SourceLink Tulsa Blog

Planning Now for Disaster Later?

Consider this…

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, one in four small businesses closed by a disaster never re-open. It might be an auto repair shop washed away by a flood.  A dentist’s office scorched by a fire.  A dry cleaner hit by a tornado. There are many diverse businesses, and many types of disasters, but one thing remains the same:  businesses disrupted by disaster permanently close their doors at an alarming rate. 

Preparedness is key

Are you prepared to lead your business through the crisis?  Preparedness is the key!  By creating a disaster recovery and business continuity plan, your business can increase its recovery capabilities dramatically.  A plan can help you make the right decisions quickly, cut downtime, and minimize financial losses.  It can even help you avoid certain disasters through planning and mitigation measures.

The prospect of creating and implementing such a plan can be daunting, but business leaders in Tulsa have a unique opportunity to get a head start on the process by attending A Day Without Business, a business continuity summit hosted by Tulsa Partners’ Disaster Resistant Business Council.

Take Action!

A Day Without Business will take place on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn – City Center in downtown Tulsa.  Registration is open through March 2, online at www.tulsapartners.org or by phone at 918-632-0044.  The cost for the one-day event is $65, and space is limited.

For more information about A Day Without Business, contact Tulsa Partners at 918-632-0044, tulsapartners@gmail.com, or www.TulsaPartners.org.

In conjunction with the 2012 Oklahoma World Trade Conference to be held April 11, 2012, at Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow, you are invited to nominate your company for the annual Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting. Nominations will be reviewed and the winners selected by the Awards Committee of the Oklahoma District Export Council.

What is it about?

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting recognizes one or more Oklahoma firms annually for noteworthy success in maintaining or increasing export sales. Firms selected to receive the award represent role models for excellence in international business. In addition, this award provides an opportunity to build public support for international business activity by Oklahoma firms.

Who’s eligible?

Oklahoma-based manufacturers, agri-businesses, service companies or suppliers engaged in exporting products or services are eligible to apply. Applicants should demonstrate one or more of the following: breakthroughs in existing competitive markets, introduction of a new product into export trade, opening a trade area previously closed or successfully overcoming threats to their existing export activity. Unique and successful solutions to problems of export trade, such as financing, transportation, marketing or successful promotional programs should also be demonstrated.

How do I nominate?

For a nomination application (3 pages) for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting, call 405/608-5302 or 800/TRY-OKLA, extension 223 or e-mail ashley.wilson@trade.gov. The application must be completed and returned by February 24, 2012.

*All applicants will also be considered for the U. S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate.
* Eligibility for the Certificate will be on a one-time basis

Source: Tulsa Library Small Business Center Blog

Eight reasons to consider:

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers these eight reasons to export:

1. Decline in the exchange rate of the dollar is resulting in increased purchasing power in many export markets

2. The U.S. has manufacturing capacity and lots of workers available

3. Costs for transportation and communication have dropped

4. Trade barriers have been reduced

5. Exporting can increase sales and profit

6. Increase market and reduce dependence on domestic markets

7. Extend the sales potential and product life of existing product

8. Stabilize seasonal market/sales fluctuations.

Expert Export Resources

In addition to contacting your local SBDC for help, here are seven other resources to help you get on board with exporting:

1. Each SBA district office has an International Trade Officer that can help with trade financing.

2. Check out Export Basics from the U.S.SBA for export readiness support.

3. www.export.gov offers resources from across the U.S. government for market research, trade leads and information about export finance.

4.  U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACS) are located in more than 100 cities nationwide and can help to connect you to the export resources that can help you be successful.

The SBA has three loan programs to help small business build export capacity. They are:

5. Export Working Capital Program for capacity building to support sales,

6. International Trade Loan Program for businesses that plan to export, and

7. Export Express that helps businesses expand their export sales.

Content contributed by Maria Meyers, MOSourceLink,
MOSourceLink is a proud affiliate of U.S.SourceLink , America’s largest resource network for entrepreneurs

Is your number one priority getting more customers? If so, you may need to back up a step. Here are three easy tips for retaining to your current customers. And trust me- with consistent effort, they make a BIG difference.

Thank you and birthday cards

 Simple, right? Everyone likes to be appreciated, and this shows them that you care that they bought from you. Sending a b-day card or offer opens an opportunity to offer them to stop by to pick up a free gift. Who wouldn’t come by for that? One thing people will notice is if they hear from you again. Make sure they do.

Newsletter

Keep current customers informed about things they care about with your business and industry. Offer bits of useful advice, what’s new at your business, trends they would care about, etc. Everyone loves a little education.

Service Reminders

If you sell a product that customers need to repurchase regularly, send them service reminders. Send a quick email that makes it easy for them to reorder, or make their next appointment. Don’t give them a reason to not reorder from YOU!

//Find a process to keep the door open to current customers. Then, retrieving (and retaining!) new ones will be far more valuable to your business.

Content contributed by Jessica Chaffee, SourceLink Tulsa,
AKSourceLink is a proud affiliate of U.S.SourceLink , America’s largest resource network for entrepreneurs

The State Chamber of Oklahoma has partnered with Governor Mary Fallin and we would like to be sure you know about an unprecedented opportunity to tell the Governor about your business and the issues that are important to you. To view the full post, click here.

Thanks to our featured blocking partner, the Tulsa Library!

The nomination process for the Crystal Star Small Business Awards for 2012 has begun, and we need your help to find the rising stars of Tulsa’s small business community. See the full post here.

Thanks to our featured blogging partner, the Tulsa Library!

Need to know the basics to making your business official? Hit the ground running with these six steps.

1. Determine your business structure. You can see the different business types by visiting the Business Structure Matrix.
2. Determine if you need a Federal Employer Identification Number. For more information click here.
3. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS at www.irs.gov or 800-829-4933.
4. Register your business with the appropriate state agencies. For assistance determining which applications, permits, licenses, or registrations are required, use the Business Registration & Licensing System.
5. For information direct from the primary agencies of registration you may also want to visit:
   1. The Secretary of State - This includes checking name availability and reserving your trade name.
   2. The Oklahoma Tax Commission - Download this Oklahoma Business Registration Packet.
   3. Oklahoma Employment Security Commission - This applies only if you have employees.
6. Inform yourself! Read and take advantage of all the additional resources available to you on this site and others for how to successfully start and run a business. 

Want to add to the six steps of startup? Let us know your thoughts!

If you are interested in the workforce outlook of Tulsa, consider joining representatives from education, industry and workforce development programs on Wednesday, October 19th at the Holiday Inn-City Center in Tulsa from 8:30 - 10 a.m.

This group will be discussing sector strategies and industry-led approaches for workforce-driven training, including an overview of the Workforce Advisory Panel's outcomes and strategies to grow, retain and attract the Tulsa region's talent pipeline to ensure the success of the area's businesses, economy and community.

There is no cost and the event is open to anyone who would like to attend. To register, contact Sharon Goswick at (918) 560-0276, or sharongoswick@tulsachamber.com.