Monday, October 31, 2011

How do you build business credit?

We all know personal credit is important but as a business owner have you thought about building business credit? A common mistake many new businesses make is conducting business under themselves as individuals instead of as a business entity. As a new business or even an existing business owner needs to understand that they need to establish their business as a stand-alone entity through incorporation (even if you’re the only one in the business). You need to let your business develop its own credit away from your own personal credit so if something happens to the business your personal credit is not in the line of fire.

There are some things you can do to help establish your business credit. After you register your business with the state (incorporation) you can call and obtain a Federal Tax Id number or EIN with the IRS. Once you have established your EIN you can apply for business lines of credit (do some research, you may find that there are some company’s that have special lines of credit offers and programs for new businesses). Once you establish the line of credit you can use it to make purchases but be sure to pay the bill in full every month. This will help your business develop a record of financial responsibility. Also with your EIN you can use it to establish your utilities such as your electric, phone services, a business banking account, etc. as opposed to using your personal information which also is important to building your business credit.

Another way to assist in developing your business credit is to register your business with Dun & Bradstreet which is one of the widely used business credit reporting agencies. For more information
click here.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

What are the benefits of having a social media platform such as Facebook?

As a business owner or professional it is beneficial to take advantage of trending changes in the market and as many businesses have discovered social media has become a popular and very useful way to connect with consumers and other professionals. Businesses have discovered using Facebook can assist them in finding customers they may not have connected with otherwise. A social media platform such as Facebook provides businesses the opportunity to build relationships and brand awareness with other professionals. It also helps drive traffic to your website, as well as creating an excellent way to communicate special promotions, contest, events, products, services and more with a large base of people at one time. For more information about the benefits of Facebook click here.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Customer Magnetism recommends the services of BINCHMARK.

“BINCHMARK's production crew did an amazing job covering our Local Marketing Expo event at the Virginia Beach Conference Center last year and then they did an excellent job developing the TV cover story on our company for the Hampton Roads LIVE TV Show. I would highly recommend the BINCHMARK staff to help you promote your business."


Kurt Noer
CEO
Customer Magnetism
2011's Inc. 500/5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies.

S.N.V., Inc. recommends the services of BINCHMARK.

“S.N.V., Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides counseling to those who have been victimized by sexual abuse, a Performing Arts & Mentoring program for children and a food sponsor providing free food to over 3,000 children daily. BINCHMARK became instrumental to the continued success of this organization. Being a new organization we were unaware of the products we would need to acquire in order to make this organization a productive and well recognized organization. Making the world aware of the types of services that S.N.V. provides, BINCHMARK not only trained our staff, providing onsite consulting, as well as web development which has brought on a mass amount of visibility to our organization.

The monthly administration that BINCHMARK does continues to make sure that our website is maintained to a high degree of quality and support. BINCHMARK has also provided TV airing which has also placed our organization in a more professional arena which places S.N.V. on the same level of other top organizations widely known. But BINCHMARK doesn’t stop there. Their continued support and involvement in the events that we provide to the community in our effort to spread awareness of sexual abuse has been amazing.

All in all, BINCHMARK has been an amazing company to work with and they have truly worked for us. We appreciate greatly all that they have accomplished for us and what they still continue to do for this organization. S.N.V. has been magnified thanks to BINCHMARK."


Veronica V. Thomas
President & Founder
S.N.V., Inc.
Survivors Not Victims of Sexual Abuse

Beach Eye Care recommends the services of BINCHMARK.

“I have worked with BINCHMARK as they produced a hometown hero themed TV segment for my company Beach Eye Care. BINCHMARK immerses themselves in the task at hand to accomplish a thorough, detailed finished project that reflects well on its subject. The BINCHMARK team takes the time needed to get to know you and your business before presenting alternatives and solutions. They are considerate in working to your schedule, but demanding of additional time to get it right. They have an ability to think from the viewers’ perspective to produce a positive investigative documentary of your business.

They understand the dynamics of the Hampton Roads market and are future thinkers in the ways to communicate and reach new clients and retain current patients, a visionary view. Among other important abilities, they are accomplished in harnessing the power of video and internet communication. I recommend their services highly to any business desiring to grow and efficiently reach an expanding audience."


G. Peyton Neatrour, MD
President & Medical Director
Beach Eye Care

The Bridal Dish recommends the services of BINCHMARK.

“We at The Bridal Dish give our recommendation to BINCHMARK. The consultation and services provided by BINCHMARK for our company in the areas of marketing, media, and management have proven to be a very positive experience for us. The innovative approach that BINCHMARK put forth in the services they provided to our company have been an integral piece of our business development; leading to a greater presence in the market place and growth in the number of overall clients. We have received assistance from BINCHMARK that included custom website development, business directory development and implementation, video production services, ongoing marketing consultation, PR Services, and TV airing services to name a few.

We at The Bridal Dish plan to continue to work with BINCHMARK as we develop our company’s growth not only on a local level, but on a national level as well. We look forward to the structured, tactical, and innovative approach BINCHMARK will provide in this journey. BINCHMARK has proven to be crucial in our company’s marketing, advertising, client growth management, and business development. We are certain of the continued future success."


Jennifer La Londe Schumacher
Owner
The Bridal Dish
Jennifer La Londe Events

WSKY-TV recommends the services of BINCHMARK.

“WSKY-TV has worked with BINCHMARK for the last two years and I would recommend their services to others. We have been very pleased with their professionalism and high quality of work. They have helped rebuild and re-brand our website, and have done a great job of updating the site as changes are needed. The BINCHMARK staff understand the value of a relationship and have invited WSKY-TV to participate in a number of community events. These projects have made good business sense for the station and the other participating sponsors. WSKY-TV has benefited from our ongoing relationship with BINCHMARK, and I would encourage others to explore ways in which BINCHMARK can help to grow their company."


Ed Marlowe
Dir. of Programming
Creative Services Dir.
Long Form Sales Manager
WSKY-TV Channel 4

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

SimplyAvents, Inc. recommends the services of BINCHMARK.

“We teamed up with BINCHMARK in April 2011 and in just a few months, our business has grown in tremendous ways! Our company has an OUTSTANDING and comprehensive professional website, a wealth of knowledge for the growth of our business, great promotional products (business cards, 6-ft signs, etc)...and all with a unified theme! The BINCHMARK has created a total brand for my Special Event Planning and Party Rentals Business! From logo development to business growth support to marketing materials to future planning (franchising) and BEYOND!"


Detric & Candace Avents
SimplyAvents, Inc.
Special Event Planning
Party Rentals

Frank P. Friedland recommends the services of BINCHMARK.

“I have been a leader in my profession based on the amount of life insurance sales with North American Company for many years. The effectiveness of marketing from BINCHMARK surpassed my expectations. On October 6, 2009, I achieved over $300 million dollars in volume. Marketing from BINCHMARK had a lot to do with this achievement. They brought opportunities to me that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Best business decision I ever made.”


Frank P. Friedland, CLU, ChFC
Life Insurance Agent
(Top 1% of Life Insurance Agents)

Occasional Pearl Events recommend the services of BINCHMARK.

"To gain a better understanding of how the market perceives your business. I would recommend any business owner to add these market research services to their set of marketing analysis tools. The information received is invaluable to further marketing efforts of my business. I really appreciate BINCHMARK’s guidance in introducing a service that provides such insight to our marketing development."


Jill Anwaar
Owner
Occasional Pearl Events

Works by Gypsy Willow recommend the services of BINCHMARK.

“Highest of praises for the team of BINCHMARK. They took what I had envisioned and made it into a reality. With expertise, vision and guidance, they have helped me to succeed in an area that I am very inexperienced. They assisted me in every way possible and even imaginable. As a "newbie" author and an established behind the scenes Artist, through their guidance of this wonderful team, my works will be known by many through the internet! Thank you so very much! You are so highly appreciated.”


Julie "Willow" Horton

Author & Artist
Works by Gypsy Willow

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

BINCHMARK exposes the positive youth of Hampton Roads.

BINCHMARK truly understands that our youth are a vital piece to our future which is why BINCHMARK was on hand at Pembroke Mall in Virginia Beach, Va to highlight and provide event coverage for the Teens With a Purpose ‘The Artist Spot’. Youth gathered to share their talents with those in attendance and Mall onlookers in the areas of music, song, spoken word, and acting. BINCHMARK wanted to expose our youth in the Hampton Roads community as they provided a positive influence on their peers.

BINCHMARK gives back to the fight against cancer.

BINCHMARK enjoys giving back to the community and providing exposure to the unsung heroes of our community. BINCHMARK was in attendance at the annual Relay For Life Race at Darling Stadium in Hampton, Va to provide video production services for the event. We were able to speak to participants which included cancer survivors, their caregivers and supporters that took part in the relay to raise money and awareness for cancer research in hopes of finding a cure. It was a very emotional time for the participants as the race is a celebration for survivors as they were able to overcome their battle with cancer and help in the fight.