New York SBDC Research Network

An article from Expanded Rambling . Also, Infographic: The history of online advertising from My Customer.

By  Rieva Lesonsky What’s the first thing that prospective customers see when they approach your business? Your signage tells them where you are, draws their attention and attracts them into your business (or possibly drives them away). Summing up your business brand for the world to see, your business signage creates that all-important first impression. How can you ensure it’s a good one? Whether you’re developing signage for a new business, or updating signage for an existing business, here are some things to consider. What are the constraints affecting signage in your area?  

Employee Handbooks The company employee handbook is one of the most important communication tools between your company and your employees. Not only does it set forth your expectations for your employees, but it also describes what they can expect from the company. It is essential that your company has one and that it be as clear and unambiguous as possible. Make certain that it is written in an understandable language which makes the company's policies accessible. The company employee handbook and related personnel policies are usually the first formal communication that you will have with an employee after they join your team. Make sure the first impression is a good one. Similarly, in the event of a dispute or poor performance review, this will be the first place that the employee turns. What Should an Employee Handbook Include? See BusinessUSA

Everyone has to deal with the nitty-gritty details of starting a business; no matter your industry, getting started safely and legally involves at least a little red tape. You need to make your business an official legal entity, and take an in-depth look at what permits and licenses you need at the local, state, and federal levels to be able to operate your business without fear of being hit with a fine—or worse, having to close down. The term "business license" is a bit misleading as it makes it sound as if there is one license you apply for, sort of like a driver’s license, that you obtain and—voila! You’re legally in business. That is not the case. Read more from Bplans

Veterans: Thinking of starting your own business? The SBDC, VBOC, SBA & the Arsenal Business and Technology Partnership present a free one-week lunch time program for veterans who want to start, expand or purchase a small business. Meets Monday - Friday Sept. 28th – Oct. 2, 2015 From 11:30 am - 1:00 pm – lunch provided at no cost At the Michael R. McNulty Center for Veteran Entrepreneurial Activity, located at the Watervliet Arsenal. Registration required by September 23, 2015 Please contact Amy Amoroso / 518-380-5069 or Kathy Caruso / 518-326-5522

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to providing America's workers, employers, job seekers, and retirees — with clear and easy-to-access information on how to comply with federal employment laws. This information is often referred to as "compliance assistance," which is an important part of the Department's efforts to protect the wages, health benefits, retirement security, employment rights, safety, and health of America's workforce. For example: Employee vs Independent Contractor

Most businesses need to raise external funding from investors to take their company to the next level. An early stage startup will want to access funds to help further validate its business proposition. A more established business that already has traction may be looking for funding to help accelerate growth. Whatever stage your business is in, if you are seeking investment, determining how much funding you should raise is absolutely critical. The dangers of raising too little : Incorrectly assessing your funding need has serious repercussions on your business. It will lead to inadequate validation of your proposition, or to executing growth initiatives that do not materially move the needle. Whatever the case, the business is left in limbo. The dangers of raising too much : So, raising more funds than are needed is the right approach to take, right? Not necessarily. Just as raising too little is risky, raising too much funding is fraught with its own dangers. More from Bplan