SMALL BUSINESS TIPS TO LAUNCH AND THRIVE

By d-mars.com News Provider

Running a small business is one of the most challenging journeys you can embark on, according to those in the know.

“Being a small business owner within an everchanging landscape can feel intimidating without support,” says Michelle Van Slyke, senior vice president of sales and marketing at The UPS Store, Inc.

Simplify Correspondence

Consider using a private mailbox rental, so you can give your small business a real street address, as well as establish a central location to pick up mail and packages. Consider a mailbox service that offers package acceptance from all carriers, receipt confirmation, mail forwarding and holding, and easy delivery updates.

Get Out The Word

With more than 5,100 locations across North America, The UPS Store network comprises the nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers, and is leveraging its expertise to offer new and seasoned entrepreneurs these tips to help their small business thrive:

FIND A ONE-STOP SHOP

One of the first steps in creating a business is sending out paperwork for the business formation and acquiring the licenses or permits needed. Save time and effort by using a one-stop small business services shop to have documents notarized, faxed, copied, scanned and securely shredded.

Be sure to regularly let your customers and prospective customers know when you’ve added new products and services to your portfolio with both print and digital marketing. Update the company website, blog and social media channels regularly and be sure to use tried-and-true methods of promotion as well, like direct mail services. The UPS Store, which can help you design, print and mail postcards, flyers and other marketing materials, offers two direct mail options, one that provides total market coverage, and another, more targeted option to reach a specific list of customers.

DON’T PAY FULL PRICE FOR BUSINESS SERVICES

Some vendors may have discounts for qualifying businesses, so be sure to inquire about that. You can also access deals and promotions on packing, shipping, logistics management, printing, marketing consultation, secure mailboxes and more by joining The UPS Store email program.

Get Inspired By The Work Of Other Small Business Owners

The UPS Store and Inc. Magazine are teaming up to host the 2023 Small Biz Challenge, which offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs to win up to $25,000, one-on-one mentoring with a business expert, an editorial feature in an upcoming issue of Inc. Magazine and Inc.com, and a trip to the final event in New York City. Recognizing the inspiring business skills and expertise of entrepreneurs since

2019, this year’s competition required entrepreneurs to demonstrate their unique problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.

“Every day we see entrepreneurs overcome obstacles on their path to success. Our goal was to find the most unstoppable business owners across the country,” says Van Slyke.

To learn more about this year’s contest, visit https:// www.theupsstore.com/smallbizchallenge.

For more tips and resources, visit The UPS Store small business blog at: https://www.theupsstore. com/small-business-services/small-business-blog. Running a small business presents new challenges every day. However, finding the right resources can help you focus on the big picture, so you can grow your business and see your vision through.

Source: StatePoint

Old Folks Saying NOT TODAY, SATAN

The term has been widely used in the Black community as a staple for not letting the enemy or anyone get you down. Think of the times you’ve been tested with a trial or a thorn in the bush. Although it’s temporary, our human emotions remind us that we simply don’t have the time for an additional problem or want to avoid mishaps altogether. As far as who coined the term? The internet is convinced that Bianca Del Rio from RuPaul’s “Drag Race” originated the term. However, we’re convinced she got it from somebody’s grandmother. How do you respond when things don’t immediately go your way?

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS’S FINANCIAL HEALTH WITH DETAILED MANAGEMENT

By d-mars.com News Provider

As a business owner, you know that maintaining a healthy financial status is crucial to the success of your company. But how can you ensure that your business is on the right track? The answer lies in detailed financial management.

By keeping a close eye on your revenue, expenses, and cash flow, you can make informed decisions that will help you improve your bottom line and grow your business. In this article, we’ll explore some practical tips and strategies that you can implement to enhance your business’s financial health.

From creating a budget to monitoring your financial statements, you’ll discover the key steps that will enable you to take control of your finances and achieve long-term success. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of financial management!

Create A Detailed Business Plan

Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your company’s goals, target market, revenue projections, and expenses. A well-thought-out plan will serve as a roadmap and help you make informed financial decisions.

Separate Personal And Business Finances

Open a separate business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate. This will make accounting and tax reporting much more manageable and ensure you can track business expenses accurately.

Monitor Cash Flow

Cash flow management is vital for any business. Monitor your cash flow regularly to ensure you have enough funds to cover operational expenses, investments, and growth.

Budget Wisely

Create a budget that accounts for all expenses, including fixed costs (rent, utilities) and variable costs (inventory, marketing). Stick to the budget and identify areas where you can cut costs if needed.

Build An Emergency Fun

Set aside funds for unexpected emergencies or slow periods. An emergency fund can help your business weather challenging times without resorting to high-interest loans or credit.

Manage Debt Wisely

If you need to take on debt, do so strategically and responsibly. Understand the terms and interest rates, and only borrow what you can comfortably repay.

Embrace Technology And Automation

Utilize financial software and tools to streamline your accounting processes, invoicing, and expense tracking. Automation can save time and reduce the chances of errors.

Diversify Revenue Streams

Avoid relying too heavily on one source of income. Look for opportunities to diversify your revenue streams, which can help protect your business during economic downturns.

Invest In Marketing

Allocate a portion of your budget to marketing and advertising efforts. Effective marketing can help you reach a broader audience and attract more customers.

Seek Professional Advice

Don’t hesitate to seek help from financial advisors, accountants, or business consultants. They can provide valuable insights and guidance to improve your business’s financial health.

Network And Collaborate

Connect with other black business owners and entrepreneurs in your community. Collaborating and networking can lead to new opportunities and partnerships that can benefit your business.

REMEMBER THAT FINANCIAL SUCCESS TAKES TIME AND DEDICATION. STAY PERSISTENT, ADAPT TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, AND CONTINUOUSLY EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STRATEGIES.

By managing your finances effectively, you’ll be better positioned to achieve your business goals and contribute to the growth and prosperity of your community.

Source: BrandPoint

VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS JOINS IN CELEBRATING DR. FREDERICK D. HAYNES, III AS THE NEW HEAD OF RAINBOW PUSH COALITION

By d-mars.com News Provider

Rev. Jesse Jackson made an official announcement regarding the appointment of Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, as the new President and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. This transition of leadership occurred during the organization's national convention at the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn.

President Joe Biden commended Rev. Jackson for his many years of leadership and expressed his appreciation as he handed over the reins to the next generation. Vice President Kamala Harris also spoke at the event, honoring Rev. Jackson for his guidance and expressing her confidence in Dr. Haynes as the new leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Vice President Harris shared her joy in congratulating Reverend Dr. Freddy Haynes, highlighting their long standing collaboration dating back to their involvement in the early stages of the criminal justice reform movement. She expressed her confidence in Dr. Haynes' ability to uphold the organization's values and tackle the challenges of the current moment.

“It is my joy to congratulate Reverend Dr. Freddy Haynes. I have known him and worked with him for over 20 years, including when we worked together years and years ago in the early days of the criminal justice reform movement,” she said during her remarks.

“Rainbow PUSH has been the organizational vehicle that he has driven in the movement for justice. I am honored and humbled that he has “tapped” me to serve as his successor as the President and CEO of this great organization. Rev. Jackson has been a mentor and I have been greatly influenced and inspired by this gamechanging social justice general, international ambassador for human rights, and prophetic genius. Sadly, justice and human rights are under attack in the nation and around the world. The work of Rainbow PUSH is as necessary as ever and I am committed to standing on the shoulders of Rev. Jackson and continuing the fight for freedom, peace, equity, justice and human rights.”

Aside from his new role at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, serves as the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, a large congregation in Dallas, Texas, boasting over 13,000 members. While Dr. Haynes recently appointed Pastor David McGruder as the Executive Pastor of FriendshipWest, he will continue his responsibilities as the senior pastor.

“Rev. Jesse Jackson has made the world a better place, breaking down barriers, opening previously locked doors of opportunity, fighting for justice and refusing to take “no” for an answer on behalf of those who have no voice,” said Dr. Haynes.

Dr. Haynes is best known as a social justice pastor and advocate for marginalized communities. Known nationally as “the drum major for justice,” he has modeled his ministry like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., focused on the intersections of faith and justice. Dr. Haynes works diligently to stand up for justice and to create positive change nationally.

From leading protests and demonstrations, to registering thousands of voters, to providing food and other needed resources, to decreasing crime, to serving as a voting super center, Dr. Haynes and Friendship-West Baptist Church have always been in the forefront of creating positive and lasting social change.

Dr. Haynes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and English, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as a Doctorate in Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation where he was afforded the opportunity to study at Christ Church, Oxford University in England. Currently, Dr. Haynes is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana where he is studying African American preaching and sacred rhetoric.

He also serves in the academic arena, teaching college courses and workshops at Paul Quinn College, Texas Christian University, McCormick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Haynes also serves on the Board of Trustees for Paul Quinn College as well as various other boards, particularly those in underserved and minority communities. Dr. Haynes is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

A life-long learner, Dr. Haynes is committed to education and has led FriendshipWest to donate over $1 million dollars to historically Black colleges and universities. In addition, Friendship-West has donated over $2 million in scholarship aid to students who are members of the church and the greater Dallas community. Dr. Haynes is the namesake of the Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Preparatory School, located on the campus of Paul Quinn College, which serves students grades 6-12 who seek to enter the International Baccalaureate program.

Dr. Haynes has received numerous awards and honors for his ministry and activism. In 2011, Dr. Haynes had the prestigious honor of being the featured speaker at The Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Prayer Breakfast. In 2012, Ebony Magazine named him to its Power 100 list of most influential African Americans.

He was also inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2013, Dr. Haynes was honored to give remarks at the memorial service of one of the most respected world leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries, President Nelson Mandela. In 2016, Dr. Haynes was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. In 2020, Dr. Haynes was a featured speaker during the Democratic National Convention’s faith event, “Our Values, Our Voices, Our Votes.”

The prestigious April 4th Foundation awarded Dr. Haynes the I am a Man Award in 2020 and he joined the ranks of past honorees that include Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Diane Nash, Congressman John Lewis, and Harry Belafonté. In 2022, Dr. Haynes was awarded by President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Leadership Award in Community Service. As a reflection of his commitment to community transformation and social consciousness, Dr. Haynes serves in various leadership capacities in organizations that champion social change and education. In 2003, he founded the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference along with Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. and Dr. Iva E. Carruthers and currently serves as co-chairman of the board. Dr. Haynes is on the board of the Conference of National Black Churches, the National Action Network, and the IC3 Church Growth and Development Conference.

Source: StatePoint