The Virtual Wire

I wish I had the survey results

In September, I blogged here about the VACOC's annual survey, and encouraged those with VA businesses to take a few moments and complete the online survey.

Before releasing results to those who participate by completing the survey, it was decided that 1,000 participants would be needed for the endeavor to best represent the industry.  So, if you did take the survey and have wondered about the results, this may help:  according to last reports, there have been 771 respondents, which leaves 229 more needed to make its goal of 1,000 participants.  Once that goal is reached, results will be compiled and a free copy sent to all respondents. 

There's a great deal of good news impacting our industry these days, however, there's much misinformation about virtual assistance, too, as I'm sure you're aware.  That's part of the reason I'm curious about the results, and wish I could read them now (I'll certainly be pleased when they are compiled). 

If you haven't taken the time to participate and thought you may have missed your window of opportunity, I wanted to let you know you can still participate.  Simply follow the link and share with those you know who'd like to see the results, too.  

Home-based businesses, news to use

According to this article, "Nearly half of American firms are home-based businesses. But according to a National Federation of Independent Business survey, only 46% of them take a home office tax credit."

Why? The deduction process is not necessarily a user-friendly one. (Uh, okay, that's not new news!)  But, a good possibility of a solution is on the horizon.  

According to the abovementioned article, we find this:

“To ease the process, Reps. John McHugh, R-N.Y., and Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., introduced the Home Office Deduction Simplification Act last spring. The bill would create a standard $1,500 deduction, which owners could opt for over the messier version ...

Similar bills have died in Congress before, but there's hope this time around: Twenty-eight representatives -- twice as many as last year -- are cosponsoring the current version."

That does seem hopeful to me - simplification can be a very welcomed option.  Perhaps, this brings a positive note your way today, too. (Sharing good news is one of those things I most enjoy!) 

And … you might want to check out this article that addresses the tax deduction issue and other important reminders for the home-based business operator.

Is it just a cause ... or something more?

Several months ago I posted about how much I admire the mission of Kiva -- you can find that post here.  I continue to be amazed at the stories of entrepreneurs I find there, and I love, love knowing I can, in a "small way" support and contribute to their success. 

Recently, I came across a couple of terrific organizations providing platforms that make it tremendously simple and convenient to support worthy causes and help others.  Co-founders, JJ Ramberg and Ken Ramberg are to be congratulated on their fabulous creation!

GoodSearch.com - "You Search, We Give" - donates to a charity of your choice while researchers and casual users go about conducting a search (for whatever) on the Internet.  How simple!

GoodSearch reports that "81,000+ nonprofits are now on-board and 100 more are joining daily!"

GoodShop.com offers coupons and discounts for savings while shopping at well-known, participating retailers and donates up to 30% to a cause of your choice.  How efficient!

You'll find a list of success stories, which is great news; it seems they are making strides for a multitude of organizations in the business of helping others.  How wonderful!

I love doing what I can to make a difference in someone's life.  I know I'm not alone -- these organizations are evidence of that!

Learning from one another - a valuable resource

I've met and worked with many small business owners throughout my life.  In my VA practice now and while working in the "brick and mortar" world, I've learned a great deal from these extraordinary, entrepreneurial-minded business owners. I am grateful for my experiences, and continue to learn from these every-day exchanges, which I find invaluable.

An important matter that affects the small business community in a critical fashion, is the issue of health care coverage.  Regardless of the unique perspectives through which we each view this concern, I think an important factor (and one not easily attained) is finding good, credible information on the topic.

For such a resource, I've found "Fixed for America" to be a great help. You'll find a ton of information on their site - here's an example of their 10 Principles: Small Business Principles for Healthcare Reform page.  I'm in the process of continually reading, researching and learning more - I know I'm not alone.  After all, I hope, we're together learning and growing - and positively affecting one another as we progress onward.

B2B help is here

One of the byproducts I've encountered in my practice has been the amazing intersections it has created.  I've encountered a multitidue of people representing a variety of organizations and companies I find quite interesting.  I imagine many of you have found this to be the case, it's not unique to me.  There are many folks busy about doing good - in their own personal lives and in the businesses and organizations they represent.

This past week, as a result of my work, I came upon another interesting organization and corresponded with them on behalf of my client.  April 16 has been designated as National Business Helping Business Day.

I've decided to subscribe to the effort after reading the following blurb on their Web site about April 16 and this initiative:

"Today, more than ever, small businesses are feeling the pinch of the global economic crisis and must rely on each other to weather the storm. National Business Helping Business Day highlights the significant contributions small businesses make to the global economy and ensures the selfless acts of others do not go unnoticed. To help facilitate this initiative, BusinessHelpingBusiness.com has been established as a free forum, available 365 days of the year, that brings to the forefront the Needs and Haves of businesses around the world."

An excellent mission, I thought.  Yes, I want to be involved. 

It seems the 'downturn" of the economy has precipitated other similar measures by thoughtful and intelligent people.  I can think of a few others, too, many of them operating on a local level and affecting their local communities.  I imagine you've become aware of such actions.  They represent part of the good and positive side of facing difficult times.  It's encouraging to me to come across this type of an organization and to "meet" some of the fine people involved behind the scenes.

Women and business ownership

I chuckled the other day when I read some Tweets discussing how the number of women-owned businesses seems to be growing by leaps and bounds.  This is not a new wave of entrepreneurship, the number of women owning businesses has been on the rise for a long time. The following fact was noted in a January Newsletter published by Barbara Weltman: 

"Women own 20% of $1 million+ businesses. According to new research - one in five $1 million+ revenue businesses are owned by women. However, fewer than 3% of the 10.1 million women-owned firms in the U.S. make it to that million-dollar mark. As of 2008, there were a total of 10.1 million firms owned by women, employing 13 million people and generating $1.9 trillion in revenues."

The research paper is packed full of great information, here's something I thought you'd enjoy learning today:

 “This research reinforces what many involved in women’s advocacy efforts have known all along: that women business owners create jobs and generate revenue from which we all benefit,” said Amy Fitzgibbons, senior manager of American Express OPEN.  “Identifying and sharing best practices of successful women business owners is the key to helping even more women entrepreneurs achieve that same level of success.”

You may enjoy reading through the entire research report; I found it quite encouraging.

It's about worker classification - something you need to know

Did you know that more than $1.6 billion of the $345 billion annual tax gap is the result of worker misclassification?  That's an interesting statistic and one that cannot be ignored. 

Thanks, once again, to Barbara Weltman and her "Idea of the Day[sm]" this issue was brought to my attention recently.  Barbara reports that the director of special programs in the Small Business/Self-Employed division is coordinating with all business divisions, the Criminal Investigation Division, and the Office of Chief Counsel to target this issue. 

As Barbara mentions, if you're needing help to determine whether or not you're operating your business lawfully, there is a training manual used by IRS employees to determine worker classification.

Remaining open to the possibility of good things

Despite the current state of affars, which we're all more than slightly aware (I'm assuming, I know, but I cannot imagine otherwise), I'm choosing to carefully guard my attitude. 

Yes, I'm choosing to guard my attitude; I do not want to succumb to unconstructiveness - in any shape or fashion.  It's not easy, of course, although, who says it needs to be? 

Owning a small business, or working as an independent, self-employed professional or solopreneur requires an enormous amount of tenacity, courage, perseverance, and more . . . as you have found (I'm preaching to the choir, eh?). I imagine you've discovered, too, that maintaining a good, constructive, healthful attitude is key to managing this process.

I don't have a specific how-to list for achieveing this. Mostly, because I believe your list would be uniquely yours - just as we find motivation and inspiration in various places.  The point is that each of us find what works. 

I am remaining open to the possibility of good things . . . I'l be looking for them!  I like framing it this way, it makes it utterly believable for me, despite what others are saying.  

I hope you find what works for you, and work it!

Free Webinar discussing home-based business

You can update your knowledge on starting and operating a successful home-based business by attending a free Webinar on January 27, from 2 pm to 3 pm ET offered by Bank of America's Small Business Online Community.

 

Barbara Weltman, tax law expert and author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting a Home-Based Business, 3rd edition will be answering questions and offering expert advice.

 

Follow along to learn interesting and helpful information; if you want to submit questions, you’ll have to register (there's no cost).

Privilege or right

A very interesting question was asked on Twitter by @stacybrice (Stacy Brice) a few weeks back: “Why do you vote?” And, it came on the heels of one of those PowerPoint emails with stirring pictures and an inspiring song. Check it out if you can. I got it!

I understood as soon as the first image came up why I vote. My granddaddy was born in 1914 in Virginia. He was the son of a sharecropper. He was pulled out of school at the age of 8 to work the fields to help the family put food on the table. When he got his first pay, he said that he went to the country store and purchased a pencil and a pad of paper. He said he taught himself how to add by counting the money he got. I’m sure the last thing on my granddaddy’s mind was voting. It was surviving! And, while that is true for the then, it wasn’t for later. My granddaddy took that privilege very seriously.

Today, for me voting feels more like a right. The same right as everyone else; yet, I’m haunted by the images in that little slide show. I’m reminded that many people sacrificed much for me to be able to causally approach voting. Not just blacks, but women suffrage as well. While voting is a right that I can neglect if I want, I treat it like the privilege it is for me in honor of the people who suffered to make it so!

Why do you vote? Or not?