Year-End Happy Hour for Executives & Business Owners - Dec. 15th

You are cordially invited to attend the premier year-end Happy Hour and Networking event for Executives, Business Owners & Nonprofit Leaders on Wednesday,December 15th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Mio Restaurant, 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW (Vermont & L Street/near McPherson Square or Farragut North Metro stops), Washington, DC. No cover charge, but attendees pay for their own food, drink and tip. This is a casual-style networking event designed to bring professionals together to share, learn and benefit. We look forward to seeing you at this great event!

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of October 3rd

This is a summary of posts for the week of October 3rd to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

“The Social Network”: Facebook’s lessons for innovators & business: http://smartblogs.com/socialmedia/2010/09/30/the-social-network-facebooks-lessons-for-innovators/

Me & My Brand: Lively Entrepreneurs Ring Up Sales: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704631504575532493871407232.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

Shopping pink at the grocery store can bring benefits - but read the label's fine print: http://www.app.com/article/20101003/ENT05/10030308/Shopping-pink-at-the-grocery-store-can-bring-benefits-but-read-the-label-s-fine-print

The 5 new rules of crisis management in Social Media: http://thebrandbuilder.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/the-5-new-rules-of-crisis-management-in-social-media/

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Loan: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217382

Linkedin - The Social Network That Gets Down to Business: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/technology/personaltech/30basics.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=technology&src=me

The world's worst digital marketing advice - http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/27681.asp

The "Ultimate" Small Business Marketing Guide: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/The-quot-Ultimate-quot-Small-Business-Marketing-Guide/ba-p/38252?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-100610-_-weekly-_-community

From the Home Office to Main Street – The Ultimate Guide to Green Small Business! http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/From-the-Home-Office-to-Main-Street-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Green/ba-p/37662?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-100610-_-weekly-_-community

SBA Announces Improvements to SBIR Program ( Small BusinessInnovation Research Program)- http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/SBA-Announces-Improvements-to-SBIR-Program/ba-p/37620?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-100610-_-weekly-_-community

Is the Business Lunch Dead? Nine Tips to Entertain Without Blowing Your Budget - http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Is-the-Business-Lunch-Dead-Nine-Tips-to-Entertain-Without/ba-p/37530?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-100610-_-weekly-_-community

A Bicentennial Tribute: Abraham Lincoln on Stamps at http://www.stamps.org/Albums/Lincoln.pdf

Invitation to attend Happy Hour being held on Wednesday, October 20th

You are invited to the first DC Network of Nonprofit Professionals and Arocho Law Office Happy Hour being held on Wednesday, October 20th from 500pm to 630pm at Mio Restaurant & Cafe, 1110 Vermont Ave NW # 1, Washington, DC 20005-3575. Connect with others, and meet members of the DC Network Network of Nonprofit Professionals. There is no cover charge, but attendees pay for their own food, drink and tip. Feel free to bring along friends or co-workers. We look forward to meeting you!

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 26th

This is a summary of posts for the week of September 26th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Consider your competitors as colleagues, too: http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/edmunds/2010-09-29-competitors-colleagues_N.htm

5 Takeaways Marketers Could Learn From Mr. Rogers of PBS Children TV: http://www.fastcompany.com/1691558/5-takeaways-marketers-could-learn-from-mr-rogers?partner=rss

New App Clues You in on What People Think of Your Website: http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2010/09/new-app-clues-you-in-on-what-people-think-of-your-website.php

7 Easy Steps to Bootstrapping Success: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20101001/7-easy-steps-to-bootstrapping-success.html

Translating your property maintenance business into government business: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Translating-your-property-maintenance-business-into-government/ba-p/37372?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092910-_-weekly-_-community

Wage Garnishment – Know Your Responsibilities When it Comes to Withholding an Employee Earnings: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Wage-Garnishment-Know-Your-Responsibilities-When-it-Comes-to/ba-p/36676?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092910-_-weekly-_-community

Why, and How to Keep Your Business and Personal Banking Separate: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Why-and-How-to-Keep-Your-Business-and-Personal-Banking-Separate/ba-p/35940?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092910-_-weekly-_-community

Building your Finance Team for your business- Do You Need an Accountant? Could You Benefit from a CFO? http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Building-your-Finance-Team-Do-You-Need-an-Accountant-Could-You/ba-p/37278?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092910-_-weekly-_-community

Small Business Tip: Before you can bid on government proposals, you'll need to obtain a couple of registrations. First, you will first need to obtain a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number, a unique nine-digit identification number for each physical location of your business. D-U-N-S Number assignment is free for all businesses required to register with the federal government for contracts or grants. http://www.dnb.com/us/duns_update/

NY lawsuit by charity blames SEC for failing to catch Madoff: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-24/litwin-foundation-sues-sec-for-negligence-over-madoff-investment-losses.html

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 19th

This is a summary of posts for the week of September 19th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

"Tough times have compelled small-business owners to rethink long-held business practices. But many are finding creative ways to continue their support for good causes." Despite Struggles, Entrepreneurs Find Ways to Give Back:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/business/smallbusiness/16sbiz.html?_r=1&ref=business

Some businesses are victims of social-couponing (Groupon, Living Social) success: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/17/AR2010091707048.html?tid=nn_twitter

How to Handle a Tax Audit- The Insider Perspective at http://financialhighway.com/how-to-handle-a-tax-audit-the-insider-perspective/

Attorney Arocho is Member of GWH Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Committee: http://www.capitalwirepr.com/pr_description.php?id=1c54bb68-bbff-3490-2ff2-4c92808798f2

Location, Location, Location – Finding the Best “Hub of Opportunity” for Your Business: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Location-Location-Location-Finding-the-Best-Hub-of-Opportunity/ba-p/35936?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092210-_-weekly-_-community

The "Ultimate" Small Business Guide to Social Media Marketing: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/The-quot-Ultimate-quot-Small-Business-Guide-to-Social-Media/ba-p/35908?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092210-_-weekly-_-community

5 Tips to Help You Forecast Sales: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Tips-to-Help-You-Forecast-Sales/ba-p/36474?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092210-_-weekly-_-community

Marketing Your Business with White Papers: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Marketing-Your-Business-with-White-Papers/ba-p/35954?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092210-_-weekly-_-community

Mio Restaurant in Washington, DC has excellent food and a great ambiance! Check it out! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-DC/Mio-Restaurant-Cafe/96171401820

Jimmie V. Reyna Nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Jimmie V. Reyna has been nominated to fill the open slot on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Mr. Reyna was one of the nominees named by President Obama last Wednesday.

The Court has nationwide jurisdiction of appeals arising from, among others, federal district courts, the Court of International Trade, the U.S., Court of Claims and a variety of agencies involving a number of subject matter areas, including international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, and certain money claims against the United States government. Mr. Reyna is a partner in the Washington, DC office of Williams Mullen. He is a leading legal expert on international trade.

Mr. Reyna is extraordinarily qualified to serve on the bench. He is an international trade legal scholar, prolific writer, extraordinary legal practitioner, and exceptional community leader. He is the author of several books on international trade and several articles.

For further information please visit: http://www.williamsmullen.com/williams-mullen-partner-jimmie-v-reyna-nominated-to-the-us-court-of-appeals-for-the-federal-circuit-09-30-2010/

Companies can’t be subject to US lawsuits by foreigners seeking damages for human rights violations

Last week in a landmark case the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, a federal appeals court, ruled in the Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. that companies can not be subject to U.S. lawsuits by foreigners seeking damages for human rights violations under the U.S. Alien Tort Statute (28 U.S.C.Section 1350). In its decision the court ruled that the Alien Tort Statute gives U.S. courts jurisdiction only over alleged violations of international law by individuals and not alleged violations by corporations. The decision dismisses the claims brought by a group of Nigerians that Shell aided in the torture and murder of dissidents in Nigeria during the 1990s. The full text of the court decision can be found at: (http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/decisions/isysquery/836d860b-2d6f-4bdd-9175-6b8285fa7bfe/5/doc/06-4800-cv_opn.pdf#xml=http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/decisions/isysquery/836d860b-2d6f-4bdd-9175-6b8285fa7bfe/5/hilite/)

Circuit Judge Jose Cabranes wrote in his majority opinion that the Alien Tort Statute only allows U.S. courts to hear death and injury claims, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, by non-U.S. citizens connected to violations of international law.

In the dissenting opinion of Circuit Judge Pierre N. Leval he wrote that he agreed that the case should be dismissed but disagreed that the Alien Tort Statute applies only to individuals. He stated that the plaintiffs didn’t properly claim Shell intended to cause the Nigerian government to violate human rights. Judge Leval wrote that the majority opinion “deals a substantial blow to international law and its undertaking to protect fundamental human rights.”

This is a case of major impact. However, this may not be the last word on the Alien Tort Statute because the decision can still be reconsidered by the full U.S. Circuit of Appeals for the 2^nd Circuit. Eventually I think this case and other similar cases will eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 12th

This is a summary of posts for the week of September 12th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Which Industries are Using Social Media – And Which Social Media Do They Use? http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Which-Industries-are-Using-Social-Media-And-Which-Social-Media/ba-p/34774?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-091510-_-weekly-_-community

Your Elevator Pitch: Communicating Your Revenue Model is Key…http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Your-Elevator-Pitch-Communicating-Your-Revenue-Model-is-Key/ba-p/34966?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-091510-_-weekly-_-community

Your Business Owner’s Policy: What’s in the Fine Print: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Your-Business-Owner-s-Policy-What-s-in-the-Fine-Print/ba-p/35698?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-091510-_-weekly-_-community

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the weeks of August 29th, & September 5th

This is a summary of posts for the weeks of August 29th & September 5th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Employee or Independent Contractor: Watch Your Classifications-Compliance with the rules governing worker classifications can save you a lot of trouble down the road. http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217208?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entrepreneur%2Flatest+%28Entrepreneur.com%3A+Latest+Articles

Could a Peanut Paste End Malnutrition? http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05Plumpy-t.html?_r=1&hp

A Start-Ups' Guide to Business Licenses & Permits - Be Compliant from the Get-Go: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/A-Start-Ups-Guide-to-Business-Licenses-amp-Permits-Be-Compliant/ba-p/34540?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-090810-_-weekly-_-community

Getting Started in State and Local Government Contracting – A Small Business 101: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Getting-Started-in-State-and-Local-Government-Contracting-A/ba-p/34064?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-090810-_-weekly-_-community

How Much Money Do I Need? – A Guide to Estimate Your New Business Startup Expenses: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/How-Much-Money-Do-I-Need-A-Guide-to-Estimate-Your-Startup/ba-p/33947?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-090810-_-weekly-_-community

New 1099 Requirements Starting 2012 for Your Business

Did you know that starting in 2012 all businesses will be required to prepare Form 1099-MISC for all services and goods purchased from all vendors in excess of $600. The 1099 would have to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service and the person or entity you paid. Presently business are only required to file a 1099-MISC for services in excess of $600 and most corporations are exempt from receiving a 1099.

These new reporting requirements are in section 6041 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), which was amended by section 9006 of the recently passed health care reform legislation - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-148, 124 Stat. 119 (the Act). It should be noted once again that the new reporting requirements under these amendments apply to payments made only after December 31, 2011.

This new requirement will be burdensome and costly for small businesses to compile the data and prepare the Form 1099-MISC information return. It presents an overwhelming compliance burden on the small business community. For example, as the requirements stands now it seems that any time a small business makes a purchase at an office supply store in excess of $600 it will have to send a 1099 for that purchase to the store at the end of the year.

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service will be issuing guidance and regulations on how to comply with this new requirement. As a result they have asked for comments from the public. You can find further information regarding public comment at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-10-51.pdf. Your comments can help the IRS issue implements the requirements of this new law in a manner that minimizes burden on your small business.

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 22nd

This is a summary of posts for the week of August 22nd to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2010: Employee vs. Independent Contractor – Seven Tips for Business Owners http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=173423,00.html

Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs and Pequeñas Empresas – Government Resources that Can Help: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Empowering-Minority-Entrepreneurs-and-Peque%C3%B1as-Empresas/ba-p/32668?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community

5 Tips for Getting to Know Your Competition and using it to Your Advantage: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/5-Tips-for-Getting-to-Know-Your-Competition-and-using-it-to-Your/ba-p/32170?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community

What? SBA Loans Offered Through Sam’s Club? You Heard Right! http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/SBA-Loans-Offered-Through-Sam-s-Club-You-Heard-Right/ba-p/32034?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community

5 Future Trends in Business Planning: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Future-Trends-in-Business-Planning/ba-p/32648?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community

From IRS-Pre Order the Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed-If you order now, the English version of the 2011 Tax Calendar will be shipped by early November. To order call (800) 829-3676 or go to: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/page/0,,id=82780,00.html

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 15th

This is a summary of posts for the week of August 15th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

What would the world be like if there were no lawyers? See video at http://www.metacafe.com/watch/5000547/a_world_without_lawyers/

Business.Gov: 7 Tips for Finding and Hiring the Right Employee – The First Time (from the experts at SCORE) - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/7-Tips-for-Finding-and-Hiring-the-Right-Employee-The-First-Time/ba-p/31227?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081810-_-weekly-_-community

Business.Gov: Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn? Finding the Right Fit for Your Small Business - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Twitter-Facebook-or-LinkedIn-Finding-the-Right-Fit-for-Your/ba-p/31878?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081810-_-weekly-_-community

Business.Gov: Portal for Minority & Women Owned Businesses - http://www.business.gov/?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081810-_-weekly-_-internal

Business.Gov: Power User Spotlight: Build a Strong Network - http://community2.business.gov/t5/In-the-Loop/Power-User-Spotlight-Build-a-Strong-Network/ba-p/31231?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081810-_-weekly-_-community

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 8th

This is a summary of posts for the week of August 8th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Get to the Top! – Tips for Making your Business Web Site More Prominent in an Online Search: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Get-to-the-Top-Tips-for-Making-your-Business-Web-Site-More/ba-p/30963?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081110-_-weekly-_-community

Selling Internationally? 8 Reasons why Export.gov Might Just Be Your New Best Friend: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Selling-Internationally-8-Reasons-why-Export-gov-Might-Just-Be/ba-p/30229?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081110-_-weekly-_-community

Three Proven Tips for Growing New Markets on a Tight Budget (Listen, Engage, Educate): http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/3-Proven-Tips-for-Growing-New-Markets-on-a-Tight-Budget-Listen/ba-p/20579

Idea Exchange: Traditional and New Media Marketing for your Business: http://community2.business.gov/t5/In-the-Loop/Idea-Exchange-Traditional-and-New-Media-Marketing/ba-p/30293?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081110-_-weekly-_-community

Small Business Marketing-Learn Marketing Basics: http://www.business.gov/manage/marketing/

FTC's Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus28.shtm

The CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus61.shtm

"Remove Me" Responses and Responsibilities:
Email Marketers Must Honor "Unsubscribe" Claims - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/alerts/alt112.shtm

Learn About The Google Tools To Help Run Your Business Better: http://businessforums.verizon.net/t5/Small-Biz-Blog/Learn-About-The-Google-Tools-To-Help-Run-Your-Business-Better/ba-p/232770

Investors Look to Fund Capital-Light Businesses: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217209

Closing a Business Checklist from the IRS

From the IRS website (August 4, 2010)

There are typical actions that are taken when closing a business. You must file an annual return for the year you go out of business. If you have employees, you must file the final employment tax returns, in addition to making final federal tax deposits of these taxes. Also attach a statement to your return showing the name of the person keeping the payroll records and the address where those records will be kept.

The annual tax return for a partnership, corporation, S corporation, limited liability company or trust includes check boxes near the top front page just below the entity information. For the tax year in which your business ceases to exist, check the box that indicates this tax return is a final return. If there are Schedule K-1s, repeat the same procedure on the Schedule K-1.

You will also need to file returns to report disposing of business property, reporting the exchange of like-kind property, and/or changing the form of your business. If you do not have a pre-printed envelope in which to send your taxes, refer to the Where To File page for a list of addresses. Below is a list of typical actions to take when closing a business, depending on your type of business structure:

Checklist

• Make final federal tax deposits
  • Electronic Federal Tax Paying System (EFTPS)
    OR
  • Form 8109-B
• File final quarterly or annual employment tax form.
  • Form 940, Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return (PDF)
  • Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return (PDF)
  • Form 943, Employer's Annual Tax Return for Agricultural Employees (PDF)
  • Form 943-A, Agricultural Employer's Record of Federal Tax Liability (PDF)
• Issue final wage and withholding information to employees
  • Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement (PDF)
• Report information from W-2s issued.
  • Form W-3, Transmittal of Income and Tax Statements (PDF)
• File final tip income and allocated tips information return.
  • Form 8027, Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips (PDF)
• Report capital gains or losses.
  • Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF)
  • Form 1065, U.S. Partnership Return of Income (PDF)
  • Form 1120 (Schedule D), Capital Gains and Losses (PDF)
• Report partner's/shareholder's shares.
  • Form 1065 (Schedule K-1), Partner's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc. (PDF)
  • Form 1120S (Schedule K-1), Shareholder's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc. (PDF)
• File final employee pension/benefit plan.
  • Form 5500, Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan (PDF)
• Issue payment information to sub-contractors.
  • Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income (PDF)
• Report information from 1099s issued.
  • Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns (PDF)
• Report corporate dissolution or liquidation.
  • Form 966, Corporate Dissolution or Liquidation (PDF)
• Consider allowing S corporation election to terminate.
  • Form 1120S, Instructions (PDF)
• Report business asset sales.
  • Form 8594, Asset Acquisition Statement (PDF)
• Report the sale or exchange of property used in your trade or business.
  • Form 4797, Sales of Business Property (PDF)

References/Related Topics

• Canceling an EIN – Closing Your Account
• Closing a Business
• Contact local and state agencies.
• There may be requirements relating to state and local governments as well. You can use the State and Local Government on the Net to link to the state and/or local government(s) that apply to your business.
• Visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) Web site for a map to help you locate the relevant SBA resources closest to you . The SBA also provides advice on closing a business.
• Closing A Business Video

Facebook Page Posts for the week of July 25th

This is a summary of posts for the weeks of July 25th to the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

With Squeeze on Credit, Microlending Blossoms: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/29/business/smallbusiness/29sbiz.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Business Tip: Marketing Your Business Online – to Get the Biggest ROI- http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Tips-for-Marketing-Your-Business-Online-to-Get-the-Biggest-ROI/ba-p/26693?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community

Starting a Trucking Business: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Trucking-Business/ba-p/26211?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community

From Bus.gov: How to Legally Sell Your Goods at Fairs, Garage Sales, Flea Markets, and Craft Shows - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/How-to-Legally-Sell-Your-Goods-at-Fairs-Garage-Sales-Flea/ba-p/26883?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community

Business Tip: 4 Tips for Giving Your Business Retirement Plan a Check-Up – Before the IRS Does! http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/4-Tips-for-Giving-Your-Business-Retirement-Plan-a-Check-Up/ba-p/26637?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community

Location, Location, Location: Where You Run Your Business Matters - http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Location-Location-Location-Where-You-Run-Your-Business-Matters/ba-p/27529?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

10 Signs You Need to Revise Your Business Plan - http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/10-Signs-You-Need-to-Revise-Your-Business-Plan/ba-p/28679?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Laid Off and Looking to Start Your Own Business? Understand Your Unemployment Benefits First - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Laid-Off-and-Looking-to-Start-Your-Own-Business-Understand-Your/ba-p/27723?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Starting a Travel Business - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Travel-Business/ba-p/27613?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Starting a Home-Based Franchise Business – 6 Steps to Help You Find the Right Opportunity at http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Starting-a-Home-Based-Franchise-Business-6-Steps-to-Help-You/ba-p/27523?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Business Tip: Tips for Finding Small Business Friendly Banks at http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Five-Tips-for-Finding-Small-Business-Friendly-Banks/ba-p/27755?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Business Tip: Putting the “Social” into Social Media Marketing – Tips for Interacting with your Customers at http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Putting-the-Social-into-Social-Media-Marketing-3-Tips-for/ba-p/28719?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Checklist for Starting a Business from IRS

From the IRS website (July 27, 2010)

The checklist below provides the basic steps you should follow to start a business. This list should not be construed as all-inclusive. Other steps may be appropriate for your specific type of business.

Information about specific industries can be found at the Industries/Professions Web page.

Each state has additional requirements for starting and operating a business. For information regarding state-level requirements for starting a business, please refer to your state's Web site.

Refer also to the Small Business Administration's Checklist for Starting a Business.

• Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if applicable.
• Select a business structure.
• Choose a tax year.
• Choose your accounting method.
• If you have employees have them fill out Form I-9 and Form W-4 (PDF). If your employees qualify for and want to receive advanced earned income credit payments, they must give you a completed Form W-5 (PDF).
• Pay your business taxes.
  

References/Related Topics

• Business.gov
• Starting a Business
• Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed

Know Your Market by Determining Your SWOT: Guest Blog by Douglas C. Dobson, President, Competition Analysis, LLC

Business is slow. With the economy in recession and unemployment high, most businesses today are struggling to survive, much less to prosper. The time is now – more than ever – to get to “know your market.”

Start by thinking about your present customers. Why have they chosen you to be their supplier or service provider? Have your prices attracted them? How about the quality of your merchandise or service? Who are your competitors? What differentiates the product and service that you provide from that offered by your rivals? There are no easy answers to these important questions, but there is an organized way to think about them called SWOT analysis. Essentially, the exercise is to determine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats faced by your business.

How do you proceed to determine your company’s SWOT? You might begin by conducting a survey of your current customers (and perhaps some former customers that have not bought from you recently). Understand why buyers purchase from you and what you could do better to gain/retain customers. Evaluate the threats from possible substitute products or increased foreign competition. Recognize opportunities that may be presented by possible new product applications. Assess the likelihood of new government regulation (both pro and con). Consider conditions in the labor and materials markets on which you rely. Interview your customer support reps and salesmen. Read the trade press and internet business blogs. Attend meetings and seminars. Go to trade shows and network with others in your industry (but do NOT talk about establishing prices).

Once you have a feel for the right questions to determine your company’s SWOT, you may want to consider working with a business consultant that specializes in marketing strategy and competitive effects analysis. These specialists can often provide in-depth market research and competitive positioning to help your company better know your market – its Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats – now and in the not-so-distant future. Whatever course you take, begin your SWOT analysis today for better results tomorrow.

Douglas C. Dobson is the President of Competition Analysis, LLC (http://www.competitionanalysisllc.com).

New News Source

As a public service the Arocho Law Office has created the following news and information website at http://arocholawnews.blogspot.com/. At that site you will find links to useful news and information on business, nonprofits, regulations, government, money, credit unions, world news and matters of personal interest!

Facebook Page Posts for the weeks of July 11th,18th & 25th

This is a summary of posts for the weeks of July 11th, 18th and 25th to the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

How Daydreaming Could Lead to Your Next Big Idea: http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/lifestyle/article/how-daydreaming-could-lead-to-your-next-big-idea-ben-popper

How To Take the Small Business Plunge: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/how-to-guides/how-to-take-the-small-business-plunge/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YoungentrepreneurcomBlog+%28YoungEntrepreneur.com+Blog%29

Telecommuting? Some Tips for Best Work from Home Experience - http://businessforums.verizon.net/t5/Small-Biz-Blog/Telecommuting-Some-Tips-for-Best-Work-from-Home-Experience/ba-p/230846

In Inc. magazines's recent post, 9 Things I Learned In 9 Years as a CEO – Part 1, Janine Popick says the first thing she learned was HIRE A LAWYER. To read the post go to http://www.inc.com/janine-popick/2010/07/9-lessons-from-9years-in-business.html

The IRS seeks comments on new disclosure requirement pursuant the 2010 health care reform law that requires that businesses and nonprofits, starting in 2012, to report aggregate payments to vendors in excess of $600 for goods and other property. The requirement applies for payments to all vendors, not just those related to health care. Presently, nonprofits and business are required to file Form 1099s for payment of services by independent contractors, but not for goods from vendors. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=225029,00.html

Business Tip: Marketing Your Business Online – to Get the Biggest ROI- http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Tips-for-Marketing-Your-Business-Online-to-Get-the-Biggest-ROI/ba-p/26693?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community

Starting a Trucking Business: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Trucking-Business/ba-p/26211?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community

From Bus.gov: How to Legally Sell Your Goods at Fairs, Garage Sales, Flea Markets, and Craft Shows - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/How-to-Legally-Sell-Your-Goods-at-Fairs-Garage-Sales-Flea/ba-p/26883?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community

Business Tip: 4 Tips for Giving Your Business Retirement Plan a Check-Up – Before the IRS Does! http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/4-Tips-for-Giving-Your-Business-Retirement-Plan-a-Check-Up/ba-p/26637?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community

Location, Location, Location: Where You Run Your Business Matters - http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Location-Location-Location-Where-You-Run-Your-Business-Matters/ba-p/27529?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

10 Signs You Need to Revise Your Business Plan - http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/10-Signs-You-Need-to-Revise-Your-Business-Plan/ba-p/28679?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Laid Off and Looking to Start Your Own Business? Understand Your Unemployment Benefits First - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Laid-Off-and-Looking-to-Start-Your-Own-Business-Understand-Your/ba-p/27723?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Starting a Travel Business - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Travel-Business/ba-p/27613?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Starting a Home-Based Franchise Business – 6 Steps to Help You Find the Right Opportunity at http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Starting-a-Home-Based-Franchise-Business-6-Steps-to-Help-You/ba-p/27523?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Business Tip: Tips for Finding Small Business Friendly Banks at http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Five-Tips-for-Finding-Small-Business-Friendly-Banks/ba-p/27755?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Business Tip: Putting the “Social” into Social Media Marketing – Tips for Interacting with your Customers at http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Putting-the-Social-into-Social-Media-Marketing-3-Tips-for/ba-p/28719?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community

Things to think about before choosing a name for your business...

Before you create a name for a new business it is important to do a name search and check public records.

You should pick a name that describes your business, that the public is likely to remember, and one that is not already being used by another business or group as a trademark or a domain name.

In this internet age you can save yourself trouble by also doing some research to find if a website uses a particular name (domain). See if the name you plan to use is available as a website domain name. Use search engines like Google and Yahoo! to see how your chosen name is used.

Look in you local phone books to see if the name or any variation of the name is being used. Visit a library and look at business and trade publications.

Take a look at the federal trademark database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Keep in mind that not all registered names are on that list.

Check your state or territorial trademark registry for the use of your proposed name or similar names.

Also do not forget to check the fictitious name databases (d/b/a or doing business as databases) at your local county, state or territorial office to see if a business or nonprofit is using your proposed name as a fictitious business name.

Not only must your name reflect your brand and be memorable, there are also a host of legal issues to consider. An attorney can aid you in the process of selecting a name for your business.

Name Squatting on Social Media Sites

Business Owners may want to check social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and other such sites to see if a social media account user has registered an account name that was identical to your federally registered trademark. Such a phenomenon appears to be growing. Twitter has a specialized “Name Squatting” page on which instructions exist on how to report a name squatting incident to Twitter – http://help.twitter.com/forums/26257/entries/18370-name-squatting. Some vigilance is required on the part of businesses to protect a person from using a Twitter or Facebook name and using the name for less than commendable purposes.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

The IRS provides a quick and simple way of obtaining a separate identifying number for your business, that is called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The application for the EIN is free, easy to complete, and can be found at http://bit.ly/GUfDR. Your social security number is used if you do not use an EIN and that causes identity theft concerns.

Registered Agents

Registered agents are required for businesses because they provide a physical location where a human being can accept service (lawsuits and official papers from the state or taxation departments) on behalf of the company during business hours. The business owner can act as his or her own registered agent, but it may be difficult to ensure someone is available either in the office or at home during business hours year-round. There are a number of commercial registered agent services but some business owners prefer to have their lawyer serve as registered agent so that a lawsuit can be addressed more quickly. http://brc.dc.gov/resources/city/contact.asp

Prior Facebook Page Posts

This is a summary of prior posts to the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Affinity Lab in DC offers a venue for new businesses and nonprofits to establish themselves and grow. http://bit.ly/9ganaJ

9 ways small nonprofits and businesses can get more results from Twitter! http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/9-ways-to-get-more-from-twitter/

Dress Code Policies: Regardless of industry, almost all businesses with employees have some form of a dress code policy. When creating a dress code policy for your business, apply your policy equally to all employees. Unfair dress code policies are considered discriminatory and may be grounds for a lawsuit. http://commun...ity2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Dress-Code-Policies/ba-p/14727#A327?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-020310-_-weekly-_-community

To help you plan and manage your small business and self-employed tax obligations throughout the year, the IRS provides a tax calendar online: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=176080,00.html

Some small businesses view access to credit as a major problem in 2010: http://thehiringsite.careerbuilder.com/2010/01/13/small-businesses-report-on-access-to-credit-2010-challenges-in-new-careerbuilder-survey/

Use a small business kitchen incubator to help you start your food related business: http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jan2010/sb20100125_784552.htm

Here are some thoughts on choosing the right name for your new business: http://www.businessweek.com/small-business/

How to Grow a Small Business: What every entrepreneur needs to know about identifying new business ...opportunities, consumers and economic risks before jumping into the marketplace. Read more: http://www.poder360.com/article_detail.php?id_article=3604

Credit unions seek larger share of business loans: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/08/AR2010020803820.html?hpid=topnews

Small Business Grants 101: An Overview of Grants Available from the Federal Government - http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Grants-101-An-Overview-of-Grants-Available-from-the-Federal/ba-p/16067?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-022410-_-weekly-_-community

Dealing With What Your Business Planning Didn't Expect: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Dealing-With-What-Your-Business-Planning-Didn-t-Expect/ba-p/15975?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-022410-_-weekly-_-community

New Business Entities Guides at Business.gov that provide in-depth information about how sole proprietorship, partnerships, corporations, S Corporations, LLCs, non profits, and cooperatives are formed and taxed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. http://business.gov/register/incorporation/?cm..._mmc=GovDelivery-_-022410-_-weekly-_-internal

Small Business Survival: Last Chance Lifelines for Keeping your Business Afloat: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Small-Business-Survival-Last-Chance-Lifelines-for-Keeping-your/ba-p/15847?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-022410-_-weekly-_-community

How to Legally Protect Your Business Name on a Local, State, National, and International Level: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/How-to-Legally-Protect-Your-Business-Name-on-a-Local-State/ba-p/16391?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-030310-_-weekly-_-community

Becoming a Reseller – A “Getting Started” 101 for Small Business Owners: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Becoming-a-Reseller-A-Getting-Started-101-for-Small-Business/ba-p/16377?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-030310-_-weekly-_-community

Getting Started with E-Commerce – An Entrepreneur’s Checklist: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Getting-Started-with-E-Commerce-An-Entrepreneur-s-Checklist/ba-p/16249?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-030310-_-weekly-_-community

Finding Government Business: Once You’ve Done the Basics, Here’s What’s Next: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Finding-Government-Business-Once-You-ve-Done-the-Basics-Here-s/ba-p/16380?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-030310-_-weekly-_-community

What to Do When a Customer Won't Pay?: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/What-to-Do-When-a-Customer-Won-t-Pay/ba-p/16259?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-030310-_-weekly-_-community

Here is a useful link to the U.S. Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov

Eight Big Ideas for Small Business: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1971190_1971191_1971194,00.html

Business Resource: Washington, DC Minority Business Development Center: http://www.dcmbec.org/home.html

This article may be of interest to small business seeking capital: http://www.entrepreneur.com/money/financing/article205646.html

How to Prepare Your Business for Succession: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/business/smallbusiness/18sbiz.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

The 10 Ingredients Of A Great Business Plan: http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/18/business-plan-tips-entrepreneurs-finance-zwilling.html?feed=rss_entrepreneurs

Protecting Companies That Mix Profitability & Values: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124468487

What health care reform means for your business: http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/22/smallbusiness/small_business_health_reform/

Youngest Billionaires and how they got so wealthy: http://moneymagnetbook.blogspot.com/2010/03/youngest-billionaires-and-how-they-got.html

How To Pick A Company Name: Tips From The Trenches. http://onstartups.com/tabid/3339/bid/12156/How-To-Pick-A-Company-Name-Tips-From-The-Trenches.aspx

Five Tips for Building your Small Business Brand Using its Best Advocate – You! - mentions locally owned CakeLove. Owned by Metro D.C. Small Business Person of the Year 2006, Warren Brown: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Five-Tips-for-Building-your-Small-Business-Brand-Using-its-Best/ba-p/17664...?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-032410-_-weekly-_-community

A new Women’s Business Center funded by the Small Business Administration and backed by the D.C. Council opened yesterday: http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2010/03/22/daily32.html

Article on Capital Campaign fundraising for nonprofits & churches: Your Capital Campaign: Are You Ready to Succeed? http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/afp/articles/14384

A fictitious name (or assumed name, trade name, or DBA name, short for "doing business as") is a business name that is different than your personal name, the names of your partners or the officially registered name of your LLC or corporation. For registering a fictitious name in DC visit: http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/cwp/vie...w,A,1343,Q,643499.asp.

Nonprofits are acquiring for-profit corporations: http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2010/04/nonprofits-acquire-corporation

5 Reasons Why Start-up Businesses Fail: http://smallbiztrends.com/2010/04/5-reasons-why-start-up-businesses-fail.html

The Internal Revenue Service today issued new guidance to make it easier for small businesses to determine whether they are eligible for the new health care tax credit under the Affordable Care Act and how large a credit they will receive: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-10-44.pdf. A step by step guide is available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/3_simple_steps.pdf

Make Sure Your Business Information Stays Secret with Non-Disclosure Agreement: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Make-Sure-Your-Business-Information-Stays-Secret-with-Non/ba-p/21281?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-051910-_-weekly-_-community

Are you considering moving out of your home office and into a retail location? Then read this: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/4-Steps-to-Moving-Your-Business-Out-of-Your-Home-and-Into-a/ba-p/21044?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-051910-_-weekly-_-community

Here is a great idea for your business: Group purchasing allows small businesses to pool resources and bargaining power to purchase goods and services - including office supplies, healthcare and insurance, and IT services - at reduced rates. Find out your business can benefit from group purchasing arrangements: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Small-Businesses-Come-Together-and-Save-Through-Group-Purchasing/ba-p/21143?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-051910-_-weekly-_-community

Starting a Child Care Business? – Government Tools and Resources that Can Help: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Starting-a-Child-Care-Business-Government-Tools-and-Resources/ba-p/21804?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-052610-_-weekly-_-community

7 Tips for Starting a Fast Food Business – It’s not Just Fries, Subs and Pizza Anymore!: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/7-Tips-for-Starting-a-Fast-Food-Business-It-s-not-Just-Fries/ba-p/21379?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-052610-_-weekly-_-community

Surety Bonds – The Basics: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Surety-Bonds-The-Basics/ba-p/21512?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-052610-_-weekly-_-community

Build Your Business Through Networking: http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Build-Your-Business-Through-Networking/ba-p/21541?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-052610-_-weekly-_-community

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has just released its 21st Annual "State of Logistics Report®" that provides benchmarks and key metrics in US logistics and gives a big-picture view of the performance of the US supply chain process. http://cscmp.org/memberonly/state.asp

Maintaining Business as Usual in a Disaster: New Web Site Helps Businesses Plan for the Unexpected: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Maintaining-Business-as-Usual-in-a-Disaster-New-Web-Site-Helps/ba-p/22449?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-060910-_-weekly-_-community

Making Estimated Tax Payments – A 101 for the Small Business Owner: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Making-Estimated-Tax-Payments-A-101-for-the-Small-Business-Owner/ba-p/22242?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-060910-_-weekly-_-community

Misclassifying Workers as Independent Contractors Can Be Costly. http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Misclassifying-Workers-as-Independent-Contractors-Can-Be-Costly/ba-p/22324?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-060910-_-weekly-_-community

10 Facebook Tips for Small Business at http://www.i-netpreneur.com/social-media/facebook-101-10-effective-facebook-tips-for-small-business .

Recently Maryland became the first state to recognize a new corporate form called a benefit corporation. This law allows corporations to pursue socially responsible purposes in addition to profits. This Act will take effect in Maryland on October 1, 2010. B Lab, a nonprofit organization in Pennsylviania that runs a certification program for socially responsible businesses, assisted in drafting the Maryland law. http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/SB0690.htm .

Business FYI: Need the Facts? Info on five sources of free economic and market data from Uncle Sam at http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Need-the-Facts-5-Sources-of-Free-Economic-and-Market-Data-from/ba-p/22766?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-061610-_-weekly-_-community