<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>The BlackpagesOHIO</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com</link>
	<description>We tell all your business!</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:46:05 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4</generator>
		<item>
		<title>The Ohio Business Opportunity Fair</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=3010</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=3010#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:53:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=3010</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Presented by the South Central Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, the Ohio Business Opportunity Fair provides MBEs with a unique opportunity to meet with other MBEs, corporations, and State Agencies to form collaborative partnerships for future business development. This THREE-DAY event will feature workshops, a reception, breakfast, and a golf outing! Please download the attached [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2012/03/logo_scomsdc.png"><img src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2012/03/logo_scomsdc.png" alt="" title="logo_scomsdc" width="250" height="115" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3012" /></a>Presented by the <a href="http://www.scombc.org/aws/SCOMSDC/pt/sp/home_page">South Central Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council</a>, the <a href="http://www.scomsdc.org/aws/SCOMSDC/pt/sp/obof_home">Ohio Business Opportunity Fair</a> provides MBEs with a unique opportunity to meet with other MBEs, corporations, and State Agencies to form collaborative partnerships for future business development. This THREE-DAY event will feature workshops, a reception, breakfast, and a golf outing!</p>
<p><span id="more-3010"></span> </p>
<p><ahref="http://www.scomsdc.org/aws/SCOMSDC/pt/sp/obof_home"><img src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2012/04/OBOF-Flyer-2-590x768.jpg" alt="" title="OBOF Flyer" width="525" height="730" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3029" /></a></p>
<p>Please download the attached registration form.</p>
<p><a href='http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2012/03/2012-OBOF-Sponsorship-Registration-Packet.pdf'>2012 OBOF &#8211; Sponsorship &#038; Registration Packet</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=3010</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Working From Home &#8212; The Online Business Reality</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2927</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2927#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:34:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2927</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[According to a recent Harris poll, 72% of American households are thinking about starting a home based business. This is quite frankly a staggering statistic. Almost three quarters of Americans are unsatisfied with their current employment situation for one reason or another. Many of these unsatisfied workers are turning to the Internet to fuel their [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2012/02/worradmu.jpg"><img src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2012/02/worradmu.jpg" alt="" title="worradmu" width="190" height="150" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2928" /></a>According to a recent Harris poll, 72% of American households are thinking about starting a home based business. This is quite frankly a staggering statistic. Almost three quarters of Americans are unsatisfied with their current employment situation for one reason or another. Many of these unsatisfied workers are turning to the Internet to fuel their work from home dream jobs. </p>
<p>(Image by worradmu)<br />
<span id="more-2927"></span></p>
<p>Quitting the never ending rat race is a personal decision that many work from home entrepreneurs face. Their reasons for wanting to work from home vary. Some people find that they simply have no other choice but to work out of their home office. Perhaps they have to take care of their elderly parents or their children, or they themselves are house-bound. Some people are retired and find that finally having an opportunity to spend time in their own home is a huge comfort and joy. Even college kids, stay at home spouses, and those recently downsized are finding that the Internet is simply the best option for starting and running a profitable home based business. </p>
<p>Working from home is a serious commitment that all entrepreneurs should consider. However, they must be aware of the negatives and risks of the Internet. The Internet is fraught with get rich quick schemes. It is also overflowing with misleading business building hype and flat out work from home lies. Any program or opportunity that promises big bucks with little work is a fraud. Proper research and common sense should eliminate many frauds and scams. Developing a solid Internet business requires partnerships with strong and professional companies. </p>
<p>Building a real business, no matter what kind of business, requires hard work. That&#8217;s the bad news. The good news is there has never been a better time to start a business from home because the Internet makes it a low-cost and low-risk venture. Building an online business or work from home business does not require massive amounts of start up capital. With that said, it is possible to over spend on your business simply by neglecting the research. </p>
<p>Learning about web hosting companies and traffic building strategies in the beginning of your work from home business plan is a tremendous positive step. There are many web hosting companies that offer cheap domains and seemingly endless features. The problem many web entrepreneurs face is they invest in the wrong web hosting company at the start up phase of their business. They soon discover that they have not built an online business. They have simply built an online brochure that sits unvisited by the millions of web surfers. Now they must invest more and more money into building a bigger and better site, or paying a firm to optimize their web pages, or paying a search engine to display their ads. </p>
<p>A web business that sits unvisited is not a business at all. Online entrepreneurs know they need an income to be successful. They also realize that building an online business is a series of steps. They must rank well in the search engines by providing excellent content filled web pages. In return for ranking so well, the search engines send droves of targeted customers to the online business. Now that the online business has customers, it can begin to develop a relationship with them. It warms the customer by creating a welcoming and personal feel. All of the great information and the atmosphere of the website will build a trust between the business and its customer. It is this relationship of that leads to profitability. </p>
<p>Forget the long string of classic work at home dead-end jobs like envelope-stuffing and telemarketing. Use the Web to build something terrific that excites you, a business to be proud of, that you own, and that earns you substantial income. Working from home rewards entrepreneurs in so many ways. If you are interested in an online business or a work at home business, you must be smart enough to do the research. You may receive a free step-by-step guide to building your online and work at home business by visiting the author&#8217;s website.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
For More Free Resources visit http://www.start-ownbiz.com </p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2927</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>7 Tips to Build Better Marketing Ebooks</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2915</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2915#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:32:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2915</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the major objectives of marketing is better booklet printing. If you plan to print booklets to spread the word about your products or your company itself, you should always strive to be better and booklet printing to deliver the correct message. Luckily for you, this article will help you do this. Below are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2012/02/Michal-Marcol.jpg"><img src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2012/02/Michal-Marcol.jpg" alt="" title="(Michal Marcol)" width="190" height="150" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2916" /></a>One of the major objectives of marketing is better booklet printing. If you plan to print booklets to spread the word about your products or your company itself, you should always strive to be better and booklet printing to deliver the correct message. Luckily for you, this article will help you do this. Below are 7 simple ways that should help you build better marketing booklets.</p>
<p>(Image by Michal Marcol)</p>
<p><span id="more-2915"></span></p>
<p>1. Creating better headlines &#8211;  One simple way to build a better color booklet is to create better headlines or titles. To do this, you have to go old school and learn the fine art of headline or article title writing from the newspapers. As you know, newspaper headlines usually need to be short, simple but striking. It must attract people with the premise of the message while at the same time not giving too much. So if you want to make better color booklets, try to learn proper headline writing. There are many guides out there that you can read.</p>
<p>2. Getting better images &#8211; Another way to improve your marketing booklets is to get better images. Do not just use clip-arts or stock photographs. Create your images yourself and take your own photographs for your booklet. Not only will this ensure that you have original photographs to use, but it will also guarantee that you will use high resolution photographs that are perfect for booklet printing. There won&#8217;t be any problems with fuzzy images or pixels appearing. All your images should be crisp and clear because of this.</p>
<p>3. Printing bigger &#8211; Another good technique is to just print big. Bigger is better in some ways and in booklet printing it is no different. If you print larger booklets with a larger image and larger text, it will be noticed first. People will easily be able to spot your marketing booklets from a distance, and since it is larger than normal booklets it will also be very memorable. So try just printing big booklets and you&#8217;ll see the difference.</p>
<p>4. Using eye catching cover colors &#8211; Color is also an important aspect of booklet printing and design. If you use unusual colors for the cover of your color booklet, there is a big chance that people will notice it and pay attention to it first. It is only natural to focus first on the interesting colors in a rack or table. So use some great colors like deep red, bright yellow, cerulean blue etc. Make sure though that you use neutral colors when possible. Sometimes people can get turned off by certain colors like black or pink.</p>
<p>5. Researching your target audience &#8211; Research is also a vital part of your booklet printing. If you always do your research on the preferences of your target audience, you can easily adopt your design to match their needs and wants. It will be easier to do your designs and you can easily compose good content that really means something to your target audience. So don&#8217;t forget to research first on your target demographics.</p>
<p>6. Using a memorable element &#8211; Now, it is also very crucial that you use at least one memorable element in your booklet to make it look great. This can be a unique material in the booklet itself, some special inks, embossed elements, holes, design attachments etc. Just think of anything that is related to your color booklet which can be of significance. Adding this makes a mark on the memory of your readers making your marketing booklets a little bit more effective.</p>
<p>7. High quality booklet printing &#8211; Finally, nothing makes a booklet better than high quality booklet printing. If you really want your marketing booklets to catch that audience and make an impact on the market then you should invest in the best quality booklet printing process. Use the thickest paper materials with glossy coatings and of course have it bound by the best binding method you can afford. With a glossy high quality marketing booklet, you are bound to sell or promote something quite easily.</p>
<p>So there you have it, seven simple ways for better booklet printing and better color booklets. Your booklets will be reeling in the people in no time.</p>
<p>For more information visit www.printplace.com.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2915</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Whereabouts of Internet Marketing Strategy</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2908</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2908#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:11:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2908</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is Internet marketing strategy? How vital is it in the operation of your Internet marketing business? How will it affect your online business career? Can it increase or decrease the volume of your site&#8217;s sales? These are some of the questions where you would want a convincing answer. Internet marketing is a huge marketplace-every [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/11/Image-by-ddpavumba.jpg"><img src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/11/Image-by-ddpavumba.jpg" alt="" title="Image by ddpavumba" width="190" height="150" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2701" /></a>What is Internet marketing strategy? How vital is it in the operation of your Internet marketing business? How will it affect your online business career?  Can it increase or decrease the volume of your site&#8217;s sales? These are some of the questions where you would want a convincing answer. Internet marketing is a huge marketplace-every aspect should be considered by every aspiring online marketer who wants to try their luck in this type of investment.</p>
<p>(Image by ddpavumba)</p>
<p><span id="more-2908"></span></p>
<p>To begin with, Internet marketing is not a &#8220;pure luck&#8221; investment. Having a strategy in a certain endeavor eliminates the &#8220;luck factor&#8221; as the main driver in the success or failure of any Internet marketing business. </p>
<p>Internet marketing strategy is a detailed and methodical plan of action made by an entrepreneur to achieve success in his online business career. It is also considered to be a hypothesis that suggests the direction of an online business to fulfill its vision or goal and at the same time maximize the potential of the success of a business in the future. One of the advantages of an efficient internet marketing strategy is that it can enhance the entrepreneurs&#8217;performance and help him establish good business environment in the future. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that the development of an efficient Internet marketing strategy is the key of your success in your online business. In order to succeed, you should create and design a strategic marketing plan that includes attractive and easy-to-navigate sites and high quality products. Each of the steps that you follow plays an essential role in your overall business strategy and must be developed to its maximum potential. If any of the steps will fail to fulfill its purpose, there is a slim chance of success for your online business. </p>
<p>Aside from the inclusion of well-established websites and products, you must treat your Internet marketing strategy as the final process of your automated business plan. It must include both short-term and long-term marketing strategies for you to succeed.</p>
<p>* Your short-term Internet marketing strategy includes things that will temporarily help your online business get a sudden boost of traffic. Though these strategies are essential to your overall marketing plan, these are just temporary traffic source and must not be heavily depended on. This may include short-term advertising goals, bulletin boards, and others. </p>
<p>* Your long-term strategy will provide you consistent stream of targeted traffic over time. Such strategy is expected to produce results through coming years. This may include content management, opt-in lists, and freebies. </p>
<p>In the creation and implementation of an efficient Internet marketing strategy, you must consider several things such as the following:</p>
<p>* Developing a high quality product must be an integral part of your marketing strategy. It includes making your products unique and should not invite competition with hundreds or thousands of other online businesses offering similar product. You must provide your clients exactly what they are looking for, which is a product that is needed and at the same time provide instant gratification. </p>
<p>* Formulating your marketing strategy has also something to do with your website. Your website must possess professional design, keyword-rich and interesting content, and several graphics and images. You must explain your products and at the same time convince your potential customers to purchase the product because they need it. The site content itself must persuade an individual to buy your product. To convince your readers and potential clients to make purchases on your site, make use of attractive headlines that catch their interests and build curiosity. </p>
<p>The creation and implementation of Internet marketing strategy is not as simple as some may think. It will undergo extensive researches and some series of test runs to determine if the strategy blends well with your system or not. If you found out that the strategy is not working on your advantage, change it. On the other hand, if it blends well to your online business system, then stay using it and further maximize its potential of giving success to your online marketing career. </p>
<p>If strategy is important to the military and to the financial community, then it is essential to your Internet marketing business. Do not start without any strategy at all or else &#8211; it is game over for your online marketing career.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2908</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Credit Score Explained</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2708</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2708#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:41:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2708</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Essentially a credit score is a number that is generated by the credit bureaus and is based upon your account history, and includes items such as late payments, account amount, and most credit related issues. Banks and account or credit departments utilize this credit score based upon your credit history to determine the risk that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/11/Image-by-digitalart1.jpg"><img src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/11/Image-by-digitalart1.jpg" alt="" title="Image by digitalart" width="260" height="180" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2710" /></a>Essentially a credit score is a number that is generated by the credit bureaus and is based upon your account history, and includes items such as late payments, account amount, and most credit related issues. Banks and account or credit departments utilize this credit score based upon your credit history to determine the risk that you represent. It is a measuring tool of the likelihood of the individual actually repaying the money advanced in the form of a loan or item purchased, for example a house or a car.</p>
<p><span id="more-2708"></span></p>
<p>Although your credit score is primarily used in the above description, there are other companies that use this credit score to ascertain your ability to meet your monthly repayments. These companies include mobile telephone companies for the contractual agreements signed by the user. Insurance companies will also check on the credit score to ascertain the ability of the person seeking insurance to meet the monthly premium. </p>
<p>A potential employer might also utilise this in the case of appointing an employee in a financial services or related position to deem whether the employee is suitable to work with financial issues as well as with cash and related items.</p>
<p>Dependent on where the applicant, in other words the credit seeker, phone contract applicant or whichever described above is resident will determine the seriousness or severity of their credit score in this application process. In certain countries one can obtain a copy of their report at any given time, and sometimes only once a year, there is a certain protocol that must be followed to obtain ones credit report. </p>
<p>One of the strictest countries is one of the Scandinavian countries, and here you do not have a credit score as such, but rather a good or bad credit rating. Once you transgress to the bad credit rating, your case file is then forwarded to a type of collection or enforcement agency; this results in a remark upon your name with the credit bureaus and it becomes very difficult to obtain a loan or a credit approval, for the desired purchase. The credit score is not limited to the approval or declining of credit, but is utilised in the majority of countries to estimate the actual level or amount of credit that can be granted to the applicant. Therefore the lower the credit score the less the amount of credit will be approved, if approved at all.</p>
<p>One should therefore be aware that you credit score is not limited to your credit applications. It can affect your communications needs, via the mobile operators, as well as a potential employment issues. Awareness of this credit score is required to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation. If you are not sure on your credit score, inquire at the credit bureaus to obtain peace of mind.<br />
&#8211;<br />
<b>About the Author</b><br />
For more resources about <a href="http://creditrepairme.com">Credit Repair</a> or even fixing your <a href="http://creditrepairme.com/credit-fixing">Credit Report</a> about please review this web link <a href="http://creditrepairme.com">http://creditrepairme.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2708</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Buy It, Fix It, Sell It</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2668</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2668#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:06:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2668</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[More and more people are giving up the daily grind and aspiring to venture into the lucrative real estate market. It seems that even in a struggling economy, there is money to be made in the housing industry. Investing in real a estate rehab or fixer-upper project offers pretty much anyone the opportunity to make [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/11/Image-by-Paul.jpg"><img src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/11/Image-by-Paul.jpg" alt="" title="Image by Paul" width="290" height="200" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2669" /></a><br />
More and more people are giving up the daily grind and aspiring to venture into the lucrative real estate market.  It seems that even in a struggling economy, there is money to be made in the housing industry.<br />
Investing in real a estate rehab or fixer-upper project offers pretty much anyone the opportunity to make a substantial profit within a relatively short term.</p>
<p>(Image by Paul) </p>
<p><span id="more-2668"></span></p>
<p>By definition, a fixer-upper is a real estate property that requires some maintenance, redecoration, reconstruction, or redesign.   Doing so raises the potential value of the property and ensures a return on the initial investment.</p>
<p>Before tackling such a business venture, there are several elements to consider.  First and foremost, an investor needs to decide on the best strategy for locating bargains with the most potential for profit.  Real estate owned properties (REOs), foreclosures, auctions, or for sale by owners (FSBOs) are all options to consider.  Also, working with a local area real estate agent offers much insight into the current market.</p>
<p>The type of financing that will be incorporated will also be a key component within this overall strategy.  There are several ways to acquire financing for an investment.  The sellers of the property, banks, government programs, investors, or private mortgage companies can provide funding.  Also, one has to decide if partners will be involved in the transaction, if they will actually be doing the rehabilitation work on the property, and whether or not the property will be listed with real estate agents.</p>
<p>Creating a business plan is the next course of action.  This allows an investor to choose the proper alternatives that cater to each individual situation.  It outlines specific objectives and also highlights both the risks and rewards of the investment.  A business plan also offers a perspective and pinpoints the strengths and weaknesses of the potential purchase. </p>
<p>Once the business plan is in place, an investor can begin his/her journey to investment by finding target properties.  A target property would generally be a single-family home in need of repair that is located in a decent neighborhood.  Lower to mid-priced homes in areas which first time home buyers wish to live in are great target properties.  </p>
<p>Looks do matter.  The best looking homes are not necessarily the best options for profit.  Houses that require only cosmetic repair are typically marketed nearer to their maximum retail value. Comparatively, houses that are structurally sound but need some work are ideal.  They are priced cheaper and when coupled with value added rehabilitation, they become assets, which in turn offer a profit.  Houses that offer causes for concern such as severe foundation settling, soil instability, plumbing problems, electrical system overhauls, extensive roof damage, or obsolete floor plans are not desirable investments.</p>
<p>Determining a purchase price is the next step in process.  Having a realistic idea of what you are getting into is key.  This price is contingent on a variety of factors. The maximum retail value of the property after repairs and renovation have been completed, comparable purchases in the neighborhood, real estate appraisers or agents familiar with the local markets all play a role.  </p>
<p>The purchase price of a home or property can be determined by assessing the maximum retail value of the property and subtracting purchase costs (loans, brokerage fees, closing costs), rehab costs (repairs and improvements), holding costs (interest expenses for loans, utilities, taxes accrued between the purchase and the sale of the property), sales costs, the contingency factor (any unforeseen or unanticipated expenses), and profit (the amount netted after expenses).  This formula decides the maximum purchase price for the property.</p>
<p>After the purchase price has been established, a funding plan needs to be implemented.  One can either work with private mortgage lenders or receive financing from the seller or a combination of both.  An investor needs to identify potential sources of income and decide if he/she will supplement what is needed through personal savings, with other investors, or joint venture partners.</p>
<p>One popular choice is a renovation loan through a home equity line of credit or a mortgage.  This type of loan can generally be borrowed against ninety percent of the equity the homeowner will have when the house is completed.  The interest rate on a home equity loan is about the same as a mortgage but only about one hundred thousand dollars of this is tax deductible.   </p>
<p>An even better way to procure financing is with a renovation loan paired with a first mortgage.  Loans can be borrowed against the value of the home or property after the rehabilitation and renovation work has been completed and the interest is tax deductible up to one million dollars.  Almost all lenders, the Fannie Mae HomeStyle program, and Freddie Mac Home Work! product offer this type of financing.</p>
<p>When financing has been established, it is time to find a real estate agent in order to proceed.  The expertise they offer is invaluable and they are knowledgeable of properties that are or soon will be available, price ranges, financing options, neighborhood characteristics, title issues, seller negotiations, and purchase offer submittals.  </p>
<p>In addition, they have access to multiple listing systems (MLS).  These Local Association of Realtor databases are useful tools to have in the market.  Considering that only about fifteen percent of the properties in the market are for sale by owner and REOs can only be accessed through an agent, working with a real estate agent is crucial.</p>
<p>After the initial investment has been made and the property has been purchased, a rehabilitation strategy is implemented.  The ultimate goal is to enhance the marketability of the property.  All structural, mechanical, and electrical systems need to be repaired in compliance with the Federal Housing Association (FHA) construction standards.  High quality work by professionals is necessary to ensure the best possible renovation.   Curb appeal, kitchens, and bathrooms should be paid particular attention.   Monitoring the project, tracking expenditures and maintaining records, and also photo documentation of progression are essential. </p>
<p>Over improving a property does not necessarily offer a greater profit, but rather hinders the sale of the house. Renovations should be comparable to other homes in the area.  To receive the maximum resale value of the property, rehabilitation and remodeling investments should not increase the retail value of the house by more than ten to fifteen percent above the median sale price of other homes in the local area.</p>
<p>When it is time to sell, a powerful marketing strategy is necessary.   Finding a top selling real estate agent is imperative for maximum market exposure.  The listing agreement should include monetary incentives that stress the urgency factor of the sale and protections that define liabilities for all parties involved.  Keeping in close contact with the agent enables the seller to monitor the progress of the marketing plan.  Buyers can also be attracted with seller financing options.  </p>
<p>Buying, fixing, and selling a house is a huge undertaking that offers an investor a potential for a good profit within a relatively short amount of time.  It involves a lot of hard work and a large time commitment.  For those willing to put forth the effort and often times the elbow grease required, it is definitely an investment worth making.<br />
&#8211;<br />
<b>About the Author</b><br />
Jeff Adams is a full time investor who has done over 350 deals and is a leading expert in the buying and selling of real estate.  For more information visit http://www.FreeForeclosureCourse.com or sign up for a free seven day e-course at http://www.RealEstateWebProfits.com.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2668</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Start A Landscaping Business</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2659</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2659#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:45:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2659</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Starting a landscaping service business is one of the most lucrative business options around. It is not only a rewarding option, it is also one of the easiest businesses to start and be successful in. The business hardly requires any capital to be invested and does not involve any overhead costs too. So if landscaping [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/11/Image-by-Simon-Howden.jpg"><img src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/11/Image-by-Simon-Howden.jpg" alt="" title="Image by Simon Howden" width="280" height="200" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2660" /></a>Starting a landscaping service business is one of the most lucrative business options around. It is not only a rewarding option, it is also one of the easiest businesses to start and be successful in. The business hardly requires any capital to be invested and does not involve any overhead costs too. So if landscaping interests you and you feel that you have the dynamism then do go ahead and give it a try.</p>
<p>(Image by Simon Howden)</p>
<p><span id="more-2659"></span></p>
<p>The Concept </p>
<p>Starting a landscaping service business would require you to know the basics about gardening and landscaping. If you feel that you are not proficient enough with the basics then the best way to learn some more about the profession is to go through e-books on the Internet. Make sure that the book description tells you all about gardening, landscaping and interior scaping. </p>
<p>Once you have acquired the basics you would be ready to get started. At the starter level you would need to have a truck (to carry your equipment) and the tools that include watering cans, lawn mower, broom, rake and other assorted hand tools. If you are low on investment then rent the equipment and buy them later. </p>
<p>The main source of income for entrepreneur landscapers is from clean ups. Here you would be required to visit an overgrown landscape. Your job would be to clean the land of all overgrown plants and shrubs and get rid of the debris as well. The job pays quite well and hardly requires any labor. Start by taking up residential projects and move on to commercial ones later. Remain updated and have a proper understanding of the trade to gain enough profits.</p>
<p>Startup Cost</p>
<p>The startup cost of starting a landscaping service business is close to nil. However you would require spending some amount on renting or buying the landscaping equipment. You would also need to have a business license from your city. So check all state and federal rules and have the requirements in place before you start. </p>
<p>If your business can afford to, do get an insurance cover before you start. If you cannot afford insurance at the first go then make sure that you get one as soon as possible. </p>
<p>Marketing Your Landscaping Service Business</p>
<p>The best way to market your landscaping business would be via word-of-mouth. You can also consider going door-to-door. Speak to interested neighbors and shopping mall owners. Both these methods of marketing your business are cheap but time consuming. However, they are also the best means to gain more clients in and around your home.</p>
<p>You can also consider flyers, newspaper advertisements and the Yellow pages. These methods are less time consuming and extremely effective. At the same time also try to use direct mail to weekly contact specific zip code zones. </p>
<p>To acquire commercial projects you would need to print advertisements in local business and monthly magazines. Make sure that the reader base for these magazines includes the upper income class of your city.</p>
<p>Best of Luck.</p>
<p><b>About the Author</b><br />
MommyEmpire.com is dedicated to helping moms succeed with their<br />
<a href="http://www.mommyempire.com/guides/">work from home</a> business. Be sure to check us out on the Web for home business ideas and<br />
<a href="http://www.mommyempire.com/internet-business/">internet business ideas</a>!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2659</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What You Need to Know About Credit Reports</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2249</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2249#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.net/?p=2249</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You hear people talk about credit reports all the time but do you know what they are really all about? Well, if you have ever been turned down when applying for a credit card or a loan it is high time you learned all about your credit report and how you can get it working [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/08/Image-by-Salvatore-Vuono.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2250" title="Image by Salvatore Vuono" src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/08/Image-by-Salvatore-Vuono.jpg" alt="" width="286" height="155" /></a>You hear people talk about credit reports all the time but do you know what they are really all about? Well, if you have ever been turned down when applying for a credit card or a loan it is high time you learned all about your credit report and how you can get it working for you instead of against you.</p>
<p>(Image by Salvatore Vuono.)</p>
<p><span id="more-2249"></span>Let&#8217;s start off by explaining what your credit report actually is. Your credit report is a public record of all of the transactions concerning any money you may gave borrowed in the past. Any payments that you make on time or late, will show up on this report as well. Any tax liens or bankruptcies are on there as well. Your credit report even notes each time your report has been requested by someone or some company.</p>
<p>The reason that this report is so important is that this is how most lenders make their decision about whether you are a good credit risk or not. If you have a history of not paying your debts, they are obviously not going to want to give you any money because they know they will have a hard time getting it back from you. If you have poor credit you will find it difficult to get any credit cards or loans, even employers and landlords are accessing credit reports these days.</p>
<p>Everyone should request a copy of his or her report at least once a year. This is a simple task, all you need to do is contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies and ask them for a copy. This will not cost you anything but the copying expense and the stamp. You can contact these agencies online at:</p>
<p>Experian (located at <a href="http://www.experian.com/" target="_blank">www.experian.com</a>)</p>
<p>Trans Union (located at <a href="http://www.transunion.com/" target="_blank">www.transunion.com</a>)</p>
<p>Equifax (located at <a href="http://www.equifax.com/" target="_blank">www.equifax.com</a>)</p>
<p>It is a good idea to get a report from all three of these agencies because they are not always the same. Once you get your report you will want to check it over for any errors or discrepancies. If you find any be sure to contact your creditors right away so that they can fix the problem.</p>
<p>According to the law you are entitles to receive one free copy of your credit report each and every year sot here is a chance that you will have to pay for the other two. But there is a chance that you will be eligible to get free reports if you meet certain criteria.</p>
<p>This criteria is as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>You have been the victim of identity theft</li>
<li>You are on welfare</li>
<li>You are unemployed</li>
<li>You have been denied credit recently</li>
</ul>
<p>If your credit report is not a good-looking one at all there are some things that you can do to fix it up. First off, as I mentioned before if you see any errors report them right away, but if the black marks you see are all legitimate claims you will have to do some serious repair work. You cannot fix your credit overnight, no matter what anyone tells you, it is going to take some time and some effort.</p>
<p>If you just cannot seem to get things together enough to start making all of your payments on time each month you can contact a credit counseling service. They can help you to manage your debt successfully.</p>
<p>Having good credit is very important and the truth of the matter is that it is only going to get more important. Now is as good a time as any to get things under control don&#8217;t you think?</p>
<p><strong>About the Author</strong></p>
<p>Martin Lukac, represents, #1 Loans USA, a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more: <a href="http://www.1loansusa.com/" target="_blank">http://www.1LoansUSA.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2249</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Proceedings</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2243</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2243#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.net/?p=2243</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bankruptcy is federal statutory law (Title 11 of the United States Code) based upon the Constitutional requirement for &#8220;uniform laws on the subject of Bankruptcy throughout the United States.&#8221; (Article I, Section 8). Bankruptcy proceedings are undertaken in the United States Bankruptcy Courts, part of the District Court system. (Image by renjith krishnan.) There are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/08/Image-by-renjith-krishnan.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2244" title="Image by  renjith krishnan" src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/08/Image-by-renjith-krishnan.jpg" alt="" width="281" height="164" /></a>Bankruptcy is federal statutory law (Title 11 of the United States Code) based upon the Constitutional requirement for &#8220;uniform laws on the subject of Bankruptcy throughout the United States.&#8221; (Article I, Section 8). Bankruptcy proceedings are undertaken in the United States Bankruptcy Courts, part of the District Court system.</p>
<p>(Image by renjith krishnan.)</p>
<p><span id="more-2243"></span></p>
<p>There are several types of proceedings that fit under the general category bankruptcy. The U S Bankruptcy Code has multiple chapters, each describing a different procedure available for debt resolution. Liquidation under a Chapter 7 filing is the most common form of bankruptcy. Liquidation involves the appointment of a trustee who collects the non-exempt property of the debtor, sells it and distributes the proceeds to the creditors. Bankruptcy under Chapter 11, Chapter 12, or Chapter 13 is more complex and involves allowing the debtor to use future earnings to pay off creditors. In addition, there is Chapter 9 bankruptcy, available only to municipalities; perhaps the most famous example of a municipal bankruptcy was in Orange County, California. Chapter 9 is a form of reorganization, not liquidation. Chapter 12 is somewhat like Chapter 13 but is only available to farmers in certain situations. As recently as mid-2004 Chapter 12 was scheduled to expire but in late 2004 it was given a renewed lease on life.</p>
<p>Bankruptcy can be entered into voluntarily by the debtor. It can also be commenced involuntarily by as few as one creditor if the debt owed is large enough. An involuntary bankruptcy may be used as a collection tool but its use can be very risky and, if wielded improperly, may subject the creditor to large damages.</p>
<p>Some property is exempt from being sold to pay debts in a bankruptcy. The law varies greatly from state to state. In some states, exempt property includes equity in a home or car, tools of the trade, and some amount of personal effects. In other states an asset class such as tools of trade will not be exempt by virtue of its class except to the extent it is claimed under a more general exemption for personal property.</p>
<p>One major purpose of bankruptcy is to ensure orderly and reasonable management of debt. Thus, exemptions for personal effects are thought to prevent punitive seizures of personal items of little or no economic value (diary, toothbrush, ordinary clothing), since this does not promote any desirable economic result. Similarly, tools of the trade may, depending on the available exemptions, be a permitted exemption as their continued possession allows the insolvent debtor to move forward into productive work as soon as possible.</p>
<p>Not every debt may be discharged under every chapter of the Code. Certain taxes owed to Federal, state or local government, government guaranteed student loans, and support obligations are not dischargeable (but nb., guaranteed student loans are potentially dischargeable should the debtor prevail in a difficult-to-win adversary proceeding brought in the nature of a complaint to determine dischargeability that&#8217;s brought against the lender; also, the debtor can petition the court for a &#8220;financial hardship&#8221; discharge, but it is very rare that such a discharge is granted). The debtor&#8217;s liability on a Secured debt, such as a mortgage or mechanics lien on a home, may be discharged, but the effects of the mortgage or mechanics lien cannot be discharged in most cases if it affixed prior to filing, so if the debtor wishes to retain the property, the debt must usually be paid for as agreed. (See also lien avoidance, reaffirmation agreement) (Note: there may be additional flexibility available in Chapter 13 for debtors dealing with over secured collateral such as a financed auto, so long as the over secured property is not the debtor&#8217;s primary residence.)</p>
<p>Also, any debt tainted by one of a variety of wrongful acts recognized by the Bankruptcy code, including defalcation, or consumer purchases or cash advances above a certain amount incurred a short time before filing, cannot be discharged. However, certain kinds of debt, such as debts incurred by way of fraud, may be dischargeable through the Chapter 13 super discharge. All in all, as of 2005, there are 19 general categories of debt that cannot be discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and fewer debts that cannot be discharged under Chapter 13.</p>
<p>Article written by Steve Austin.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2243</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Outsourcing and Virtual Assistants Small Business Saviors</title>
		<link>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2233</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?p=2233#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:14:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MWhetstone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackpagesohio.net/?p=2233</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Work smarter, not harder What is one of the best ways to work smarter without working harder? The answer is outsourcing. Whether you need occasional or ongoing assistance, outsourcing can save you money and time. Graphic designers, copywriters, bookkeepers, website programmers, office assistants, and other types of professionals are all readily available. (Image by digital [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/06/digital-art.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2224" title="digital art" src="http://www.blackpagesohio.net/wp-content/uploads/2/2011/06/digital-art.jpg" alt="" width="204" height="144" /></a>Work smarter, not harder</strong></p>
<p>What is one of the best ways to work smarter without working harder? The answer is outsourcing. Whether you need occasional or ongoing assistance, outsourcing can save you money and time. Graphic designers, copywriters, bookkeepers, website programmers, office assistants, and other types of professionals are all readily available.</p>
<p>(Image by digital art.)</p>
<p><span id="more-2233"></span></p>
<p>And, there’s a new way of hiring people – the World Wide Web connects independent professionals and small businesses that don’t need or want full-time help. Try typing “Virtual Assistant” into a search engine. You will find a vast array of online resources. According to the International Virtual Assistants Association,</p>
<p>“A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative, and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis.&#8221;</p>
<p>This means you can find a virtual assistant for almost any type of work. Are you a plumber who needs accounting? Or a professional speaker who needs help arranging your appointments? Perhaps you would like some help writing proposals, designing a new website, or sending out press releases. You can find someone online for all of these services.</p>
<p>For many “around the office” types of jobs, virtual assistants get paid $20 to $50 an hour. More specialized services such as programming, legal assistance, graphic design, or coaching can cost $75 to $125 an hour. This may sound expensive at first. However, if you are not in need of a person in your office 40 hours every week, it becomes a very cost-effective solution.</p>
<p>While I realize, costs fluctuate widely, let’s look at some sample numbers to compare the typical costs of maintaining an employee versus outsourcing:</p>
<p><strong>Sample costs of a full-time employee</strong> Employee Salary: $36,000/ $17.31/hr.</p>
<ul>·Two-week paid vacation: $1,385 to cover your employee’s role (more if a temp is hired)·Health Insurance (employer portion for 12 mos.@$150): $1,800·FICA Taxes (7.65%): $2,754·Worker&#8217;s Comp. (.61%): $220·Unemployment (State &amp; Fed): $309·Misc. costs (Vision, Dental, Disability &amp; 401K Matching, Profit Sharing &amp; Stock Options): &gt;$3,000·Office Space, Equipment, and Software (100 sq. Ft. @ applicable rate): $2500 ($25/sq. ft. is conservative)·Annual Bonus (1 mo. salary): $3000</p>
<p>·Sick Time (10 days/year): $1385</p>
<p>·Other intangible costs (furniture, testing, training &amp; fees, sick children, etc.): $1200</ul>
<p><strong>Total Typical Costs: $53,553/ $25.75/hr. total effective hourly rate at 100% productivity</strong></p>
<p>At a 75% productivity level, this employee’s cost for actual work becomes $34.33/hour and at a 50% productivity level, it’s $51.50/hour. A full-time staff person is very unlikely to be 100% productive because of idle time, errands, tasks, personal matters, and a learning curve for certain functions. This is combined with an employer’s inability to generate work due to distractions, staff meetings, company functions, lack of time to delegate or supervise, and sales fluctuations.</p>
<p>So, depending on the productivity level of a full-time employee, you may be paying up to 3 times his or her actual salary! You do the math! What&#8217;s the wise choice? Does an in-house employee save money? In most small businesses, this method simply is not the most cost effective.</p>
<p><strong>Entreprenuer, get your life back!</strong></p>
<p>Outsourcing will save you money, time, and energy. Virtual assistants and other out-of-office professionals own their own equipment with the latest software, they pay their own taxes and benefits, they are experts in their field, they don’t require morale building or training, and they aren’t going to bring their personal problems into your work space. Virtual assistants and outsourced professionals offer even more advantages: they are loyal to their client companies and will support your goals – they will help you generate ideas and allow you more time to make your business more profitable.</p>
<p>So, if you have employees that you are happy with, then of course that’s perfect for your business. Don&#8217;t fix what ain&#8217;t broke. However, if you find you are paying too much overhead or spending too much time managing, try a virtual assistant. If you need a new type of service, but don&#8217;t have the in-house expertise, outsourcing is a great option. There’s a world of online help available at your fingertips.</p>
<p><strong>About the Author</strong></p>
<p>Wendy Maynard, your friendly marketing maven, is the owner of Kinesis (<a href="http://www.kinesisinc.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kinesisinc.com</a>). Kinesis specializes in marketing, graphic and website design, and business writing. You can visit her marketing blog, Kinetic Ideas at: <a href="http://www.wendy.kinesisinc.com/" target="_blank">http://www.wendy.kinesisinc.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackpagesohio.com/?feed=rss2&#038;p=2233</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

