People who own and run small businesses may have been overlooked in the past. Not attracted to the big budgets and sophisticated requirements of big business, the security industry has not focused on providing small business security. Small businesses had to settle for inappropriate and overpriced security that resembled home security systems.But there’s good news. Leading security industry manufacturers and providers are paying attention now. They’re beginning to understand that the unique needs of small business security require tailored security measures and systems.Small business security does have one advantage. Needing smaller staff and experiencing less turnover than large businesses, small business’s risk for in-house theft is significantly less, reducing the need for inventory tracking and video monitoring for break rooms and storage areas. But small businesses still face serious risks for theft, vandalism, and violence.Small business security needs are in many ways like those of corporations and individual homeowners. Common-sense security measures are important. Things like removing potential hiding places for would-be thieves by eliminating blind spots on building exteriors is a basic preventive measure. Lighting the building, inside and out, makes it possible for people outside the building to observe criminal activity at night and when the business is closed. Keeping entry points clear of obstructions and shadows is important to safety and security. Installing locks with security codes for individual employees prevents entry by unauthorized people.Exterior lighting is not only important for security. It’s an important way to prevent injuries to customers and to prevent crimes against both customers and employees outside the building. Liability insurance is a significant expense, and good exterior lighting can qualify small businesses for discounts and insurance savings. So in a way, liability insurance is a good small business security measure.Every year, small businesses lose billions of dollars to preventable theft and vandalism. Monitored commercial alarm systems are an inexpensive and effective way to protect your small business. They’re easy to install in less than a day, and they’re easy to operate. A good small business security system will include control panels, security keypads, glass break sensors, window and door contacts, motion detectors, and sirens. Systems can be hard-wired or wireless. They can include loud immediate alarms or silent alarms that alert law enforcement without interrupting ongoing business. They can have add-ons like fire alarms and video surveillance. You can get a back-up system to assure your small business security needs are covered at all times.If you haven’t already done it, you should ask a security professional to inspect and assess your small business for vulnerabilities and ask for a proposal that addresses them. Inherently more vulnerable to financial losses, there’s no such thing as too much security for a small business. An expert in the field can help you identify your small business security needs and create a plan that both meets your budget and makes your small business more secure.When shopping for a small business security system provider, there are a few basic ways to select the best one for your needs. First, you should always talk to more than one company. Three or four reputable vendors is a logical choice that produces competition and gives you a variety of ideas and options. They should be willing to come to your business for face-to-face meetings. Be sure to get the proposals and price estimates in writing, and make sure the proposals are complete, including monthly charges, set-up and installation fees, and warranties. Find out if they offer training for you and your staff. Once you’ve made a commitment, review the contract very carefully to make sure it includes all the options you discussed with them.The small business security specialist can analyze your physical layout, your internal procedures, and your vulnerabilities to help you come up with a comprehensive plan.
Avoiding Malpractice With Business Loans
When commercial borrowers are seeking commercial real estate loans and business loans, malpractice can occur with both business financing lenders and brokers. Malpractice in commercial funding activity is a concern when there is a serious failure of professional duty.During the opening segment of the television series Hill Street Blues, Sergeant Phil Esterhaus usually ended with a suggestion (let’s be careful out there) that will also be helpful in avoiding malpractice situations involving working capital financing. Although that is a worthy goal, the actual practice of avoiding problems with business loans is somewhat difficult and complex. The most effective approach we have found for a dilemma like this is to offer comprehensive strategies and advice that reflect a candid analysis of these difficulties.We have published a special report addressing one of the biggest recent causes of malpractice involving business financing and commercial real estate loans. Most commercial borrowers are probably aware that chaotic conditions started impacting residential real estate beginning about 12 months ago. This has produced problems for commercial borrowers since it has resulted in numerous former residential lenders and brokers now attempting to execute business loans because their previous residential lending activities have all but dried up.Inexperience involving commercial loans is never a good thing when you are describing a commercial lender or broker. In almost all cases the complexity of business loans combined with inexperience by their financing advisors can result in a formula for malpractice.Even though a broker or lender was superb at executing residential mortgage financing, please do not assume that they will also be good (or even marginally capable) when it comes to commercial mortgages, working capital financing or small business loans. We have prepared a series of reports which focus on over twenty critical differences between residential financing and business financing. It really does take several years to be effective in finalizing commercial loans.Another common source of malpractice with working capital financing is currently seen with many agents for business cash advance programs. Most of these agents represent only providers for credit card receivables financing and simply do not understand business loans in general. They are focused on only the narrow but important service that they provide and are not capable of assisting with other forms of business financing.Although it might not be obvious to most business owners, the malpractice potential with business cash advances is also directly related to the first example described above involving inexperienced brokers and lenders. In many cases throughout the United States, call centers that previously focused on residential real estate loans have simply switched their focus to merchant cash advance programs. Once again inexperience is never a good thing when complicated working capital management services are involved.Specialized commercial real estate loans and SBA loans represent the final example of malpractice potential. Although many commercial lenders seem to suggest that they can do SBA financing, in reality very few do what they claim. One major business financing lender ceased most business operations during the past year because of apparently fraudulent SBA loan activities.Specialized commercial property such as funeral homes, gas stations, bowling alleys and golf courses have always been recognized as problematic for commercial loans. As a relevant example, a national lender for funeral home loans is now the target of litigation due to commercial funding activities that almost anyone would view as irresponsible.Commercial borrowers should rightfully conclude that an important step in avoiding potential malpractice circumstances might simply be to avoid certain lenders and brokers. We would agree wholeheartedly, and in fact published a special report some time ago dealing with the need to avoid problem brokers and commercial lenders.No matter how serious the three malpractice examples might be, they should be considered as the tip of the iceberg when looking at the overall obstacles for working capital loans and business loans. Our advice is meant to reinforce the importance and value of being prudent in pursuing commercial loans.
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Start Your Own Business With Confidence – Gain Skills Through a Small Business Management Course
Approximately 50% of the new businesses fail within the first three years. This failure has been attributed to the lack of a complete and structured business plan. This should, however, not rob you your peace. Getting online courses on how to open a business will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to make a clear concept on what your business is and what it will be doing. The courses will also provide you with marketing skills that are essential for the success of any investment. On the whole, the courses online will help you start your own business with confidence.Which is the best course to take?In the market today, there are innumerable courses you can consider to help jumpstart your small business. The downside is that most of the courses are vague. The best course to take is one designed solely for the small businesses. The Certificate IV in Small Business Management is tailored specifically for the people who already operate or intend on opening a business. This type of courses develops knowledge and skills relevant in handling a variety of unpredictable problems. The graduates will also be able to evaluate information from a range of sources.What skills do you gain from this qualification?The graduates develop better skills in an assortment of business studies contexts. They become better leaders and give appropriate guidance to other people. Graduates have also been found to be more responsible for the output of other staffs. These are all essential skills for running a small business.In addition to gaining great leadership skills, the learners are able to muster skills needed in small business operations. Common skills gained from the courses online include financial planning, risk management, marketing and legal requirements. The qualification also includes such skills as team management, effective communication, planning, organizing, and problem solving in addition to customer service. The education Australia gives the students relevant skills to become a successful entrepreneurs.How the course helps you gain confidence After completing a small business course, you will be energized to implement your ideas. This is simply because you will be better equipped to assess the market, make plans as well as manage resources to achieve specific goals. In addition to that, the online courses will give you great insights on how to get funding for your business and how to maintain a great performance. In general, the skills learned will enable you open a business without the worry of failing.Getting the qualification through online courses is the best decision you can make. This is because of the flexibility you get in completing the courses. The option is even better if you are running short on time. All you need to do is select a reputable online program and enroll.
Why Oil and Gas Employers Use Head Hunter Services
When looking for a job in the oil and gas industry, many candidates may have difficulty finding regular listings for the types of jobs they are seeking. One reason for this is that positions often open and fill quickly. Another reason is that there are many qualifications required in this specialized field. As is the case in many industries, some companies prefer to work with a professional agencies that act as a liaison for potential candidates. These companies are often referred to as oil and gas head hunter services. Companies that meet and hire candidates through a head hunting agency may need rapid placement for offshore jobs and often don’t have the time to screen candidates while looking for someone with a specific technical skill set and educational level to fill the position.
Applicant ScreeningTaking the time to screen applications for abilities and experience can be time-consuming. Oftentimes, people apply for oil and gas jobs even when they don’t have the experience requested. Most companies don’t have the time to sift through all of the applications available to narrow down the pool. Having a head hunter pre-screen the applicant pool and presenting the employer with a list of suitable candidates leaves the executives and support staff more time to run their businesses and handle day-to-day tasks.
Rapid AvailabilityIt takes time to find new employees. Sometimes people are available immediately, but this is the exception, not the norm. For positions that need to be filled right away, a head hunter will offer potential employers a list of employees with rapid availability, if requested.
ExperienceFinding potential employees with experience in the upstream oil and gas field can be challenging. Finding those with the right type of experience is critical, given the nature of the industry. There are multiple laws and regulations which must be followed, and it is important that candidates understand what they are and how they should be implemented. Candidates lacking certain qualifications and experience may receive advice on where to find it or how to get it so that they will be eligible for available positions.
ReputationSome jobs in the oil and gas industry are short-term assignments. Companies who place workers usually receive feedback from previous clients on how well their candidates did on the job. Head hunters can use this information to help place the candidate in an appropriate position, working toward their strengths. This will typically help to narrow down a pool of candidates for the next assignment.