Real Estate Information Archive

BBB: Read the fine print on magazine subscriptions, credit cards

Read the agreement carefully when signing up for subscriptions that include several months of free magazine deliveries, said BBB's Paula Fleming in response to a consumer question. Check your credit card statements to see if you're being charged after you think your subscription has expired, she advised. Likewise, make sure you understand the terms before signing up for credit cards that offer rewards. ClipSyndicate/WFXT-NEWS (Boston) (10/26)

How to save money on business mail

The U.S. Postal Service is increasing the cost of first-class stamps, but small businesses can help to keep their fees down by using electronic delivery methods. If a document is too big to e-mail, try other electronic services that allow you to send information. If physical delivery is the only option, check out the Postal Service's website for tips for small-business mail, and look for volume discounts for sending packages. Google/The Associated Press (10/27)

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Government introduces planning tool to help small businesses with cybersecurity

Research found that while 85% of small businesses say they are safe from cybersecurity threats, only a little more than half had a plan to keep their businesses safe. To help small businesses protect themselves, the government has introduced the Small Biz Cyber Planner, a tool designed to help small businesses create such plans. Reuters (10/24), eChannelLine USA Daily News (10/24)

Wellness programs are a hedge against increasing health costs

Companies and employees use wellness programs as a hedge against increasing expenses, which Ron Fontanetta of Towers Watson says makes sense because they encourage healthy behavior and can lower costs. Some employers, for example, might help pay an insurance deductible or premium for employees who complete a health risk assessment and use a health coach to control chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. The Washington Post (10/24)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
BBB Accredited business since 03/01/1994

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BBB: Be on the lookout for e-mail scams

BBB is warning consumers about two kinds of e-mail scams to watch out for. The first involves scammers sending e-mails claiming to be from Facebook notifying recipients that they have supposedly won a lottery. The second urges recipients to call an overseas telephone number to claim millions of dollars worth of property. Los Angeles Times/Money & Company blog (10/23)

How cash-strapped companies can keep their holiday parties -- and why they should

Small businesses facing tight budgets might be tempted to cancel their holiday parties, but it's important to have some sort of celebration to make your employees feel appreciated, Dawn Bryan says. To foster a company culture that values employees' input, include them in the party planning, Bryan recommends. If a party absolutely won't fit into your company's budget, consider offering another form of recognition such as a day off. Bloomberg Businessweek (10/21)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
BBB Accredited business since 03/01/1994

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Small-business success boosts real estate values, study finds

Neighborhoods with successful small businesses tend to have higher home values than those that do not, according to research by American Express OPEN. "This research validates what we know intuitively -- that small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities," said AMEX's Susan Sobbott. BusinessNewsDaily.com (10/20)

What's new and what's not in Quicken 2012

Many small-business owners rely on Quicken to manage their finances, and the 2012 version introduces some improvements, writes Jonathan Blum of Blumsday. For example, the program's debt-reduction feature is now simpler to use, he writes. But while the program has gotten a face-lift, the software isn't radically different from before, he writes. "If last year's model -- or really any model of Quicken -- is doing the job for you, then you may consider sticking with it." Entrepreneur.com/The Daily Dose blog (10/20)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
BBB Accredited business since 03/01/1994

Your San Mateo Real Estate Advisor

BBB - TrustBrief - Advancing trust in the marketplace

How superior products, stellar service earn customers' trust, loyalty

Companies earn customer trust and loyalty by offering quality products and customer service, writes Alyson Stone. For example, Zappo's has earned her loyalty by being willing to correct its mistakes, but a makeup company's poor handling of its mess up made her look elsewhere. "I'm loyal to companies that make things easier for me -- and don't put up artificial barriers that aggravate me," she writes. CustomerThink (10/19)

3 tips for choosing the right insurance agent to protect your business

Odds are you aren't an insurance expert, so it's vital to find an insurance agent who can help you get the coverage you need to protect your business, insurance agent Ryan Hanley writes. Look for agents with experience who understand your industry, and make sure their attitude will help you to reach your insurance goals. Small Business Trends (10/19)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
BBB Accredited business since 03/01/1994

Your San Mateo Real Estate Advisor

BBB - TrustBrief - Advancing trust in the marketplace

BBB warns would-be donors to vet breast-cancer groups before giving

Scammers are taking advantage of the drive to eradicate breast cancer by setting up "sound-alike charities" to take people's money, according to BBB. Research suspicious-sounding charities at the Charity Navigator website and be wary of phone calls asking for money for breast cancer, writes Sarah Lieu. WOWK-TV (Charleston, W.Va.) (10/17)

How to find the right broker when it's time to sell your company

Before you can cash in your hard work by selling your business, you need to find the right broker. There are four important questions to ask potential brokers, including how they market their own business, writes Barbara Taylor of Synergy Business Services. "[I]f brokers do a poor job marketing their own business, why would you expect them to do a good job marketing yours?" The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/You're the Boss blog (10/20)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
BBB Accredited business since 03/01/1994

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BBB - TrustBrief - Advancing trust in the marketplace

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France pushes for principles to restore trust in global financial system

France wants the G-20 to ratify a set of principles designed to encourage consumers to trust global financial institutions again. "The mispricing of risk due to complex financial products ... has nurtured mistrust, the most destabilizing element for the world economy," said French Finance Minister Francois Baroin. Financial instruments should be understandable and focused on helping the economy rather than making the maximum possible profit for banks, Baroin said. Reuters (10/14)

How to market your business on a budget

Spreading the word about your business is essential, and you don't have to break the bank to do it. Using Google AdWords and StumbleUpon Paid Discovery can draw visitors to your website for a modest fee, and you may be able to get some publicity if you send bloggers free samples of your product. Small Business Computing (10/13)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
BBB Accredited business since 03/01/1994

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BBB - TrustBrief - Advancing trust in the marketplace

How Domino's scored business with its accountability-focused ad campaign

Domino's Pizza, which hit a record low stock price in 2008, has recovered thanks to an ad campaign that focuses on accountability and customer outreach and addresses consumers' problems with its products, including some people's complaints that they just didn't like the food. "That was a very new proposition, but it worked because it was delivered in a marketplace where trust had evaporated," said consultant Malcolm Knapp. Bloomberg Businessweek (10/17)

Why it might be a good time to sell your business

With the country's economic future uncertain, now might be the right time to sell your business, John Warrillow writes. Selling now will allow you to avoid the stresses of another possible downturn, dodge the avalanche of new businesses that will come as baby boomers retire and give you cash to invest in undervalued stocks, he writes. Inc.com (10/14)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
BBB Accredited business since 03/01/1994

Your San Mateo Real Estate Advisor

BBB - TrustBrief - Advancing trust in the marketplace