with tools that bring in visitors
and get them to buy your goods and services. Now, make your sales machine even
more powerful.
Getting Your E-Commerce Payoff to Really Pay Off
So you finally have a great looking e-commerce website and plenty of traffic.
Here's how to turn that traffic into sales.
Turning Website Traffic Into Profits
Memorize these five words and watch your online sales go up, up, up.
Your E-Commerce Plan for Success
Having an e-commerce plan will distinguish you from the competition and
translate into increased traffic and revenue.
On the Internet It's Quality Over Quantity
On the Internet, less traffic can mean more profits.
You, Too, Can Yahoo
Its Overture pay-per-click advertising program is a quick and easy way to build
traffic on your website. But, as with Google Adwords, success is ultimately up
to you. Here are some tips.
Four Steps to Using Google AdWords
While the process is fairly simple, we explain some key decisions that will help
your keywords be more effective and cost-efficient.
Pay-Per-Click Website e-Marketing
Paying to have your website pop to the top of search engines can be expensive.
Here we show how and when to use pay-per-click keyword buys.
How To Submit Your Website To The Search Engines
Here is the inside scoop on the most efficient and effective ways to get on the
search engines' radar.
How To Search Engine Optimize Your Website
This article shows you how to optimize your website using your "keywords".
Choose Your Keywords Carefully; Your Website's Success Depends On It!
When choosing keywords for your website, don't just look at the potential
traffic numbers. There are many other things to ensure more sales and profits.
Here they are.
News Flash: The Internet Tells You What Your Customers Want
The first step in selling a product or service is knowing what the customer
wants. Here's how to get that information on the Internet.
Forget The Hype: How to Use the Internet as Your Ultimate Marketing Tool
Introducing a revolutionary series on eMarketing that can help any company boost
its bottom line.
How-to Manage Employees
How to Help Employees Speak Up
Here are some tips to help employees communicate better with you or their
supervisors...
How Am I Doing?
Smart business owners know that great employees will make their business thrive.
One key element in identifying and rewarding your best performers - and helping
them grow professionally - is the annual employee performance review.
Train Your Employees To Help Build Your Brand
One key to creating a strong brand in your business is to understand that your
employees are your brand.
How to Pay Your Sales Staff
There's more in the compensation kit bag than just salary and commission. To use
pay as a motivator, consider some flexible solutions.
Fill in the Blanks for an Employee Handbook
An employee handbook performs several valuable functions.
Build the Perfect Exit Interview, Build a Better Workplace
When done properly, exit interviews can offer a wealth of information on your
staffing needs.
How to Get Your Sales People To Love Training
Getting your key employees trained in exactly the ways they need - and getting
them excited about it - is no easy task. An expert in sales training reveals the
secrets to building a better training program.
Turning the Tables On Turnover
When you're a small business with a cadre of employees that are crucial to your
success, you can't afford to lose even one person. Here's how to keep your
employees happy and motivated.
Workplace Violence: How to Keep Your Company from Becoming a Statistic
A violent employee can devastate a small company with just one action.
Maintaining a safe work environment with the help of all your employees is a
remarkably easy solution.
Protecting Your Company: Applying and Enforcing Restrictive Covenants
Despite what you may have heard, there are ways to protect your trade secrets,
client list and staff from departed employees. It's a matter of writing an
appropriate agreement and picking the right time to getting it signed.
Arbitration: Your Solutions When Good Employees go Bad
Arbitration may be a better option than the court system for NYS employers. An
arbitration agreement is the pre-nup for your company and employees. You
probably will never need it, but better safe than sorry.
Employee Handbooks: An Easy Solution to Keep Lawsuits at Bay
Employee handbooks don't just let your employees know whether they have Columbus
Day off or not; they provide them with vital information they need to get the
job done and they give you leg to stand on should you end up in court.
Technology
Safeguarding Your Online Reputation
The online world can be an undisciplined and even dangerous frontier when it
comes to communicating information about your company.
Web 2.0 for Your Business
Welcome to the web’s next wave, where wikis and websites like YouTube are
becoming indispensable to doing business. Here’s how to best use the latest
online social interactive tools to grow your company.
Cool Tools 2007
Our contributing editor for technology — and a small business technology expert
— takes you on a tour of new tools for your business.
Is It Time for a Website Upgrade?
Every website needs a face lift now and then. A guide on how to tell if it’s
time to do some renovating, along with suggestions on some of the latest
technological innovations that will make your website read wow.
Remote Control
Managing employees who work from a home office is no easy task. Here are some
strategies to keep up a high level of productivity.
Our View of Vista
Vista, the new Windows operating system, is supposed to be the most dazzling and
most secure Microsoft operating system yet. Here’s what we think.
Web Extra - More Website Upgrade Tips
How-to use the latest technology and techniques to update your company website.
More tips from the marketing expert.
Strengthen Security With Smart Passwords
What you need to know about smart passwords; advanced technologies to protect
your computer system; and the password policies to have in place for your
company.
Bookmark These Sites
Our Experts' Favorite Places on the Web
Three Steps to a More Successful 2007
A little strategic planning now will go a long way toward making next year your
best yet
Who Links to You?
A Security Blanket for Your Business
Digital data is now one of the most valuable assets for any business. A
comprehensive checklist to ensure that your data is safe.
Podcast Power: The Invasion of the Pod People
Can one of the fastest-growing media venues help your business grow?
The Weakest Link
When it comes to information leaks, your biggest security vulnerability may be
your trusting employees.
Building a Better Database
Whether you choose to build your own database or buy one off the shelf, a good
database program could help your business survive growing pains and take your
company to the next level.
Tired of Fruitless Website Searches? Try the Google Toolbar
As websites get more information-heavy, it can get harder and harder to find
exactly what you are looking for, particularly if the site is not designed well.
The Google Toolbar, a downloadable program that becomes a part of your browser,
can solve a lot of this problems.
New Software: Rent vs. Buy?
Should you rent or purchase your software? The pros and cons of using hosted
applications.
When Are Online Meetings Right For Your Business?
Teleconferencing is now an affordable way to bring a sales presentation to
Dallas, London and Mexico City, all in a five-hour period. Here is what you need
to know about it.
Goin' Mobile
Should you buy a Blackberry to check your e-mails when you're out of the office,
or equip your notebook computer with the right technology? Or should you just
find the nearest Kinko's? NYER tells you how to decide the best way for you to
check your e-mails remotely.
Hackers Charging Everywhere
Computer security is more crucial than ever. Keep your network safe with this
checklist.
Resident New Yorkers Go National
16 years after launching the New York Resident, the founders are making an
impact with Encompass Outdoor which is leading the way in the "Wild West" of
advertising. How did they manage to not only survive but to flourish?
Is Your Company Ready for Internet Phone Technology?
Internet phone technology, or VoIP, is now reliable and has incredible features.
Is it right for your company?
Dangerous Liaisons
With spammers on everybody's hate list, even the most scrupulously above-board
mailers can land in a mess of trouble. White Buffalo may not deserve your
sympathy, but you can learn from its mistakes.
Add a Little Color to Your Business
Printing your business documents and presentations in color might boost
your bottom line. Here's how to decide if a color printer is right for
you.
Customer Relationship Management Systems CRM for Smaller Businesses
The small- and middle-sized business market is the hot one for customer
relationship management software vendors. This article tells you how CRM
will help your business, what to look for in a software package, and how
to implement it.
Healthcare and Benefits
Get the Most From Your Employee Health Care Plan
An A-to-Z guide to finding the right health care plan for your small business -
one that won't give you a heart attack when it comes to paying premiums.
You Partner With a PEO?
A professional employer organization lets you farm out many of your burdensome
human resources chores and bring Fortune 500 company benefits to your business.
A look at the pros and cons of PEOs.
Small Business Retirement Realities
When it comes to retirement plans, owners face a myriad of choices. How to make
sense of the options.
Roll Out a New Employee Health Benefits Plan
You have one shot to roll out a new health plan for your company and ensure that
your employees understand and appreciate it. Here's how to make it count.
A Debit Card For Your Health?
Funds for healthcare expenses are now as accessible as 24-hour banking.
Is a Health Savings Account Right for Your Company?
How do health savings accounts (HSAs) work and are they right for my company?
Keeping Your Health Care Up and Your Costs Down
What my clients are doing to bring down premiums.
Real Estate
A Commercial Mortgage With Only 10% Down?
The SBA 504 program is designed to turn a business-office renter into a
business-office owner.
Office Space On Demand
There are some great alternatives to traditional offi ce space in the tri-state
area that can offer you fl exibility, convenience and lower costs.
How Long to Lease?
Ten months or 10 years - how long of a lease is best for your particular
business?
The Tenant Commandments: A Guide to the Divine Office
An architect's expert advice on how to choose and create a workplace that really
works for you
Own Your Office Space? What a Concept!
Buying office space instead of renting: A wise investment or a lethal drain on
your cash flow? Our expert tells you the pros and cons.
Renewing a Lease in New York
The ABC's of renewing your office lease so that you get the best possible deal
Is Sub-Leasing a Solution For Your Office Space?
You need office space - should you look for a sublease or rent directly from a
landlord? Here are the pros and cons of both.
You Don't Need a Temp - You Need a Temp Office
Does the thought of building out an office and commiting to a long term lease
seem like too much? Try renting flexible and furnished office space.
What You Don't See Is What You Get
The editor of The Real Deal, the definitive magazine on New York real estate,
talks about the hidden costs to renting commercial real estate.
New Sublease On Life
A sublease allows your company to save money on expensive real estate costs. But
like any big ticket item purchase, research is key.
How Manhattan's Market Dynamics Can Lower Your Real Estate Costs
Now is the time to reduce your rent costs
Strategy and Leadership
Web Extra: More From Liz Lange
Web Extra. More of the interview with Liz Lange and her company.
There's Money in Mistakes
Taking preemptive measures to help your clients avoid mistakes can help you
stand out from the competition and nab you a roster of long-lasting customers.
Buying or Selling a Business? An Earnout Can Make the Deal Work
Whether you are buying or selling a business, you may want to consider an
earnout — an agreement where the seller gets paid a portion of the asking price
up front while agreeing to meet a series of financial goals over a set period of
time to earn the rest. Here’s how it works.
Interview with Liz Lange - Great Expectations
In the early ’90s, Liz Lange was working for a women’s clothing designer. In
1997 Liz Lange Maternity opened in an 800-square-foot store in midtown. In quick
succession came a catalogue and website, a Madison Avenue shop, more stores, and
an exclusive deal with the Target chain.
Magic Carpet Ride
In 1980, Alexander Peykar, his brothers and their father left their retail rug
business on Long Island to start manufacturing and importing rugs. Today
Nourison is the world’s largest manufacturer of handmade rugs. How did they get
to such a cushy place?
Clothes Make the Men
When Ken Giddon took over his grandfather’s clothing store it had a proud
history — and a tired image. Together with his brother Jim, Giddon turned the
discounter into an upscale, fashionable retailer without alienating existing
customers. Here’s how they re-tailored Rothman’s to fit the times.
Let’s Make a Deal
As a business owner, you’re always negotiating with someone over something. Here
are some key strategies that can help you get the upper hand, whether it’s
discussing raises with your employees or negotiating new financing for your
business.
Web Extra - Giddon Brothers of Rothmans
In this continuation of the interview from the March 2007 cover, Ken and Jim
Giddon of Rothman’s discuss thriving in New York’s competitive market, how to
hang on to quality employees and what’s next for Rothman’s.
Fountain of Youth
Rob Stone and Jon Cohen’s Cornerstone Promotion targets the sizzling-hot
15-to-34-year-old demographic, marketing everything from Xbox to Nike to iTunes,
publishing the trendy music magazine The Fader and releasing indie films. Meet
the high priests of pop culture.
How Do You Unplug?
How does a devoted small business owner who is always pressed for time achieve
even a semblance of balance between work and personal life? It's a constant
struggle, but here are some ideas to keep you from toppling over completely
Three Steps to a More Successful 2007
A little strategic planning now will go a long way toward making next year your
best yet
Boss Style - Your Wardbrobe Can Make or Break a Deal
As a small business owner, you must be aware not only of the big picture, but
also of the details, like grooming and hygiene, which can make or break a deal.
Here's help.
The Art of the Meal - Interview with Restaurateur Danny Meyer
When restaurateur Danny Meyer opened Union Square Café in 1985, he was
determined to serve up two things extraordinarily well: food and hospitality.
His reputation for delivering both to the thousands of delighted patrons that
frequent his nine Manhattan eateries remains consistent and untarnished.
I Want My Entrepreneur TV!
Looking for advice, ideas or just some "yup, been there, done that" kind of
reassurance in regard to your own small company?
The New York Enterprise Report Presents Its Spring Forum
A glimpse into the New York Enterprise Report's spring forum
Do the Worst First
Wouldn't you love to increase the number of days when you get through your To Do
list and reduce the days when you get bogged down and never finish your work?
Cooking Up an Empire
Lowell Hawthorne started a bakery to sell Jamaican delicacies to the Caribbean
community in 1989. 20 years later, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill is a
growing franchise. CEO Hawthorne discusses his recipe for keeping the business
prosperous and his plans for more growth.
The Show Must Go Online
Darren Sussman started TheaterMania.com as a portal to the New York theater
world. Together with his CEO, Gretchen Schugart, they have overcome financial
difficulties and the dot-com bust to build a company that is projected to
generate $10 million this year. Here's how they did it.
Are You Ready to Win Big? Lessons from the Playing Field
Athletes know there is a simple equation to achieving success in games: To win
you have to practice long and hard. Preparation is every bit as important in
your business as it is in sports.
Thinking Ahead to Your Exit Strategy
Business owners spend years building a company. But what happens when they want
to sell?
Don't Let Gravity Get You Down
Do you remember when you first became an entrepreneur? You probably had plans to
change the world (or at least your neighborhood or industry).
Your Competition Your Profits
There are few things in business more crucial than understanding your
competition. An intimate understanding of the other players in your field can
mean the difference between running a prosperous business and going bankrupt.
What's Your Growth Story?
"A growth story tells how your business will achieve growth by being able to
identify and exploit new growth opportunities. Here's why you need one...and how
to create one."
Kenny and the Jets
With his idea of selling flight time on private planes, Kenny Dichter and his
team at Marquis Jet zoomed up, up and away - and in four short years became a
small business mega-success story. Here's how he did it.
Three Things to Do Now
Where is the economy headed? Like most small business owners, I have no idea. I
do know that the economy has become more unpredictable. So has our industry,
clients and partners. So as business leaders, we always need to expect the
unexpected.
Six Ways to Increase the Value of Your Business
The day may come when you will want to sell your business. Before you put it up
on the block, make sure it's exactly where it should be so you can get full
value on the sale.
Make Your Company Worth Your While
Letter from the editor
Fire Your Prospects (well... some of them)
Letter from the editor
Have Shoes Will Travel
In 1976, Gary Muhrcke started driving around the city to races & school track
meets, selling quality running shoes from the back of a van. Now, 10 stores and
90 employees later, the Super Runners shops are arguably the city's premier
outlets for top flight running shoes.
How 1-800-Mattress Turned zzzz's into $$$$!
Napoleon Barragan, founder of 1-800-MATTRESS, talks about the journey from
door-to-door sales to building an empire - and how an ad to buy steaks over the
phone changed the bedding business forever.
Intelligent Deal Making: Four Circles of Defense
With these four circles of defense, you can put into play a due diligence plan
that will ensure that you're making deals the right people.
How Sweet it is...
In a city where starting a new business is hardly like taking candy from a baby,
Dylan Lauren managed to create what many consider to be one of the country's
hottest candy emporiums, with a following that includes everyone from toddlers
to trendsters. Here's how she did it.
Resident New Yorkers Go National
16 years after launching the New York Resident, the founders are making an
impact with Encompass Outdoor which is leading the way in the "Wild West" of
advertising. How did they manage to not only survive but to flourish?
Getting Your Deal Unstuck
Has your deal stalled? Take a peek at our insider tips on bringing delayed
negotiations back to life.
Heal Your Deal
That crippling ailment called Never-Ending Deal Syndrome is a leading killer of
promising ventures. No business, not even yours, is immune. Here's what to do
when it strikes.
Trump's Tips for New York Enterprise Report Readers
Want some business advice? Go to the man who defined the deal as an art form and
turned the phrase "You're Fired!" into a trademark.
Brooklyn's Improbable Beer Baron
How does an upstart brewery carve a niche in America's toughest market? Start by
tossing the business plan.
Brodsky on Business - Part 2
Can you keep 400 employees psyched without breaking the payroll budget? Norm
Brodsky, New York's favorite entrepreneur, does it every day - and tells how you
can, too.
Brodsky on Business - Part 1
The serial entrepreneur and Inc. Magazine columnist shares his wisdom, business
philosophy, and strong opinions about former GE CEO Jack Welch.
Change Your Company Now
Changing your company's culture can lead to happier customers, employees, and
bigger profits. This step-by-step guide will show you how to create change and
avoid pitfalls.
Legal Issues and Your Business
The ABC's of Employment Visas
Thinking of hiring foreign workers? Here’s everything you need to know about
employment visas.
Web Extra: Even an Illegal Worker Has Rights
Even if an individual is not authorized to work in the U.S., if he or she is
actually employed, that person is still protected by most employment laws
Make Your Business Less Risky
The best ways to insure your business against risk, now and in the future.
Are Your Employees Legal... and Can You Prove It?
What you need to know to make sure you're in compliance when hiring.
New Requirements for LLCs, LLPs and LPs Effective June 1
A change in law, effective June 1, 2006, will impact the vast majority of LLCs,
LLPs and LCs in New York that have not complied with New York's publication
requirement.
The New Bankruptcy Laws: What You Need to Know
If you sell products or services to other businesses on credit, there is good
news in the new bankruptcy bill that became effective in October 2005.
The Time Sheets They Are A-Changin'
The lowdown on the new laws regarding minimum wage and overtime.
To Sue or Not to Sue?
Taking a business dispute to court can cost you thousands of dollars, months of
legal gridlock and endless aggravation. Before taking that step, you need to ask
yourself if litigation is really the answer.
HIPAA - What You Need to Know
How Does the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Affect You?
When Your Lawyer Is Not Necessarily an Eagle Eye
A Legal Malpractice Attorney Explains How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of
Negligent Lawyering
The Right to Copyright
Obtaining copyrights is easy and inexpensive and gives you lots of benefits.
Let's Keep the Jury Out of This
Alternative dispute resolution is faster, cheaper, and out of the glare of the
press. There are a few exceptions, though, so make sure you understand your
options.
Don't Lose the Claim Game
When disaster strikes, the last thing you need is a runaround from your
insurance company. Here's how to make sure that you get what you have coming.
Controlling Legal Bills Without Sacrificing Lawyer Quality
Unexpected legal fees can be the death knell for a small business. However,
there are a variety of steps you can take to avoid such unpleasant surprises and
still have top notch legal representation.
Trademarks 101: Protect Your Brands
If you have products or services that are sold anywhere outside of your
neighborhood, you need to register your trademark.
Will Patents Pose a Problem to Your Company?
If you are selling all or part of your business, you may be asked for a patent
opinion.
Education is Key to Avoiding a Discrimination Suit
New York employers beware! You may be discriminating without knowing it. Knowing
Federal law is not enough if you're doing business in New York City.
Put that Handshake in Writing
Having and updating formal agreements among business partners will ensure that
disputes do not get too nasty or too expensive.
Financing and Your Business
It’s Not Personal, It’s Business
As a small business owner, your personal credit record is a key factor in
successfully managing your company’s finances. Why your credit score matters for
your business.
Web Extra - Build and Repair Credit
Tips on how small business owners can build and repair credit.
Payroll Preview: what you need to know in 2007
Several federal agencies hold sway over your payroll, and all of them have
recently issued regulations or other mandates that impact your payroll
operations. Here’s what you need to know to comply.
Watch Out for Payroll Scams
A little caution goes a long way toward protecting yourself from a payroll scam
- and protecting your reputation as a taxpayer.
Debt & Your Company: How, When & What
Debt could help your company grow or kill it. Here is what you need to know.
Your Financial Team for Success
When does your business need a controller, CFO or CPA?
Paying Your Most Valuable Employee: Yourself
Business owners who don't take a salary may be cheating themselves... and their
company.
Planning and Budgeting for The New Year
Even though it's only autumn, it's that time of the year again. Here's how to
get everyone on board for the New Year with key planning and budget strategies
that will keep everyone communicating - and accountable.
Unemployment Insurance Should Not Be for the Fraudster
Here is what you need to know about where your unemployment insurance taxes are
really going and what you could do about it.
The New York City Investment Fund Is Looking for A Few Good Companies.
The New York City investment fund is looking to invest in businesses that help
build a stronger economy.
Does Your Business Qualify for a New Tax Break?
A new 2005 tax break for manufacturing related industries will not only save you
money on your taxes this year, it will also keep growing over time.
Don't Overlook Your Overhead
Cut your business costs without compromising quality or reducing staff.
Fraud Proof Your Business
To keep your business fraud proof, you need to create the perception that
wrongdoers are going to get busted. Here's how.
Listen to Me Now...Or See Me Later!
Sense that your company is heading downhill? Take these steps now before it's
too late.
Angels from Main Street - Web Bonus
Innovative Retirement Plans for Smaller Businesses
Would you like to defer more than $16,000 a year for your 401(k)? Here are four
ideas that allow owners and higher-paid employees to save much more.
The Inside Scoop on Bank Loans
An SBDC director explains the ins and outs of financing for small and midsize
businesses-and how his organization can help.
Know the Score of Your Business
Your instincts got you where you are, but knowing where you have been and where
you stand today will help you make decisions about tomorrow. Just ask Joe Torre.
How to Keep the Total Cost of Workers' Comp Low
What you need to know about NYS workers' compensation: the law, coverage, and
rates.
