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AARP Small Business Alert

The newsletter of the AARP Small Business Community -- www.aarpsmallbiz.com

Volume 2, Issue 10

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In this issue:
--Welcome
--Contest: Win a Palm
--Ask the Expert: Communications expert tells all
--Featured This Month: Homebased biz, review on Acrobat, and selling out
--On the Boards: Should you charge a flat fee?
--Survey Says: How many "real jobs" did you have?
--Featured Sponsor: New York Life
--Did You Know: Stats, Facts, Quick Tips and More
--Comments, Questions, Suggestions
--Free Quote from The Hartford
--Unsubscribe


=====/ WIN A PALM /============================================

As a loyal subscriber to this newsletter, you've been automatically entered
to win a free Palm IIIc Organizer. With 8MB of total memory you will never
be without vital business information again. Thanks for your support!

Please see our giveaway guidelines at:
http://www.aarpsmallbiz.com/public/ArtArchive.asp?ArticleID=4&CatID=1


=====/ ASK THE EXPERT /========================================

CHRIS AMOROSINO, Home Based Creative Writer

Chris, a freelance business owner, provides writing, marketing expertise,
and start-to-finish marketing communications for numerous clients.
Working as a "marketing story teller," Chris helps organizations tell the
story of their product, service, or business in ways that will attract
their targeted audiences and produce a desired response.

Want to communicate better? Chris is here to help RIGHT NOW!
http://www.aarpsmallbiz.com/public/ArtArchive.asp?ArticleID=105&CatID=1


=====/ FEATURED THIS MONTH /===================================

HOMEBASED BIZ, V.2.0
Economic indicators are pointing toward a downturn, start-ups are on the
wane, and investors are avoiding dot-coms like a bad cliché. Nobody in their
right mind would start a homebased business now, right? Well, not exactly.
http://www.aarpsmallbiz.com/public/ArtArchive.asp?ArticleID=137&CatID=2

REVIEW: ADOBE ACROBAT 5
Every business user should be aware of this easy, intuitive, and
cost-effective way to share documents.
http://www.aarpsmallbiz.com/public/ArtArchive.asp?ArticleID=139&CatID=1

TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR BUSINESS
Sooner or later there may come a time when you wish to sell your small
business. Here's a checklist for things to consider when you decide to sell.
http://www.aarpsmallbiz.com/public/ArtArchive.asp?ArticleID=144&CatID=2


=====/ ON THE BOARDS /=========================================

Have you talked with others in our Discussion Forums? Just click on the
"Community" button to meet others!

SHOULD YOU CHARGE A FLAT FEE?
Building contractor Leo Scharding comments on the flat vs. hourly rate
debate: "My advice for flat fees is: If you know what an hourly rate you
want or would charge for this project or program, then add a minimum of 30%
to any flat rate charge. Don't forget to add any expenses that you might
incur, such as parking expenses, drive time to job sites, materials, office
expenses, time on your computer or laptop, your cell phone, etc. Companies
that hire contractors may negotiate the expenses incurred. Ask before you
give a flat rate."

Got a comment about Leo's advice? Jump in the "Start Right" forum!
http://www.aarpsmallbiz.com/public/msglink.asp?action=190&PAGE=5&


ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN "B"
We each need to have our own 'hedge' of protection and not expect the
government to provide, through personal investments and insurance. The
government has not been noted for making the most profitable investments
with our deductions. It's always good to have a plan "B".

Do you agree with Judy's statement about personal investing?
http://www.aarpsmallbiz.com/public/msglink.asp?action=190&PAGE=5&


=====/ AND THE SURVEY SAYS /===================================

$51,700 - this median income of total baby boomers

Vote on this week's question: How many "real jobs" have you had over
the course of your career?
http://www.aarpsmallbiz.com


=====/ SPONSOR: New York Life /================================

Many people think that life insurance is only for those with families. While
it is true that life insurance can help provide for the needs of dependents
when you pass away, it's also important for someone starting out or starting
over. Introducing the AARP Life Insurance Program from New York Life.
http://www.nylaarp.com


=====/ DID YOU KNOW? /=========================================

"Consider having a 'block party'. Get together with other local small
businesses and buy a page of ads/coupons in your local Sunday paper. It
won't be as much as a large ad by yourself and you can have whatever
size ad you need." - DeBorah B., Milpitas, CA

"Put your company name on your car or truck. Magnetic signs or paint can
provide great visibility for your business." - Joe R., Atlanta, GA

Do you have any quick tips or fun facts to share? Send your entries to
community@aarpsmallbiz.com.


=====/ COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS /======================

You are the voice of the AARP Small Business Center. Help us pack it with
information and experts to grow your business. Send any comments, questions
or suggestions to community@aarpsmallbiz.com


=====/ FREE QUOTE /============================================

Find out in just two minutes what it would cost to insure your home
business. Click below for a free quote from The Hartford:
http://aarp.thehartford.com/homebusiness/splash/


=====/ UNSUBSCRIBE /===========================================

To unsubscribe, send a blank email with "unsubscribe AARP-SBCN" in the
message body to: AARP-SBCN-off@aarpsmallbiz.com


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