New York SBDC Research Network

From SBA 1.) Protect against viruses, spyware, and other malicious code, Make sure each of your business’s computers are equipped with antivirus software and antispyware and update regularly. Such software is readily available online from a variety of vendors. All software vendors regularly provide patches and updates to their products to correct security problems and improve functionality. Configure all software to install updates automatically. 2.) Secure your networks,  Safeguard your Internet connection by using a firewall and encrypting information. If you have a Wi-Fi network, make sure it is secure and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router.

From Nerdwallet Problem solver. Communicator. Financial whiz. Running a small business involves wearing a lot of hats. If you’re looking to increase productivity and organization — or just make your life as an entrepreneur a little easier — a good app might be just what you need. In the ever-growing and changing world of technology, “app” is a word heard all throughout the day. Whether it’s an alarm app that gets you out of bed, or a reviews app that helps you figure out where you want to have lunch, there’s no changing the fact that society as a whole uses mobile devices and the apps that accompany them to plan out their lives. To help you navigate the seemingly endless sea of business apps, Nerdwallet compiled a list of their favorites. These 25 can help you stay organized and in charge, no matter which hat you’re wearing.

From SBA The internet has drastically affected all types of traditional small business marketing—except for one. Out-of-home advertising is the only type of advertising that hasn’t declined due to digital advertising, according to a report from Borrell. In fact, spending on out-of-home advertising has grown consistently since 2008–except for a small decline in 2014–and is expected to keep rising for the next five years. As the name implies, out-of-home (OOH) advertising refers to advertising in places outside the home (as opposed to TV and radio advertising or ads in print media, which come into the home). OOH can include billboards, bus shelter or bench signage, posters and signage in malls, arenas and stadiums; bus, taxi or other vehicle wraps; pre-roll movie ads in theaters; posters and signage in commuter stations and inside buses, trains or railway cars; and “place-based” advertising such as signs in restaurants, bars and health clubs. If your business targets a lo

From Entrepreneur It's an age-old conundrum that faces every entrepreneur planning their business: What do I pay myself? There are a lot of different theories when it comes to this issue. To begin planning your pay, you need to put together your own personal financial statement that lists all your living expenses and any credit cards with outstanding balances as well as short-term and long-term loans. This may be one of the most difficult things you've ever had to do because you don't want to leave anything out. You want to make sure that your income from the business will be enough to cover your expenses. As simple as this sounds, pay yourself enough to meet basic living requirements. Depending on your situation, that means enough income to cover your bills, food and other miscellaneous living expenses. Strike all other discretionary items from your life for a while and get used to just the bare necessities. If you are used to dining at fine restaurants seven days

Kim DiLeo grew up in a construction family and learned about small business issues at an early age. After her first corporate job out of college, she soon realized she preferred small business. In 2011 Kim founded Kimco Group,  Inc. a mechanical construction company that specializes in plan and specification work both in the public and private sector. Over the past five years, Kim has expanded her one-employee business to an average of 5-10 employees, depending on contracts in process. Since 2011, Kim has applied for and received certification as a DBE, WBE and EDWOSB. She first consulted the SBDC in January 2013 to learn about Federal and NY State procurement opportunities. The company has grown substantially over the last few years from completed projects of less than $10,000 in 2012 to more than $3.5 million in completed projects by the end of 2015. In 2014, KIMCO became a union signatory in order to expand opportunities in the NY market. She also conducts

From Forbes The economy’s continued expansion could have you, like many business owners, optimistic about your company’s growth prospects for this year and going forward. Eighty-three percent of businesses are somewhat or extremely confident that their business will grow in 2016, and on average, these businesses expect a nearly 9 percent increase in annual revenue over the next 12 months, according to a recent survey through the Pepperdine Private Capital Access Index report. Businesses with less than $5 million in annual revenue were among the most confident. That means you may need capital to add employees, buy more inventory or purchase office space in the coming months. Small businesses, however, historically report a tough time obtaining financing, with half of applicant firms (especially among microbusinesses and startups) reporting in 2015 they were approved for less than the amount requested. The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration has cited industry estimates

From Huffington Post Credit Capital is possibly the most common reason hindering SME's from launching out. Small business owners spend months trying to acquire loans from banks often with little success and when the money finally comes, it becomes surprisingly difficult to keep a rein on spending all of it. Telephone and internet connections, shipping contracts, printing, stationery are some of the numerous day to daily requirements of running an office and the expenses tend to add up. Thankfully, operating business in the 21st Century comes with its perks. Technology is not only available to large companies but is also now affordable for small businesses including the possibility of integrated technologies that can provide services of two or more functions at the same time. Another advantage of technology is that it breaks the barriers of location, space and time. New technologies have become increasingly simplified and user friendly so everyone can benefit from them rega