tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68382461269344529882024-03-13T07:48:06.453-04:00Arocho Law Office's Business BlogSummary of business related posts by the Arocho Law Office to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page.Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-61430745116166106232010-12-11T09:11:00.000-05:002010-12-11T09:12:35.512-05:00Year-End Happy Hour for Executives & Business Owners - Dec. 15th<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">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! </span></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-67135251157793941772010-10-14T11:45:00.002-04:002010-10-14T12:06:09.545-04:00Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of October 3rd<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is a summary of posts for the week of October 3rd to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/arocholaw">Twitter</a> and the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282522046_2">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</span></a>:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /><br /></span><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“The Social Network”: Facebook’s lessons for innovators & business: <a href="http://smartblogs.com/socialmedia/2010/09/30/the-social-network-facebooks-lessons-for-innovators/">http://smartblogs.com/socialmedia/2010/09/30/the-social-network-facebooks-lessons-for-innovators/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Me & My Brand: Lively Entrepreneurs Ring Up Sales: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704631504575532493871407232.html?mod=dist_smartbrief"> http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704631504575532493871407232.html?mod=dist_smartbrief</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Shopping pink at the grocery store can bring benefits - but read the label's fine print: <a href="http://www.app.com/article/20101003/ENT05/10030308/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</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The 5 new rules of crisis management in Social Media: <a href="http://thebrandbuilder.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/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/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Loan: <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217382">http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217382</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Linkedin - The Social Network That Gets Down to Business: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/technology/personaltech/30basics.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=technology&src=me">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/technology/personaltech/30basics.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=technology&src=me</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The world's worst digital marketing advice - <a href="http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/27681.asp">http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/27681.asp</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The "Ultimate" Small Business Marketing Guide: <a href="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">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</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">From the Home Office to Main Street – The Ultimate Guide to Green Small Business! <a href="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">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</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">SBA Announces Improvements to SBIR Program ( Small BusinessInnovation Research Program)- <a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/SBA-Announces-Improvements-to-SBIR-Program/ba-p/37620?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-100610-_-weekly-_-community">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/SBA-Announces-Improvements-to-SBIR-Program/ba-p/37620?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-100610-_-weekly-_-community</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Is the Business Lunch Dead? Nine Tips to Entertain Without Blowing Your Budget - <a href="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">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></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A Bicentennial Tribute: Abraham Lincoln on Stamps at <a href="http://www.stamps.org/Albums/Lincoln.pdf">http://www.stamps.org/Albums/Lincoln.pdf</a></span></p>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-29998168629896403542010-10-13T10:38:00.002-04:002010-10-13T10:40:54.358-04:00Invitation to attend Happy Hour being held on Wednesday, October 20th<h3 style="font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: verdana;"><span class="UIStory_Message">You are invited to the first DC Network of Nonprofit Professionals and <a href="http://arocholaw.com">Arocho Law Office</a> Happy Hour being held on Wednesday, October 20th from 500pm to 630pm at <a href="http://miorestaurant.com/">Mio Restaurant & Cafe</a>, 1110 Vermont Ave NW # 1, Washington, DC 20005-3575. <span class="text_exposed_show">Connect with others, and meet members of the DC Network Network of Nonprofit Professionals. There </span></span>is no cover charge, but attendees pay for their own food, drink and tip.</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <span style="font-size:100%;">Feel free to bring along friends or co-workers. We look forward to meeting you! </span></span></span></span></h3>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-70689588259347415072010-10-06T14:02:00.002-04:002010-10-06T14:21:33.859-04:00Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 26th<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is a summary of posts for the week of September 26th to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/arocholaw">Twitter</a> and the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282522046_2">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</span></a>:<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Consider your competitors as colleagues, too: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/edmunds/2010-09-29-competitors-colleagues_N.htm">http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/edmunds/2010-09-29-competitors-colleagues_N.htm</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">5 Takeaways Marketers Could Learn From Mr. Rogers of PBS Children TV: <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/1691558/5-takeaways-marketers-could-learn-from-mr-rogers?partner=rss">http://www.fastcompany.com/1691558/5-takeaways-marketers-could-learn-from-mr-rogers?partner=rss</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">New App Clues You in on What People Think of Your Website: <a href="http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2010/09/new-app-clues-you-in-on-what-people-think-of-your-website.php">http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2010/09/new-app-clues-you-in-on-what-people-think-of-your-website.php</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">7 Easy Steps to Bootstrapping Success: <a href="http://www.inc.com/magazine/20101001/7-easy-steps-to-bootstrapping-success.html">http://www.inc.com/magazine/20101001/7-easy-steps-to-bootstrapping-success.html</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Translating your property maintenance business into government business: <a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Translating-your-property-maintenance-business-into-government/ba-p/37372?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092910-_-weekly-_-community">http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Translating-your-property-maintenance-business-into-government/ba-p/37372?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092910-_-weekly-_-community</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Wage Garnishment – Know Your Responsibilities When it Comes to Withholding an Employee Earnings: <a href="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"> 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</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Why, and How to Keep Your Business and Personal Banking Separate: <a href="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">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</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Building your Finance Team for your business- Do You Need an Accountant? Could You Benefit from a CFO? <a href="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">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</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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. <a href="http://www.dnb.com/us/duns_update/"> http://www.dnb.com/us/duns_update/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">NY lawsuit by charity blames SEC for failing to catch Madoff: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-24/litwin-foundation-sues-sec-for-negligence-over-madoff-investment-losses.html">http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-24/litwin-foundation-sues-sec-for-negligence-over-madoff-investment-losses.html</a></span></p>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-91422063510799176472010-10-01T19:08:00.002-04:002010-10-01T19:20:01.006-04:00Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 19th<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is a summary of posts for the week of September 19th to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/arocholaw">Twitter</a> and the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282522046_2">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</span></a>:<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">"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:</span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/business/smallbusiness/16sbiz.html?_r=1&ref=business" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/business/smallbusiness/16sbiz.html?_r=1&ref=business</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some businesses are victims of social-couponing (Groupon, Living Social) success: </span><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/17/AR2010091707048.html?tid=nn_twitter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/17/AR2010091707048.html?tid=nn_twitter</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">How to Handle a Tax Audit- The Insider Perspective at</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://financialhighway.com/how-to-handle-a-tax-audit-the-insider-perspective/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">http://financialhighway.com/how-to-handle-a-tax-audit-the-insider-perspective/</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Attorney Arocho is Member of GWH Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Committee: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.capitalwirepr.com/pr_description.php?id=1c54bb68-bbff-3490-2ff2-4c92808798f2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">http://www.capitalwirepr.com/pr_description.php?id=1c54bb68-bbff-3490-2ff2-4c92808798f2</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Location, Location, Location – Finding the Best “Hub of Opportunity” for Your Business: </span><a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The "Ultimate" Small Business Guide to Social Media Marketing: </span><a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">5 Tips to Help You Forecast Sales:</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Tips-to-Help-You-Forecast-Sales/ba-p/36474?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092210-_-weekly-_-community" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Tips-to-Help-You-Forecast-Sales/ba-p/36474?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092210-_-weekly-_-community</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Marketing Your Business with White Papers:</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Marketing-Your-Business-with-White-Papers/ba-p/35954?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092210-_-weekly-_-community" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Marketing-Your-Business-with-White-Papers/ba-p/35954?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092210-_-weekly-_-community</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mio Restaurant in Washington, DC has excellent food and a great ambiance! Check it out! </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-DC/Mio-Restaurant-Cafe/96171401820" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-DC/Mio-Restaurant-Cafe/96171401820</a></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-57258080278372621712010-10-01T12:05:00.004-04:002010-10-01T12:33:19.922-04:00Jimmie V. Reyna Nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit<span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="xn-person" style="font-family:verdana;">Jimmie V. Reyna</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> has been nominated to fill the open slot on </span><span class="xn-location" style="font-family:verdana;">the United States</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Mr. </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Reyna was one of the nominees named by President Obama last Wednesday.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">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 </span><span class="xn-location" style="font-family:verdana;">the United States</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> government. Mr. Reyna is a partner in the </span><span class="xn-location" style="font-family:verdana;">Washington, DC</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> office of </span><span class="xn-person" style="font-family:verdana;">Williams Mullen</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">. He is a leading legal expert on international trade.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />For further information please visit: <a href="http://www.williamsmullen.com/williams-mullen-partner-jimmie-v-reyna-nominated-to-the-us-court-of-appeals-for-the-federal-circuit-09-30-2010/">http://www.williamsmullen.com/williams-mullen-partner-jimmie-v-reyna-nominated-to-the-us-court-of-appeals-for-the-federal-circuit-09-30-2010/</a> </span><br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-35631079514248935112010-09-29T11:41:00.002-04:002010-09-29T11:45:27.268-04:00Companies can’t be subject to US lawsuits by foreigners seeking damages for human rights violations<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="langen">Last week in a landmark case the </span>U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, <span class="langen">a federal appeals court, ruled in the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co.</span> <span class="langen">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 (</span>28 U.S.C.Section 1350)<span class="langen">.<span style=""> </span>In its decision the court ruled that </span>the Alien Tort Statute gives U.S. courts jurisdiction only over alleged violations of international law by individuals and not alleged violations by corporations.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>The full text of the court decision can be found at:<span style=""> </span><span class="langen">(<a href="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/">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/</a>) </span></span></p><p class="indent" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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.<br /></span> </p> <p class="indent" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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.”<br /></span> </p> <p class="indent" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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<sup>nd</sup> Circuit. Eventually I think this case and other similar cases will eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.</span></p>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-4240150347164517282010-09-27T11:47:00.001-04:002010-09-27T11:49:41.230-04:00Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 12th<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is a summary of posts for the week of September 12th to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/arocholaw">Twitter</a> and the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282522046_2">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</span></a>:<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Which Industries are Using Social Media – And Which Social Media Do They Use? </span><a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Your Elevator Pitch: Communicating Your Revenue Model is Key…</span><a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Your Business Owner’s Policy: What’s in the Fine Print: </span><a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-25376254810578453202010-09-19T14:30:00.001-04:002010-09-19T14:51:10.897-04:00Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the weeks of August 29th, & September 5th<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is a summary of posts for the weeks of August 29th & September 5th to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/arocholaw">Twitter</a> and the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282522046_2">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</span></a>:</span></span><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >Employee or Independent Contractor: Watch Your Classifications-Compliance with the rules governing worker classifications can save you a lot of trouble down the road. <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217208?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entrepreneur%2Flatest+%28Entrepreneur.com%3A+Latest+Articles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217208?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entrepreneur%2Flatest+%28Entrepreneur.com%3A+Latest+Articles</a><br /> <br /> Could a Peanut Paste End Malnutrition? <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05Plumpy-t.html?_r=1&hp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05Plumpy-t.html?_r=1&hp</a><br /> <br /> A Start-Ups' Guide to Business Licenses & Permits - Be Compliant from the Get-Go: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /> <br /> Getting Started in State and Local Government Contracting – A Small Business 101: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /> <br /> How Much Money Do I Need? – A Guide to Estimate Your New Business Startup Expenses: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /> <br /> <br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-4824634041158283042010-09-10T12:29:00.003-04:002010-09-10T12:39:55.285-04:00New 1099 Requirements Starting 2012 for Your Business<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;" >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. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">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. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> 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. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> 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 </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><strong style="font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">asked for comments from the public. </strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">You can find further information regarding public comment at <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-10-51.pdf">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-10-51.pdf</a>. Your comments can help the IRS issue implements the requirements of this new law in a manner that minimizes burden on your small business.</span><br /></span></span></span></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-37474792902063559852010-08-30T11:13:00.002-04:002010-08-30T11:21:14.643-04:00Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 22nd<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is a summary of posts for the week of August 22nd to </span></span><a style="font-family: verdana;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/arocholaw">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and the </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282522046_2">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">:<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2010: Employee vs. Independent Contractor – Seven Tips for Business Owners </span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=173423,00.html" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 974ad="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=173423,00.html</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs and Pequeñas Empresas – Government Resources that Can Help: </span><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 974ad="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Empowering-Minority-Entrepreneurs-and-Peque%C3%B1as-Empresas/ba-p/32668?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">5 Tips for Getting to Know Your Competition and using it to Your Advantage: </span><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/5-Tips-for-Getting-to-Know-Your-Competition-and-using-it-to-Your/ba-p/32170?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 974ad="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">What? SBA Loans Offered Through Sam’s Club? You Heard Right! </span><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 974ad="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/SBA-Loans-Offered-Through-Sam-s-Club-You-Heard-Right/ba-p/32034?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">5 Future Trends in Business Planning: </span><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Future-Trends-in-Business-Planning/ba-p/32648?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 974ad="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Future-Trends-in-Business-Planning/ba-p/32648?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-082510-_-weekly-_-community</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">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: </span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/page/0,,id=82780,00.html" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 974ad="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/page/0,,id=82780,00.html</a></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-31263010482808401492010-08-22T20:07:00.004-04:002010-08-22T20:14:00.679-04:00Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 15th<p style="font-family: verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >This is a summary of posts for the week of August 15th to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/arocholaw">Twitter</a> and the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282522046_2">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</span></a>:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >What would the world be like if there were no lawyers? See video at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/5000547/a_world_without_lawyers/"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153);">http://www.metacafe.com/watch/5000547/a_world_without_lawyers/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Business.Gov: 7 Tips for Finding and Hiring the Right Employee – The First Time (from the experts at SCORE) - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="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"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153);">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</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Business.Gov: Twitter, Facebook or <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282522046_3">LinkedIn</span>? Finding the Right Fit for Your Small Business - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="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"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153);">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</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Business.Gov: Portal for Minority & Women Owned Businesses - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.business.gov/?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081810-_-weekly-_-internal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153);">http://www.business.gov/?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081810-_-weekly-_-internal</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Business.Gov: Power User Spotlight: Build a Strong Network - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/In-the-Loop/Power-User-Spotlight-Build-a-Strong-Network/ba-p/31231?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081810-_-weekly-_-community"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153);">http://community2.business.gov/t5/In-the-Loop/Power-User-Spotlight-Build-a-Strong-Network/ba-p/31231?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081810-_-weekly-_-community</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-14780820026799107572010-08-15T20:10:00.004-04:002010-08-17T14:37:16.352-04:00Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 8th<span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is a summary of posts for the week of August 8th to <a href="http://twitter.com/arocholaw">Twitter</a> and the <a href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</a>:<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >Get to the Top! – Tips for Making your Business Web Site More Prominent in an Online Search: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Selling Internationally? 8 Reasons why </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://export.gov/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281917161_40">Export.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" > Might Just Be Your New Best Friend: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Selling-Internationally-8-Reasons-why-Export-gov-Might-Just-Be/ba-p/30229?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081110-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >Three Proven Tips for Growing New Markets on a Tight Budget (Listen, Engage, Educate): </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/3-Proven-Tips-for-Growing-New-Markets-on-a-Tight-Budget-Listen/ba-p/20579" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/3-Proven-Tips-for-Growing-New-Markets-on-a-Tight-Budget-Listen/ba-p/20579</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >Idea Exchange: Traditional and New Media Marketing for your Business: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/In-the-Loop/Idea-Exchange-Traditional-and-New-Media-Marketing/ba-p/30293?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081110-_-weekly-_-community" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/In-the-Loop/Idea-Exchange-Traditional-and-New-Media-Marketing/ba-p/30293?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-081110-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Small Business Marketing-</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >Learn Marketing Basics: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.business.gov/manage/marketing/" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.business.gov/manage/marketing/</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >FTC's Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus28.shtm" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus28.shtm</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >The CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus61.shtm" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus61.shtm</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Remove Me" Responses and Responsibilities:</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" > Email <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1281917161_17">Marketers</span> Must Honor "Unsubscribe" Claims - </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=a121c6dc02&e=d9c8c7edef"> </a><a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/alerts/alt112.shtm" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/alerts/alt112.shtm</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Learn About The Google Tools To Help Run Your Business Better: </span><a href="http://businessforums.verizon.net/t5/Small-Biz-Blog/Learn-About-The-Google-Tools-To-Help-Run-Your-Business-Better/ba-p/232770" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://businessforums.verizon.net/t5/Small-Biz-Blog/Learn-About-The-Google-Tools-To-Help-Run-Your-Business-Better/ba-p/232770</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Investors Look to Fund Capital-Light Businesses: </span><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217209" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 44610="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217209</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-49944550560560127542010-08-05T21:24:00.000-04:002010-08-04T21:29:02.488-04:00Closing a Business Checklist from the IRS<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">From the IRS </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98703,00.html">website</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> (August 4, 2010)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">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.</span></span> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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.</span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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 <a href="http://www.irs.gov/file/index.html">Where To File</a> 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:</span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Checklist</strong></span></p><p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong></strong></span> </p><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Make final federal tax deposits</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=98005,00.html">Electronic Federal Tax Paying System</a> (EFTPS)<br />OR</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Form 8109-B</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>File final quarterly or annual employment tax form.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f940.pdf">Form 940, Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return</a> (PDF)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f941.pdf">Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return</a> (PDF)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f943.pdf">Form 943, Employer's Annual Tax Return for Agricultural Employees</a> (PDF)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f943a.pdf">Form 943-A, Agricultural Employer's Record of Federal Tax Liability</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Issue final wage and withholding information to employees</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw2.pdf">Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Report information from W-2s issued.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw3.pdf">Form W-3, Transmittal of Income and Tax Statements</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>File final tip income and allocated tips information return.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8027.pdf">Form 8027, Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Report capital gains or losses.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf">Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a></span> (PDF)</li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1065.pdf">Form 1065, U.S. Partnership Return of Income</a></span> (PDF)</li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1120sd.pdf">Form 1120 (Schedule D), Capital Gains and Losses</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Report partner's/shareholder's shares.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1065sk1.pdf">Form 1065 (Schedule K-1), Partner's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc.</a> (PDF)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1120ssk.pdf">Form 1120S (Schedule K-1), Shareholder's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc.</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>File final employee pension/benefit plan.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5500.pdf">Form 5500, Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Issue payment information to sub-contractors.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1099msc.pdf">Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Report information from 1099s issued.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1096.pdf">Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Report corporate dissolution or liquidation.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f966.pdf">Form 966, Corporate Dissolution or Liquidation</a></span> (PDF)</li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Consider allowing S corporation election to terminate.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1120s.pdf">Form 1120S, Instructions</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Report business asset sales.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8594.pdf">Form 8594, Asset Acquisition Statement</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Report the sale or exchange of property used in your trade or business.</strong></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4797.pdf">Form 4797, Sales of Business Property</a> (PDF)</span></li></ul> </li></ul> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>References/Related Topics</strong></span></p> <ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=177073,00.html">Canceling an EIN – Closing Your Account</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98761,00.html">Closing a Business</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Contact <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99021,00.html">local and state agencies</a>.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">There may be requirements relating to state and local governments as well. You can use the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.statelocalgov.net%2F">State and Local Government on the Net</a> to link to the state and/or local government(s) that apply to your business.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) Web site for a map to help you <a href="http://www.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sba.gov%2Flocalresources%2F">locate the relevant SBA resources closest to you</a> . The SBA also provides advice on <a href="http://www.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sba.gov%2Fsmallbusinessplanner%2Findex.html">closing a business</a>.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.irsvideos.gov/SmallBusinessTaxpayer/ChangingYourBusiness/ClosingABusiness">Closing A Business Video</a></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-89753625267429163212010-08-05T14:57:00.002-04:002010-08-05T15:10:58.754-04:00Facebook Page Posts for the week of July 25th<div class="post-header"> </div> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is a summary of posts for the weeks of July 25th to the <a href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</a>:<br /><br /></span></span></span>With Squeeze on Credit, Microlending Blossoms: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=2a96bd4367&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/29/business/smallbusiness/29sbiz.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper</a><br /><br />Business Tip: Marketing Your Business Online – to Get the Biggest ROI- <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=0b4462888a&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br />Starting a Trucking Business: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=11c2053a5d&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Trucking-Business/ba-p/26211?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br />From Bus.gov: How to Legally Sell Your Goods at Fairs, Garage Sales, Flea Markets, and Craft Shows - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=211983b608&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br />Business Tip: 4 Tips for Giving Your Business Retirement Plan a Check-Up – Before the IRS Does! <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=0e3fd64de7&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br />Location, Location, Location: Where You Run Your Business Matters - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=bc5b7ccbdb&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br />10 Signs You Need to Revise Your Business Plan - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=c50aa5c1aa&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br />Laid Off and Looking to Start Your Own Business? Understand Your Unemployment Benefits First - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=8068e79302&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br />Starting a Travel Business - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=e105d6152f&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Travel-Business/ba-p/27613?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br />Starting a Home-Based Franchise Business – 6 Steps to Help You Find the Right Opportunity at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=d948f9325c&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br />Business Tip: Tips for Finding Small Business Friendly Banks at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=8434056709&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br />Business Tip: Putting the “Social” into Social Media Marketing – Tips for Interacting with your Customers at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://arocholaw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a9b6fffa44cddf1aeab753952&id=198daaf6a7&e=d9c8c7edef" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">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</a><br /><br /><br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-90651917899656615502010-08-04T21:15:00.004-04:002010-08-04T21:24:27.362-04:00Checklist for Starting a Business from IRSFrom the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98810,00.html">IRS website</a> (July 27, 2010)<br /><br />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. <p>Information about specific industries can be found at the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/index.html">Industries/Professions Web page</a>.</p> <p>Each state has additional requirements for starting and operating a business. For information regarding state-level requirements for starting a business, please refer to <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99021,00.html">your state's Web site</a>.</p> <p>Refer also to the Small Business Administration's <a href="http://www.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.sba.gov%2Fsbtn%2Fsbat%2Findex.cfm%3FTool%3D4+">Checklist for Starting a Business</a>.</p><ul><li> <div><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html">Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if applicable</a>.</div> </li><li> <div><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98359,00.html">Select a business structure</a>.</div> </li><li> <div><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98673,00.html">Choose a tax year</a>.</div> </li><li> <div><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98680,00.html">Choose your accounting method</a>.</div> </li><li> <div>If you have employees have them fill out <a href="http://www.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uscis.gov%2Fportal%2Fsite%2Fuscis%2Fmenuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a%2F%3Fvgnextoid%3D1847c9ee2f82b010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD%26vgnextchannel%3D1847c9ee2f82b010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD">Form I-9</a> and <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf">Form W-4</a> (PDF). If your employees qualify for and want to receive advanced earned income credit payments, they must give you a completed <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw5.pdf">Form W-5</a> (PDF).</div> </li><li> <div><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98966,00.html">Pay your business taxes</a>.<br /></div> </li></ul> <p><strong>References/Related Topics</strong></p> <ul><li> <div><a href="http://www.irs.gov/app/scripts/exit.jsp?dest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.business.gov%2F">Business.gov</a></div> </li><li> <div><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99336,00.html">Starting a Business</a></div> </li><li> <div> <div><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=176080,00.html">Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed</a></div> </div> </li></ul>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-30555553353492235442010-08-02T16:08:00.002-04:002010-08-02T16:17:27.794-04:00Know Your Market by Determining Your SWOT: Guest Blog by Douglas C. Dobson, President, Competition Analysis, LLC<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Business is slow.<span style=""> </span>With the economy in recession and unemployment high, most businesses today are struggling to survive, much less to prosper.<span style=""> </span>The time is now – more than ever – to get to “know your market.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Start by thinking about your present customers.<span style=""> </span>Why have they chosen you to be their supplier or service provider?<span style=""> </span>Have your prices attracted them?<span style=""> </span>How about the quality of your merchandise or service?<span style=""> </span>Who are your competitors?<span style=""> </span>What differentiates the product and service that you provide from that offered by your rivals?<span style=""> </span>There are no easy answers to these important questions, but there is an organized way to think about them called SWOT analysis<span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280779993_1"></span>.<span style=""> </span>Essentially, the exercise is to determine the <span style="font-weight: bold;">S</span>trengths, <span style="font-weight: bold;">W</span>eaknesses, <span style="font-weight: bold;">O</span>pportunities, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span>hreats faced by your business.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">How do you proceed to determine your company’s SWOT?<span style=""> </span>You might begin by conducting a survey of your current customers (and perhaps some former customers that have not bought from you recently).<span style=""> </span>Understand why buyers purchase from you and what you could do better to gain/retain customers.<span style=""> </span>Evaluate the threats from possible substitute products or increased foreign competition.<span style=""> </span>Recognize opportunities that may be presented by possible new product applications.<span style=""> </span>Assess the likelihood of new government regulation (both pro and con).<span style=""> </span>Consider conditions in the labor and materials markets on which you rely.<span style=""> </span>Interview your <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280779993_2">customer support reps</span> and salesmen.<span style=""> </span>Read the trade press and internet business blogs.<span style=""> </span>Attend meetings and seminars.<span style=""> </span>Go to trade shows and network with others in your industry (but do NOT talk about establishing prices).<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">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 <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1280779993_3">marketing strategy</span> and competitive effects analysis.<span style=""> </span>These specialists can often provide in-depth market research and competitive positioning to help your company better know your market – its <span style="font-weight: bold;">S</span>trengths, <span style="font-weight: bold;">W</span>eaknesses, <span style="font-weight: bold;">O</span>pportunities, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span>hreats – now and in the not-so-distant future.<span style=""> </span>Whatever course you take, begin your SWOT analysis today for better results tomorrow.</span></p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span>Douglas C. Dobson is the President of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279827705_9">Competition Analysis</span>, LLC (<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.competitionanalysisllc.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1279827705_10">http://www.competitionanalysisllc.com</span></a>).</span></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-59739845043789219142010-07-31T12:25:00.001-04:002010-07-31T12:25:59.488-04:00New News Source<span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >As a public service the Arocho Law Office has created the following news and information website at <a href="http://arocholawnews.blogspot.com/" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal;">http://arocholawnews.blogspot.com/</a>. 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!</span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-91364996255018239932010-07-31T12:17:00.004-04:002010-07-31T12:37:46.464-04:00Facebook Page Posts for the weeks of July 11th,18th & 25th<div style="font-family: verdana;" class="post-header"> </div> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >This is a summary of posts for the weeks of July 11th, 18th and 25th to the <a href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</a>:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">How Daydreaming Could Lead to Your Next Big Idea: </span><a href="http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/lifestyle/article/how-daydreaming-could-lead-to-your-next-big-idea-ben-popper" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 5ac65="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/lifestyle/article/how-daydreaming-could-lead-to-your-next-big-idea-ben-popper</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">How To Take the Small Business Plunge: </span><a href="http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/how-to-guides/how-to-take-the-small-business-plunge/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YoungentrepreneurcomBlog+%28YoungEntrepreneur.com+Blog%29" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 5ac65="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Telecommuting? Some Tips for Best Work from Home Experience - </span><a href="http://businessforums.verizon.net/t5/Small-Biz-Blog/Telecommuting-Some-Tips-for-Best-Work-from-Home-Experience/ba-p/230846" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 5ac65="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://businessforums.verizon.net/t5/Small-Biz-Blog/Telecommuting-Some-Tips-for-Best-Work-from-Home-Experience/ba-p/230846</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">In Inc. magazines's recent post, 9 Things I Learned In 9 Years as a CEO – Part 1, Janine Popick says the first thing she learned was HIRE A LAWYER. To read the post go to </span><a href="http://www.inc.com/janine-popick/2010/07/9-lessons-from-9years-in-business.html" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 5ac65="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.inc.com/janine-popick/2010/07/9-lessons-from-9years-in-business.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">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 $600 for goods and other property. The requirement applies for payments to all vendors, not just those related to health care. Presently, nonprofits and business </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">are required to file Form 1099s for payment of services by independent contractors, but not for goods from vendors. </span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=225029,00.html" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " 5ac65="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=225029,00.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Business Tip: Marketing Your Business Online – to Get the Biggest ROI- </span><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/5-Tips-for-Marketing-Your-Business-Online-to-Get-the-Biggest-ROI/ba-p/26693?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Starting a Trucking Business: </span><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Trucking-Business/ba-p/26211?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Trucking-Business/ba-p/26211?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">From Bus.gov: How to Legally Sell Your Goods at Fairs, Garage Sales, Flea Markets, and Craft Shows - </span><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/How-to-Legally-Sell-Your-Goods-at-Fairs-Garage-Sales-Flea/ba-p/26883?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Business Tip: 4 Tips for Giving Your Business Retirement Plan a Check-Up – Before the IRS Does! </span><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/4-Tips-for-Giving-Your-Business-Retirement-Plan-a-Check-Up/ba-p/26637?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072110-_-weekly-_-community" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Location, Location, Location: Where You Run Your Business Matters - </span><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Location-Location-Location-Where-You-Run-Your-Business-Matters/ba-p/27529?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">10 Signs You Need to Revise Your Business Plan - </span><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/10-Signs-You-Need-to-Revise-Your-Business-Plan/ba-p/28679?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Laid Off and Looking to Start Your Own Business? Understand Your Unemployment Benefits First - </span><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Laid-Off-and-Looking-to-Start-Your-Own-Business-Understand-Your/ba-p/27723?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Starting a Travel Business - </span><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Travel-Business/ba-p/27613?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Starting-a-Travel-Business/ba-p/27613?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Starting a Home-Based Franchise Business – 6 Steps to Help You Find the Right Opportunity at </span><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Starting-a-Home-Based-Franchise-Business-6-Steps-to-Help-You/ba-p/27523?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Business Tip: Tips for Finding Small Business Friendly Banks at </span><a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Five-Tips-for-Finding-Small-Business-Friendly-Banks/ba-p/27755?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-072810-_-weekly-_-community" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Business Tip: Putting the “Social” into Social Media Marketing – Tips for Interacting with your Customers at </span><a href="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" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), " c84d8="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;">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</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-74829156679984495302010-07-27T22:27:00.003-04:002010-07-27T22:31:15.463-04:00Things to think about before choosing a name for your business...<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before you create a name for a new business it is important to do a name search and check public records.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Take a look at the federal trademark database</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Keep in mind that not all registered names are on that list.<br /><br />Check your state or territorial trademark registry for the use of your proposed name or similar names. </span> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />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.<br /><br />Not only must your name reflect your brand and be memorable, there are also a host of legal issues to consider. </span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">An attorney can aid you in the process of selecting a name for your business.</span></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-29011366691401587262010-07-25T16:59:00.000-04:002010-07-22T17:01:48.995-04:00Name Squatting on Social Media Sites<h3 style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>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 appe<span></span><span>ars to be growing. Twitter has a specialized “Name Squatting” page on which instructions exist on how to report a name squatting incident to Twitter – <a href="http://help.twitter.com/forums/26257/entries/18370-name-squatting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://help.twitter.com/<wbr>forums/26257/ent</span><span></span>ries/18370-<wbr>name-squatting</a>. 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.</span></span></span></span></h3>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-33243199942501647932010-07-23T16:20:00.000-04:002010-07-23T16:20:00.128-04:00Employer Identification Number (EIN)<h3 style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>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 <a href="http://bit.ly/GUfDR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/GUfDR</a>. Your social security number is used if you do not use an EIN and that causes identity theft concerns.</span></span></span></h3>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-47076075399330746052010-07-22T16:00:00.000-04:002010-07-22T16:22:33.786-04:00Registered Agents<h3 style="font-weight: normal; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span style="">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 di<span></span><span>fficult 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. <a href="http://brc.dc.gov/resources/city/contact.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://brc.dc.gov/resources/<wbr>city/contact</span><span></span>.asp</a></span></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-5818892573972706732010-07-17T16:22:00.000-04:002010-07-22T19:50:16.410-04:00Prior Facebook Page Posts<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:webdings;">This is a summary of prior posts to the <a href="http://facebook.com/arocholawoffice">Arocho Law Office Facebook Page</a>:</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>Affinity Lab in DC offers a venue for new businesses and nonprofits to establish themselves and grow. <a href="http://bit.ly/9ganaJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/9ganaJ</a></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><br /><br />9 ways small nonprofits and businesses can get more results from Twitter! </span><a href="http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/9-ways-to-get-more-from-twitter/">http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/9-ways-to-get-more-from-twitter/</a><br /><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>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. <a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Dress-Code-Policies/ba-p/14727#A327?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-020310-_-weekly-_-community" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://commun<span>...</span><span><span>ity2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Business-Law-Adviso</span><span>r/<wbr>Dress-Code-Policies/ba-p/<wbr>14727#A327?cm</span><span>_mmc=GovDelivery-<wbr>_-020310-_-weekly-_-com</span>munity</span></a></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />To help you plan and manage your small business and self-employed tax obligations throughout the year, the IRS provides a tax calendar online:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=176080,00.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span> http://www.irs.gov/businesses/<wbr>small/arti</span>cle/0,,id=176080,00.<wbr>html</a><br /><br /></span></span><h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Some small businesses view access to credit as a major problem in 2010: </span><a href="http://thehiringsite.careerbuilder.com/2010/01/13/small-businesses-report-on-access-to-credit-2010-challenges-in-new-careerbuilder-survey/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">http://thehiringsite.<wbr>careerbuilder.com/2</span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">010/01/13/</span><wbr style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">small-businesses-report-on-acc</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><wbr>ess-to-credit-2010-challenges-<wbr>in-new-careerbuilder-survey/</span></a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>Use a small business kitchen incubator to help you start your food related business: <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jan2010/sb20100125_784552.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.businessweek.com/<wbr>smallbiz/con</span><span></span>tent/jan2010/<wbr>sb20100125_784552.htm</a></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Here are some thoughts on choosing the right name for your new business: <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/small-business/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.businessweek.com/<wbr>small-busine</span><span></span>ss/</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span> <div><div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jan2010/sb20100125_784552.htm" title="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><div> <h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jan2010/sb20100125_784552.htm" title="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span></span></a><span><a href="http://www.poder360.com/article_detail.php?id_article=3604">How to Grow a Small Business: What every entrepreneur needs to know about identifying new business <span>...</span></a><span><a href="http://www.poder360.com/article_detail.php?id_article=3604">opportunities, consumers and economic risks before jumping into the marketplace. Read more:</a> <a href="http://www.poder360.com/article_detail.php?id_article=3604" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.poder360.com/<wbr>article_detail.p</span><span></span>hp?id_article=<wbr>3604</a></span></span></span></h3><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/08/AR2010020803820.html?hpid=topnews"><br /><span></span></a><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span><span><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/08/AR2010020803820.html?hpid=topnews">Credit unions seek larger share of business loans:</a> <a href="httphttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/08/AR2010020803820.html?hpid=topnews://" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.washingtonpost.com/<wbr>wp-dyn/con</span><span></span><span>tent/article/2010/<wbr>02/08/AR2010020803820.</span><span></span>html?<wbr>hpid=topnews</a></span></span></h3></div><br /></span><h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Small Business Grants 101: An Overview of Grants Available from the Federal Government - <a href="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">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</a></span><br /></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Dealing With What Your Business Planning Didn't Expect: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/The-In</span><span></span><span>dustry-Word/<wbr>Dealing-With-What-Your-Busin</span><span></span><span>es<wbr>s-Planning-Didn-t-Expect/ba-p/<wbr>15975?cm</span><span></span><span>_mmc=GovDelivery-_-<wbr>022410-_-weekly-_-com</span><span></span>munity</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>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. <a href="http://business.gov/register/incorporation/?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-022410-_-weekly-_-internal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://business.gov/register/<wbr>incorporati</span><span></span>on/?cm<span>...</span><span><span>_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-022410-_-weekly-<wbr>_-int</span><span></span>ernal</span></a></span></span></span></h3><br /><br /><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Small Business Survival: Last Chance Lifelines for Keeping your Business Afloat: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>Small-Business-Survival</span><span></span><span>-Last-<wbr>Chance-Lifelines-for-Keeping-<wbr>your/</span><span></span><span>ba-p/15847?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-022410-_</span><span></span>-weekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>How to Legally Protect Your Business Name on a Local, State, National, and International Level: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Busine</span><span></span><span>ss-Law-Advisor/<wbr>How-to-Legally-Protect-Yo</span><span></span><span>ur-<wbr>Business-Name-on-a-Local-<wbr>State/ba-p/1</span><span></span><span>6391?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-030310-_-weekl</span><span></span>y-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Becoming a Reseller – A “Getting Started” 101 for Small Business Owners: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>Becoming-a-Reseller-A-G</span><span></span><span>etting-<wbr>Started-101-for-Small-<wbr>Business/ba</span><span></span><span>-p/16377?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-030310-_-w</span><span></span>eekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Getting Started with E-Commerce – An Entrepreneur’s Checklist: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>Getting-Started-with-E-</span><span></span><span>Commerc<wbr>e-An-Entrepreneur-s-Checklist/<wbr>ba-</span><span></span><span>p/16249?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-<wbr>_-030310-_-we</span><span></span>ekly-_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Finding Government Business: Once You’ve Done the Basics, Here’s What’s Next: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/The-In</span><span></span><span>dustry-Word/<wbr>Finding-Government-Business-</span><span></span><span>On<wbr>ce-You-ve-Done-the-Basics-<wbr>Here-s/ba-p/</span><span></span><span>16380?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-030310-_-week</span><span></span>ly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>What to Do When a Customer Won't Pay?: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/The-In</span><span></span><span>dustry-Word/What-<wbr>to-Do-When-a-Customer-W</span><span></span><span>on-t-<wbr>Pay/ba-p/16259?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_</span><span></span>-030310-_-weekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Here is a useful link to the U.S. Copyright Office: <a href="http://www.copyright.gov/" target="_blank">www.copyright.gov</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Eight Big Ideas for Small Business: <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1971190_1971191_1971194,00.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.time.com/time/<wbr>specials/packag</span><span></span><span>es/article/0,<wbr>28804,1971190_1971191_19711</span><span></span>94,<wbr>00.html</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Business Resource: Washington, DC Minority Business Development Center: <a href="http://www.dcmbec.org/home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dcmbec.org/home.<wbr>html</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>This article may be of interest to small business seeking capital: <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/money/financing/article205646.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.entrepreneur.com/<wbr>money/financ</span><span></span>ing/article205646.<wbr>html</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">How to Prepare Your Business for Succession: </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/business/smallbusiness/18sbiz.html?partner=rss&emc=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/<wbr>03/18/busine</span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ss/smallbusiness/</span><wbr><span style="font-weight: normal;">18sbiz.html?partner=rss</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">&emc=</span><wbr style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">rss</span></a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>The 10 Ingredients Of A Great Business Plan: <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/18/business-plan-tips-entrepreneurs-finance-zwilling.html?feed=rss_entrepreneurs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/<wbr>18/busines</span><span></span><span>s-plan-tips-<wbr>entrepreneurs-finance-zwilli</span><span></span>ng<wbr>.html?feed=rss_entrepreneurs</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Protecting Companies That Mix Profitability & Values: <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124468487" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.npr.org/templates/<wbr>story/story</span><span></span>.php?storyId=<wbr>124468487</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>What health care reform means for your business: <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/22/smallbusiness/small_business_health_reform/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/<wbr>22/smallbus</span><span></span>iness/small_<wbr>business_health_reform/</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Youngest Billionaires and how they got so wealthy: <a href="http://moneymagnetbook.blogspot.com/2010/03/youngest-billionaires-and-how-they-got.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://moneymagnetbook.<wbr>blogspot.com/2010</span><span></span><span>/03/youngest-<wbr>billionaires-and-how-they-g</span><span></span>ot.<wbr>html</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>How To Pick A Company Name: Tips From The Trenches. <a href="http://onstartups.com/tabid/3339/bid/12156/How-To-Pick-A-Company-Name-Tips-From-The-Trenches.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://onstartups.com/tabid/<wbr>3339/bid/121</span><span></span><span>56/How-To-Pick-A-<wbr>Company-Name-Tips-From-</span><span></span>The-<wbr>Trenches.aspx</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">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: </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>Five-Tips-for-Building-</span><span></span><span>your-<wbr>Small-Business-Brand-Using-<wbr>its-Best</span><span></span>/ba-p/17664<span>...</span><span><span>?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-032410-_-weekly-<wbr>_-</span><span></span>community</span></a><span><br /></span></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>A new Women’s Business Center funded by the Small Business Administration and backed by the D.C. Council opened yesterday: <a href="http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2010/03/22/daily32.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://washington.bizjournals.<wbr>com/washin</span><span></span>gton/stories/2010/<wbr>03/22/daily32.html</a></span></span></span></h3><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Article on Capital Campaign fundraising for nonprofits & churches: Your Capital Campaign: Are You Ready to Succeed?<span><span><a href="http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/afp/articles/14384" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span> http://www.ammado.com/<wbr>nonprofit/afp/arti</span><span></span>cles/14384</a></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><br />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: <a href="http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/cwp/view,A,1343,Q,643499.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/cwp/<wbr>vie<span>...</span><span>w,A,1343,Q,643499.asp</span></a><span>.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span></span></span></h3><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Nonprofits are acquiring for-profit corporations: <a href="http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2010/04/nonprofits-acquire-corporation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://tacticalphilanthropy.<wbr>com/2010/04/</span><span></span>nonprofits-<wbr>acquire-corporation</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>5 Reasons Why Start-up Businesses Fail: <a href="http://smallbiztrends.com/2010/04/5-reasons-why-start-up-businesses-fail.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://smallbiztrends.com/<wbr>2010/04/5-reas</span><span></span>ons-why-start-<wbr>up-businesses-fail.html</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>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: <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-10-44.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr>drop/n-10-44.</span><span></span>pdf</a>. A step by step guide is available at <span></span><span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/3_simple_steps.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr>utl/3_simple_</span><span></span>steps.pdf</a></span></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Make Sure Your Business Information Stays Secret with Non-Disclosure Agreement: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Busine</span><span></span><span>ss-Law-Advisor/<wbr>Make-Sure-Your-Business-I</span><span></span><span>nform<wbr>ation-Stays-Secret-with-Non/<wbr>ba-p/21</span><span></span><span>281?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-<wbr>_-051910-_-weekly</span><span></span>-_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Are you considering moving out of your home office and into a retail location? Then read this: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Busine</span><span></span><span>ss-Law-Advisor/4-<wbr>Steps-to-Moving-Your-Bu</span><span></span><span>siness-<wbr>Out-of-Your-Home-and-Into-a/<wbr>ba-p/</span><span></span><span>21044?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-<wbr>_-051910-_-week</span><span></span>ly-_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>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: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://c<span></span><span><span>ommunity2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-Business</span><span></span><span>-Cents/<wbr>Small-Businesses-Come-<wbr>Together-an</span><span></span><span>d-Save-Through-<wbr>Group-Purchasing/ba-p/211</span><span></span><span>43?<wbr>cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-051910-_-<wbr>weekly-</span><span></span>_-community</span></a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><br />Starting a Child Care Business? – Government Tools and Resources that Can Help: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>Starting-a-Child-Care-B</span><span></span><span>usiness<wbr>-Government-Tools-and-<wbr>Resources/b</span><span></span><span>a-p/21804?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-052610-_-</span><span></span>weekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span> <h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span></span></span></h3><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>7 Tips for Starting a Fast Food Business – It’s not Just Fries, Subs and Pizza Anymore!: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>7-Tips-for-Starting-a-F</span><span></span><span>ast-<wbr>Food-Business-It-s-not-Just-<wbr>Fries/ba</span><span></span><span>-p/21379?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-052610-_-w</span><span></span>eekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Surety Bonds – The Basics: <a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Surety-Bonds-The-Basics/ba-p/21512?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-052610-_-weekly-_-community" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Cents/<wbr>Surety-Bonds-The-Basics/b</span><span></span><span>a-p/<wbr>21512?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-<wbr>052610-_-</span><span></span>weekly-_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"> <br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Build Your Business Through Networking: <a href="http://community2.business.gov/t5/The-Industry-Word/Build-Your-Business-Through-Networking/ba-p/21541?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-052610-_-weekly-_-community" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/The-In</span><span></span><span>dustry-Word/<wbr>Build-Your-Business-Through-</span><span></span><span>Ne<wbr>tworking/ba-p/21541?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery</span><span></span>-_-052610-_-weekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>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. <a href="http://cscmp.org/memberonly/state.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://cscmp.org/memberonly/<wbr>state.asp</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Maintaining Business as Usual in a Disaster: New Web Site Helps Businesses Plan for the Unexpected: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>Maintaining-Business-as</span><span></span><span>-Usual-<wbr>in-a-Disaster-New-Web-Site-<wbr>Helps/</span><span></span><span>ba-p/22449?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-060910-_</span><span></span>-weekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span><br />Making Estimated Tax Payments – A 101 for the Small Business Owner: <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>Making-Estimated-Tax-Pa</span><span></span><span>yments-<wbr>A-101-for-the-Small-Business-<wbr>Owne</span><span></span><span>r/ba-p/22242?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-060910</span><span></span>-_-weekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span></span></span></h3><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Misclassifying Workers as Independent Contractors Can Be Costly. <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/The-In</span><span></span><span>dustry-Word/<wbr>Misclassifying-Workers-as-In</span><span></span><span>de<wbr>pendent-Contractors-Can-Be-<wbr>Costly/ba-p</span><span></span><span>/22324?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-060910-_-wee</span><span></span>kly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>10 Facebook Tips for Small Business at <a href="http://www.i-netpreneur.com/social-media/facebook-101-10-effective-facebook-tips-for-small-business" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.i-netpreneur.com/<wbr>social-media</span><span></span><span>/facebook-101-10-<wbr>effective-facebook-tips</span><span></span>-for-<wbr>small-business</a> .</span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>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 <span></span><span>certification program for socially responsible businesses, assisted in drafting the Maryland law. <a href="http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/SB0690.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://mlis.state.md.us/<wbr>2010rs/billfile/</span><span></span>SB0690.htm</a> . </span></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><h3 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Business FYI: Need the Facts? Info on five sources of free economic and market data from Uncle Sam at <a href="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" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://community2.business.<wbr>gov/t5/Small-</span><span></span><span>Business-Matters/<wbr>Need-the-Facts-5-Source</span><span></span><span>s-of-<wbr>Free-Economic-and-Market-Data-<wbr>from/</span><span></span><span>ba-p/22766?cm_mmc=<wbr>GovDelivery-_-061610-_</span><span></span>-weekly-<wbr>_-community</a></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838246126934452988.post-40904556642495546732010-06-22T18:34:00.000-04:002010-07-22T18:38:28.314-04:00Should your business Get a NAICS Code?<h3 style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>As a small business owner, you probably have heard of the NAICS code, but may not know what it means and what it is used for. Read more about the NAICS numbering system at the US Census Bureau. <a href="http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?chart=2007" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/<wbr>sssd/naics</span>/naicsrch?chart=2007</a></span></span></span></h3><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span>Some federal and state agencies require businesses to have a NAICS code for administrative, contracting, and tax purposes. If you are working with a particular federal agency or state agency, you can ask if you need one. Federal Compliance Contacts and Resources: <a href="http://business.gov/business-law/contacts/federal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://business.g<span>...</span><span>ov/<wbr>business-law/contacts/federal/</span></a></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span>Arocho Law Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997886792827439238noreply@blogger.com