Archive for October, 2009
Want Credit? Talk to a Computer
Remember the computer named HAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey? The computer took it upon itself to start killing the crew because it determined it was necessary due to its calculations. All without a single human hand in the decision, until of course someone managed to turn it off in the end. Today, some business owners feel like that crew member and want to turn off the computers that are now automating the processing of loan applications. They work through a program called credit scoring, and it’s something very important for everyone wanting to get business credit accounts.
Credit providers use these computers to make their jobs faster as they look at loan applications. They use these systems to cut processing costs, quickly adjust rates and terms, and decide on credit risks. It also adds objectivity to decisions. The computers decide, through special software, which borrowers pay back loans and which will not through a check of up to 20 factors that determine credit worthiness. Many creditors use it to decide on transactions under $100,000, with over 90% using it for business credit transactions below $ 50,000. It’s most important to know when you want to build business credit.
Fair Isaac and Company, a credit scoring service, did research on statistical credit modeling in the 1980s. They found out that individual credit behavior of a company’s key principals/owners can predict if they will be a good risk for a loan. It scores business credit scores ranging from 50 to 350, with above 220 considered to be a good risk and below 175 to be a high risk. The overruling factor in business credit scoring is a business owner or his principal’s credit history. They also use other factors when scoring smaller transactions.
Business-connected credit factors they score are: company’s time in operation; company size; trade; kind of business organization; debt history; net worth; average bank accounts; ratio of debt service to cash flow; and recent judgments, bankruptcies or collections. Some creditors come up with their own systems loosely based on the Fair Isaac model, changed to better meet their needs and desires. If your company doesn’t get their loan approved because of a snafu with these types of scoring models, get the lender to tell you why. They might redo the application.
Some creditors put high risk candidates into a special group and give them loans, but charge higher fees and interest rates or ask for more collateral or other guarantees. You can improve your score by developing better credit habits, paying all your taxes, settling any outstanding judgments, pay bills on time, eliminate supplier disputes, sell or factor accounts receivable to improve flow of cash, set up your company with the Secretary of State in your area, buy from places that report the activity, set up auto payment methods to pay bills, and keep good credit habits for 12 months or more.
Credit scoring isn’t always fair and certain, but it does a good job of figuring out the risks for some types of borrowers. The problem is that it may leave out those that don’t fit the computer’s mold, somewhat like the crew on HAL’s ship didn’t fit its idea of perfection. Should this happen to you, you many have a hard time getting business credit. If so, it’s time to try to find a creditor that still uses humans, instead of computers, for their business deals. Good Luck.
Your Business Needs to Get on the Business Credit Band Wagon Today
If you own a small business, you know just how much time and energy you spend just trying to make your business operate on a daily basis. Why not make your life a lot easier and apply for a business credit account? It’s the ideal thing, especially if your business is on a regulated budget and you still need to make things happen fast. The card will make your business have an edge and be ahead of the game compared to other companies. And these days, there are so many different cards to choose from that you are sure to find just the right one that will be geared to the things your business really needs.
It’s a fact that small businesses, most likely early in their beginnings, usually end up with a large amount of debt. It’s just the price of doing business. Unhappily, the buck doesn’t stop there, it keeps going and going like an Energizer Bunny. New companies need lots of things to get running smoothly. They need everything from office desks and chairs to paper for the copy machine. But have no fear, it’s ok if you carry a balance as long as you are a responsible user of business credit.
A lot of credit card companies give business credit accounts that offer small businesses a card will with a very low balance transfer, which in the long run, will save you bunches of cash. You might want to apply for one like Citi Platinum Select Advantage Business Card. Cards of this type assist small businesses because they give great rewards like starting you off with 10,000 bonus miles when you make your first purchase.
Plus, they give you one mile for every buck you spend in your corporate credit ventures. There are no restrictions on how you use your miles, so you can redeem them any time and any way you desire. And this card isn’t the only one that offers reward or bonus programs! There are many that do the same thing, so shop around for the best deal. It’s absolutely fantastic what these kinds of cards can do for your small business! And it is so simple to apply for them! You can do it online or in person or by mail, whatever is best for your time and energy. These business credit cards are your ticket to a great and profitable business future. Just apply for the card you want and sit back and enjoy the benefits! Sign up for the card of your choice today!
How to start limousine business
If you are looking into creating a limo service business then you are going to need to take some steps in order to establish a successful company that is profitable and able to sustain the business load that you are anticipating creating. For those wish to start a limousine rental business, it would be heartening to note that the area‘s tourism market is a truly thriving one, which should help prospective limo rental owners to make a good head start in running a successful rental operation, to serve the many needs of tourists, businessmen, and families whenever they need a limo for different types of special occasions.
Whether you are a seasoned business professional or a new entrepreneur it is possible to start your business and be successful without having to outsource all of your business needs. Just like any business ventures, a limo rental business is not a walk in the park. It requires proper planning and constant supervision which would also require you to have a lot of patience. A high-capital business such as a limo rental business would also require a certain amount of money.
First you should make business plan. There are many reasons why a successful business plan is crucial to the success of the new limo company. A business plan shows potential investors why they should give money to your company and allows creditors to see how their loans will be repaid.
Also you should think about the following topics:
• Obtaining a Limousine Company Business License
• Shopping for your Limousine or Sedan
• Insurance – Don‘t be Fooled
• Internet Marketing – Reaching the World
• Exclusive Restaurants – Know Your Clients
• Exclusive Hotels – Marketing High End Clients
• Travels Agents – Tap into the Travel Industry Experts
• Taking the Call – Completing the Booking Process
• Contracting Out – Offer more Services
• Limo Business Software – Tracking, Billing
• Business Cards for Limousine Companies
• Images of Limousines
• Why Limo Companies Fail
Which Fits Your Style – A Job, Or A Business?
Have you ever asked yourself…”Which fits me better, a Job or a Business?”
If you say “YES” to 7 out of the 10 statements below, then a JOB definitely fits you better!
1. I do better waking up to an alarm clock.
2. I like being on someone else’s time; time-freedoms is not an expression I use.
3. I like being told exactly what I need to do and be given deadlines that I must meet.
4. I enjoy spending all day with other people away from home.
5. I consider working for someone else’s dreams “a way of life”. 
6. I want the security of a pay check every 2 weeks.
7. I am OK with limited vacation time because in return I get a pension plan, life insurance, medical and prescription coverage and dental care!
8. Starting a business is risky; I do not like risk.
9. I like not having to worry about “business expenses”.
10. I do not consider myself and Entrepreneur.
If you say “YES” to 7 out of the 10 statements below, then a BUSINESS definitely fits you better!
1. I want to work from home or anywhere else I choose.
2. I love freedom and my definition on freedom is I can choose to do whatever I enjoy, at any time without worrying about anything.
3. I want an income that will give my family more than we need. The chance of climbing the corporate ladder and making $1 million is slim to none for most people.
4. I want to be able to make money whether I am actually ‘at work’ or not.
5. It is too risky for me to have my income dependent on someone else’s business.
6. I want to decide how many days I can go on vacation.
7. I want to travel when I want.
8. I want to do something I truly enjoy.
9. I believe working for someone else’s dreams will never get me where I want to be.
10. I consider myself and Entrepreneur.
STOP! REALITY CHECK…
In reality, both getting a job and starting a business are risky. You have the risk to lose your high paying job and also fail in your business. In both, the question is, “How can you stand up and continue the journey?” You can find and get another high paying job after losing a job – or – start another new business with your new experience.