US Media Studios on Why Continuing Education Benefits Entrepreneurs

Business owners can set a good example for employees by taking continuing education classes. The benefits of gaining more knowledge, experience and skills can be endless. 

US Media Studios explains how.

There is no set rule that states continuing education has to cost a cent or be taken in a traditional classroom.  Today, there are more online free courses offered from a variety of schools which cater to entrepreneurs, business owners and everyone else.

Small business owners might want to research which online education courses are best for their line of work. Several online educational sites offer a plethora of free classes on topics such as data management, marketing, innovation, and more.  Other niche courses can be found by searching the specific industry or field.  Forums offer entrepreneurs and new business owners guidance and education in managing finances, optimization, digital marketing and human resource management.  Benefits derived from taking online classes: convenience, advancing skills and careers, expanding knowledge, gaining practical business knowledge, and more.

US Media Studios encourages readers who are thinking of starting their own business to find a few free online courses to sample.  Scan the choices for webinars, MOOC lists (Massive Open Online Courses),websites for small businesses, online magazines for entrepreneurs, etc.  The Internet is full of great options that are yours for the taking.  

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US Media Studios Reviews Different Types of Funding for Entrepreneurs

There several different ways entrepreneurs can go to secure funding for a new business venture. 

US Media Studios reviews a few of them.

Traditional banks are becoming harder to deal with for people who want to launch their own business. Fortunately, there are several good resources which might be better than a bank or other financial institution.

Online lenders are a new source of funding for prospective business owners. It takes less than an hour to complete the application, and an approval cane be forthcoming in a matter of days – not weeks or months—as is the case with brick-and-mortar banks.

Product presales are another way to secure funding. Entrepreneurs can sell some products before the actual launch in order to raise some cash to pay for needed expenses, such as more inventory. But note that there are some glitches to work out like timing with suppliers.

Angel investors are another way to go for funding. Typically, angel investors help with start up money, investing in the early years of the company. They generally expect a return on their investment of 20 to 25 percent.

USMedia Studios knows that finding funding is a challenge. But there is funding available. Be creative and find the cash flow needed outside the normal places.

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US Media Studios Reviews the Best Cities for Families in the US

Overland Park, Kansas

America is great, big, beautiful country and within it, there are great cities for families. US Media Studios reviews them.

From coast to coast and locations in between, where we choose to live depends on a few important factors: where are jobs are, the cost of living, safety, health and education. Below are the five top cities (of the top 10) in the United States for families as rated by WalletHub from criteria derived from several sources:

Overland Park, Kansas – Lots of family-friendly activities, good healthcare options, safe, education is better than average

Plano, Texas – Good education system and healthcare, plenty of family-friendly things to do, it is safer, clean and affordable.

Virginia Beach, Virginia – A beautiful coastal city on the East coast with slightly higher than average income from the rest of the state. It is also a clean and safe city with good schools and plenty to do.

Lincoln, Nebraska – A great, affordable city to live in with kids with good schools, healthcare and fun stuff to do as a family.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – This city is not only beautiful, but it’s also quite affordable, US Media Studios learns. It ranks very well in childcare, safety, health and education. Plus, there is a plethora of exciting options for families.

No matter where we live in the United States, we can always find something good about it from the weather, close proximity to outdoor fun, or a host of other reasons.

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US Media Studios Reviews Data Security for Small Businesses

Don't keep passwords on note paper around your desk.

Data security is vital to the success of any company. But small businesses are especially at risk for breaches which can devastate them. US Media Studios reviews data security tips for small businesses.

A 2013 report from a respected Internet security found that more than thirty percent of attacks targeted in 2012 was at businesses with less than 250 employees. The average cost for one data breach is about $200 dollars per record. Small businesses are susceptible to security breaches and some shut down after one.

Here are some tips to keep data secure in a small business:

Regularly remind employees about Internet security in the workplace. Block social media sites which can distribute malware and viruses.  

Give passwords to only the employees who really need them. Ensure that the passwords are not kept on the computer in the hard drive, and are not written on notes and taped to computer monitors.

US Media Studios also suggests investing in secure conferencing software versus using an online open connection. The more data security features implemented, the safer the small business will be.

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US Media Studios Highlights Overseas Retirement Ideas

If retiring to an over 55 community does not sound like an appealing option, consider relocating overseas. US Media Studios highlights the benefits to retiring overseas.

More Americans are moving to other countries when they retire to live better and enjoy a longer, more fulfilling life. Mexico and Costa Rica are the top two overseas countries people are choosing. Both offer a very affordable cost of living, decent healthcare (near city centers), culture and a plethora of activities. Budget-conscious retired folks might want to think about moving to Nicaragua or Ecuador as both considered prime overseas locations with a very low cost manner of living.  Europe also is a good place to look, as is Panama and Belize.

US health insurance and Medicare does not transfer overseas. But many countries have their own health care plans and medical services are less than what we pay in America.  Housing is one of the biggest budget concerns for retirees everywhere. Some overseas locales offer low-cost rental homes. Living outside of city center is generally less expensive than living in the city itself. But it also means travel costs to the city for more sophisticated medical care, if needed. US Media Studios suggests readers explore and research all living options in other countries before making the move. One of the best resources for cost of living comparisons is Numbeo Cost of Living. Another good site to use is Expatistan Cost of Living.

US Media Studios Explains the Top Priorities for Entrepreneurs

There are many items of importance on the agenda of any entrepreneur. Making money is one of them. US Media Studios explains the other top priorities for entrepreneurs.

Innovation is a word which is used so often that it takes on a clichéd meaning. Entrepreneurs must always be active in the brainstorming, ideation, creating and trying of new approaches, new strategies, and creation of new products, services and upgraded or enhanced items. To remain stagnant as others grow and expand is the kiss of death for an entrepreneur.

Sustainability is another priority that should be on the top of the list. This includes the ability to make and keep a profit coming in so that the business can keep running. US Media Studios also reminds that sustainability could also be the willingness to take a short term profit loss in order for long-term goals to be reached.

Company culture is an important priority to keep on the plate. Entrepreneurs should consider what kind of culture they want for their business. Employees need and want to know how they should conduct themselves. Finally, don’t let the work load change the dynamic culture of the business. More work can create more stress. But it is how that extra work affects the overall culture of the company.

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US Media Studios Suggests Questions to Ask Before Buying a Franchise

Becoming a franchisee is not as simple and straightforward as it seems. There are many different aspects to it which should be considered before making any financial commitment. US Media Studios suggests questions to ask before buying a franchise.

How well does the franchisor know his or her franchisees? Did they take time to vet them? It is important for the prospective franchisee to ask the franchisor as many questions about how they run the business, support the others and what are its plans for growth in the next five to ten years.

How experienced are the managers for the franchisor? Do they know how to handle a conference call with 20 people on it, all new to running a business? How are their people skills?

US Media Studios also suggests asking if the franchisor has nay exclusive areas in which they operate? Are there any competitors in the area?

It is also smart to ask if the franchisor has a system in place to supplying needed items, both disposable and non-disposable? Who pays for the upgrade or replacement of equipment when needed?

Be armed with as many questions as possible to protect yourself before agreeing to become a franchisee.

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