KC asked:
Yahoo News and CNN were talking about the Youtube video featuring a baby Water buffalo being attacked by Lions and then Crocodiles. And yet they all list the attack from Lions and Alligators. Are they that stupid to believe that Alligators live in Africa? The film was shot in Kruger National Park in South Africa. There are no alligators there…
Don’t these people check their sources?
Internet Business Startup
Archive for January, 2009
Why can’t the news media figure out the difference between Crocodiles and Alligators?
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009What is an interesting political news item that you want to know more about?
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009ballaerina asked:
Is there anything in the news about government or politics that you’re especially interested in right now? Anything that you think the media should cover better?
news
How would you attempt to reform the television news media in America?
Monday, January 12th, 2009Dan R asked:
It gets tricky because of the 1st amendment, but what can be done about these corporately run news conglomerates? Will we ever see real journalism on TV again, or are we stuck with partisan hacks like Sean Hannity and Keith Olbermann?
Private Air Charter & Jet Charter
How to get regularly latest finance news and other news of the world through mails?
Monday, January 12th, 2009ღ♥Cute Angel♥ღ asked:
I want alerts regularly for latest finance buzz and news. I hardly get time for reading news on net. So I want latest finance new to be mailed me regularly, so when I check my mail box I can read latest finance and news too(Especially FINANCE NEWS). Please help me with this.
Private Air Charter & Jet Charter
Business Models and Its Applicability for Indian Public Sector Companies
Friday, January 9th, 2009
A business model (also called a business design) is the mechanism by which a business intends to generate revenue and profits. It is a summary of how a company plans to serve its customers. It involves both strategy and implementation. It is the totality of:
· How it will select its customers
· How it defines and differentiates its product offerings
· How it creates utility for its customers
· How it acquires and keeps customers
· How it goes to the market (promotion strategy and distribution strategy)
· How it defines the tasks to be performed
· How it configures its resources
· How it captures profit
Business models converts new technology into economic value. A business model draws on a multitude of business subjects, including economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing operations and strategy.
The main components of Business Model are
· Value proposition
· Market Segment
· Value Chain Structure
· Revenue Generation ad margin
· Position in value network
· Competitive strategy
Types of Business Model:
· The subscription business model
· The razor and blades business model (bait and hook)
· The pyramid scheme business model
· The multi-level marketing business model
· The network effects business model
· The monopolistic business model
· The cutting out the middleman model
· The auction business model
· The online auction business model
· The bricks and clicks business model
· Loyalty business models
· Collective business models
· The industrialization of services business model
· The servitization of products business model
· The low-cost carrier business model
· The online content business model
Applicability of appropriate Business Model for Indian PSUs
· Monopolistic Business Model :- It is a nearly a situation in which a single firm is the sole provider of a product or service. Indian PSUs is likely to command such situation for certain capital intensive high end product although Globalized economy can always throw up challenge.
Pricing Strategy should be to set price where Marginal Cost should be at least equal to Marginal revenue. Reduction of operating cost by virtue of all Management techniques will maximize earning.
It is also often argued that monopolies tend to become less efficient and innovative over time, becoming “complacent giants”, because they don’t have to be efficient or innovative to compete in the marketplace. Regulations and creating business focus of the company may have limited instrumentality in arresting such situation.
· Razor and blades business model or “tied products model” works by selling a “master” product at a subsidized price, and making the profit on high margin Service/ “consumables” / Spares etc. that are essential to the use of the master product. Indian PSUs has got the scope to use this business model where it has to compete with International players.
· The loyalty business model is a business model used in strategic management in which company resources are employed so as to increase the loyalty of customers in the expectation that corporate objectives will be met or surpassed. All encompassing support to the customers are primary requirement for such model. Indian PSUs are better poised in terms of Infra Structure to use such model.
· Service Quality Model . In it, customer satisfaction is first based on a recent experience of the product or service. This assessment depends on prior expectations of overall quality compared to the actual performance received. If the recent experience exceeds prior expectations, customer satisfaction will likely to be high. Customer satisfaction can also be high even with mediocre performance quality if the customer’s expectations are low, or if the performance provides value (that is, it is priced low to reflect the mediocre quality). Likewise, a customer can be dissatisfied with the service encounter and still perceive the overall quality to be good. This occurs when a quality service is priced very high and the transaction provides little value. A an appropriate model for Indian PSUss.
· Outsourcing Considerations:- Looking fact that 73% of top global companies outsourced some processes or other, Indian PSUs‘ business strategy should encompass outsourcing philosophy in major scale primarily due to :-
Ø Concentrate on Focus Areas / Core Competencies.
Ø Access to World Class Capabilities, rather than possessing them.
Ø Risks can be shared in terms of Capital Investments, etc
Ø Reduction in Operating Costs.
Ø Resources not available internally. Companies outsource because they do not have access to the required resources within the company. Sometimes this is due to expansion or reorganization. It may also be due to changing business requirements.
Ø Accelerate re-engineering benefits. Outsourcing is often a by-product of another powerful management tool, business process re-engineering. It allows an organization to immediately realize some benefits from this process.
Ø Cash Infusion. Outsourcing often involves the transfer of assets from the customer to the provider, such as equipment, facilities, leases and licenses.
By: Dwijadas Ghosal
About the Author:
· How it will select its customers
· How it defines and differentiates its product offerings
· How it creates utility for its customers
· How it acquires and keeps customers
· How it goes to the market (promotion strategy and distribution strategy)
· How it defines the tasks to be performed
· How it configures its resources
· How it captures profit
Business models converts new technology into economic value. A business model draws on a multitude of business subjects, including economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing operations and strategy.
The main components of Business Model are
· Value proposition
· Market Segment
· Value Chain Structure
· Revenue Generation ad margin
· Position in value network
· Competitive strategy
Types of Business Model:
· The subscription business model
· The razor and blades business model (bait and hook)
· The pyramid scheme business model
· The multi-level marketing business model
· The network effects business model
· The monopolistic business model
· The cutting out the middleman model
· The auction business model
· The online auction business model
· The bricks and clicks business model
· Loyalty business models
· Collective business models
· The industrialization of services business model
· The servitization of products business model
· The low-cost carrier business model
· The online content business model
Applicability of appropriate Business Model for Indian PSUs
· Monopolistic Business Model :- It is a nearly a situation in which a single firm is the sole provider of a product or service. Indian PSUs is likely to command such situation for certain capital intensive high end product although Globalized economy can always throw up challenge.
Pricing Strategy should be to set price where Marginal Cost should be at least equal to Marginal revenue. Reduction of operating cost by virtue of all Management techniques will maximize earning.
It is also often argued that monopolies tend to become less efficient and innovative over time, becoming “complacent giants”, because they don’t have to be efficient or innovative to compete in the marketplace. Regulations and creating business focus of the company may have limited instrumentality in arresting such situation.
· Razor and blades business model or “tied products model” works by selling a “master” product at a subsidized price, and making the profit on high margin Service/ “consumables” / Spares etc. that are essential to the use of the master product. Indian PSUs has got the scope to use this business model where it has to compete with International players.
· The loyalty business model is a business model used in strategic management in which company resources are employed so as to increase the loyalty of customers in the expectation that corporate objectives will be met or surpassed. All encompassing support to the customers are primary requirement for such model. Indian PSUs are better poised in terms of Infra Structure to use such model.
· Service Quality Model . In it, customer satisfaction is first based on a recent experience of the product or service. This assessment depends on prior expectations of overall quality compared to the actual performance received. If the recent experience exceeds prior expectations, customer satisfaction will likely to be high. Customer satisfaction can also be high even with mediocre performance quality if the customer’s expectations are low, or if the performance provides value (that is, it is priced low to reflect the mediocre quality). Likewise, a customer can be dissatisfied with the service encounter and still perceive the overall quality to be good. This occurs when a quality service is priced very high and the transaction provides little value. A an appropriate model for Indian PSUss.
· Outsourcing Considerations:- Looking fact that 73% of top global companies outsourced some processes or other, Indian PSUs‘ business strategy should encompass outsourcing philosophy in major scale primarily due to :-
Ø Concentrate on Focus Areas / Core Competencies.
Ø Access to World Class Capabilities, rather than possessing them.
Ø Risks can be shared in terms of Capital Investments, etc
Ø Reduction in Operating Costs.
Ø Resources not available internally. Companies outsource because they do not have access to the required resources within the company. Sometimes this is due to expansion or reorganization. It may also be due to changing business requirements.
Ø Accelerate re-engineering benefits. Outsourcing is often a by-product of another powerful management tool, business process re-engineering. It allows an organization to immediately realize some benefits from this process.
Ø Cash Infusion. Outsourcing often involves the transfer of assets from the customer to the provider, such as equipment, facilities, leases and licenses.
By: Dwijadas Ghosal
About the Author:
The author is a senior executive in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and lives in Kolkata with his wife and daughter. He is a Mechanical Engineer of with Masters degree in Business management and has 22 years’ of experience in cutting edge technolgies in different companies in India and abroad.
Different Types of Business Cards for Different Types of Business
Friday, January 9th, 2009
Some people may not realize it but there are different kinds of business cards that are used for different kinds of purposes. Each type of business card can be can be suited for a particular kind of person or profession. Also, each can have a certain standard look or design that maximizes its potential. Knowing each type of business card can help you in your business card printing strategy. This determines the design of your custom business cards and ensures their full effect when you give them.
Below are several common types of business cards that business card printing companies produce for people. Try and determine which type matches you and your goals.
The trade business card
People from a particular trade or industry have their own on kind of business card. For example if you are a plastic manufacturer, your trade business card will usually be given to your suppliers, competitors, resellers and investors. These kinds of business cards embody the particular trade of their owner. Their design should be related or have symbolisms to the trade. If you are into plastics you may have a plastic business card. If you are a baker why not print full color business cards shaped like bread? Basically, trade business cards should give the image of a particular trade so that you can easily be remembered as a part of that industry.
Corporate business cards
Business cards in the corporate world are of cure a whole other type altogether. They differ from trade business cards since the focus of a corporate business card is the company and not the whole trade itself. Because of this, the logo of the company has a prominent place in the design of these business cards. Usually they have a serious and simple design perfect for the more formal minded corporate culture. Companies may even issue a uniform design for their employees to use especially if they will be representatives. Corporate business cards are usually given to important business contacts and potential employees.
Personal business cards
A lot of people have personal custom business cards. This is the most common type. Their design does not focus on a particular trade or company. The focus here is the profession and personality of the business card owner itself. Because of this personal business cards usually have the most beautiful, interesting and varying designs. When you do print your custom business cards you can give them to almost anyone including your family and friends.
Marketing business cards
A marketing business card is a type unto itself because it can change certain conventions of a typical business card. Besides selling “the person” that owns the business card, a marketing business card can advertise a certain product, service or event. For example, your marketing business card for your product will have your name, as well as the phrase “supplier of the best computer in the state, the PC4000.” Different marketing cards should have different gimmicks and designs like this.
Those are the most common business card types. Have you seen the right type of business card for you? Choose the right type for yourself and you will be making contacts, new relationships and business opportunities in no time.
For comments and inquiries about the article visit: Custom Business Cards, Business Card Printing
By: Janice Jenkins
About the Author:
Below are several common types of business cards that business card printing companies produce for people. Try and determine which type matches you and your goals.
The trade business card
People from a particular trade or industry have their own on kind of business card. For example if you are a plastic manufacturer, your trade business card will usually be given to your suppliers, competitors, resellers and investors. These kinds of business cards embody the particular trade of their owner. Their design should be related or have symbolisms to the trade. If you are into plastics you may have a plastic business card. If you are a baker why not print full color business cards shaped like bread? Basically, trade business cards should give the image of a particular trade so that you can easily be remembered as a part of that industry.
Corporate business cards
Business cards in the corporate world are of cure a whole other type altogether. They differ from trade business cards since the focus of a corporate business card is the company and not the whole trade itself. Because of this, the logo of the company has a prominent place in the design of these business cards. Usually they have a serious and simple design perfect for the more formal minded corporate culture. Companies may even issue a uniform design for their employees to use especially if they will be representatives. Corporate business cards are usually given to important business contacts and potential employees.
Personal business cards
A lot of people have personal custom business cards. This is the most common type. Their design does not focus on a particular trade or company. The focus here is the profession and personality of the business card owner itself. Because of this personal business cards usually have the most beautiful, interesting and varying designs. When you do print your custom business cards you can give them to almost anyone including your family and friends.
Marketing business cards
A marketing business card is a type unto itself because it can change certain conventions of a typical business card. Besides selling “the person” that owns the business card, a marketing business card can advertise a certain product, service or event. For example, your marketing business card for your product will have your name, as well as the phrase “supplier of the best computer in the state, the PC4000.” Different marketing cards should have different gimmicks and designs like this.
Those are the most common business card types. Have you seen the right type of business card for you? Choose the right type for yourself and you will be making contacts, new relationships and business opportunities in no time.
For comments and inquiries about the article visit: Custom Business Cards, Business Card Printing
By: Janice Jenkins
About the Author:
Janice Jenkins is a writer for a marketing company in Chicago, IL. Mostly into marketing research, Janice started writing articles early 2007 to impart her knowledge to individuals new to the marketing industry.
Structuring Your Business Entity
Friday, January 9th, 2009
When you start a new business, you’ll have to decide upon the type of business entity to want to use. There are a number of options available to you, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. There’s simply no one-size-fits-all answer as to what type of entity is the “best”. You need to take stock of your particular situation, and decide what’s best for you and your business.
The most common types of entities are:
• Sole Proprietorship – This is the simplest form of business organization, where the business effectively operates as an extension of the owner.
• General Partnership – This is a relatively simple way for two or more partners to own and control the operations of the business.
• Limited Partnership – This form of business organization is similar to a General Partnership, except that all but one of the partners can limit their personal liabilities if something goes wrong in the business.
• Limited Liability Company – This form of business entity provides limited liability to all of its members, and the members have more flexibility (compared to general partnerships and limited partnerships) in how they want to allocate the profits and losses of the business.
• Corporation – This well-known entity is a common way for businesses to organize themselves. The corporation is considered to be a separate legal “person” under the law, so it is taxed on all corporate income. Any amounts paid to shareholders as dividends are also taxed to those shareholders.
The summary above is very much simplified, so you should do more research on each of these types of entity, and the suitability of each for your business. In doing so, here are several key things you should consider:
Timing Issues
How soon do you plan to start your business? It is generally very easy to organize your business as a sole proprietorship, and you will spend less time preparing and filing paperwork than with the other types of business entities. Forming a corporation can be noticeably more difficult than forming the other types of entities.
Thankfully, most states have made the formation process much easier for all types of business entities, by permitting applicants to file their initial paperwork and yearly reports online.
Ownership Issues
Will you own the business yourself, or with other? Certain business structures more easily accommodate more than a single owner, and limited liability companies are very flexible in their ownership structures. Different types of corporations (such the “subchapter S” corporation, which is similar to a limited liability company in tax treatment) have limitations on the number and type of permissible owners (such as that the owners must be individual persons, not other corporations).
Also keep in mind when you are preparing your organizational documents that you should consider what you want to happen if one of the owners wants to leave the business. It may be uncomfortable (and seem unnecessary) to think about this at the beginning of the business, but it can save a lot of stress and expense if these issues are worked out beforehand.
Financing Issues
How do you intend to finance the growth of your business – do you anticipate seeking outside investment? If so, what kinds of investors will you target? Different types of business entities are better suited to different types of investors.
For example, limited liability companies can easily be structured to accommodate many different types of investors. Not surprisingly, corporations are often the investment vehicle of choice for large and institutional investors.
Expenses
In general, the simpler legal structures are less expensive to form, and require less money to maintain. For example, depending on its capital structure, a corporation formed under the laws of Delaware could be required to pay tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in so-called franchise taxes. These extreme situations apply to corporations that are extremely large, but they illustrate how you need to factor these considerations into your business planning.
Recordkeeping Requirements
You may also wish to consider the various recordkeeping requirements that are applicable to each type of business entity. You’ll need proper accounting records regardless of the type of your business entity, but the additional legal recordkeeping requirements can vary. For example, corporations have relatively stringent recordkeeping rules (compared to other entity types), and also have shareholder and annual meeting requirements.
Liability Concerns
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to give liability issues extra consideration. If you’ll have employees making deliveries or otherwise driving on company business, then it’s not hard to imagine a traffic accident occurring, and this could expose your business to lawsuits.
A sole proprietorship does not protect the personal assets of the owner. This means that if there is a successful lawsuit against your business, the suing party can use your personal assets (like your car, your savings account, and your house) to satisfy their claim. The general partners of a general partnership have similar exposure.
The limited partners of a limited partnership, the members of a limited liability company and the shareholders of a corporation are all generally insulated from personal liability. However, certain legal formalities must be observed, otherwise a court can “pierce the veil” of the legal entity and disregard the liability protections that would otherwise apply.
Tax Matters
Different states have different tax laws and requirements, so you should consult your tax or accounting advisor to learn more about exactly what to expect in your state. In general, in a sole proprietorship the profits and losses of the businesses will pass through to the owner’s individual tax return. This avoids the additional layer of taxation that occurs at the corporation level. Similarly, the limited liability company structure does not incur taxation at the company level; the tax on income occurs at the level of the individual members occurs only on income that is distributed to them.
These are just some of the issues that you’ll need to consider when you decide which type of business entity is the best fit for your needs. Take the time to think about what you’ll need, and you’ll likely end up saving yourself a lot more time (and money) in the long run.
By: Jeremy Gislason
About the Author:
The most common types of entities are:
• Sole Proprietorship – This is the simplest form of business organization, where the business effectively operates as an extension of the owner.
• General Partnership – This is a relatively simple way for two or more partners to own and control the operations of the business.
• Limited Partnership – This form of business organization is similar to a General Partnership, except that all but one of the partners can limit their personal liabilities if something goes wrong in the business.
• Limited Liability Company – This form of business entity provides limited liability to all of its members, and the members have more flexibility (compared to general partnerships and limited partnerships) in how they want to allocate the profits and losses of the business.
• Corporation – This well-known entity is a common way for businesses to organize themselves. The corporation is considered to be a separate legal “person” under the law, so it is taxed on all corporate income. Any amounts paid to shareholders as dividends are also taxed to those shareholders.
The summary above is very much simplified, so you should do more research on each of these types of entity, and the suitability of each for your business. In doing so, here are several key things you should consider:
Timing Issues
How soon do you plan to start your business? It is generally very easy to organize your business as a sole proprietorship, and you will spend less time preparing and filing paperwork than with the other types of business entities. Forming a corporation can be noticeably more difficult than forming the other types of entities.
Thankfully, most states have made the formation process much easier for all types of business entities, by permitting applicants to file their initial paperwork and yearly reports online.
Ownership Issues
Will you own the business yourself, or with other? Certain business structures more easily accommodate more than a single owner, and limited liability companies are very flexible in their ownership structures. Different types of corporations (such the “subchapter S” corporation, which is similar to a limited liability company in tax treatment) have limitations on the number and type of permissible owners (such as that the owners must be individual persons, not other corporations).
Also keep in mind when you are preparing your organizational documents that you should consider what you want to happen if one of the owners wants to leave the business. It may be uncomfortable (and seem unnecessary) to think about this at the beginning of the business, but it can save a lot of stress and expense if these issues are worked out beforehand.
Financing Issues
How do you intend to finance the growth of your business – do you anticipate seeking outside investment? If so, what kinds of investors will you target? Different types of business entities are better suited to different types of investors.
For example, limited liability companies can easily be structured to accommodate many different types of investors. Not surprisingly, corporations are often the investment vehicle of choice for large and institutional investors.
Expenses
In general, the simpler legal structures are less expensive to form, and require less money to maintain. For example, depending on its capital structure, a corporation formed under the laws of Delaware could be required to pay tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in so-called franchise taxes. These extreme situations apply to corporations that are extremely large, but they illustrate how you need to factor these considerations into your business planning.
Recordkeeping Requirements
You may also wish to consider the various recordkeeping requirements that are applicable to each type of business entity. You’ll need proper accounting records regardless of the type of your business entity, but the additional legal recordkeeping requirements can vary. For example, corporations have relatively stringent recordkeeping rules (compared to other entity types), and also have shareholder and annual meeting requirements.
Liability Concerns
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to give liability issues extra consideration. If you’ll have employees making deliveries or otherwise driving on company business, then it’s not hard to imagine a traffic accident occurring, and this could expose your business to lawsuits.
A sole proprietorship does not protect the personal assets of the owner. This means that if there is a successful lawsuit against your business, the suing party can use your personal assets (like your car, your savings account, and your house) to satisfy their claim. The general partners of a general partnership have similar exposure.
The limited partners of a limited partnership, the members of a limited liability company and the shareholders of a corporation are all generally insulated from personal liability. However, certain legal formalities must be observed, otherwise a court can “pierce the veil” of the legal entity and disregard the liability protections that would otherwise apply.
Tax Matters
Different states have different tax laws and requirements, so you should consult your tax or accounting advisor to learn more about exactly what to expect in your state. In general, in a sole proprietorship the profits and losses of the businesses will pass through to the owner’s individual tax return. This avoids the additional layer of taxation that occurs at the corporation level. Similarly, the limited liability company structure does not incur taxation at the company level; the tax on income occurs at the level of the individual members occurs only on income that is distributed to them.
These are just some of the issues that you’ll need to consider when you decide which type of business entity is the best fit for your needs. Take the time to think about what you’ll need, and you’ll likely end up saving yourself a lot more time (and money) in the long run.
By: Jeremy Gislason
About the Author:
Jeremy Gislason is a leading expert on membership sites, marketing and online business. Do you need legal advice for your online business? Be sure to check out our legal advisors at: http://www.memberspeed.com/Recommended_Resources/resource/Legal/index.html”>http://www.memberspeed.com/Recommended_Resources/resource/Legal/index.html”>http://www.memberspeed.com/Recommended_Resources/resource/Legal/index.html
Understanding Business Credit Cards – 31 Points To Enlighten You
Friday, January 9th, 2009
With a very limited target market, the business credit cards seem to be left behind in this ever growing & already flourished market of the credit cards.
While some perceive that it is quite complicated to use them, some are of the opinion that the business credit cards can not meet with all the requirements of the modern market needs. Another basic fact for their being infamous is that they are have a higher rate of interest as compared to the other cards and also there legal requirements are more precise and long in comparison to the other options available.
Yet, what the users fail to understand is that they can make the best of purposes solved with a business credit card in case they use it in a planned & pre-defined manner.
Let us first understand as to what exactly the business credit card is.
1. This card is exclusively meant for the business people.
2. It has a higher credit limit as compared to the other cards.
3. Also it has a very low rate of interest.
4. Varying with the scheme you enroll in to and the way you use your business credit card, this card automatically generates several benefits for you.
5. As we now completely understand that the business credit cards are targeted solely towards business heads and those who aim at standing a business, this card reaps major benefits to the small & newly established businessmen.
The functions that this card avails for the small businesses are as follows:
1. This card improves their cash flow.
2. It makes the extending of payments quite much faster and easier.
3. This card establishes a dependable image of your business among the people.
4. As a user, it is quite dependable mode of handling the finances.
5. This credit card also features detailed reports.
6. They offer good quality customer services and hold that as their trademark.
7. For small businesses, this card features quite high credit limits along with very low interest rate.
8. The card comes along with various credit options.
9. This card is also beneficial to those big corporation houses that are set up to help the small businesses flourish big. In such cases the business credit card helps the big corporation to closely monitor the credit baseline.
Getting a Business Credit Card
While getting any other credit card seems almost like a job with questionnaire of the bank, and the long queue waiting to meet the bank representative, getting a business credit card is as easy as the click of a the mouse. Here is the means to do it.
1. The bankers do understand that business credit cards are meant for the businessmen who are always on the run.
2. So, instead of you going to the bank you can look for a suitable business credit card for yourself on the internet that is the World Wide Web itself.
3. Once you know which card or scheme you want to get, you can also enquire the same on the phone call.
4. Then finally fill out the simple application form given online.
5. This way, the bank not only offers the business credit card but also ensures safe, simple and secured processes of getting the drill completed.
6. Further, while using the card, you can also benefit from the additional features like online payments and reporting.
7. These websites also offer customized company logos & access to some instant cash on line.
8. The other business credit cards offer detailed reports online for easy access & monitoring.
Some exclusive features of business credit cards are as follows:
1. Many applications of the business credit cards offer zero or no fee for the initail year.
2. They also offer no preset spending limits or finance charges.
3. Sometimes the business credit cards also offer viable programs of membership rewards enabling the members to earn points that they can use for traveling, merchandising and in their business in forms of other related rewards.
4. In terms of statistics, the business credit cards also do offer the small businesses a credit line up to $ 100,000 @ competitive APR that is as low as the prime + 1.99% on both check and/or cash purchases; with no collateral required, line’s 100% is also available as cash.
5. The clients in some cases also receive checks that are fee-free. Alongside they enjoy cards to access their account.
6. some other great offers are as follows:
i. Everyday savings and/or exclusive savings
ii. Express approvals
iii. No annual fee
iv. Up to 5% rebates against all qualified purchases
v. 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first half year of membership
Yet, before purchasing a business credit card, one should keep the following point son mind:
1. While the card issuers attract you with great value deals, one must research first as to what your business needs exactly.
2. Some businesses require a business credit card for investing towards inventory and some require it for the payroll. So, you should look for a very flexible business credit card in order to handle almost anything.
3. Whether you choose to visit the bank directly, or apply the business credit card on the internet, there are various premier business credit cards available with the suppliers who are all willing to help you make the right choice and make the usage of the same as simple as possible.
By: Abhishek Agarwal
About the Author:
While some perceive that it is quite complicated to use them, some are of the opinion that the business credit cards can not meet with all the requirements of the modern market needs. Another basic fact for their being infamous is that they are have a higher rate of interest as compared to the other cards and also there legal requirements are more precise and long in comparison to the other options available.
Yet, what the users fail to understand is that they can make the best of purposes solved with a business credit card in case they use it in a planned & pre-defined manner.
Let us first understand as to what exactly the business credit card is.
1. This card is exclusively meant for the business people.
2. It has a higher credit limit as compared to the other cards.
3. Also it has a very low rate of interest.
4. Varying with the scheme you enroll in to and the way you use your business credit card, this card automatically generates several benefits for you.
5. As we now completely understand that the business credit cards are targeted solely towards business heads and those who aim at standing a business, this card reaps major benefits to the small & newly established businessmen.
The functions that this card avails for the small businesses are as follows:
1. This card improves their cash flow.
2. It makes the extending of payments quite much faster and easier.
3. This card establishes a dependable image of your business among the people.
4. As a user, it is quite dependable mode of handling the finances.
5. This credit card also features detailed reports.
6. They offer good quality customer services and hold that as their trademark.
7. For small businesses, this card features quite high credit limits along with very low interest rate.
8. The card comes along with various credit options.
9. This card is also beneficial to those big corporation houses that are set up to help the small businesses flourish big. In such cases the business credit card helps the big corporation to closely monitor the credit baseline.
Getting a Business Credit Card
While getting any other credit card seems almost like a job with questionnaire of the bank, and the long queue waiting to meet the bank representative, getting a business credit card is as easy as the click of a the mouse. Here is the means to do it.
1. The bankers do understand that business credit cards are meant for the businessmen who are always on the run.
2. So, instead of you going to the bank you can look for a suitable business credit card for yourself on the internet that is the World Wide Web itself.
3. Once you know which card or scheme you want to get, you can also enquire the same on the phone call.
4. Then finally fill out the simple application form given online.
5. This way, the bank not only offers the business credit card but also ensures safe, simple and secured processes of getting the drill completed.
6. Further, while using the card, you can also benefit from the additional features like online payments and reporting.
7. These websites also offer customized company logos & access to some instant cash on line.
8. The other business credit cards offer detailed reports online for easy access & monitoring.
Some exclusive features of business credit cards are as follows:
1. Many applications of the business credit cards offer zero or no fee for the initail year.
2. They also offer no preset spending limits or finance charges.
3. Sometimes the business credit cards also offer viable programs of membership rewards enabling the members to earn points that they can use for traveling, merchandising and in their business in forms of other related rewards.
4. In terms of statistics, the business credit cards also do offer the small businesses a credit line up to $ 100,000 @ competitive APR that is as low as the prime + 1.99% on both check and/or cash purchases; with no collateral required, line’s 100% is also available as cash.
5. The clients in some cases also receive checks that are fee-free. Alongside they enjoy cards to access their account.
6. some other great offers are as follows:
i. Everyday savings and/or exclusive savings
ii. Express approvals
iii. No annual fee
iv. Up to 5% rebates against all qualified purchases
v. 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first half year of membership
Yet, before purchasing a business credit card, one should keep the following point son mind:
1. While the card issuers attract you with great value deals, one must research first as to what your business needs exactly.
2. Some businesses require a business credit card for investing towards inventory and some require it for the payroll. So, you should look for a very flexible business credit card in order to handle almost anything.
3. Whether you choose to visit the bank directly, or apply the business credit card on the internet, there are various premier business credit cards available with the suppliers who are all willing to help you make the right choice and make the usage of the same as simple as possible.
By: Abhishek Agarwal
About the Author:
Abhishek is a Financial expert and he has got some great Credit Repair Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 96 Pages Ebook, “How To Achieve A Better Credit Score!” from his website http://www.Trading-Masters.com/21/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.
New Years Resolutions for a Successful Business
Friday, January 9th, 2009
The year ahead is certain to be a challenging one for all businesses but with a bit of well thought out planning and a positive approach, success is potentially possible for all. Here are several New Years Resolutions that are sure to contribute to that success.
I will build relationships. In tough times it is human nature to cling to those people and things that can be trusted. Resolve to build and strengthen your business relationships. Make customer service your point of distinction. Stay in touch with your clients and customers, build loyalty, strengthen your business relationships with your vendors and suppliers and remember to value your employees.
I will focus on my business goals. Now is not the time to put your business on auto-pilot. Focus on the needs that will move your business forward. Effect change when it is called for and do not dwell on that which is out of your control. Keep short range and long range goals in clear perspective. Delegate if necessary. Work smart without distractions. Refocus as necessary but don’t lose sight of your ultimate goals.
I will listen more. Many new ideas are at first dismissed. When looking for ways to maintain and grow your business, listen to the ideas and suggestions of others. Listen to your business partners, customers, and especially your employees. Many great ideas are born internally by those who know your business best. Solicit others for input on how to improve business from the inside out and outside in and listen to those suggestions.
I will learn. There is always something more to be learned. Teach yourself a new skill. Join a committee or organization to learn how they do business. Form a network for social or business learning opportunities. Learn from others how they conduct business and ask for help when you have a problem with yours. Share ideas and learn from the mistakes and successes of others.
I will be a leader. To be competitive in this business climate you need to be a leader and not a follower. Innovation will drive business opportunities. Keep current by researching your competition, paying attention to trends and keeping an open mind. Utilize the internet for instant feedback and note hot topics like environmental awareness, health and the economy. Be creative by leading rather than by just reacting.
I will be receptive to change. Just because something has always worked in the past does not insure that it will continue to do so in the future. Take a close look at your processes and procedures and be willing to change the way things are done in order to make them better. Change is scary and often difficult to manage but can be exciting if handled correctly. Energize enthusiasm for your business by accepting and leading the movement for changes that offer improvement.
I will ask for help. Seek opportunities to grow your business during these tough times. Now is not the time to be timid. Ask for customer referrals. Ask your employees to share ideas for improvement. Ask for business by marketing and promoting your product or services. Ask for help from your vendors as they are trying to keep their business strong as well. The old saying, “it never hurts to ask” is true more now than ever before!
None of the above suggestions are new and I’m sure you’ve heard them over and over again. The key though is to remember them and follow through with your resolutions throughout the year. Keep your list ready and review it regularly throughout the coming year. Resolutions are easily forgotten but those that are focused on usually result in success. One final resolution should be to review and adhere to those resolutions made in January.
Remember to thank those that help you along the way by sending Business Thank You Referral Cards, Business Appreciation Cards and general Thank You Cards.
Here’s to a promising and profitable 2009!
By: Linda Cress Dowdy
About the Author:
I will build relationships. In tough times it is human nature to cling to those people and things that can be trusted. Resolve to build and strengthen your business relationships. Make customer service your point of distinction. Stay in touch with your clients and customers, build loyalty, strengthen your business relationships with your vendors and suppliers and remember to value your employees.
I will focus on my business goals. Now is not the time to put your business on auto-pilot. Focus on the needs that will move your business forward. Effect change when it is called for and do not dwell on that which is out of your control. Keep short range and long range goals in clear perspective. Delegate if necessary. Work smart without distractions. Refocus as necessary but don’t lose sight of your ultimate goals.
I will listen more. Many new ideas are at first dismissed. When looking for ways to maintain and grow your business, listen to the ideas and suggestions of others. Listen to your business partners, customers, and especially your employees. Many great ideas are born internally by those who know your business best. Solicit others for input on how to improve business from the inside out and outside in and listen to those suggestions.
I will learn. There is always something more to be learned. Teach yourself a new skill. Join a committee or organization to learn how they do business. Form a network for social or business learning opportunities. Learn from others how they conduct business and ask for help when you have a problem with yours. Share ideas and learn from the mistakes and successes of others.
I will be a leader. To be competitive in this business climate you need to be a leader and not a follower. Innovation will drive business opportunities. Keep current by researching your competition, paying attention to trends and keeping an open mind. Utilize the internet for instant feedback and note hot topics like environmental awareness, health and the economy. Be creative by leading rather than by just reacting.
I will be receptive to change. Just because something has always worked in the past does not insure that it will continue to do so in the future. Take a close look at your processes and procedures and be willing to change the way things are done in order to make them better. Change is scary and often difficult to manage but can be exciting if handled correctly. Energize enthusiasm for your business by accepting and leading the movement for changes that offer improvement.
I will ask for help. Seek opportunities to grow your business during these tough times. Now is not the time to be timid. Ask for customer referrals. Ask your employees to share ideas for improvement. Ask for business by marketing and promoting your product or services. Ask for help from your vendors as they are trying to keep their business strong as well. The old saying, “it never hurts to ask” is true more now than ever before!
None of the above suggestions are new and I’m sure you’ve heard them over and over again. The key though is to remember them and follow through with your resolutions throughout the year. Keep your list ready and review it regularly throughout the coming year. Resolutions are easily forgotten but those that are focused on usually result in success. One final resolution should be to review and adhere to those resolutions made in January.
Remember to thank those that help you along the way by sending Business Thank You Referral Cards, Business Appreciation Cards and general Thank You Cards.
Here’s to a promising and profitable 2009!
By: Linda Cress Dowdy
About the Author:
Linda Cress Dowdy is an avid greeting card enthusiast and professional author, editor and copywriter. For a great selection of custom imprinted and personalized greeting cards and photo cards for all occasions, visit www.CardsDirect.com.
Business Models and Its Applicability for Indian Public Sector Companies
Friday, January 9th, 2009
A business model (also called a business design) is the mechanism by which a business intends to generate revenue and profits. It is a summary of how a company plans to serve its customers. It involves both strategy and implementation. It is the totality of:
· How it will select its customers
· How it defines and differentiates its product offerings
· How it creates utility for its customers
· How it acquires and keeps customers
· How it goes to the market (promotion strategy and distribution strategy)
· How it defines the tasks to be performed
· How it configures its resources
· How it captures profit
Business models converts new technology into economic value. A business model draws on a multitude of business subjects, including economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing operations and strategy.
The main components of Business Model are
· Value proposition
· Market Segment
· Value Chain Structure
· Revenue Generation ad margin
· Position in value network
· Competitive strategy
Types of Business Model:
· The subscription business model
· The razor and blades business model (bait and hook)
· The pyramid scheme business model
· The multi-level marketing business model
· The network effects business model
· The monopolistic business model
· The cutting out the middleman model
· The auction business model
· The online auction business model
· The bricks and clicks business model
· Loyalty business models
· Collective business models
· The industrialization of services business model
· The servitization of products business model
· The low-cost carrier business model
· The online content business model
Applicability of appropriate Business Model for Indian PSUs
· Monopolistic Business Model :- It is a nearly a situation in which a single firm is the sole provider of a product or service. Indian PSUs is likely to command such situation for certain capital intensive high end product although Globalized economy can always throw up challenge.
Pricing Strategy should be to set price where Marginal Cost should be at least equal to Marginal revenue. Reduction of operating cost by virtue of all Management techniques will maximize earning.
It is also often argued that monopolies tend to become less efficient and innovative over time, becoming “complacent giants”, because they don’t have to be efficient or innovative to compete in the marketplace. Regulations and creating business focus of the company may have limited instrumentality in arresting such situation.
· Razor and blades business model or “tied products model” works by selling a “master” product at a subsidized price, and making the profit on high margin Service/ “consumables” / Spares etc. that are essential to the use of the master product. Indian PSUs has got the scope to use this business model where it has to compete with International players.
· The loyalty business model is a business model used in strategic management in which company resources are employed so as to increase the loyalty of customers in the expectation that corporate objectives will be met or surpassed. All encompassing support to the customers are primary requirement for such model. Indian PSUs are better poised in terms of Infra Structure to use such model.
· Service Quality Model . In it, customer satisfaction is first based on a recent experience of the product or service. This assessment depends on prior expectations of overall quality compared to the actual performance received. If the recent experience exceeds prior expectations, customer satisfaction will likely to be high. Customer satisfaction can also be high even with mediocre performance quality if the customer’s expectations are low, or if the performance provides value (that is, it is priced low to reflect the mediocre quality). Likewise, a customer can be dissatisfied with the service encounter and still perceive the overall quality to be good. This occurs when a quality service is priced very high and the transaction provides little value. A an appropriate model for Indian PSUss.
· Outsourcing Considerations:- Looking fact that 73% of top global companies outsourced some processes or other, Indian PSUs‘ business strategy should encompass outsourcing philosophy in major scale primarily due to :-
Ø Concentrate on Focus Areas / Core Competencies.
Ø Access to World Class Capabilities, rather than possessing them.
Ø Risks can be shared in terms of Capital Investments, etc
Ø Reduction in Operating Costs.
Ø Resources not available internally. Companies outsource because they do not have access to the required resources within the company. Sometimes this is due to expansion or reorganization. It may also be due to changing business requirements.
Ø Accelerate re-engineering benefits. Outsourcing is often a by-product of another powerful management tool, business process re-engineering. It allows an organization to immediately realize some benefits from this process.
Ø Cash Infusion. Outsourcing often involves the transfer of assets from the customer to the provider, such as equipment, facilities, leases and licenses.
By: Dwijadas Ghosal
About the Author:
· How it will select its customers
· How it defines and differentiates its product offerings
· How it creates utility for its customers
· How it acquires and keeps customers
· How it goes to the market (promotion strategy and distribution strategy)
· How it defines the tasks to be performed
· How it configures its resources
· How it captures profit
Business models converts new technology into economic value. A business model draws on a multitude of business subjects, including economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing operations and strategy.
The main components of Business Model are
· Value proposition
· Market Segment
· Value Chain Structure
· Revenue Generation ad margin
· Position in value network
· Competitive strategy
Types of Business Model:
· The subscription business model
· The razor and blades business model (bait and hook)
· The pyramid scheme business model
· The multi-level marketing business model
· The network effects business model
· The monopolistic business model
· The cutting out the middleman model
· The auction business model
· The online auction business model
· The bricks and clicks business model
· Loyalty business models
· Collective business models
· The industrialization of services business model
· The servitization of products business model
· The low-cost carrier business model
· The online content business model
Applicability of appropriate Business Model for Indian PSUs
· Monopolistic Business Model :- It is a nearly a situation in which a single firm is the sole provider of a product or service. Indian PSUs is likely to command such situation for certain capital intensive high end product although Globalized economy can always throw up challenge.
Pricing Strategy should be to set price where Marginal Cost should be at least equal to Marginal revenue. Reduction of operating cost by virtue of all Management techniques will maximize earning.
It is also often argued that monopolies tend to become less efficient and innovative over time, becoming “complacent giants”, because they don’t have to be efficient or innovative to compete in the marketplace. Regulations and creating business focus of the company may have limited instrumentality in arresting such situation.
· Razor and blades business model or “tied products model” works by selling a “master” product at a subsidized price, and making the profit on high margin Service/ “consumables” / Spares etc. that are essential to the use of the master product. Indian PSUs has got the scope to use this business model where it has to compete with International players.
· The loyalty business model is a business model used in strategic management in which company resources are employed so as to increase the loyalty of customers in the expectation that corporate objectives will be met or surpassed. All encompassing support to the customers are primary requirement for such model. Indian PSUs are better poised in terms of Infra Structure to use such model.
· Service Quality Model . In it, customer satisfaction is first based on a recent experience of the product or service. This assessment depends on prior expectations of overall quality compared to the actual performance received. If the recent experience exceeds prior expectations, customer satisfaction will likely to be high. Customer satisfaction can also be high even with mediocre performance quality if the customer’s expectations are low, or if the performance provides value (that is, it is priced low to reflect the mediocre quality). Likewise, a customer can be dissatisfied with the service encounter and still perceive the overall quality to be good. This occurs when a quality service is priced very high and the transaction provides little value. A an appropriate model for Indian PSUss.
· Outsourcing Considerations:- Looking fact that 73% of top global companies outsourced some processes or other, Indian PSUs‘ business strategy should encompass outsourcing philosophy in major scale primarily due to :-
Ø Concentrate on Focus Areas / Core Competencies.
Ø Access to World Class Capabilities, rather than possessing them.
Ø Risks can be shared in terms of Capital Investments, etc
Ø Reduction in Operating Costs.
Ø Resources not available internally. Companies outsource because they do not have access to the required resources within the company. Sometimes this is due to expansion or reorganization. It may also be due to changing business requirements.
Ø Accelerate re-engineering benefits. Outsourcing is often a by-product of another powerful management tool, business process re-engineering. It allows an organization to immediately realize some benefits from this process.
Ø Cash Infusion. Outsourcing often involves the transfer of assets from the customer to the provider, such as equipment, facilities, leases and licenses.
By: Dwijadas Ghosal
About the Author:
The author is a senior executive in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and lives in Kolkata with his wife and daughter. He is a Mechanical Engineer of with Masters degree in Business management and has 22 years’ of experience in cutting edge technolgies in different companies in India and abroad.