Online Reputation Management for Entrepreneurs

At Global Resources, we are helping business owners take control of how the online world views their business, which ultimately protects your growth. 

Consumers turn to the Web to research practically everything before they buy, and one blistering review on Yelp can go viral and undo everything you’ve worked to achieve. Worse, its effects can haunt your bottom line for years. Managing your reputation is something you can’t afford to ignore.

Blogs, forums and anonymous review sites can give consumers a strong voice, which can be helpful to your business. However, they can also attract commenters and reviewers who may be acting at the behest of your competitors. Unless you actively monitor and manage your business reputation, you clear the way for other people to step in and control your story.

Here are some expert tips for business owners to protect their online reputation:

• Prioritize the internet - Your business may not rely on the Internet, but your customers—and your competitors—go online. As a business owner, you must know what is being said about your brand.  The first step is to do a bit of online research yourself. Google both your name and your company’s name to see what comes up. 
• Understand what is in your control - You can’t control what people say about you on third-party review sites. Instead, focus on improving your ranking in Google search results. Post useful articles and helpful content on your website, blog and/or social media pages. Share your expertise and make yourself a trusted resource for your customers. It may take some time, but the results will be worth your effort.
• Safeguard your reputation - You could pay a reputation management company, or you can utilize free tools and services to help you track your company’s reputation. Google Alerts, TweetBeep, Naymz, Social Mention, and MonitorThis are but a few examples.  

To learn more and / or to schedule your complimentary appointment with the business experts at Global Resources LLC, call us at 855-338-0266. 

Copyright Protection for Business Owners

At Global Resources, we often create the foundation for success.  Whatever stage your business may be at, we can help elevate your brand and increase profits. 

Some clients may require assistance for copyright. If you’re a business leader contemplating obtaining a copyright, we can help you.  If you’re just beginning your research, here are details you should know:   

1. What is copyright? Copyright is a legal right created by the law of a country that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights for its use and distribution. The exclusive rights are not absolute but limited by limitations and exceptions to copyright law, including fair use. A major limitation on copyright is that copyright protects only the original expression of ideas, and not the underlying ideas themselves.
2. What can I have copyrighted? According to the US Copyright Office, in order for something to qualify for copyright protection, that something must exist in a tangible form. Specifically, protection under the copyright law extends only to original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form. “Original” means merely that the author produced the work by his own intellectual effort, as distinguished from copying an existing work. Copyright protection may extend to a description, explanation or illustration, assuming that the requirements of the copyright law are met.
3. What cannot obtain a copyright? There's always room for interpretation and confusion over what is and isn't protected by copyright law. Below we've outlined five things the US Copyright Office clearly states are not protected by copyright—even if they are a tangible expression of an idea or thought.

• Ideas, Methods or Systems- Ideas, methods and systems are not covered by copyright protection. According to the US Copyright Office, this covers quite a few things including making, or building things; scientific or technical methods or discoveries; business operations or procedures; mathematical principles; formulas, algorithms; or any other concept, process, or method of operation.
• Commonly Known Information - This category includes items that are considered common property and with no known authorship. Examples include standard calendars, height and weight charts, telephone directories, tape measures and rulers and lists or tables taken from public documents. 
• Choreographic Works - A choreographic work, whether original or not, is not subject to copyright protection unless it has been videotaped or notated. The same applies to speeches that have not been transcribed before or after they are given, as well as any other types of performances.
• Names, Titles, Short Phrases or Expressions - Also exempt: names, titles, short phrases, or expressions—such as that catchy slogan you came up with for your business—product descriptions, pseudonyms, titles of works and business names. 
• Recipes-Specifically the listing of ingredients (even if it's your own recipe ingredients) is not protected by copyright. This applies to formulas, compounds, and prescriptions as well. There are exceptions however, such as when recipes are compiled in a cookbook for instance or if the recipe is accompanied by “substantial literary expression,” a term that refers to text such as directions, or when there is a combination of recipes, there may be a basis for copyright protection.
• Fashion - Contrary to what you might think, fashion is not protected by copyright law. Despite the fact that copyright law protects such things as architectural design works or works of the visual arts, fashion is all about clothing and accessories, which under copyright law are considered “useful articles." It is possible however, to copyright a specific fabric pattern (Burberry plaids for example), but not the actual dress.

To learn more and / or to schedule your complimentary appointment with the business experts at Global Resources LLC, call us at 855-338-0266.

License and Permit Requirements for the Small Business Sector

Global Resources LLC is dedicated to being the most impactful partner you will ever have.  At Global Resources LLC, we navigate the way for your success.  Often, the need for business licenses and permits can be forgotten during the thrill of launching a new business.  However, licenses and permits are mandatory.  Before you can legally start any new business operations, you must have all necessary licenses and permits in place. If your business has employees or sells taxable goods or services, you must also register with the taxing authorities.

Did you know that government resources do not offer one place where you can go and get all your licenses, permits and tax registrations? In fact, obtaining all the requirements can be a confusing and time-consuming obstacle.  When you work with us, we ensure every aspect of your business is handled with precision and professionalism.  That’s why entrepreneurs will find it especially beneficial in working with us.

Global Resources can expertly lead you in this tedious process.  In the meantime, here is a brief overview of some license and permit expectations:

State - According to the Small Business Administration, the following occupations frequently require state licensing: accountants, appraisers, building contractors, physicians, private security guards, bill collectors, funeral directors, real estate agents, barbers and cosmetologists. A home-based business may also require state licensing. Small business owners shouldn’t guess which professions require a state license; instead, they should check with their licensing board. 

Local - According to the SCORE website, almost all businesses must have a city or county license. The local government in which the business is located issues city and county licenses. The business owner can visit his city hall or county government for licensing requirements. 

Federal - The business owner must obtain a federal business license if the business is highly regulated or heavily supervised by the federal government. The following business activities are federally regulated and subsequently require federal licensing: agriculture; aviation; alcoholic beverages; firearms, ammunitions and explosives; commercial fisheries; fish and wildlife; nuclear energy; maritime transportation; mining and drilling; transportation and logistics; and radio and television broadcasting. The requirements vary by federal agency. 

Sales Tax - Nearly all states require retail businesses to obtain a sales tax license. A sales tax license enables the owner to charge sales tax on goods sold. The state revenue agency, equalization board or franchise tax board issues sales tax licenses. A sales tax license is also called a seller's permit. 

To learn more and / or to schedule your complimentary appointment with the business experts at Global Resources LLC, call us at 855-338-0266. 

Launching a Franchise with Global Resources

It’s no surprise that the franchise industry has been one of the swiftest growing sectors in the business world.  For variety of reasons, employees today have the desire to become their own boss.  At Global Resources LLC, our experts can help you navigate the way to starting your own franchise. 

If you’re considering ditching the corporate ladder and opening a franchise business, we have steps that may help you with your new endeavor:  

     1. Due Diligence. Do you own research and find out as much information as possible, including types of franchises, location options, a timeline for opening, etc. 

     2. Contact. Now it’s time to meet with the franchise business that you’re interested in. Learn the requirements to open your own franchise, determine operations information and find out the kinds of training, marketing and operational support the franchise representative can offer you.

     3. Business Plan. Review all of the information that you've received from the franchisor and include your own research into market conditions. Incorporate this information into a thorough business plan. Make sure your business plan includes estimated investment costs and projected returns.

 
     4. Financial Options. Internal financing options are typically available through the individual franchisors in order to help the franchisee afford the cost of opening a new franchise location. All programs have varying benefits, but typically appear in a low-interest environment with more relaxed approval standards, which are usually easier to obtain that the more traditional loans offered at banks and credit unions.

 
     5. Contract. When you're sure you meet all requirements for franchise ownership, you may proceed to signing a binding agreement with your franchisor. Always be sure to have your attorney review the contract before you sign it. If you have any questions or need more information, take the time to get satisfactory answers from franchise representatives before agreeing to anything.

   
     6. Orientation Programs. It’s common in the franchise world that all new owners are required to participate in training, which will help them prepare to run their new business. A franchise typically has figured out their own unique recipe for success, so the new business owner must take the time to learn the secrets of the franchise.

To learn more and / or to schedule your complimentary appointment with the business experts at Global Resources LLC, call us at 855-338-0266.