Sellers Scoreboard
Hiring family member? SCORE says use caution
Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Jeanne Sellers
Q: I have a small appliance parts business and am considering hiring a family member. Is this a good idea?
A: Why are you considering hiring a family member? Do they come to you with the kind of experience you need?
Frequently family members help out in business. For some small-business owners it is a rewarding experience; for others, it can cause irreparable damage.
Carefully consider the relationship you have outside the business, and how well-respected you are as the owner. Since it is almost impossible to keep your family and business decisions separate, can you keep personality out of your business?
If the family member can contribute, and you structure the relationship appropriately, then it might be a win-win situation. Lots of luck! You may need it.
Q: I want to open a dry-cleaning establishment. How do I find the best location?
A: The time and effort devoted to selecting your business location can mean the difference between success and failure. And attracting customers is as important as finding a good location. Here's what you do:
• Determine how much commerce there is in the area and if there is a lot of traffic.
• Is there a competitor within a one- or two-mile radius?
• Do you have the business experience to run a dry-cleaning business?
• Do you understand how to market to your potential customers?
If you can find a dry-cleaning business to purchase in an area where there is no transportation and within walking distance of your prospective customers, you will be more successful than competing with franchised cleaning establishments in established neighborhoods.
Q: I want to work out of my home. What kind of computer do I need?
A: What do you want to do at home? For graphics and/or desktop publishing you might want to consider a Macintosh. For general office work, purchase a good midrange Windows-based personal computer. But remember the computer is only one part of the equation.
• Do you need a printer? If you are doing graphics you will definitely need a laser-quality printer.
• Do you need access to the Internet? In many cities the telephone companies are offering high-speed DSL (digital subscriber line) phone lines for Internet access at a slightly higher price than a regular phone line.
• Do you need inbound and outbound faxing? You have choices. You can purchase a multifunctional unit that combines faxing, scanning and printing, or utilize Web-based faxing services such as http://www.eFax.com., which lets you receive faxes to your e-mail. You can even get a toll-free fax number.
Q: I work for an international bank, which works with Georgia exporters by providing them a local bank that offers loans to their foreign customers. What international organizations in Atlanta would be good to talk with to help get the word out about our international loan programs that assist Georgia (and Southeastern) exporters?
A: Because business conditions and relations are affected by changing laws, regulations, exchange rates, duties, etc., in any of the countries of the world, it is necessary to be informed or know someone who is. It is vital to have established some contacts that one may call. One way of getting there is through organizations such as trade clubs, societies, trade groups, etc.
I would start with "International Atlanta, Metro Atlanta's Most Comprehensive Resource for International Business Addresses" published by the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce for $10. They maintain a cross-referenced listing of more than 4,200 Atlanta companies in 64 business categories. They also list foreign-owned businesses in metro Atlanta as well as consular offices, foreign chambers of commerce and trade and tourism offices.
Contact Chamber Publications Inc. at (404) 586-8492 to request a listing in their upcoming publication. Also, the foreign consulates in Atlanta have a lot of information to impart and may be the first step you need to take.
I hope this will help.
Have a question? Let Jeanne Sellers answer it. Sellers is a member of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), an organization of retired business people who offer free counseling services to entrepreneurs. SCORE is part of the U.S. Small Business Administration. E-mail Sellers c/o Atlanta Business Chronicle (cclelandpero@amcity.com).
Latest News |
