Information Strategies, Inc.: SOHO Biz Digest

"The Curse of Knowledge" Muddies Corporate Communications

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:15:25 GMT

Business communicators sometimes become the victim of their own success and insularity.It’s called "the curse of knowledge." Once people have known something for a long time, they can’t imagine what it’s like not to know this, so use jargon automatically without thinking.

Government Program Offers Easy, Free Method To Verify Immigration Status Of Potential Employees

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:14:19 GMT

Companies wanting to check on the immigration status of employees have a little known but effective program available at no cost that is being provided as part of the federal government’s homeland security agency.

10 Tips to Boost Business in Down Economy

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:13:36 GMT

Small and family businesses are facing tough challenges from the economy’s slowdown, but they can weather the downturn by considering 10 business-boosting strategies, according to the small business unit of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual).

Businesses Face Harsher Rules If Employee Social Security Numbers Are Not Verified

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:12:59 GMT

Business managers are faced with a requirement that they resolve social security number discrepancies within 93 days or face penalties if they have not discharged the employee involved.

Tips For Finding The Right Decision Person Within A Target Company

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:08:43 GMT

Whether contacting someone to submit a resume to or as a source of sales lead generation, it can be extremely difficult to locate the right person within a company. However, it is critical for success that the information gets to the person who has the power to make the decision.

Online Marketplace For Lead Generation, Sales

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:07:42 GMT

An interesting new approach for obtaining sales leads has been launched out of beta testing is now available to all users. An exchange where sales leads can be bought and sold has been launched by Salesconx.com, an online business referral marketplace.

More Small Manufacturers Considering Expansion, But Not Physical Plant

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:06:48 GMT

More owners and managers of manufacturing businesses plan to grow their operations during the course of the next 12 to 24 months, but they will be doing so more through investments in human resources and customer needs rather than in facilities and processes, according to the latest Small Business Research Board (SBRB) study.

Four Factors To Consider In Resolving Job Dissatisfaction

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:05:51 GMT

Over half of U.S. workers are dissatisfied with their jobs, and problems have persisted unresolved for at least two decades without improvements on the horizon, says one respected non-profit business group.

Infomercial King Gives Tips On Selling Products On TV

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:04:48 GMT

Many business leaders have wondered if they can use television “infomercials” as a way of jump starting their products. One of the leading proponents of marketing through infomercials is A.J. Khubani.

Six Rules for Increasing Revenue and Profits

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:04:00 GMT

In today's business world, much of the work is focused on cost management. What many businesspeople have failed to realize, however, is that almost any company has the potential to geometrically increase their revenue stream and profitability.

Using an HSA for Retirement

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:47:29 GMT

Many individuals are now using health savings accounts (HSAs) as a way to supplement their traditional retirement accounts, such as 401ks. An HSA allows users to pay for health related expenses, such as office visit copays, deductibles, and medication.

Consumer-Directed Health Plans Continue to Grow as Popular Vehicle to Bring Choice, Flexibility, Access to Consumers

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:42:11 GMT

Enrollment in Consumer-Directed Health Plans (CDHPs) continues to grow. This trend has spurred employers to offer more health care information tools to employees in order to leverage the true value of these products, according to a study commissioned by the American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations (AAPPO) from the consulting firm Mercer, Inc.

Price Comparison Website Helps Consumers to Make Informed Decisions

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:31:44 GMT

Individuals and families can make better decisions about their health care spending if they compare re prices for routine health care services.

Americans Want More Help In Understanding, Using Healthcare Insurance

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:30:07 GMT

As millions of Americans resolve to be healthier in the new year, a new survey suggests consumers should add "understand my insurance" to the list of health-oriented goals for 2008.

Predictions For 2008 Indicate Healthcare System Under Stress

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:28:56 GMT

With the new year, healthcare stakeholders face a plethora of challenges. Predictions of what will happen are beginning to come in and are worth noting for planning purposes.

An Avalanche Of HSAs Expected To Descend In Early 2008

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:27:54 GMT

Millions of Americans will start using their Health Savings Accounts begining this January.

Fear Of IRS Audit Keeps Many Home-Office Users From Filing For Tax Deduction

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:23:38 GMT

Many home-office users are afraid to take the tax deduction due them under the IRS code. The main reason, experts suggest, is because they are afraid of being audited by the IRS if they do.

Business Referral Marketplace to Offer Profitable Online Networking

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:22:40 GMT

Salesconx (http://www.salesconx.com) is a business referral marketplace that is offering profitable online networking to its users, through Salesconx. More than 1,000 active users have already signed up for the free service and 400 business transactions have been completed. The beta launch is accessible via webcast at the company's website http://www.salesconx.com.

Service For Small Enterprises Reduces Operation Needs, Expenses

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:21:50 GMT

Not only do home-based business leaders and consultants need to sell their products and services, they need to manage their firms as well.

Executive Intelligence: What All Great Leaders Have

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:20:44 GMT

Why is it that some businesspeople lead so effortlessly, while others struggle trying to find the right ways to create strategy, solve problems, motivate, and manage? In Executive Intelligence: What All Great Leaders Have (Collins, 2006), Justin Menkes, Ph.D., identifies the specific aptitudes that make leaders great.

Rewriting the Rules of Great Salesmanship and Customer Loyalty

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:19:54 GMT

The most successful business today isn’t part of the Fortune 500. With more than four billion customers, many people don’t realize that it’s a business at all, says bestselling author and business maverick Mark Stevens.

New Technology, Virtual World Challenges Force Consumers To Use Support Offerings

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:19:17 GMT

Even with advances and awareness of computer security, viruses and spyware continue to infiltrate computers, leaving consumers frustrated and unable to protect their computers properly.

Secrets to Success in Wellness Programs

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:16:35 GMT

Wise executives recognize that while employees are most definitely human beings, they also are machines of production that require maintenance. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, preventable illnesses and medical conditions comprise approximately 90% of United States $1.4 trillion medical care costs.

Renowned Trend Spotter Sees Significant Changes Ahead For Marketers

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:15:38 GMT

One of America's top futurists and trend-spotters has some thought provoking ideas about what is happening in today's consumer world.

Seven Top Online Marketing Trends for 2008

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:14:59 GMT

To know where companies are headed in 2008, they must understand how Americans adapt to the latest information and communications technology. According to May 2007 research from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, roughly half of Americans actively use online communications devices.