Showing posts with label Business services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business services. Show all posts

How to Make Quality Business Cards


ByLanee’ Blunt

Businesscards are used for networking, advertising to get your message out there, andfor your making contact information available to prospects. A small businessowner should have a quality business card because it lets customers know thatyou are ready to compete. You can make a business card on your computer or goto a professional printer.
 
 
Createa Business Logo
Alogo can be created using a graphics program or a clip art program. Choose alogo that relates to your company. Save the image of the logo in a .jpg or .pngfile.
 
 
DesignCard
Openthe tools menu and choose business cards. Look at the templates. Choose apublication design that you like in the gallery.   A Business card template appears. Click oncard. Click download. Type your business informathon into the personalinformation page.  This includes yourname, job or position, organization name, address, phone, fax, and email.Import your company logo right in the design of the business card. Your logoshould be a design that expresses what your business is and helps you stand outfrom the competition.
 
 
Savethe File
Ifyou are going to print the business cards yourself use the Print Previewcommand to make sure that the cards look satisfactory. Print as many as youneed. If you are going to let a professional print the card save it on CD andtake it to a copy center.




Creating a Small Business Website


ByLanee’ Blunt

Creatinga small business website for your company is a wise investment. After you haveset up the website what content should you include on your site? Most smallbusinesses are concerned with graphics, and miss the one thing that sells.Words. A salesman knows the right presentation to bring in sales. Why shouldn’tyour website do the same thing for you?
CompetitiveSite
Studyyour competitor’s site carefully and stress how your small business isdifferent. Please don’t plagiarize. Stress what makes you stand out from thecrowd.

Benefits
Listthe benefits of your company. Think about why your visitors are coming to yourwebsite. What is in it for them and what do they want?

Value
Youmust build trust and credibility. There are a lot of phonies out there andpeople looking to scam others. What value do you offer your customers?

ContactInformation
Includeall of your contact information in one place. A contact page complete withaddress, phone, fax, email, and etc.

Callto Action
Youwant the prospect to buy from you, or generate an inquiry. You can create acall to action to get an immediate response. The offer might be for example,enter your email address for a free newsletter.

Yourwebsite is an excellent place to send your customers to learn more about yourcompany and to showcase your service. Reference:

RobertW. Bly; The Online Copywriter’s Handbook; McGrall; 2003




How to Create Your Own Letterhead


By Lanee’Blunt

 
A smallbusiness or a consultant should have their own letterhead because it makes youlook professional and helps you compete with other companies. “A letterheadoften is the first section a reader notices on a letter.  Thus, it is important your letterheadappropriately reflect the essence of the individual or business,” according toGary Shelly, Thomas Cashman and Misty Vermaat in their book, “Microsoft Office2007.”

Most desktoppublishing programs have features for letterheads but you can also create aletterhead in a word processing program. Look at the templates. Choose a letterheaddesign that you like in the gallery.  Aletterhead template appears.

Some softwareprograms will allow you to create a logo or download one from the internet. Importyour company logo right in the design of the letterhead. Your logo should be adesign that will help you stand out from your competition.

Determine theplacement of the letterhead. Some letterheads have a design and color at thetop of the paper and the same color or another color on the bottom. Verticaldesigns are another option to consider with bright designs along the side withyour logo.

Type yourbusiness information into the personal information page.  This includes your name, job or position,organization name, address, suite number, phone, fax, and email. Choose a professionalfont size. 

Proofreadbefore printing. Print one copy to be sure that you like the color scheme andlayout. Print as many copies as needed.

Reference:
Gary Shelly,Thomas Cashman and Misty Vermaat; Microsoft Office 2007; Thomson Course Technology




How to Create a Small Business Website Home Page


By Lanee’ Blunt

A website home page is whereyou will address your customers and prospects and where customers come to learnmore about your small business. This gives you an opportunity to sell to yourprospects. Content is the most important thing about your website. It shouldlook good but it should also help sell your product or service.

“Web developers areconcerned with layout and graphics that serve primarily to make the websitemore readable and not the key drivers. Strip away the bells and whistles thatweb developers design with flash presentation, rich media and there is nosale,” according to Robert Bly in his book The Online Copywriter’s Handbook.

A home page should tell thecustomer about your small business. Know your audience and think in terms ofwhy they are coming to your website, and what are they coming to learn aboutyour small business.

Write a killer headline foryour home page. Your headline is very important and you must give a lot ofthought to it. You must attract attention and interest to your home page.People are always in a hurry and they are not going to read your business talkunless you make it worth their while and let the headline attract theirattention.

Write about the benefits ofusing your product or service. How does your service solve problems? Do yougive a money back guarantee; are you cheaper than the competition?

Reference:
Robert W. Bly; The OnlineCopywriter’s Handbook; McGrall




How to Write a Small Business Bid Letter


By Lanee’ Blunt

Writing a small business bidletter requires different things to consider when preparing the bid. Start withan outline this will help you organize information that needs to go into thebid letter.

Writing a bid letter can winyou the bid. A purchasing bid letter has to be planned before you begin theinitial writing. In most cases the bid will go to the lowest-priced responsiblebidder. They are evaluated with no discussion held with the bidders.

Difficulty
Moderate

Things You’ll Need
Cost of material
Cover reports
Financial statements
Certificates and licenses

Analyze the requirements. Before you prepare the bid make sure you have afull understanding by studying the specifications and requirements to make thepurchase.  Examine all thespecifications, read the IFP several times.

Write the “Company profile”section. Write about your qualifications and your experience with similarjobs.  Include the bidder’sidentification number, number of employees. Tell the evaluators theresponsibilities of key personnel and subcontractors.  Add client references.

Write your response. Start the first paragraph with a section about your company. Bidsinclude the experience, expertise, and a reliability section and the method ofperformance. Tell the procurement staff or the business venture about yourorganization your experience and your work references or samples of the type ofwork performed. The second paragraph is the performance section and it should tellhow your organization will perform when you buy the business venture, ordeliver the goods requested in the bid document. The format is not thatimportant just make sure you have all the information included.

Cost
Your bid price should comeout of the budget detail, the materials, labor, overhead, packaging andtransportation. The price must meet the supplier’s rate of return objectives.

Tips
Make sure that the bid issigned.
Do not leave out attachment,for example financial statements, compliance reports, certificates, licenses,etc.








How to Design Business Cards Online


By Lanee’ Blunt

Business cards can becreated online using an online business card maker, saved, and then taken to aprofessional printer. There are two important aspects of a business card;design and quality. If your card is poor quality you can undermine everythingyou are trying to accomplish.

Open an online business cardmaker.

Use colors that areappealing as a background. Your card can be a reflection of the type ofbusiness you are in. Try not to overload your card with a lot of informationthat is so small you can’t read it.

Include your name, companyname and company logo, title, phone number, email address, and website. Use aclear readable font such as Times New Roman or Helvetica.

Browse the design galleryand select a Business card. There are many styles to choose from that can bechanged to suit your needs. Customize your cards or just pick a design that youlike. Choose the full bleed image which prints to the edge of the card—8 cardsper page, or choose no bleed which prints white between cards—10 cards perpage. It will depend on the style of card that you have selected.

With some online businesscard makers you can instantly create and print your own cards at home. Withsome online companies they will print the cards for you and ship them within aspecified time.

Read This Next

What License Do You Need to Start a Business?


By Lanee’ Blunt

Some small businesses mayneed an operating license and beyond that you may need specific environmentalpermits so it depends on the type business you are starting up. A businessneeds be licensed and it will depend on your business if you need to belicensed at the federal, state or local level.

Licensing rules vary byindustry, state and locality. So it’s important to understand your licensingrules for your own state. Unless your business is regulated by the Federalgovernment you will need to get your licensing requirements from your state andlocal government. To obtain a business license it involves filling out aregistration form.

If you are going to dobusiness that is supervised and regulated by the federal agency you may need toobtain a federal license. Businesses that are involved in the interstatetransportation of animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology and plantscontact the U.S. Department of Agriculture for permits. Businesses that areretailers of alcoholic beverages, such as bars, nightclubs, restaurants andretail liquor stores should contact their states Alcohol Beverage Control Boardfor specific permit and license information.

Display your licenses orpermits because most states require that businesses display licenses socustomers can see them.

Reference:
SBA: Obtaining BusinessLicenses & Permits


Read This Next


Starting a LLC


Documents Required Opening a Sole Proprietorship








Business Cards


By Lanee’ Blunt

Small businesses andconsultants should have a business card that includes their company logo. Abusiness card should always be kept in your wallet and make sure that they lookprofessional.  If your card is poorquality you can undermine everything you are trying to accomplish.  Your business card should look professional,so that you will be ready to compete in the market place. 

You can create aprofessional business card that is cost effective, visually appealing, and ableto capture the essence of what your company is all about.


Your business card can beused for advertising because it is smaller than a post card or brochure and youhave limited space. When creating it, included your name, company name yourcompany logo, title, phone number, email address, and website. Use a clearreadable font such as Times New Roman or Helvetica.

They can be created onlineand saved then taken to a printer. Open an online business card maker. Someonline business card makers have nothing to download or install on yourcomputer. You will be able to design your own printable business card.  Look at the templates.

Create a business card withMicrosoft word or a desktop publishing program. Choose a publication designthat you like in the gallery.   ABusiness card template appears. Click on a card. Click download.  Have the business card printed professionallyor take the saved file to a copy service center and have has many as you wantprinted.

Include your business cardswith all of your correspondence. When you fill out an estimate attach abusiness card. Leave your business card with your accountant, dentist, anddoctor.

Read This Next







How to Create a Company Logo


By Lanee’ Blunt

Creating a business logo iseasy with graphic design. A business logo can build loyalty between yourcustomers and your company, builds brand awareness, and provides a professionalappeal. The logo must represent your business, so you don’t want one that isjust thrown together without any thought.

Decide how you will use thelogo. Will it be used for a product or a service? Is the logo going to be agraphic and name, a Font type logo, or just a graphic? Consider how IBM andAllstate “good hands“ uses a font-based logo.

Typeface
The typeface of the logoshould be easily legible. Use Old English for a traditional look, and a moremodern look choose Optima.

Size
Consider a legible size forthe logo because it has to be suitable on the page. Test the legibility beshrinking it to the smallest size.

Color
Price is important with logodesign. Choosing a four or five color logo design may be beautiful on paper,but can be expensive when you go to the printer each time you have to get thelogo printed. Try to keep the color down to a minimum of three colors becauseit is cost effective, and it will work in mediums that won’t allow that manycolor combinations.

Reference
Entrepreneur: How to Createa Logo



How to Get a Small Business Grant


By Lanee’ Blunt


An entrepreneur seeking a small businessgrant must do his homework. The Federal government does not provide grants forstarting a new business. Federal grants are given to non-profit organizations, largebusinesses in government-sponsored scientific research and local and stategovernments. There are minority programs that assist new businesses, and smallbusiness grants for businesses engaged in scientific research and development(R&D).


The SBA.gov provides a search tool forfinding a broad range of financial assistance programs that your business mightqualify for. The National Minority Supply and Diversity Council (NMSDC) is agreat source because it provides a direct link between minority business andcorporations that want to purchase goods and services from minorities. Somegrants are not free and usually require the business to match funds or it mayrequire that the company get a business loan to accompany the grant.

Apply for grants at the Grant.gov website. Downloada grant application and complete it offline. Write a grant proposal or hire a grantwriter to write the proposal for you. Prepare a business plan. Write all yourideas down about your business because it will make it easier when you beginyour outline. Decide what you are going to put in the business plan. Get abusiness plan template. A business plan will help you get outside funding, helpget credit from suppliers, help you market your business, and help serve as aroad map when you are starting out.

Reference:
SBA: How Do I Get a Small Business Grant or Loan?
SBA: Research Grants Small Businesses
Grants.gov: Apply for Grants
Entrepreneur: Minority Loan and Grant Programs




How to Make Your Own Business Cards Online

By Lanee' Blunt


Business cards can be madeonline and can look professional. You can make company business cards and addyour company logo.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things you’ll need:
Printer
Card stock
PDF (optional)

Instructions
Open an online business cardmaker. Some online business card makers have nothing to download or install onyour computer. You will be able to design your own printable businesscard. 

Select a Business card bybrowsing the designs gallery. There are many styles to choose from that can bechanged to suit your needs. You can customize your cards. Choose the full bleedimage which prints to the edge of the card—8 cards per page, or choose no bleedwhich prints white between cards—10 cards per page. It will depend on the styleof card that you have selected.

Select your logo design orthey have their own logos, backgrounds or fonts you can also use your ownphotographs.  
Select the font size for thetext on your business card. Type your name, address, phone number, and websiteaddress.

Save your file. With someonline business card makers you can save your file in a PDF format so that itcan be printed professionally, or you can instantly create and print your owncards at home.  Make any changes andreadjustments necessary to the saved file and print.

Tips
Make sure that you proofreadthe business card before you print.




How to Make a Business Card on Microsoft Word Templates


By Lanee’ Blunt


When you create yourbusiness card, unfortunately, hiring a professional designer may be out of yourbudget. You can still have a professional business card that is cost effective,visually appealing, and able to capture the essence of what your company is allabout. Your business card should look profdssional, so that you will be readyto compete in the market place.  


Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions
Things you’ll need:
Business card stock
Computer
Microsoft Word
Color printer

1.      Open Microsoft Word and click “New”.

2.      Choose the kind of publication you want in the “New”task pane. Click “Templates online”. 


3.      Look at the templates. Choose a publication designthat you like in the gallery.   A Businesscard template appears. Click on card. Click download.

4.      Type your business information into the personalinformation page.  This includes yourname, job or position, organization name, address, phone, fax, and email.


5.      Import your company logo right in the design of the businesscard. Your logo should be a design that expresses what your business is andhelps you stand out from the competition.

6.      Save the file.


7.      Print one copy to be sure that you like the colorscheme and layout.  If you don’t you canalways go back into your saved file and make any changes and readjustments.

8.      Print enough copies so that you can have them fordaily use. 


Resources:



How to Bid on Commercial Construction Projects

By Lanee' Blunt

Bidding is used when the contractor is being considered along with a number of other potential contractors. The lowest price to the owner or the bidder’s qualifications is sometimes what wins the bid for the contractor.

Construction Bid Software
A contractor should work with a construction bid software program when he is preparing his bid. It will help you with coming up with the best possible bid especially if you are new to the bidding process. The software can be purchased by the contractor and installed on your computer, or you can purchase the software and download it from the web.

Types of Software
Construction bid software can be very general and it can help you with the whole project. There are programs that are specifically for different types of contractors from commercial to residential.

Advantages of Bid Software
Bidding software is beneficial to the contractor because it helps to develop your bid. It develops budgets, establishes cost baselines, and keeps track of financial information on a daily basis as opposed to far less frequently as when the work was done by an employee. The budget information is stored in one location and is easily accessed.

A great way to bid on a commercial job is for a contractor to work with bid software and come up with the best possible price.

Reference:
GSA: Bidding on Federal Construction Projects

DJC; How to Build a Proposal Package for Your Company; Gerald Baron

About: Bidding Commercial Construction Projects; Juan Rodriguez


How to Write a Construction Bid Letter

By Lanee' Blunt

Write a professional bid letter--
Velma

Writing a construction bidletter can win you the bid. You must make sure that your letter looksprofessional. The letter must be planned before you begin to write it. Thiswill be part of the sealed bidding process and it will be different fromwriting a proposal.

Difficulty
Moderate

Things You’ll Need
Cost of material
Licenses
Brochures
Cover report
White printer paper

Knowledge of the Requirements
 Make sure that you understand the fullrequirements of the scope of work. Study the specifications and requirements ofthe invitation for bids (IFB).

Write your Bid Response
Write the date of the letterand the legal name of your contracting company. The project name of which willbe assigned to the contractor. Write a paragraph about your company. Writeabout your work experience as a contractor including the number of years. Givesamples of the type of work performed. The second paragraph tells how yourorganization will perform the work. The format of the letter is not thatimportant just make sure that it is professional looking and on your companyletterhead.

Cost
Your bid price should comeout of the budget detail, the materials, labor, overhead, packaging andtransportation. The price must meet the supplier’s rate of return objectives.

The bid letter look should professionaland on good quality paper. Use your letterhead stationary and a glossy cover.Proofread the letter for typos and errors. Submit all of the necessaryattachments that must be included with the IFB.

Reference:
SBA: Bidding on FederalConstruction Projects

RFP Templates: BidResponsiveness Determination


How to Make Your Own Company Letterhead on Microsoft Publisher

By Lanee' Blunt

When you create your letterhead, unfortunately, hiring a professional designer may be out of your budget. You can still have a professional letterhead that is cost effective, visually appealing, and able to capture the essence of what your company is all about. Your company letterhead shows that you are ready to compete, so it should look professional.  

“A letterhead often is the first section a reader notices on a letter.  Thus, it is important your letterhead appropriately reflect the essence of the individual or business,” according to Gary Shelly, Thomas Cashman and Misty Vermaat in their book, “Microsoft Office 2007.”

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions
Things you’ll need:
Letter size 8.5 X 11 white printer paper
Computer
Microsoft Publisher software
Color printer

1.      Open Microsoft Publisher and click “Publications for Print”.

2.      Choose the kind of publication you want in the “New Publication” task pane. Click “Letterhead”, and you will have a choice between using plain paper or special paper. Click on plain paper. 


3.      Look at the templates. Choose a publication design that you like in the gallery.   A letterhead template appears.

4.      Type your business information into the personal information page.  This includes your name, job or position, organization name, address, phone, fax, and email.


5.      Include a color scheme. Choose format color schemes to display the color schemes task pane, and select a scheme. Click on the colors that you like.

6.      Import your company logo right in the design of the letterhead. Your logo should be a design that expresses what your business is and helps you stand out from the competition.


7.      Upload your logo by clicking the design gallery object. Clicking logo under the categories tab, click insert object and click to edit options, under logo design category, click logo options, click inserted picture, and click “choose picture”.

8.      Save the file.


9.      Print one copy to be sure that you like the color scheme and layout.  If you don’t you can always go back into your saved file and make any changes and readjustments.

10. Print enough copies so that you can have them for daily use.  For example, if you use a heavier weight paper 24 pound you can print one hundred sheets at a time.  For daily use you can use a 20 pound paper.

Tips & Warnings
·        Try using the feature for envelopes in Microsoft Publisher. A matching envelope will enhance your company letterhead.
·        Make sure you proofread everything.

References:
“Microsoft Office 2007: Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Windows Vista”; Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, Misty E. Vermaat; 2008

Resources:





Advantages of Having Business Cards

By Lanee' Blunt

A business card should always be kept in your wallet and make sure that they look professional. They are used to make your contact informational available to potential customers, but they have other advantages. Business cards are beneficial to the small business owner and here are some reasons for their necessity.

Networking
Networking with your business card is a very cost effective way to market your company. Use your business card to introduce yourself when you are networking. Ask for another person’s card when you are networking. Always have few extra business cards on hand so that when you introduce yourself you can give prospect your business cards.

Advertising
Another advantage of using business cards is that they can be used for advertising. You can place them on bulletin boards in supermarkets, beauty shops, and libraries. If you are a contractor you can pass them out at the hardware stores, or supply stores.

Business Services
Include your business cards with all of your correspondence. When you fill out an estimate attach a business card. Leave your business card with your accountant, dentist, and doctor. Include your contract information, website, and email address on the business card.

The advantages of having a business card are great and can help you market your small business, but only if you begin passing them out.

References:
Inc; how to choose the Best Business Card for Your Company; Josh Spiro; 2010

Great FX: 8 Ways to Use Business Cards to Network and Market Your Business; Linda Alexander



Effective Layout for Your Business Card

By Lanee' Blunt

A company business card is important. The business card must represent your business, so you don’t want one that is just thrown together without any thought. Your layout is important. There are two important aspects of a business card that is design and quality. If your card is poor quality you can undermine everything you are trying to accomplish.

Identity
A business card that stands out and is memorable can be great for your company’s identity. Make your card unique don’t settle for what other companies are using. Stand out and be different. Make your card something that people want to keep. For example, print a calendar on the back of your card so that prospects can use it.

Eye Appeal

Use colors that are appealing as a background. Your card can be a reflection of the type of business you are in. A contractor can have a card with screws and nails-for a back ground. Be careful not to overload your business card with a lot of text that is so small you can’t read it, or that fold out and should be used in your company brochure.

What Should Be Included?
A business card is smaller than a post card or brochure and you have limited space. You should include your name, company name your company logo, title, phone number, email address, and website. Use a clear readable font such as Times New Roman or Helvetica.

Reference:
Inc: How to Choose the Best Business Card for Your Company; Josh Spiro; 2010


How to Create a Company Letterhead on your Computer

By Lanee' Blunt


Your company letterheadrepresents your small business. It shows that you are professional and thatyour company is here to compete in the marketplace. There are many letterheadsto choose from, so it will depend on the type of business you have and how youwant it to look.

Software Packages
There are many softwarepackages on the market that will do the job. Most desktop publishing programscome with templates that create letterheads. Microsoft word will create a professionallooking letterhead too, and is easy to use. Go to the file menu click “New” andfrom there you’ll get the templates. Pick a color scheme and letterhead designthat you like.

Logo
Incorporate any graphic orimage in your logo design. You can place your logo at the top of the page. Pickan image that is related your company. If you already have a logo for yoursmall business you can scan the image into the template and download it intothe letterhead.

Add Your Information
Choose the font size that iseasy to read. Give your business name impact by making the font size larger andchoosing a font style that stands out from the rest of the text. Format thename in bold or italics. Type your address, phone, fax, website, and emailaddress directly onto the template.

Reference:
Designer Freelance: 10 Tipsfor Designing your Business’s Print Letterhead

Computer Free Tips: How toCreate Business Letterhead in Word 2007 


How to Create Business Cards on Your Computer

By Lanee' Blunt

Business cards can be made on your computer and can look professional. You can make company business cards and add your company logo using Microsoft Word.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things you’ll need:
Microsoft word
Printer
Card stock
Instructions
Open your Microsoft word software. Open the File menu and choose New. Click the business card template or download a template that you like.

Select Avery Standard and choose Business card from the design gallery. Click okay in the product menu.

Click “New” document and select the picture insert for your logo design. Upload your company logo by clicking.
Select the font size for the text on your business card. Type your name, address, phone number, and website address.

Save your file. Print one copy to be sure that you like the color scheme and layout. Make any changes and readjustments necessary to the saved file and print.

Tips
Make sure that you proofread the business card before you print.

You can also use color card stock and a black printer. 


How to Write a Cover Letter for a Business Plan

By Lanee' Blunt

The cover letter should identify you, the reason the plan is presented, and your submissions that are included with the plan.  The cover letter is the first impression that you will make. The cover letter should be no more than three paragraphs in length. The cover letter briefly announces that the feasibility is attached. A feasibility plan evaluates the feasibility of a business concept and details and why a business concept and details how and why a business concept will be a success. Most feasibility plans discuss the advantages of doing business with a consultant or firm.

Difficulty
Moderately easy

Things you’ll need
Word processing program
Good quality paper
Printer


Know your audience.  This will help with the tone of the cover letter if you know who you speaking too. Think of your letter as speaking directly to the investor and imagine that you are writing to that person. Let your letter be brief and to the point because your audience is a busy investor which should not have to read several pages to determine the nature of the material you are sending.

Address the cover letter to the correct recipient. Make sure that the clients name, business name or department is correct. Keep your letterhead simple and use a formal salutation. Start the first paragraph with a single spaced line after the salutation. The first paragraph tells the reader the purpose of the letter. State what you have sent you don’t need a lead; just identify enclosures and their purpose. Open the first sentence by coming right to the point. “I’m enclosing my feasibility plan for your consideration.” Next say something in the same paragraph about the purpose or reason the plan is presented. Make sure that you double space between the first paragraph and the second one.

Start your second paragraph with biographical information. This paragraph chronicles your experience, and writes it toward what your clients needs are.  Outline your background that’s relevant to the feasibility. Identify your firm briefly and if you’ve done work relevant or similar and written in a clear and concise language. Write three or four sentences for each paragraph.

Write closing sentences for the final paragraph. An example of a closing: “Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you.”

Tips
Keep the cover letter brief no more than one to one and a half pages. Try to stay within the three paragraph limit because cover letters are brief and only identify you and the feasibility plan presented.


Attach the feasibility plan after the cover letter

References

“Writing a Convincing Business Plan”; Arthur DeThomas PHD, Stephanie A Derammelaere; 2008

“How to Write Attention Grabbing Query and Cover Letters”; John Wood; 2000