Interesting and informative articles are welcome! We intend to display them on this page as they become available. All articles are subject to editing and will be published at the discretion of the Hoover Chamber.
Please submit article in "Microsoft Word" or plain text to: articles@hooverchamber.org

Don Drennen Motor Company Celebrates 100 Years
Would You Like Better Business Results?
How to Reduce Your Attorney's Bill
ADD an Extra Work-Week to Your Busy Schedule
Marketing In a Digital World
How to Be a Good Boss
BUSINESS STARTUP AND CHOICE OF ENTITY
The Grammar Police
SO WHAT IF YOU CAN'T WRITE?
The Importance of Employee Handbooks
Concerned About Identity Theft? You should be!
Internet Scam
What Is An Employee Assistance Program
So You Think Tax Cuts Are For the Rich?
10 tips to prevent identity theft
Gone wireless? Got WEP?
Solution-Results Packaging
The Total Service Experience
Computer Viruses: You Make The Call
Do You Delegate?
How Secure Is Your Business?
Travel Agency vs. "Going Solo" on the Internet
Is Your Customer List Safe?
A Value-Add for Your Patients/Clients-Part II
Seven ways to prevent computer hacking
Business Loan Basics
A Value-Add for Your Patients/Clients-Part I

Series of Articles about Using the Internet
By Robert Linthout - Webmaster Hoover Chamber Website

• E-mail - How to avoid getting even more e-mail!
• Using Search Engines - If properly used, they can be a big help!
• Submitting a website to Search Engines - just be specific!
• Do you really need a website? - Do You?
• Using Search Engines - A very useful tool!
• Getting too much spam?

Don Drennen Motor Company Celebrates 100 Years
Chamber Director Bill Powell, left, is handed a set of keys to a Jeep Commander by Don Drennen Buick-Chrysler-Jeep Sales Manager Jimmy Aiken for use by the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce in support of Chamber activities for 2008 and recognition of DDMCís 100th Anniversary this month.

Don Drennen Motor Company, better known as Don Drennen Buick-Chrysler-Jeep on Montgomery Highway, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary on April 19th this month, with an all-day celebration and party at their location in Hoover. They are inviting everyone, including all members of the Hoover Area Chamber to join in the celebration.

They are especially asking members of the Hoover Area Chamber to help in their efforts to raise funds for three area non-profit organizations through a silent auction, Kid One Transport, the Childrenís Health System, and the Ronald McDonald House.

There will be food, music, live entertainment, games, and unbelievable cars! Come by and see over sixty antique and classic Buicks, Chryslers, and Jeeps on display. Along with the Bama Buick Club, the are helping to sponsor local Childrenís Charities to raise funds in their continued spirit of giving back to the community that has made them so successful for 100 years. The celebration is free to attend and will benefit these free great causes!

Any Chamber members or other businesses or individuals who would like to donate prizes, gift certificates, or other awards for these charities can go directly to Don Drennen Buick-Chrysler-Jeep at 1626 Montgomery Highway in Hoover, or contact Jimmy Aiken at (205) 823-5220 or email jimmyaiken@dondrennenautos.com.

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Would You Like Better Business Results?
By Terry van der Werff, Ph.D.

What if your leadership team could drive business results? You can achieve this with the One Page Business Plan. Yes, your entire plan really does fit on one page! It answers five simple questions:
Vision: What are we building?
Mission: Why do we exist?
Objectives: What results will we measure?
Strategies: How will we build this business?
Action Plans: What work is to be done?
We will dive quickly into these questions and answer them from our unique perspectives. Our goal is everyone leaves the Executive Briefing with a partially completed plan and knows how to complete it. Each attendee will receive a free copy of Jim Horan's One Page Business Plan book.

Of 300 OPBP consultants, Terry van der Werff holds the one-year sales record of $600,000. Since mid-2003, he has guided 49 projects with 18 companies, from disaster restoration and oil field services to construction, logistics, and financial services, with each company using it for three or more years. They average 20% annual revenue growth and 40% annual net income growth. One client grew revenues by 60% and earnings by 600% in three years!

If you truly want to take your business to a new level, learn from a pro who knows how to make this work.

A 75 minute Executive Briefing on the One Page Business Plan, presented by Terry J. van der Werff, CMC, will be held on April 22, in the Hoover Chamber Boardroom. beginning at 8:30 a.m. Space for this seminar is limited to 18. Please reserve a place by Friday, April 18 by contacting the Chamber office at 988-5672. Admission is free.

Dr. Terry J. van der Werff, CMC, President, van der Werff Global, Ltd.
Strategic Advisor to CEOs www.globalfuture.com E-mail: terry@globalfuture.com
Phone (205) 824-7770

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How to Reduce Your Attorney's Bill
By J. Timothy Smith, Attorney-At-Law

An attorney's fees are determined in one of three ways:

1. On a per-hour basis, with each piece of work, each phone call, each letter, each hour of court time being billed separately.
2. On a fixed-fee basis, with the entire case being handled for one set fee.
3. On a contingency basis, with the attorney taking his or her fees out of any award won by the client.

In a contingency case, of course, the fees take care of themselves. In a fixed-fee situation, you will pay the same no matter what (assuming that the nature of the work does not change). However, there are ways in which you can greatly reduce the amount of your final bill when you are being charged on a per-hour basis.

Be concise. When meeting with your attorney, or talking with him on the phone, try to stick to the point. When the conversation moves into irrelevant areas, you must remember you are still paying for that time.

Consolidate. Try not to call your attorney every time you have a question or a concern, unless it is of overwhelming importance. Wait until you have several questions or comments and present them to him at the same time.

Put it in writing. It is easier to stay on track and present your ideas effectively in a letter than it is over the phone. Plus you have the added advantage of having a permanent record of your concerns with less likelihood of a misunderstanding occurring.

Be patient. In any legal case, there are long periods of waiting time, such as when you are awaiting a hearing date or a signed divorce decree from the judge. Constant calls to check on the status of that item will only increase your bill. You may be certain that the moment your attorney receives the information, the signed decree, or whatever else you are awaiting, you will be immediately notified. Of course, if the waiting period seems to be unusually long, it is certainly reasonable to make a quick call to see what is happening.

Consider your options carefully. Many clients feel that an attorney is not doing his job unless a veritable blizzard of motions and petitions and notices are being filed. Before requesting any action, consider whether it is really necessary ñ ask yourself what you are likely to gain.

Take on some of the work yourself. Each thing that you do on your own is one less thing that your attorney or a staff member will have to do and charge you for. For example, when you take in a pile of documents, have them well-organized, perhaps even indexed, to avoid the attorney charging you for organizing them himself. If you communicate in writing with him, type the document rather than handwriting it ñ trying to decipher a handwritten document can increase the amount of time he must spend on it. If documents or evidence must be picked up from a distant location, offer to pick the items up yourself if possible. For an attorney, (or your CPA for that matter) travel time is also billable time. If you are asked to respond to a discovery request by producing documents, you might want to deliver two copies to your attorney rather than just one. Otherwise, his assistant will have to spend billable time copying those documents to send to the opposing attorney (as he must keep one set for his own files).

Be realistic. Some items are simply not worth fighting over, especially when it is "a matter of principle". You may find winning a point comes at a very high price.

Avoid trial whenever possible. Taking a case to trial always involves great expense, both financially and emotionally. Always try to work things out without taking that final step. Remember, one way or another, an agreement WILL be reached in your case. If you don't come to a decision by yourselves, the judge will do it for you.

Be on time. When appearing in court, at a deposition, or at any other event to which your attorney must also be present, be on time. Waiting time is also billable time.

All in all, reducing your legal costs isn't especially difficult in fact, it's mostly just good old-fashioned common sense!

Tim Smith is a long-time member of the Hoover Chamber, and provides valuable door prizes at chamber functions in the form of complimentary Last Wills and Testaments each month. He can be reached at 823-1650, or tsmith3225@charter.net. His Law Office is at 3225 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216

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ADD an Extra Work-Week to Your Busy Schedule
By Dr. Zahid Husain
Most small business owners end up working 60 to 80 hours per week. By applying the power of ìactivity leverageî, small business owners can easily add an extra work-week to their busy schedule.
CALCULATE YOUR HOURLY RATE: Take your yearly pre-tax income and divide it by 2,000 (50 wks X 40 hrs/wk). For example, if you make $50,000 a year, your hourly rate would be $25 (50K/2K). So any work that you do yourself is costing you at least $25 an hour.
MAKE 7-DAY ACTIVITY LOG: Create a list of all the activities you perform in a given week. Identify activities (both personal and business) that can be been done by someone else for $10 an hour or less.
ADD AN EXTRA WEEK: Find someone to do those activities 10 hours each week for $100. For only $400, this strategy will free up an extra 40 hours a month, when you can focus on generating $25 or more per hour in the above example.
YOUR CHALLENGE: Your business may not be able to afford $400/month right away. Besides, most entrepreneurs, especially small business owners find it extremely difficult to delegate work. They tend to do everything themselves.
HOW TO OVERCOME: Start with $100 per month or even $50; see how it accelerates your productivity. Then you can gradually increase the amount. Remember, ìeffective delegationî is the principle all successful business owners apply to increase their productivity and thereby profit.
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEP:
1. Start delegating one minor task each day for next 7 days.
2. Then start leveraging one major task each week.
3. Check out AssistU.com & elance.com to find out more what you can delegate.

Dr. Zahid Husain is the President of www.ReachYourGoalsWorkshop.com , a newly started consulting company in Hoover. He can be reached at (205) 381-1952 or e-mailed at zahid@AskDrZahid.com

Marketing In a Digital World
By Clint Till
Every business realizes how important marketing can be to the overall success of the company. Effective marketing ultimately leads to company growth. The challenge many face is creating a unique marketing campaign.
As a starting point, might I suggest that you get a copy of the annual One Show volume. In it, you will find examples of the year's best advertising campaigns. The creativity behind some of the ads is quite remarkable.
As your marketing strategy develops, you must eventually decide in which media to focus your efforts. There are many options, but video offers a versatility that can't be matched.
However, many donít believe that video is a beneficial option. They do believe in the importance of word-of-mouth, because it is probably the most effective way to generate new business. Now, what if you took several satisfied customers and put their testimonials on DVD, and then took that DVD into your next sales meeting? You have just utilized the power of video. Jeffrey Gitomer in his book, The Little Red Book of Selling, says, "When you say something about yourself, it's bragging. When other people say it about you, it's proof."
And if your business uses direct mail, you can implement video by creating a one-minute pitch and burning it to a mini DVD. Statistics show that 80% of recipients will watch the video within four days and some 50% will watch it more than once.
Or consider the Orlando Museum of Art, where video iPods were used at an exhibit to give visitors deeper insights into the works of the artist. As guests moved throughout the museum, a brief video commented on the work, the motivation behind it, and its impact on the artistic world.
Great marketing is achieved through innovative thinking; by taking existing technology and applying it in unique ways. It's an investment in the future growth of your business and can be achieved through the versatility of video.
Clint Till is President of Parc Entertainment, Inc., a film & video production company in Hoover. He can be reached at (205) 823-2597 or e-mailed at clint@parcentertainment.com.

How to Be a Good Boss
Submitted by Nancy Covert, President, Dale Carnegie Training
Dear Carnegie Coach:
I have just become the new boss in my department. This is a bit scary for me because I want to start off on the right foot with my department. It is important for me to know what entails being a good boss so I can show my boss he made the right choice in promoting me and I am more than capable of leading a department. Any input on this?
Ann
Dear Ann:
Congratulations on your promotion. I have no doubt in my mind your boss made the right choice in choosing you. Most likely, he thinks you are a proactive individual who will work hard to achieving company goals. There are many qualities a good boss encompasses. To be a good boss, keep these five things in mind.

1. A good boss listens to his team. Your team can give you valuable input and ideas. Listen to what they have to say about things and take them into consideration.
2. A good boss sets goals for his team. Look at the company goals and tie them into measurable goals for your department. Be specific in the goals you set.
3. A good boss gives recognition and praise. Show your team you see what they are doing. People like to be recognized for their work. People like to know they are important to their team and a valuable asset.
4. A good boss leads his team with confidence. Be assertive and confident in voicing your opinion and what you want to get done. Stay proactive and follow up with your team on projects.
5. A good boss sets a good example to follow. Be aware of your actions and set an example for your department to look up to.

If you have any business related questions or would like advice on other workplace issues, visit our web site at www.dalecarnegie.com or email us at carnegiecoach@dalecarnegie.com or nancy_covert@dalecarnegie.com

BUSINESS STARTUP AND CHOICE OF ENTITY

By Dilip K. Kapadia, CPA
One of the options available in choosing business entity is Sole Proprietorship. Let's have detailed understanding about Sole Proprietorship.
What is a sole proprietorship? A sole proprietorship is a simple form of business entity in which one person owns all of the assets of the business, called the "proprietor." If you were doing business under a different name, that name would be "d/b/a" (doing business as) after your name.
How do I set-up Sole Proprietorship? There are no filing requirements in state to be a Sole Proprietorship, however you may want to have an Employer Identification Number. The business also needs to get appropriate state, county and city licenses based on the business activity.
How much liability exposure do I have as a sole proprietor? Because a sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity, the proprietor is generally responsible for all business debts and legal claims against the business. You may want to consult your legal counsel for further legal matters.
How is the sole proprietorship taxed? The income from the business is taxable to the proprietor and the proprietor reports the income on his or her Schedule-C of individual tax return, Form 1040. This income is also subject to self-employment tax.
Consult your tax advisor for further information and also to find out the most appropriate business entity structure suitable for your business activity before you start a business.

Among the options available in choosing your business entity, Partnership is another option. Let's have detailed understanding about a Partnership.

What is a Partnership?
A partnership is an association of two or more individuals or business entities, called partners, who own and operate a business together. There are two different forms of Partnership. (1) General Partnership (2) Limited Partnership.

How do I set-up a Partnership?
There are no filing requirements in the state to be a Partnership; however a Partnership needs to have Federal and State Employer Identification Numbers. The business also needs to get appropriate state, county and city licenses based on the business activity.

How much liability exposure do I have as a Partner?
Partners are generally responsible for all business debts and legal claims against the business in the case of a General Partnership. However in Limited Partnership, limited partners are responsible up to the amount of their investment in the Partnership. You may want to consult your legal counsel for further legal matters.

How is the Partnership taxed?
A Partnership is not a tax paying entity. The partnership passes its income or losses to its partners and partners report income or losses of their share on their individual tax returns. Income from the partnership may be also subject to self employment tax, depending on the business activities of the partnership and partner's participation in business.

Consult your tax advisor for further information and also to find out the most appropriate business entity structure suitable for your business activity before you start a business.
We will look in to another form of business entity, "The Corporation" in next month's issue of "CONNECTION".

Dilip K. Kapadia, CPA, P.C. has over 20 years experience as a Certified Public Accountant. His office is at One Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 425 in Hoover, Alabama 35244. He can be reached at 444-4101or E-Mail at dilipkcpa@bellsouth.net


The Grammar Police
by Lynda Cardwell, Media Maven, Inc.
Everyone has a grammatical error, spelling flub, or misused word or term that drives them crazy. Maybe itís when people use a misplaced apostrophe in the word its, for example. Of course, because your favorite editing guru is writing this article, the first it was apostrophized correctly. For the record, the word ìitísî is an abbreviation for ìit isî or ìit hasî. It should not ever be used as a possessive pronoun - that is reserved for the word ìitsî, i.e., its hair, its color, its bumper, etc.
Have I lost you yet?
The latest mishandled pair of words in this space is farther and further. FARTHER denotes physical distance. For example, if you leave on Friday to get to your Christmas destination, youíll be that much farther down the road.
FURTHER describes time or degree. So, if you work on a project over the holiday break, youíll be that much further toward a great review and a higher salary.
Youíre so smart, Chamber members. Let your customers, bosses, and employees know it!
For more about presenting your best self via the written word on the page, visit Lynda Cardwell at http://www.LyndaCardwell.com on the web, email edit2go@bellsouth.net, or call her at (205) 601-4445.

SO WHAT IF YOU CAN'T WRITE?
Imagine how 21-year-old Joseph Beahm felt after he paid $100 to have a tattoo scrawled across his upper arm that read, "Why Not, Everyone Elese Does." It was supposed to advise: "Why Not, Everyone Else Does."
Maybe typos, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors don't worry you like they did Mr. Beahm, but they should. They bother other people a LOT!* The bothered reader could be your customer or client.
WHY WORRY? A recent survey of human resource directors showed employers spend billions just to correct writing deficiencies. Further, the survey revealed people who cannot write or communicate clearly tend not to be hired, and are unlikely to last long enough to be considered for promotion.
Forget mastering singular/plural agreement and run-on sentences. Many college graduates aren't even familiar with spelling or basic grammar.
Sure, it's not fair, but businesses are perceived by how they are marketed. If a company is marketed using a newsletter riddled with errors, or a flyer filled with misspellings, it doesn't matter if the product or service is the best out there. Competitors have an automatic leg up.
BUT I DON'T HAVE TO WRITE! Two-thirds of all salaried employees in large American companies have some writing responsibility. "Business letters, operating procedures, sales contracts, health issues, documentation - all have to be crystal clear," said one human resource director.
Almost everyone e-mails at work, and customer correspondence done well keeps many businesses thriving. Business reputations ride on how we present ourselves, and we present ourselves in writing every day.
SO WHAT'S THE SOLUTION? You're a businessperson; you're not an editor. How can your press releases, reports, memos and more, be flawless?
One solution is to instruct your employees how to write, or learn how to write yourself. Half-day or full-day sessions can remind you and your employees what everyone was supposed to have retained from high-school English. Depending on class size, prices can range from $100 up to $2,500 or more.
An easier answer may be for you and your staff to continue to do what you do best, and that's to do your jobs. Hire freelance proofreaders, editors, writers, and marketers to put your best foot forward. There are no benefits, vacations, or retirements to consider for these communicators. Just negotiate an hourly or project-long contract. Then, you're prepared to present yourself and your company using clear, cogent writing that's persuasive, logical, and orderly.

*ALOT is not a word. Remember, just as you wouldn't write "alittle," you shouldn't write "alot." And, while we're at it, alright isn't a real word, either - use "all right" instead.
Lynda Cardwell is proud to be a longtime Hoover chamber member. She serves as president of Media Maven, Inc., specializing in print, radio, television, advertising, editing, and marketing. Reach her at MediaMavenInc@aol.com or (205) 601-4445.

The Importance of Employee Handbooks
By Heather Leonard, Attorney-at-Law

Employment litigation is on the rise, requiring even the smallest of businesses to be mindful of the legal implications of the employer-employee relationship. An employee handbook is your first line of defense against employment litigation. However, many businesses overlook the importance of this tool in protecting against lawsuits and the high legal bills that follow.
Laws and circumstances continually change. For this reason it is very important that an employer regularly (annually) review and revise its employee handbook. Outdated handbooks that have been replaced by commonly understood procedures could lead to conflicts between policy and practice, giving rise to litigation. As situations arise which are not addressed in the handbook, businesses should keep good records of what to include in the next version. Regular review and revision of handbooks also allows an employer an opportunity to provide regular training to its employees on the employerís policies and procedures. This type of education is invaluable to minimizing litigation against the employer. An attorney familiar with employment law should review changes and updates to handbooks, as language can be very specialized.
A poorly drafted handbook not only makes a poor impression with employees, but also opens the door to litigation. Sometimes, the language of a policy or of a handbook can inadvertently create an employment contract. More and more employees attempt to argue that the employerís handbook created an employment contract abrogating the ìemployment at will doctrine.î Another pitfall occurs when employers ìborrowî handbooks from other businesses. Employers that borrow handbooks or rely on generic handbooks create potential legal liability. Employment laws continually change and vary from state to state. Generic or borrowed handbooks may not be current or applicable to the employment laws of Alabama. A handbook should be specifically tailored to a businessís needs.
The recent explosion of employment litigation requires businesses to be mindful of means to minimize potential legal liabilities. A well-drafted employee handbook is invaluable to any business, regardless of size, in pre-empting unnecessary employment litigation.
Heather Leonard can be reached at the Law Office of Heather Leonard, P.C., 2108 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 1, Birmingham, AL 35216, by calling (205) 978-7899, or by email at

Concerned About Identity Theft? You should be!
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. NEVER have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone who even sees your check can steal your identity!
4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Within a week of stealing a wallet, thieve(s) can order a cell phone package, apply for a credit cards, have a credit line approved to for other things, get a PIN number from DMV to change your driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc. were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here's what is perhaps most important of all : 3.Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they are required to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc. has been stolen:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285. Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742. Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

INTERNET SCAM
I received this email twice today, and felt it was important to warn as many people as I can about it.
After consulting with our webmaster, he recommended I forward it to the membership as a warning!
This is a scam to gain your bank account number and social security number.
With that information, these people can steal your identity, completely destroy your credit, and cause you a tremendous amount of trouble. If you receive a similar message from anyone, please be aware of what it is!
p.s.: note the misspelled words - these are intended to get around firewalls and blockers.

Here is the main text!
"We recently reviewed your account, and suspect an fraudulent ATM transaction, procesed without autorization.
Therefore, as a preventative measure, we have temporarily limited access to your on-line banking access.
To restore your account access, please follow the steps listed bellow.

1. Login to your Internet Banking account.
In case you are not enrolled for Internet Banking, you will have to use your Social Security Number as your User ID and the first 6 digits of Social Security Number as Password, then, fill in all the required information.
. Review your recent account history for any unauthorized withdrawals or deposits, and check your account profile to make sure no changes have been made. If any unauthorized activity has taken place on your account, report this to KeyBank
staff immediately.To get started, please click the link below: etc, etc, etc

Bill forwarded this e-mail to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, who responded as follows:

Dear Mr. Powell,
THIS IS NOT AN AUTOMATED RESPONSE

Thank you for your submission to the FBI Internet Tip Line. The FBI's Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) has seen a steady increase in complaints that involve some form of unsolicited e-mail, such as the one you received, directing consumers to a phony "Customer Service" type of web site. That scam is contributing to a rise in identity theft, credit card fraud, and other Internet frauds.
"Spoofing" or "phishing" frauds attempt to make Internet users believe they are receiving e-mail from a specific, trusted source, or that they are securely connected to a trusted website, when that is not the case. Spoofing is generally used as a means to convince individuals to provide personal or financial information, which enables the perpetrators to commit credit card/bank fraud or other forms of identity theft. Spoofing also often involves trademark and other intellectual property violations.

The FBI offers the following tips for Internet users:
1. If you encounter an unsolicited e-mail that asks you, either directly, or through a website, for personal financial or identity information, such as Social Security number, passwords, or other identifiers, exercise extreme caution.

2. If you need to update your information online, use the normal process you've used before, or open a new browser window and type in the website address of the legitimate company's account maintenance page.

3. If a website is unfamiliar, it's probably not real. Only use the address that you have used before, or start at your normal homepage.

4. Always report fraudulent or suspicious e-mail to your Internet Service Provider. Reporting instances of spoof websites will help get these bogus websites shut down before they can do any more harm.

5. Most companies require you to log in to a secure site. Look for the lock at the bottom of your browser and "https" in front of the website address.

6. Take note of the header address on the website. Most legitimate sites will have a relatively short Internet address that usually depicts the business name followed by ".com" or possibly ".org". Spoof sites are more likely to have an excessively long string of characters in the header, with the legitimate business name somewhere in the string, or possibly not at all.

7. If you have any doubts about an e-mail or website, contact the legitimate company directly. Make a copy of the questionable web site's URL address, send it to the legitimate business and ask if the request is legitimate.

8. If you've been victimized by a spoofed e-mail or website, you should contact your local police or sheriff's department, and file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Fraud Complaint Center at www.ifccfbi.gov.

We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family and co-workers, and encourage them to submit information they may deem of interest to the FBI.

What Is An Employee Assistance Program & Why Should You Have One?
by Barry McCullough, Marketing Director, Employee Assistance Services
80% of all problems at work are NOT work related! They come from home!
An Employee Assistance program is a confidential service provided by trained and certified professional counselors, that assess, diagnose and address the individual problems of employees. This can be accomplished by voluntary access or formal referral by management. An important part of a successful EAP is training. Training that is designed to address potential problems in the workplace, and to assist management and supervision with the ìpersonal issuesî of their employees. it get management ìout of the middle.î
Marital conflicts, depression, stress, parenting issues, substance abuse and other personal problems of the employee create absenteeism, tardiness, poor productivity, high turnover and friction in the work place. Job related accidents cost American business approximately 100 billion dollars each year!
People with emotional disorders are 25% higher users of medical care services than those that are emotionally well. The U.S. Department of Public Health ranks mental and emotional disorders and alcoholism third and fourth, respectively, among major health problems.
The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce is now offering this program as a value-added benefit of membership.
Eight Good Reasons To Have An E.A.P.:
1. It provides training for managers in how to spot a troubled employee, and how to properly respond.
2. It helps protect your organization and mangers while getting employees the help they need.
3. It relieves supervisors of the frequent and unpleasant role of becoming involved in their employeeís personal problems.
4. It provides a confidential, non-threatening setting for a troubled employee to promptly, economically and conveniently receive the services that will aide in successfully resolving personal problems.
5. It frees supervisors to perform their primary function of overseeing job performance.
6. In cases of grievance or arbitration proceedings, an EAP may substantially strengthen the organizationís position.
7. It improves productivity, morale, retention and public image.
8. The organizationís image is enhanced, in the eyes of employees and their families, by a meaningful demonstration of concern for the individualís well being.
For information on how the Employee Assistance Service can help you, call Barry McCullough or Sara Gentle at 933-7442.

Tax Cut:
So You Think Tax Cuts Are For the Rich?
Sometimes politicians can exclaim; "It's just a tax cut for the rich!" and it is just accepted to be fact. But what does that really mean?
Just in case you are not completely clear on this issue, we hope the following will help. Let's put tax cuts in terms everyone can understand.
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for dinner. The bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh $7.
The eighth $12.
The ninth $18.
The man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do.
The ten men ate dinner in the restaurant every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily meal by $20." So, now dinner for the ten only cost $80. The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes. So, the first four men were unaffected. They would still eat for free. But what about the other six, the paying customers? How could they divvy up the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share'? The six men realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being 'PAID' to eat their meal. So, the restaurant owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings).
The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28% savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to eat for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. "I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the man "but he got $10!" "Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than me!" "That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only $2? The wealthy get all the breaks!" "Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!" The nine men surrounded the and beat him up. The next night the man didn't show up for dinner, so the nine sat down and ate without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up at the table anymore. There are lots of good restaurants in Europe and the Caribbean.
David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D Distinguished Professor of Economics 536 Brooks Hall University of Georgia

10 tips to prevent identity theft
by Dan Ellis, ABSOLUTE Mortgage, LLC
Identity thieves rob more than 500,000 Americans every year. These steps will help you reduce your risk of identity theft.
1. Guard that Social Security number
The most important step is to guard your Social Security number -- it is the key to your credit report and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals. Do not print your Social Security number on your checks. Be sure that your Health and/or Dental insurance cards do not have your social security number listed on it. Lastly, be sure to have your social removed from your driver's license as well.
2. Monitor your credit report
Credit reports can alert you to activity in your financial records. A monitoring service, such as www.privacyguard.com, will notify you whenever someone applies for credit in your name or checks your credit history. You then can be proactive; call the person and ask, "Why are you checking my credit?" It might be a landlord or employer; it might be legitimate.
3. Buy a shredder and use it
Identity thieves may use your garbage to obtain personal information. Shred all old bank and credit statements, as well as "junk mail" credit-card offers, before trashing them. Use a crosscut shredder -- they cost more than regular shredders but are superior.
4. Remove your name and address from marketing lists
The three credit-reporting bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- all maintain marketing lists that may contain your information. Contact the agencies to remove your name from the lists. You also should add your name to the name-deletion lists of the Direct Marketing Association's, at www.the-dma.org, Mail Preference Service used by banks and other marketers. Removing your name from these lists reduces the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive in the mail and reduces the chances someone applying for credit in your name.
5. Watch what you carry in your wallet
Do not keep your Social Security card in your wallet or carry extra credit cards or other important identity documents except when needed. These documents can give thieves ready access to your accounts.
6. Keep duplicate records
Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of your license and credit cards so you have all the account numbers, expiration dates and phone numbers if your wallet or purse is stolen.
7. Mail payments from a safe location
Do not mail bill payments and checks from home. They can be stolen from your mailbox and washed clean in chemicals. Take them to the post office.
8. Monitor your Social Security activity
Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement, at www.ssa.gov/mystatement/, once a year to check for fraud.
9. Monitor your credit-card activity
Carefully examine your credit-card statements for fraudulent charges before paying them. If you don't need or use department-store or bank-issued credit cards, close the accounts.
10. Know who you are talking to
Beware of giving your credit-card number or personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and/or trust that business.

Gone wireless? Got WEP?
By Wallace Allison, IHS Software
Wireless is all the rage now. Getting rid of that pesky cable lets you roam around with your notebook. It lets you put a computer where you always wanted to, but couldn't get cabling. But like all things, there is a trade-off. In this case, it is security. A "wireless access point" placed in your home or office network without proper security leaves you wide open for anyone who passes by to jump on-on YOUR network.
Wireless Equivalent Protocol, better known (for obvious reasons) as WEP will prevent all but the most savvy of hackers from getting into your network where they can wreak whatever havoc they desire, steal all your data, and who knows what. WEP is free on current 801.n (wireless) routers and cards, and you should use it. If you're buying a new router/card, look for 152-bit WEP to help keep your data secure.
Not worried about your data? What would you say if the feds show up at your door and arrest you for sending kiddy porn from your IP address? Without WEP anyone driving by can hook on and, with a little ingenuity, use your network to send whatever they want. They even have a name for this, it is called "war driving." If they park in your driveway and send it, it goes out with your IP address-signature just as if you sent it. Sure, just tell the feds you're innocent. I'll bet they've never heard that before.
I urge you to get out the instructions that came with your wireless router and cards and put WEP to work for you. If it's all Greek and you don't know how to do it, get someone to help you. Get WEP!
Wallace Allison is president of IHS Software, and specializes in website development and software consulting. He can be reached at 408-1477, via email at wallaceallison@ihssoftware.com, or through his website at www.ihssoftware.com

Solution-Results Packaging
By John O'Malley, Strategic Visions, Inc.
Don't just verbalize a solution to a prospect's problem, instead present a well thought out solution-results package that ties all the solution and support elements into a comprehensive and emotional value-offering that keeps the prospect in their comfort zone. Doing so enables the prospect to better perceive, image, and understand your solution's total value in bringing about their desired results. Remember. The further you move a prospect from their comfort zone during the selling process the more difficult the close becomes. Emotional comfort closes sales faster than solutions alone.
Solution-results packaging also helps to quickly and clearly differentiate your abilities and offering from the me-too competition and as such, it needs to be strategically linked to the prospect's emotional interests-their true root concern or problem-and at minimum, include the key elements listed here conveyed from the prospect's perspective not yours:
Solution-Result-Package:
• You (build trust first & then rapport)
• Your results based solution (people buy results not solutions, so sell results)
• Your company (trust built on a "seller be honest" philosophy)
• Company's product (result-oriented solution enablers)
• Customer support (team approach, never sell alone)
• Customer service (at minimum exceed expectations)
• Delivery (attractive terms and flexible conditions)
• Investment (cost to results ratio)
• Risk avoidance factor (minimize buyer's risk)
• Track record (probability of success is good)
Customer loyalty dictates that after a sale, the solution must be backed by support, so wrap your solution-results-package in differentiating service. By reducing the buying risk from the prospect's perception, your chances for closing increase proportionately. The string holding the solution-results package together is you, the salesperson, the one they trust to deliver results; you are the company. Now go have a great sales day!
John O'Malley is President of Strategic Visions, Inc. He can be reached at 995-8495 or
jom@strategicvisionsinc.com or www.strategicvisionsinc.com

The Total Service Experience
By John F. O'Malley, Strategic Visions, Inc.

When your products are in parity with other me-too competitors, service is king. If it isn't, make it so. Service is truly the royal differentiating factor for any business's success! However, providing hit and miss great service is not enough, your service must be complete and consistent. In other words, to provide differentiating customer service you need to focus on the Total Service Experience, TSE; from connect to disconnect.

Research shows that people typically become customers for three major reasons: convenience, competency, and caring and stay loyal to a company for three reasons as well: service, speed, and safety. From a customer's perspective, their total service experience with your company should demonstrate all six TSE elements. Start by making a TSE list by listing all customer connect points within your company, when and how customers come in direct/indirect contact with your company, e.g., telephone, sales representative, receptionist, order desk, e-mail, website, etc. Now list all the service encounters and environments a customer might experience in doing business with you. Finish the list by including all the ways you disconnect with a customer-end the encounter and say good-bye.

A customer's TSE might have several connects and disconnects in one transaction session with your company. Review your list of service elements and improve your customer's TSE by delivering each service element better than the competition. If you do, you will be king in your market. To most people, attention to little things means a lot and says volumes about your caring. Because success is in the details, a micro approach to service improvement is better than a macro.

Successful companies never fully disconnect from their customers but instead, encourage their customers to make their business their business. They communicate frequently with their customers not just to inform but also to educate and solicit open feedback on how to make the total service experience better. Now go have a great customer day!

John O'Malley is President of Strategic Visions, Inc. He recently joined the Hoover Chamber, and is a nationally known author, consultant, speaker and trainer, and has published many books on leadership, communications, and executive coaching skills. He can be reached at 995-8495, or emailed at jom@strategicvisionsinc.com. His company web site is www.strategicvisionsinc.com .

Computer Viruses: You Make The Call
by Wallace Allison,

If you don't read anything else in this article, read the next sentence. Microsoft posts security updates on their website and you should go there perdiodically and be sure your computer has all the latest patches loaded on it. This is in addition to your virus-scan software, your anti-spy-ware software, and your personal firewall software, all of which you should run and update regularly.
In fact, Microsoft makes it easy for you to keep the machine updated. For instance, with the Windows XPÆ operating system, just click on START > SETTINGS > CONTROL PANEL> SYSTEM. Hit the "Automatic Updates" tab and check the box that says "Keep my computer up to date". Check the option you like in the bottom half of the dialog. My preference here is to let the system notify me before it does anything. That means that if I'm in the middle of something where speed is important to me, I can put off downloading and/or installation of the patches until I'm finished with what I'm doing. Plus, I know what caused any differences I see in system operations.
Older operating systems have similar setups. You should use them to avoid letting viruses sneak in and wreak havoc with your computer.
Viruses are nothing more than computer programs. One way or another - usually as an email attachment or via a security hole - these programs get executed on your computer. Once that happens, the virus can do any number of vile things, i.e., format your hard drive, erase operating system files, etc.
Right now we face a new and more sophisticated virus loose on the internet. This one has no attachments and only needs you to read it in your email client. Guess what. It hits a security flaw that is well known. In fact, if you have been doing your updates as described above, you've had a patch to prevent this new bug from messing with your machine since last October. Still, it is causing lots of problems for lots of people simply because folks are not looking after their own interests. (By the way, this is an industry-wide problem--Linux posted more security patches in February than Microsoft.)
So here's the hook. If it will take you minutes to get the patches and load them, how does that stack up against wiping your hard drive clean and rebuilding all the software and data you'll lose if a worm renders it useless? You make the call.
ÆWindows and XP and registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

Do You Delegate?
By Joe Primm, UAB School of Business, Small Business Development Center
Some people like to be hands-on in every aspect of the business. While this might be considered a laudable trait, the practice may actually decrease the manager's effectiveness. Delegation of tasks can free a manager's time, allowing concentration on more important issues. To get the most from others and yourself, learn to delegate work to them. Knowing your employees' likes and dislikes as well as your own strengths and weaknesses will permit you to multiply your efforts.
Every employee enjoys some types of activity more than others. This fact can be exploited by delegating tasks to people according to their personal preferences. You want to give items to people that they like to do and accomplish well. The secret of good delegation lies in the willingness of the manager to release and empower workers to carry out the project using their own selected method. Micromanaging will kill the employees' sense of contribution. Instead, have a conference and set objectives with scheduled review times. Let them know that you are available for assistance if needed. Most individuals will perform better if allowed to use their ingenuity. Why delegate and assign work to others if you feel obligated and required to oversee every detail?
Knowing yourself demands accepting the fact that your employees think and act differently from you. They have no access to your mind and ideas about how things should be done. Their chosen way may be completely opposite your desired method, but remember, your method is only one method. Learn to accept work from others that is accomplished in their timing and modes. Through personal assessment, become aware of your weaknesses so that you can pass work in those areas to others who are more qualified.
Multiply your efforts and get better results through task delegation. Focus your energies on important issues that only you can handle. Give your staff both the ability and the authority to handle routine items like phone calls and price quotes. Increase your productivity by spending more time and effort on vital matters in your business. Think about delegating more in the future. It will make you a better manager.
Joe Primm serves at the UAB School of Business as a counselor for the Small Business Development Center. Call 934-6760 for a free, confidential meeting to discuss your business needs.

How Secure Is Your Business?
By Joe Primm, UAB Small Business Development Center

Conducting a security analysis of your business can detect and prevent possible losses and help ensure the success of the enterprise. Assistance from security specialists may provide guidance to determine what steps to take. You must determine what risks are present and which require insurance, preventive actions, and changes in company rules or policies. To accomplish these objectives, perform a survey, decide on actions required, implement the changes, and review the results.

First, a careful security survey can reveal areas that need attention. Think of the business security checkup like a medical checkup on yourself. Doctors look for weaknesses and try to prevent problems from growing. Your business also needs to have its weaknesses exposed and treated to protect your investment.

Check for potential trouble on assets, employees, data, and facilities. Going through a checklist can help avoid bypassing vulnerable areas. Ask yourself if the building and its contents are secure, if you have sufficient insurance of the right varieties, if your employees have the best interest of the company at heart, and whether your confidential information and data could withstand a catastrophe such as a fire or flood.

A company might decide to accept certain risks without insurance coverage. This decision must be based on a cost/benefit calculation, and the company must be able to absorb the worst-case scenario. Other necessary actions might include establishing "Off-Limits" zones, purchasing a fireproof safe, placing identification markers on all tools, obtaining pre-employment background checks, and conducting regular audits. All cash and checks must be kept in a secure location and deposited daily.

Remember that working on security issues is a normal activity that requires ongoing review, analysis, update, and planning. Constantly be alert for potential areas that could cause your business to incur losses. When these are detected, immediately search for solutions. Take time now to review your situation. Professionals can help you in determining what steps to take to make your business protected and more secure.
Joe Primm counsels at the UAB Small Business Development Center. Call 934-6760 for a free, confidential meeting to discuss your business needs.


Travel Agency vs. "Going Solo" on the Internet
By Maylena Burchfield, ADTRAV/Adventure Travel
Due to the proliferation of travel on the Internet, many companies are reviewing the way in which their employees book travel. Many are asking the question, "Do we still need a travel management company?" In fact, a recent study conducted by Topaz International showed that agents actually secured lower airfares than the Internet travel sites. Add to this the many benefits offered by travel agencies plus their ability to search the web on your behalf and any perceived savings of "going solo" evaporate. These benefits include:
• Ability to hold reservations without ticketing - All travel websites require that the traveler immediately purchase any confirmed reservations. Unfortunately, many times when the traveler is ready to purchase the tickets, the seats are no longer available at the prior airfare.
• Ability to "void" non-refundable tickets - Travel agencies have the ability to completely cancel tickets (even non-refundable tickets) within a 24- hour period. This flexibility is extremely important for corporate travelers whose plans often change.
• 24/7 enroute service - A professional travel consultant familiar with your company's travel policies and procedures is always only a phone call away.
• Ability to find traveler in case of emergency - Travel agencies have all booking information including flights, hotels, and emergency contact information.
• Professional travel consultant - Airfare rules and restrictions are confusing and constantly changing. An agency offers professional advice allowing travelers to make informed decisions.
• Ability to quickly cancel, rebook, exchange or refund airline tickets -
All web bookings require the traveler to call large reservation centers to perform any of these tasks. An agency will navigate this complicated process for you.
• Corporate frequent flyer tracking - Company frequent flyer number is appended to every reservation made through an agency, resulting in FREE airline tickets for company use as well as free tickets earned by the traveler.
• Worldwide hotel discount program - Travel agencies offer discounts from 15% to 30% off the lowest corporate rates at hotels across the United States and internationally.
• Travel agencies provide a combination of substantial savings, policy enforcement and professional service that is uncharacteristic of the web.
Maylena Burchfield, Director of Corporate Sales
ADTRAV Travel Management/Adventure Travel

Is Your Customer List Safe?
By Wallace Allison

For that matter, is any of the data on your computer system safe? Very large businesses with their own dedicated IT staff people can probably say, "yes," to these questions. For most small businesses, the answer is usually "NO!"
Most small businesses have, by now, purchased virus-scanning software—a vital step, but hardly the end-all. Virus scanning protects your computer system from most viruses, but not from other threats—not from your worst threat.
Everyone hears about so-called hackers. TV introduces them to us; Hollywood plays them up, etc. They are, however, only a secondary concern. You need a firewall to protect against them—and a properly configured router with the firewall is even better. But you still won’t be protected from the number one threat.
The worst threat you face is a disgruntled employee or, simply one who is going out on his or her own and wants to take lots of your customers along. Studies have shown that about 80% of the computer security revolves around this threat.
In many cases simple, inexpensive things can be done to prevent most of the "attacks" these folks mount on their way out the door. (Money tight? Security fixes can be phased in over a period of time to spread the cost.)
So what’s your alternative if you can’t afford an IT staff? In essence, rent-a-pro. Use a consulting company, one that does not sell computer systems and hardware, and let them help you update, upgrade, and secure your computer systems. Or you can just take your chances—what could go wrong?

Risks at Your Fingertips
Seven ways to prevent computer hacking
By John Sandefur, Store Owner, Computer Builders Warehouse

There has been a 65% increase in security threats to information systems over the past two years, and the number of network intrusions has quadrupled. Any small business with a broadband Internet connection needs to guard against becoming a cyber-crime victim.
Simple, effective steps that small business owners and network administrators can take to protect their systems include:
1. Implement a firewall. Firewalls intercept network traffic and allow only authorized data to pass through; it is a barrier to hackers and viruses.
2. Develop a corporate security policy. Establish a corporate security policy that details practices to secure the network. Employees should be directed to choose passwords that are a combination of letters and numbers and passwords should be changed every 90-days. When someone leaves company, immediately delete the user name and password.
3. Install anti-virus software. All computers should run the most recent version of an anti-virus protection subscription. Employees should be educated about viruses and discouraged from opening email attachments or email from unknown senders.
4. Keep operating systems up to date. Upgrade operating systems frequently and install the latest patches or versions of software, which are often free over the Web. For Microsoft Windows, check www.windowsupdate.com.
5. Don’t run unnecessary network services. When installing systems, any non-essential features should be disabled. A feature that is not actively used is less likely to be updated regularly, presenting a larger security threat.
6. Conduct a vulnerability test. A vulnerability test is a cost-effective way to evaluate the current security program. It highlights flaws and limitations in the program, and experts can offer suggestions for improvement. To conduct a vulnerability test, contact a computer consulting company and provide access to your system for a day or two. This will provide ample time for network appraisal and follow-up discussion and planning.
7. Read current literature about network security. Numerous resources offer information about effective security tools and "lessons learned". The Web provides ample and very current information about security – type in the key words "network security."
Proper security programs offer peace of mind and real security to business owners. Preventive security measures, combined with a little bit of common sense and awareness, can help ensure that a business won’t be a hacker’s next victim.


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Business Loan Basics
By Devron A. Veasley, Bessemer Business Incubation System
www.bessemeral.org/bbis.html

When starting and maintaining a business, an entrepreneur has access to traditional and non-traditional financing sources but what do these organizations require of a good loan applicant? Some of the most common requirements for acquiring funding are discussed below.

Collateral:
* The loan should be as close to 100% collateralized as possible.
* The collateral should have the same estimated useful life as the term of the loan
* Tangible assets purchased with loan proceeds can be used as collateral
Lending organizations don't give a 100% collateral position on items. The collateral position is metered based on the type of collateral and age of the asset. Typically, the following scale is used:
Type of Asset Collateral Judgment
Land/Buildings = Lower of cost or appraisal
Equipment = 70% to 80% of price
Inventory = 50% of price
Stocks & Bonds = 80% of the current day value
Working Capital = 0%
Single purpose items/collateral is typically assigned a lower position percentage.
Personal Investment: Lending organizations require the applicant to assign a portion of their personal assets to the requested amount. This amount is in addition to collateral. The percentage of personal investment varies according to the type of business and the risk involved in starting and maintaining the business. A good rule of thumb is 15% to 20% of the requested loan amount.
Personal Guarantee: An applicant must personally guarantee the full loan amount. The business principals (those people with 20% or more ownership) must also guarantee the loan.

Personal and Financial Paperwork
1. Historical financial statements consisting of cash flow and profit/loss statements and balance sheets for the past two years if possible.
2. Projected financial statements consisting of cash flow and profit/loss statements and balance sheets for three years if possible.
3. Personal financial statement of all principals in the business.
4. Business plan/proposal.
5. Detailed listing of what the loan funds will be used for. The detailed listing should include a list of inventory and equipment, building/land appraisal, and an explanation of the use of working capital and how the amount was determined.
Devron A. Veasley is the Director of the Bessemer Business Incubation System in Bessemer, Alabama and can be reached at 205.481.2101 or dveasley@mindspring.com.

A Value-Add for Your Patients/Clients-Part I
By Wallace Allison, HIS, Incorporated

Many professionals have a strong aversion to advertising. Unfortunately for their clients/patients, they mistakenly believe that a website is nothing more than advertising.
In this two-part series, I hope to dispel that myth by discussing what a professional's website should do. I will speak directly to the healthcare professional, but the major points apply to other professionals: accountants, lawyers, financial advisors, realtors, and others.

First, consider your business card: advertising? No, it introduces you. This is the first things a website should do. Unlike a small paper card, the website should say far more about you, your staff, and what you do. Existing patients who entrust their very life to you and your staff would like to know experience, training and qualifications. A prospective patient will definitely value the information.

Next, and most important of all, your website should inform the patient (or client). How much of what you tell your patients in the office can they remember? Take the most common ailments you deal with and use your website to answer the patients' common questions in detail. To save room here, let's just mention a couple of these. What causes this condition? What happens if it is left untreated? Pictures showing the untreated versus treated condition may be in order. What is the treatment you normally bring to bear? What results do you anticipate with the treatment?

Of course, there are more questions, but you have the idea. Your website should give your patient/client this kind of information (with a "case-by-case evaluation required" disclaimer.) It should be written in plain English so that lay folk can understand it-no Latin, no unexplained tech-talk.

If you have a website that does this, you can direct many of your patients/clients to it. They will appreciate it simply because it does answer their questions. In short, you have an added value to offer your patients/clients-something they will value and it saves you time answering the same old questions. No advertising!

HIS, Incorporated specializes in website development. For additional information, President Wallace Allison can be reached at 408-1477 or emailed at wallaceallison@ihssoftware.com.
Their website is www.ihssoftware.com.


Value-Add for Your Patients/Clients—Part II
By Wallace Allison, HIS, Incorporated

Many professionals have a strong aversion to advertising. Unfortunately for their clients/patients, they mistakenly believe that a website is nothing more than advertising.
In this two-part series, I hope to dispel that myth by discussing what a professional’s website should do. I will speak directly to the healthcare professional, but the major points apply to other professionals: accountants, lawyers, financial advisors, realtors, and others. I urge you to go back and read Part I as it outlines the most important thing your website should do—informing the patient/client.
Think of prospective or new patients. Your office hours? Your location? Parking arrangements? In fact, they would like driving instructions and a map. In some cases, they would like instructions once in your building. What about handicap access to your office? Your website should provide all of this (and more) along with pictures to help.
Once a new patient/client gets to your office the first thing you’ll likely ask them to do is fill out an extensive set of forms. Your website should allow the patient to download those forms and fill them out at their convenience, before they come to your office. The patient will appreciate better use of their time. You will get more accurate information, and keep your waiting room less crowded.
Patients/clients also need to know where you stand on money matters. Will you fill out their insurance forms for them? How do you handle billing? What credit cards do you take? Financing may be appropriate in some cases: do you provide for that? Let your website answer these questions.
Many people today actually want to email your office about billing problems, for appointments, refills, etc. Your website should explain that you won’t do diagnostics via email, but allow the patient to choose email for other things.
This has been an abbreviated discussion: there are more points not discussed here
and, as with what you’ve seen here, none of them are "just advertising." Hopefully, you now see that your professional website, professionally done, could and should be a wonderful value-added resource for every patient/client or prospective patient/client—without advertising.
HIS, Incorporated specializes in website development. For additional information, President Wallace Allison can be reached at 408-1477 or emailed at wallaceallison@ihssoftware.com.
Their website is www.ihssoftware.com.


Using the Internet - I

E-mail

The surging use of email is phenomenal. It is almost impossible to function in any kind of corporate environment without the use of email. This form of communication has become a necessity to most companies.

It is also misused in the form of spam-unsolicited email or junk mail. We are bombarded with spam email on a daily basis. Spam is aggravating! It's a nuisance, offensive at times, useless most of the time, but...it works! Sending out thousands of spam emails always gets some response. It is easy to obtain huge mailing lists and send tens of thousands of emails at a fraction of the cost of direct mail. It's cheap, fast, time effective and the reach is extraordinary.

Most of us read at least a few every day, depending on the subject line of the email. If it is interesting, we tend to read part of it. Apart from the fact that they usually offer a lot for little, most of the time they also offer a feature, usually on the bottom of the email, allowing us the possibility to be removed from their email database. Wonderful, we delete ourselves and think we may get less spam this way.

What most of us don't realize is that in virtually all cases the request to be removed usually results in actual updating of that specific database. Spammers use the removal button to eliminate non-functioning email addresses which results in more accurate email databases ready for sale.

To reduce the number of unsolicited emails it is best to not respond at all or utilize the spam filter inherent in most email software programs. The problem is that these spam filters may also weed out legitimate emails. So your best course of action to combat spam, is to write your congressman to complain, and in the meantime simply delete, delete, delete!

:-) Robert Linthout - Arrell Internet Services

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Using the Internet-II

Using Search Engines

Short and simple - a search engine is a huge database that indexes websites and lists them according to their content. When submitting a website to a search engine, the category and a short description of the business, as well as keywords describing the content of the website, should be included.

This search engine database can then be browsed by using these descriptions. Used properly they can become an asset to any company by enabling to do competition research, compare pricing structures, find new suppliers and resources, and locate possible new clients and customers.

Search Engines such as: Google, Altavista, HotBot, AskJeeves, Looksmart, Lycos, Overture, AOLSearch, Yahoo and many more are generally very user friendly. Using a single "keyword" may result in tens of thousands of "matches", so a narrowing of search parameters is a must!. Usually all search engines are offering the "advanced search" feature, which greatly reduces the number of matching website contents.

Click on any of these options and the results and contents are self-explanatory. When searching for specific data, always use the advanced search and the same "keywords or phrases" in different search engines. Expanding search criteria by using different "keywords" will render additional and sometimes different results and will provide you with a wider base of information.

When browsing different websites, it is easy to lose track of what information resides where. A simple keyboard shortcut will allow you to store the addresses of webpages that you want to return to. Using a PC, press control D and for MacIntosh press Apple D to store that specific webpage.

TIP: Websites to remember are www.CNET.com and www.VersionTracker.com which offer the latest software, free downloads of updates & patches, beta versions (try-out) and more.

:-) Robert Linthout - Arrell Internet Services

Using the Internet—III

Submitting a website to Search Engines

Before submitting a website to a search engine, make sure to have all your data ready for "copy and paste". All search engine submissions require the same kind of data to be entered but not necessarily in the same way or the same sequence. Read very carefully the submission criteria and the number of words allowed!

Category: Define your business description to one or two words such as: Sporting Goods, or Real Estate - Some search engines will allow you to enter the actual business description, others will require you to choose from a short list of options. Many times there is no specific category you will fit in so you will have no other choice but "other". Don’t worry! The rest of the information that you will provide, will assure the proper indexing of your website.

Keywords: Use 15 or at the most 20 words to describe your business activity. More than that will do you no good and will actually be counter productive. Make sure not to use the same word more than one time! This is considered "spamming a search engine" and may result in removal from the search engine index of websites.

Business Description: Describe in 50 words or less (the first ten being the most important!) your business and the general contents of your website. But remember that some search engines require maximum 15 words, so please read the specifications.
Re-submission: If the contents of your website has changed you would do well by re-submitting your website quarterly. Not every month! Some search Engines view submissions in excess of 4 times a year as spamming, resulting in removal from their database!

Placement Battle: Everybody wants to be in the top ten but to get there requires research, advanced keyword strategies, internet marketing expertise and a very, very good webmaster.
Next: Do you really need a website?

:-) Robert Linthout - Arrell Internet Services

Using the Internet—IV

Do you really need a website?

Why do you neede a website?
Because everyone has one!
Webmasters love to hear that line!

There is a different way to determine whether or not you need a website. What do you hope to accomplish with a website? If you don’t know, you don’t need one! If you know you need one, but don’t know what a website can do for you, hire a consultant to advise you of all the possibilities! If you conclude that you want to increase your business, provide a sales tool, enlarge your audience, use it as a public relations tool, expand into the e-commerce market or other definite goals, then, yes, you need a website!

But before you start, determine the use of this website before going through the expense of actually building one. A solid business plan, outlining expectations and goals, plus a reasonable idea about the content is the proper way to start a website project.

Research: Find out about your competition by using the search engines. Write down the things you like and dislike about the look and feel of those websites. Find out what they use for content and if this applies to you! Make notes!

Establish your content: Whomever your webmaster is going to be, they will all require text, photographs, logo’s, etc. It is much easier to get comparable bids when you have all the information readily available. Apples and apples!

Pick your webmaster : Don’t hesitate to request references and samples of websites that have actually been built. Call those website owners and ask if they are pleased with their webmaster! Find out what your webmaster is capable of and ask for monthly website statistics – you are going to need them!

And last, don’t take anything for granted and specify, specify!
Next: Build your own website!

:-) Robert Linthout - Arrell Internet Services

Using the Internet—V

Using the Internet to Your Advantage ---

Using Search Engines

Short and simple - a search engine is a huge database that indexes websites and lists them according to their content. When submitting a website to a search engine, the category and a short description of the business, as well as keywords describing the content of the website, should be included. This search engine database can then be browsed by using these descriptions.

Used properly they can become an asset to any company by enabling to do competition research, compare pricing structures, find new suppliers and resources, and locate possible new clients and customers.

Search Engines such as: Google, Altavista, HotBot, AskJeeves, Looksmart, Lycos, Overture, AOLSearch, Yahoo and many more are generally very user friendly. Using a single "keyword" may result in tens of thousands of "matches", so a narrowing of search parameters is a must. Usually all search engines are offering the "advanced search" feature, which greatly reduces the number of matching website contents.

Click on any of these options and the results and contents are self-explanatory.
When searching for specific data, always use the advanced search and the same "keywords or phrases" in different search engines. Expanding search criteria by using different "keywords" will render additional and sometimes different results and will provide you with a wider base of information.

When browsing different websites, it is easy to lose track of what information resides where. A simple keyboard shortcut will allow you to store the addresses of webpages that you want to return to. Using a PC, press Control-D and for MacIntosh press Apple-D to store that specific webpage.

TIP: Websites to remember are www.CNET.com and www.VersionTracker.com, which offers the latest software, free, downloads of updates & patches, beta versions (try-out) and more.

:-) Robert Linthout - Arrell Internet Services

Using the Internet—VI

Getting too much spam?

To help combat spam, email users should follow these recommendations:
1.Never make a purchase from an unsolicited email If spamming weren't economically viable, it would be obsolete. Not only can an email user fall prey to a potentially fraudulent sales scheme, but his or her email address can also be added to the numerous email lists that are sold within the spamming community, further compounding the number of junk emails received.

2. If you do not know the sender of an unsolicited email message, delete it While most spam is usually just annoying text, a spam email message could actually contain a virus and/or other exploit that could damage the computers of all who open it.

3. Never respond to any spam messages or click on any links in the message. Replying to any spam message, even to "unsubscribe" or be "removed" from the email list only confirms to the spammer that you are a valid recipient and a perfect target for future spamming.

4. Avoid using the preview functionality of your email client software. Many spammers use advertising techniques that can track when a message is viewed, even if you don't click on the message or reply. Using the preview functionality essentially opens an email and tells spammers you are a valid recipient, which can result in even more spam.

5. When sending email messages to a large number of recipients, use the blind copy (BCC) field to conceal their email addresses. Sending email where all recipient addresses are "exposed" in the "To" field makes it vulnerable to harvesting by a spammer's traps.

6. Never provide your email address on websites, newsgroup lists or other online public forums.Many spammers utilise "web bots" that automatically surf the internet to harvest email addresses from public information and forums.

7. Never give your primary email address to anyone or any site you don't trust. Share it only with your close friends and business colleagues.

8. Have and use one or two secondary email addresses. If you need to fill out web registration forms, or surveys at sites from which you don't want to receive further information, consider using secondary addresses to protect primary email accounts from spam abuse. Also, always look for a box that solicits future information/offers, and be sure to select or deselect as appropriate.

Conscientious end users who follow these suggestions will ultimately play a significant role in reducing the amount of spam that enters their organisation's communications system, especially when automated spam-filtering supplements their efforts.

:-) Robert Linthout - Arrell Internet Services


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