Keep it Simple…Do What You Know!

September 2nd, 2010

Looking for work? Unhappy with your current job? Searching for the next big idea? People are ready to start their own businesses today! In fact, in these tough economic times, the amount of entrepreneurs in the U.S. is up. The question that stops many people from starting their own business is usually “What exactly will my company do?” The answer to this question is often more simple than it seems. Do what you know! If you have years worth of experience, interest, and contacts in a certain field, make that the perfect business for you. If you love making baked goods, maybe you could own a bakery. If you have a pristine garden, maybe landscaping your community will be your business idea. Maybe you’re a fashionista, and high end fashion is in your future. Similarly, 2 fashionable women noticed a niche in the fashion world and now have a thriving business, even amidst the recession. Take a look at this article excerpt:

Madeline Passarelli didn’t have any fantasies about the fashion business. Cutting her sartorial teeth from a young age at her father’s apparel company, then as editor for several style magazines, she was schooled in the less-than-glamorous aspects of design and distribution. But one lesson in style led her into entrepreneurship
Looking fabulous shouldn’t require a small fortune, especially when trendy threads get relegated to the back of the closet after just one season.
Translating that principle into a profitable venture put Passarelli on the cutting edge of an emerging industry. As founder of the aptly named Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow, she’s one of the leaders in a nascent group of startups offering short-term rental of luxury apparel and accessories to customers eager to sport designer labels, not empty wallets.

For the rest of the article, visit: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217262

Don’t try to revolutionize a product in an industry in which you don’t have any experience . Follow billionaire Warren Buffett’s strategy and invest in what you know. As Mr. Buffet says, “…enjoy the process far more than the proceeds” and you will likely be wildly successful. Get started today and good luck!

MyCorporation Entrepreneur Profile: Cheryl Hernandez

August 12th, 2010

Often, the best way to make it through the ups and downs of starting a business is hearing the uplifting stories of people who have been successful. We have recognized that there are many people with great advice, tips, and inspiring stories in local communities around the country. We will be highlighting some of these people on our site in the near future. Here is one entrepreneur who has truly changed her life through starting her own business. Watch her video and look forward to more videos to come!

Hot Topics: Small Biz Marketing and Accountant

August 3rd, 2010

While your business may be in the idea or infant stage, it never hurts to keep an eye looking forward. There are so many facets of business to worry about, it can cause confusion or even decision paralysis. Don’t let this happen. Try to take each issue separately as to not become overwhelmed.

Effective marketing is a hurdle entrepreneurs often struggle with. Each entrepreneur dreams of one day having a strong marketing reputation such as companies like Nike and Apple whose marketing has been key to their success. Smaller companies though, must focus on strategies that fit their resources and adapt to their customer base. So though you may be well on your way to being the next Apple, make sure you market your company in a way that is best for you on the business level that currently fits you.

Finding a good accountant can be important as your business grows. Certain accountants have special credentials and their utility should not be overlooked when making important financial decisions. Look through MyCorporation’s CPA Directory partner under the “Professional Guidance” portion of our partner page ( http://www.mycorporation.com/partners/ ) to help make the right choice of accountant for your specific business needs.

Take a look at this article for some quick advice on these two hot topics and continued success from the MyCorp Staff!

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-smallbiz-qa-20100628,0,1562411.story

MTV Movie Awards 2010!

July 29th, 2010

MyCorporation was invited to attend the 2010 MTV Movie awards to showcase our products and services to celebrities. We were excited to meet so many celebs who have used or heard of our site! Those who hadn’t heard of us were impressed by what we have to offer. This experience confirmed that no matter whom it is, MyCorporation can provide the best support and service to anyone starting a business.

Check out the video of the event:

Risk and Reward

July 27th, 2010

It is rare to find that entrepreneur who is fearless of the risks involved with starting a business. Financial, personal, and social risks are all within the realm of entrepreneurship. Some crumble at the thought of the risks involved. Others work hard to make sure the risks are calculated and that they are able to succeed.

The best ways to take risk is to be prudent about them. Take every opportunity to hedge your bets in case something unexpected happens. Often, taking these risks involve spending money. When an entrepreneur feels confident in their product, it may be the right time to spend the money to take the company to the next level. If an entrepreneur is just starting, it may make sense to spend some extra money on protecting assets while getting their business going. Overall, the risk is the frightening part, but the leap of faith can reap great rewards.

Take a look at this article where an entrepreneur took risks and is now watching her business grow:

http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/27/smallbusiness/amazing_edibles/index.htm

Take advantage of not only the incorporation services of MyCorp, but also the variety of other services which can help you take risks with more confidence and see more reward.

Location, Location, Location…

July 22nd, 2010

When starting a new entity, entrepreneurs often worry about if their business can take off in their home state. Can a new business be successful where they are located? The answer is YES. A niche in the marketplace can be found almost anywhere. It’s up to the entrepreneur to create a business that serves the marketplace effectively. No matter where you are, making the business tailored to the niche will create value for the customers and success for your business.

If you are targeting your business to serve a specific industry, there may be certain locations which are hubs for that industry. For example, Silicon Valley is the home of many ground breaking technology companies. Detroit has long been a hub for the automotive industry in the U.S. and New York City and San Francisco remain the financial capitals. That being said, many newly energized cities are up and coming homes for a variety of industries. Potential clients and customers are within reach and finding a new city to do business may make you a leader in an up and coming marketplace.

Start your business with MyCorporation, figure out how your company can add value, and then get out there and find clients who can use your services (they’re everywhere)!

Here is an article that breaks down some these energized locations: http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/august/207496.html#

Press Time…

June 2nd, 2010

New businesses may have a hard time getting new customers because they don’t always have extensive marketing dollars. A press release is a great way to get customers to take notice without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money on marketing.

In terms of marketing, a press release is a story that may interest the general public or a market segment relating to your business or organization. The purpose of a press release is to inform the world of your news item. A press release is not supposed to be to “make a sale” per se. Instead, you should answer the “W” questions (who, what, where, when and why), providing the media with useful information about your organization, product, service or event.

The format of a press release tends to be more objective than promotional and is sometimes in interview format (but marketing hype is typically not well received by media outlets). A press release is submitted to media distribution outlets in the hopes that they will run with the story and/or request an interview.

Among the many methods for advertising your products or services, a press release can be an inexpensive tool. Happy writing!

Small Business Is BIG News

June 2nd, 2010

Receive 50% OFF an online press release distribution from PR Newswire*

MyCorporation.com has partnered with PR Newswire to offer you a fantastic deal!

Gain traction in search engines, capture online audiences, create valuable SEO backlinks and drive top line results with Web ReleasePLUS – a powerful combination of search-optimized press release hosting and broad distribution via PR Newswire’s online syndication network of more than 5,400 web sites. Your news will be seen on the Internet’s largest news sites – like Yahoo!, MSN and AOL, niche and localized web sites, and news engines including Yahoo! News and Google News. Long-lasting visibility and backlinks will be delivered via PR Newswire’s high-traffic, authoritative web site and through syndication across our wide network of news web sites. Web ReleasePLUS is the best of both worlds, offering immediate, broad communication of your message and lasting SEO benefits.

Web ReleasePLUS includes:

  • Posting of your release to PRNewswire.com, where it will be pulled into Yahoo! News, Google News, and made available to search engines indefinitely.
  • Display of an accompanying image of your choice.

Syndication on PR Newswire’s online network which consists of thousands of web sites. Inclusion in PRNewswire.com RSS feeds and site search.

  • Full reporting of online views, search engine details and links to your news online.
  • Distribution within 4 hours.

There is no better way to get the word out about your company than by using PR Newswire. It is the most cost-effective way to reach your target audience.

*Special Offer Rules: Special offer is only available to new PR Newswire members. New Members must sign up by June 30th,2010 in order to be eligible to receive the 50% OFF our Web ReleasePLUS distribution.

Business Highlight: Journey 4 Life Fitness

June 2nd, 2010

Our chance to share our customers with you…

Journey 4 Life was started from an idea years and years ago. The owner, Dennis Anderson, always wanted to do something to make a change in the world. He always took good care of himself through exercise. It wasn’t until 5 years ago or so that he really decided to turn this dream into a reality. People started approaching him in the gym and even outside of it asking questions about fitness and how he could help them out. It was at that time he realized this was his calling and the business was created. Mr. Anderson, CEO of Journey 4 Life Fitness, says “Thanks to the wonderful customer service from Tracy Newman my company was set up properly and very fast. I was truly surprised by how quickly everything was set up. It was refreshing to have someone on the other end of the phone who catered to all the needs of me as a customer. Despite my lack of knowledge with setting up my business Tracy was very professional and patiently guided me through the process. My experience
Journey 4 Life Journey 4 Life Logo
with My Corporation was incredible and I’d be the first to recommend them.”
When asked about the impact on the economy, Mr. Anderson said, “This economy is a set back with any business out there now but for me it doesn’t set us back too much. The demand for my service is huge. Health is now being taken seriously and people actually want to change their lifestyles. My business has just been set up and is in the beginning stages but it’s doing well thus far. ”
Mr. Anderson went on to say, “I made my business successful by challenging others to change the way they think. By motivating and inspiring others to believe that anything is possible. I also spent time understanding and studying fitness. Fitness has been a huge part of my life. I found that changing the thought process and having the physical will is the formula for transformation. With each life that is changed by journey 4 life fitness success shows up.”

Business tip:  My biggest tip I can give is to stay passionate and do something you love, persevere, and stay driven to complete what you start.

Starting a New Business? It’s in your Brand.

May 18th, 2010

Starting a new business and growing an existing business require diligence and perseverance.  An ongoing attention to acquiring new customers, building a brand and getting your business “out there” are required.  It’s not easy to stay on top of everything, but without a brand and customers who will recognize and purchase based upon brand recognition and trust, it is difficult to continue to grow a business.

Logos and brands are a great way to gain recognition for your product or service.  Building a brand often equates with building awareness and trust of your products or services.  That’s why finding the right brand to represent your business is important.  It’s important that customers can understand from your logo or brand name what your business is and what it stands for.  Some businesses have a word that represents their brand.  Some businesses choose a stylized way of representing their brand.  Many have a slogan.  Ours is “Entrepreneurs Welcome”, for example.

Whatever it is that makes your business your business, it’s important that it represents what your business does and what it stands for – enabling your customers to recall, use and then recommend your products or services. Ultimately, that is how a business can grow.  Sometimes a brand or logo develop over time; sometimes it is developed before the business even gets off the ground.

If you need help developing your logo, our friends and partners and LogoDesignGuru are happy to help (see the offer to the right). Also, MyCorporation offers trademark searches and registrations that will protect your logo throughout the United States – a great way to protect the intellectual property your business has developed.

Wishing you and your business continued success!