21 Steps To Home Business Success

Fifty million home-based businesses will be in operation by 1997, according to Link Resource's National Work-at Home Survey. All around the country, people who want more control over their lives are starting home businesses In New Orleans, Rick Hart's home based cajun Cargo ships seafood nation wide. In Palatine, Illinois, Stephaine Heavey works from home designing and selling original patterns for fabric dolls. And in Dallas, Lisa McElya published the Dallas Party & Event Planners Guidebook from the entourage first floor of her two-story home. These three people are living the new American dream of owning a business, but avoiding the high overhead and start-up costs of a commercial location. If the idea of ​​working from home is appealing, but you do not know where to begin, here is a step-by-step guide. STEP # 1 DECIDE WHAT PART OF THE HOUSE TO USE Select an area away from family activity. The perfect space is a separate room (or sometimes the garage), but any area will do, if it can hold all the business supplies and equipment, and also provide enough work space for desks, tables, or counters. STEP # 2 DETERMINE HOW MUCH TIME YOU CAN SPEND ON THE BUSINESS Many people start a home business on a part-time basis while raising children or working outside the home. Others start full-time when family and finances allow. However you begin, figure out how may hours per week you can devote to the business Make a weekly chart of your activities, examine it, and determine where the business fits. Do not assume you have time and find out later you do not. STEP # 3 DECIDE ON THE TYPE OF BUSINESS Make a list of things you like to do, your work and volunteer experience, and items you own that can be used in a business. Look over this line-up, and using ideas from it, list possible businesses to start. Eliminate any business that is not appealing or does not fill a need people have. For ideas on different types of businesses, consult the end of this article. Other ideas can be found in the source material listed at the end of this article. STEP # 4 CHOOSE A LEGAL FORM The three basic legal forms are sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. The most common is the sole proprietorship. As its name implies, a sole proprietorship is owned by one individual. It is the oldest form of business, the easiest to start, and the least complicated to dissolve. Here are some of the advantages of this business form: 1. You own all the profits

2. Your business is easy and cheap to organize. You do not need any government approval, although you may be required to carry a city, state or county license. Your only other obligation is to notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the purposes of sales tax.

3. You're the boss

4. You enjoy certain tax savings. You must pay regular individual taxes on your income, property, and payroll, but these are not levied as special taxes, as with a corporation. You will also have to pay sales tax which you have received from your customers.

5. Greater personal incentive and satisfaction. Since you have your investment to lose if your business is not successful, you should be more willing to put time, thought, and energy into the business. And when your business is successful, you enjoy maximum sense of accomplishment since you know its success was dependent upon your decisions about your management ability alone. For more information about this and other forms of business, send for the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Publication MP25. Selecting the Legal Structure for Your BUsiness (50 cents). It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each legal type of structure. If after reading it you are still uncertain what form of the business should take, consult an attorney. STEP # 5 DETERMINE WHERE THE MONEY WILL COME FROM There are three ways to finance start-up costs: use your own money, obtain a loan, or find investors. If possible, it is better to start small, use your savings, and not worry about repaying a debt. Also keep in mind that since you are a home-based, chances of qualifying for a loan or finding investors are slim until the success of your idea is proven. STEP # 6 GATHER INFORMATION Spend a few weeks researching home-based businesses. A library or bookstore can provide numerous books on business basics, and on the specific type of business that interest you. Homemade Money by Barbara Brabee (see sources) is an excellent book to start with. If you are considering a computer business, get in touch with the association of Electronics; Cottagers, PO Box 1738, Davis, CA 95617-1738. To keep informed of what is happening in home business world, contact National Home Business report, PO Box 2137, Naperville, IL 60566, for subscription information; and Mothers Home Business Network, PO Box 423, East Meadow, NY 11554 (send SASE for free information). STEP # 7 CHECK ON ZONING RESTRICTIONS Find out how your property is zoned, the call City Hall and ask what regulations apply to home businesses in that zone. Also, if you rent or live in a condominium, check the lease or homeowner's association rules to be certain a home business is allowed. Typically, if you do not annoy your neighbors with excess noise, odors, and traffic, you will not be deterred from running a business at home. The neighbors may not even be aware of the business, but it is necessary to know exactly what you can and can not do before you start. This is important should any problems or questions arise later. STEP # 8 PICK A BUSINESS NAME AND REGISTER IT If the business you choose is different form your name, file an assumed (or fictitious) name certificate with the county. You are notified if another business already has that name, so you can select a new one. Do this before investing in expensive stationery and brochures. It costs only a few dollars to file, and it protects the business name from being used by someone else in the county. STEP # 9 WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN A good business plan clarifies your ideas and establishes a plan of action. A good business plan should include a description of what you are selling, your background and qualifications, who the prospective customers are and where they can be found, what is needed to build the business, how you plan to promote, and how much money is need for start-up costs. SBA Publication # M925, The Business Plan for Home-Based Business ($ 1) is helpful. STEP # 10 GET AN IDENTIFYING NUMBER If you are the sole proprietor of the business and have no employees, you may either use your Social Security number or an Employee Identification Number (EIN) as the business number on official forms. If you have employees, or the business is set up as a partnership or corporation, you must obtain an EIN. To do this, complete IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) and file it with the nearest IRS Center. STEP # 11 OBTAIN A SALES TAX PERMIT If the product or service you sell is taxable, you need a state sales tax permit. Call the local tax agency, explain the type of business you have and what you sell, and ask if you need to collect sales tax. If you do, they will send you the necessary information and forms to complete. You also use this tax number when your purchase items for resale. STEP # 12 OBTAIN LICENSES & PERMITS It's very important not to overlook any necessary license or permit. For example, some cities and counties require a general business license, and most have special laws regarding the preparation and sale of food. Call City Hall to find out what is needed for your particular business. In addition, Chamber of Commerce provide information on city, county and state licenses and permits. STEP # 13 SELECT BUSINESS CARDS, STATIONERY, BROCHURES Spend time on the color, design and paper for these items. They make a definite impression-good or bad- on the people who receive them. If you are not certain what is most suitable and effective, consult a graphics designer or a creative printer which work you like. STEP # 14 OPEN A BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT Call multiple banks to find out what services they offer, and what minimum balance, if any, must be maintained to avoid paying a service charge. Also ask about credit card if you plan to offer this convenience to your customers. Bank fees can be significant, so shop around for the best deal. If your personal checking account is with a credit union, see if it can also provide a separate business account. when you open your account, you may need to show the assumed name certificate and business license. Finally, investigate obtaining a credit card in the business's name. If this is not possible, set aside a personal credit card to use for business expenses. STEP # 15 SET UP RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEMS Put together a simple and effective bookkeeping system with an 8 1/2 x 11 "three-ring binder, columnar pad sheets and twelve pocket dividers from the office supply store. columnar sheets for income and expenses. Use a pocket divider for each month's receipts, bank statement, deposit tickets, and cancelled checks. In addition, an automobile log for business mileage, and filing system for correspondence, invoices, supplier catalogs, client records, etc. are two other useful tools. For more information on record-keeping, see IRS publication # 583, Information for Business taxpayers. STEP # 16 CHECK IRS REQUIREMENTS If you comply with basic IRS guidelines, you can deduct a percentage of normal household expenses (mortgage, interest, taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, etc.) as a business expense. See the box accompanying this article and, for more detailed information, IRS publication # 587, Business Use of the Home. amiliar with these IRS forms: Schedule SE (compensation of Social Security Self-Employment Tax) and Schedule 1040 ES (estimated Tax for Individuals). Depending on circumstances, you may have to file them. STEP # 17 OUTFIT THE BUSINESS Make a list of everything needed to start the business, but before you buy anything, look around the house for things you already own that are usable. When you are ready to start purchasing, check the classified ads and garage sales. Both are good, inexpensive sources for office furniture, typewriters, computers, answering machines, etc. But only what is absolutely necessary for start-up, and wait until the business is off the ground to get the extras. STEP # 18 DECIDE ON TELEPHONE REQUIREMENTS Call the telephone company to find out the cost of a business phone in your area. If you can not afford a separate business line, investigate the telephone company's regulations on using your personal phone in a business. It may be possible to do this if you follow certain guidelines. Keep a record of long distance business calls as they are a deductible expense. Finally, consider the benefits of an answering machine to catch calls when you are out. STEP # 19 CHECK OUT THE POST OFFICE & UPS Using a post office box As the business address down plays the fact you are home-based. It also prevents customers from dropping in at all hours. While looking into box rental, ask for information on the various postal rates, particularly bulk rate, if you plan to do large or specialized mailings. If you mail many packages, check out United Parcel Service (UPS), as it is less expensive than the Post Office. STEP # 20 PURCHASE THE NECESSARY INSURANCE Check with your homeowners insurance agent about a rider for your existing policy or the need for a separate business policy. Also make sure you have adequate personal and product liability coverage. Shop around, as each company has different rules regarding home businesses to save money on medical insurance, join an association and participate in their group plan. One such body is the National association for the Self-Employed: they can be reached at 800-527-5504. STEP # 21 ORGANIZE THE HOUSE & YOURSELF To have more time for business, organize and simplify household routines. Start by holding a garage sale to get rid of unnecessary possessions. Next, have a family conference and divide household duties, making sure each person does his or her part. The, set up a planning notebook to keep track of appointments, things to do, calls to make, errands to run, shopping, etc. Finally, set up a work schedule so you will not get sidetracked by TV, neighbor's visits, snacking, and telephone calls. Creating and operating a home business is a wonderful and rewarding challenge. The satisfaction is not only in the money earned, but in doing what makes you happy.

Why Data Security Is Important

Data security is important because certain businesses maintain data containing exceptionally sensitive information that would create certain liability risks if compromised, particularly data that's maintained for a financial environment. Information that's used to develop accounting records, such as stock ownership, profit distribution, profit-sharing, joint venture agreements or salary and wage information must have strict security to prevent unauthorized access from both third parties and internal staff members.

The Role of Financial Managers as it Relates to Data Security

With all the networking and file sharing, who is responsible for securing critical financial data? Corporations often look to a CFO or other financial management level employees to get involved with preventing a breach in their data security.

Securing information on a Private Cloud platform has proven to be more secure than using a public cloud platform. The proprietary data used in accounting and financial environments should be structured to prevent access by unauthorized users in a manner that there is an appropriate segregation of financial information. In fact, some countries have reservations about utilizing the services of corporations that use public cloud platforms. Since other clients utilize the same data center, it also puts external companies like suppliers, vendors, independent contractors and joint venture partners at risk.

Financial professionals must work closely with IT departments to reduce data security risks. To that end, they must also increase their awareness of how often information changes on a public cloud platform along with the probability of a breach in their data security taking place.

Where public cloud environments provide shared platforms, generalized data security controls, uncertain locations of stored data as well as unclear access management, a private cloud environment provides just the opposite. With a private cloud platform model, financial professionals are provided with

• A private secured platform

• A private secured infrastructure

• Industry-specific security controls

• A specific and clear data location

• A specific and clear access control

• A platform that's conducive for highly sensitive data

Liability Risks Associated with a Breach in Data Security

One of the greatest risks associated with having a breach in data security (particularly data security related to corporations operating within the financial industry) is the exposure of other people's sensitive information. Their information could have been used in ways that could harm both the Corporation and the other victims. This could create major setbacks for all parties involved. Not only could corporations be sued by the victims, but more costs would be required to rebuild a new security system, process legal proceedings and all additional costs associated with recovering from such losses, including damages to brand recognition.

Some Logical Steps to Minimize Cyber ​​Attacks

Financial professionals can work directly with the IT department to develop a data security plan. The plan should involve an internal, in-house cyber security system with checks and balances to better safeguard your critical and most sensitive information. Additionally, creating an internal cyber security team will also prove to be a means to better protect your data from many forms of cyber attacks.

Samsung G800

Samsung have soared in popularity within the UK over the last few years. Delivering quality products with realistic pricing means that they have leaped above rivals such as Sony Ericsson and Motorola.

Their reputation for high end slashing phones has produced some superb examples in the past - but now we bring you slap bang up to date with the Samsung SGH-G800 a 5 megapixel 3G camera phone with just about every feature you could ever want!

I've been testing the handset over the last few weeks. The camera is clearly the strongest selling point for this mobile and it functions superbly. Crisp clear photo's and video are just a click away and you can easily transfer your files after via Bluetooth or use the TV out function and watch your exploits on your television from the comforts of your armchair - cool! With a xenon flash, 3x optical zoom and auto focus, you'll never take a bad picture again. The video functions as you expect or equally agreeable and offer all popular formats to choose from. Thankfully, memory will never be an issue for you with the G800 as it not only has 110Mb embedded, it also has expandable memory via microSD up to 4Gb - more than enough for me that's for sure.

I've owned quite a few samsung's over the last few years such as a D500, D900i and a U600 and was happy to see the old familiar menu system that I've become acclaimed to when the Samsung G800 powered up. The menu on any Samsung is very intuitive and simple to get from one place to another.

Aside from all the usual fun items such as games, the G800 is a good business device too. With Microsoft Office, Powerpoint, Document Viewer, Mobile Printing, Voice Memo & Voice Mail it's sure to help any worker arrange their busy schedules.

The only downside to the G800 I can think of is it's size. Now, do not get me wrong this is not a big clunker of a mobile phone it is fairly small at 101.5 x 52 x 18.8 mm and weighing 129g - it's just that compared to the previous models I've owned (listed above) it's Quite thick and heavy to what I've become accustomed too that's all. But, taking into account that this has twice the features, you have to understand that the technology has to be crammed in somewhere!

All in all, the G800 is a top quality phone that I'm more than happy with!

How Does an Automated Forex Trading System Work

Emotion is something that we humans have brought with use as we have advanced through the ages. In ancient times, it served our ancientors well and came into good use as they went about their daily lives. When invaders approached their cave, or hunting camp, it was their emotions that rallied them together and enabled them to fend off the invaders. Emotion also plays a big part in the perpetuation of the human species. If people as a whole, were devoid of emotion and approached every decision with pure logic, there would be no new children born on the planet and people would soon die out.

Logic is King

One of the tricks to making solid and completely logical decisions in the forex market is to leave ones emotions completely out of the decision making process. Its far easier said then done however, and try as one may, sweat will always seem to pop out somewhere on their body. With all of the complexities and minor factors that have to be taken into account when evaluating world conventions, emotion is that last thing that a person needs to deal with.

How They Work

This is why more and more people are using an automated forex trading system that does all of their decision making for them. The way that these systems work is that they combine data in such a way, as to as accurately as possible determine the direction that world treaties are going to take.

Multiple Factors

Oil Prices, interest rates, inflation figures, GNP figures, employment rates and even climate changes all play a big part in determining the value of a countries currency. Also, there are numerous "sub factors" that can also figure into an equation. By loading a list of factors into an automated forex trading system on any given day, if it is programed properly, it should be able to tell which world contracts to buy or sell.

Treadmill Deck Info: Treadmill Decks Materials and Warranty

Treadmill deck is the material that forms the hard surface on which you run. In other words it's the supportive surface. This article identifies the decking from the tread belt which is the belt that moves across the decking.

Important

Treadmill manufacturers do not provide a great deal of information about the actual construction materials of their decks. These days most treadmills, especially if priced above $ 1,000 are constructed with decently strong tread decks (usually medium density fibreboard with a duo phenolic coating - all discussed in detail below).

However, strength is not the be all and end all. If strength were most important, more treadmill manufacturers would use metal. Metal is used, but not extensively.

What are decking construction objectives?

Like I said above, if strength was the only objective, metal or steel decks would rule the day. But strength is not the only objective. Quality decking should:

• Be strong
• Be durable
• Have some elasticity (ie slightly flexible, but not bouncy)
• Minimize noise (ie muffle noise if possible)
• Have a smooth surface to minimizeize tread belt friction

What materials are used?

Often you'll see reference to solid wood, medium density fibreboard (MDF), and metal as materials used for treadmill decks. For coating you'll usually read about phenolic coating. The article explains these different materials.

Materials

1. Medium density fibreboard (MDF)

MDF is created by breaking down wood into fibers (sawdust) and then forming the fibers into a solid treadmill deck with wax and resin. The usual thickness is 3/4 "to 1". You can read more about MDF here.

MDF is the predominant material used for treadmill decks.

2. Solid wood

The deck is made out of 3/4 "to 1" solid wood. The trouble with solid wood is it's hard to find a piece of wood that is perfect. MDF, although not perfect either, ensures a consistency that's hard to find with solid wood.

Particle board: Particle board is no the same as MDF. Particle board is not fiber-based. It's a solid wood composite product. The result is that particle board is much weaker than MDF. MDF is denser and stronger.

Avoid treadmills with decks using particle board. You'll be lucky to get a year out of it.

3. Metal

Metal decks are not nearly as durable as solid wood or MDF decks. It's heavier and does not create as "soft" of a surface as wood or MDF. Running on metal or steel simply is not as enjoyable as on solid wood or MDF.

What material do I recommend?

MDF deck that is duo or triple coated with phenolic resin coating.

The coating

Some treadmills are covered on both sides (duo-coating, sometimes also referred to as triple-coating), while lower-quality treadmills coat only 1 side of a treadmill deck. The better deck is coated on both sides which helps reduce warping. It's also better for reducing friction with the tread deck along the entire surface area on which the tread belt moves.

Best material used for coating:

Phenolic: This is the best coating material. You'll pay more for phenolic coating, but it's worth it.

What is phenolic resin coating?

Phenolic resin coating is a plastic resin. When a treadmill deck is covered with phenolic resin, wax the wood deck is unnecessary.

Can you build your own if your original deck breaks?

Yes, but it's not advisable unless you really know what you're doing. Simply slamming in a sheet of plywood or MDF is not going to do it. There's properly coating the deck and ensuring it securely attaches to the treadmill.

The last thing you want is your deck to break apart when running or walking.

This is why having a lifetime warranty on your treadmill deck is important. Decks often break or crack (especially with lower-priced treadmills).

Decking Considerations

Replacement frequency

The range in the number of hours of use treadmill decks are good for is astounding. Some lower-end treadmill decks are designed for 500 hours, while other warranty their decks for life. Naturally the intensity of use and weight of users will impact the duration of a treadmill deck.

Is it reversible?

Some treadmill manufacturers make reversible tread decks so that you can get more mileage out of them.

Is reversible good?

It depends. Some manufacturers make treadmill decks that are warrantied for a lifetime without having to reverse them. Others do not come with a lifetime warranty and can not be reversed. These may have the shortest lifespan. Then there are treadmills with reversible decks which in theory doubles the lifespan of the treadmill deck.

The warranty

Ideally, the treadmill you buy will have a lifetime warranty on the deck. This is indicative the manufacturer stands behind the deck and in the event the deck fails, you get a replacement.

Cushioning technology

Cushioning technology is pretty cool these days. Treadmill cushioning technology includes the amount of, type of, and quality of the treadmill cushioning.

In Tax Return Preparation, Tax Attorney Is a Wise Investment

Just the mention of the word tax would send an eerie feeling to many individuals. However, every person must accept the fact that paying tax burdens is part of the duty as a citizen of a state. You are left with no choice but to pay tax liabilities. If you do not, you are to suffer tax penalties, fines, or even imprisonment. Moreover, it is better to comply with your duties on time to preclude you from further problems with the government. Before a taxpayer can pay his taxes, he must first prepare his tax return. Tax return preparation is one ordinary thing to individuals earning income. This is because all income earners are duty-bound to pay taxes to the government. Taxes are paid annually. Here, before the scheduled time for the collection of tax contributions, the taxpayer must already be ready.

Tax return is the official document given to taxpayers for them to list their tax contributions for a certain period. It is necessary that this document be prepared and submitted early in time so as to avoid penalties.

Preparing a tax return can be done personally by the taxpayer. This is if he is keen in doing the task on his own. However, if you want an easier way, there are currently advanced software that are especially designed to prepare tax returns. Taxpayers can use said software to help them compute tax contributions. This software can be had online. You just have to download and install it in the computer after that you will be able to use it to ease the burden of tax return preparation.

If you do not want the software, you can hire the services of expert tax return calculation personnel. You just have to be certain that the person you hire is the best that you can have. Better yet, hire the services of a tax attorney.

A tax attorney guides a client to avoid future tax problems. He also defends clients in cases of criminal and civil suits concerning tax problems. When a taxpayer has trouble with the state department of revenue or Internal Revenue Service, he may opt to remedy it himself or hire the services of a tax attorney. However, the taxpayer can be better served by a tax attorney.

Tax attorneys specialize in solving tax problems with the IRS. They are experts in taxation issues and relief. Nonetheless, they are considered a great help in advising their clients on how to lessen their tax liabilities. They also can also give valuable advice on what exemptions are available to them. They can also give the demarcation line between legal and illegal ways of reducing or avoiding taxes.

One important thing in hiring the services of lawyers is that they must be equipped with knowledge and expertise about the subject matter. Alabama tax attorney, for instance, is an expert in terms of Alabama tax laws. If you are a resident of Alabama, it is better to hire the services of a good Alabama attorney to assist and defend you.

Knowledge and expertise are boosted by the fact that the tax attorney is also a resident of your state. Here, it can be presumed that he is updated with the laws and customs of the land than other lawyers.

Bear in mind that tax return preparation is an important process in taxation. One mistake can invite criminal actions and penalties. Moreover, it is better to consult a trusted tax attorney in your territory. A good tax attorney is considered a taxpayer's wise investment.

8 Game-Changing Mobile App Trending Categories in 2017

The mobile-first world has brought a series of game-changing market opportunities for enterprises. Apps have become a prime information source for people ranging from buying movie tickets, online shopping, making payments, scheduling routine tasks and much more. From education to entertainment, business to banking, travel to health care, a range of categories has come into existence. Adhering the same, here are the top and most evolving 8 trending categories of 2017 to consider for your next project.

Online Shopping
Nowadays, popular online shopping apps are greatly stimulating the trend of mobile shopping. It helps the users to shop the desired items just by downloading it. With advanced search options on the basis of different categories, age group, prize, special discounts and other festive offers you can help users for making their online shopping trouble-free and faster.

On-demand Service
From shipping your package during holidays to booking an instant car ride, on-demand services apps perform functions that make the human lives simpler. These are a subset of traditional sharing and delivery services. Popular on-demand services are emerging as a reliable, highly accessible source of technology-enabled transportation for people, thereby increasing their daily lives.

GPS Navigation
Numerous highly accessible, highly informative navigation maps have come into the picture by now which, offer real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, bicycle routes and view offline maps as well. Moreover, there is a series of apps that help in planning your most convenient road trip, finding the quickest route to reach your destination and avoid on-route traffic jams.

Business Enhancement
Mobile apps come with such a range of long-term lucrative benefits. Owing to this fact, many organizations are trying to develop powerful mobile applications which, try to simplify their intricate work processes. Enterprise, hybrid, cloud-based, small business, security oriented and many more advanced features promote businesses to a whole new horizon for exploring their growth.

Social Media Networking
Social networking apps hold a great place in both the Play Stores these days. Most of the smartphone users like to access their social media profiles via them instead of using the desktop versions. Moreover, social media networking apps help users to stay connected with the social contacts from anywhere at anytime.

Messaging
Messaging is also one of the top trending categories in 2017. The reason for their increasing popularity is its availability along with other powerful features such as video, voice call, chatting and much more for communicating and connecting efficiently, easily and quickly. Furthermore, most of the messaging applications these days facilitate regular updates along with high-end features which enhance the usability experience.

Gaming
Gaming is one of the most profitable and popular categories of recent times and entrepreneurs are seeing it as a great money-making opportunity. Based on the various effective revenue models, gaming applications are generating huge revenues in the recent times by using various ways like paid or free usage, in-game item purchases as well.

Music
While listing the top trending categories of 2017, music apps are gaining wide acceptance. Many music apps are available at both the App Stores which, allow users to listen to their favorite tracks and watch videos both online and offline. With the help of online streaming, users can get access to a range of unmatched features like sharing music with friends, creating playlists and much more.

Final word
These popular trending categories have gain wide momentum by so far in this digital world. Needless to say, entrepreneurs are having a great scope of making money by developing highly intuitive and need-specific mobile apps. However, professional assistance is a necessity when it comes to the development process. Thus, it is highly significant to discuss your specific requirements with an acclaimed app development company for proper development and sustained success.