US Media Studios Highlights Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

What traits do the most successful entrepreneurs have in common?  Some very basic ones grounded in common sense.

The Path to Success Has No Potholes

Bad habits can get in the way of anyone with career and personal goals. The bad habits are like potholes in which an entrepreneur, or anyone really, can become stuck. Here’s how to not get stuck in these common potholes:

Get regular, restorative sleep every night. Turn the TV off early, get in bed and read something lightweight. Relax. High quality sleep is valuable for the mind and body. It enhances productivity increases energy, improves mood, and leads to overall better health. US Media Studios notes that overall better health leads to more success.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle every single day. Don’t overindulge with alcohol. A drink now and then to take the edges off a stressful day is okay. But drinking excessively wreaks havoc on every part of the body. It also affects decision making both when drinking and the day after.

Know yourself, trust yourself. Confidence is knowing who you are and what you know you can do. It is not arrogance. Confidence is not gained by putting other people, treating them in a condescending manner. It IS all about you. No one else. It is not about the negative people in your life, nor about the weak willed people in your life. No one knows you better than you. Avoid all other ones who can bring you down, if possible.

US Media Studios highlights entrepreneurs from different industries. Today’s innovators, movers and shakers, and game changers are not daunted by bad habit pot holes. Are you one of them?

US Media Studios Highlights the Top Five Cities for Start-Ups

We really don’t like to brag. US Media Studios is located in the south Florida area which came in second place on the Kauffman Index: Start-Up Activity creation report. We can attest that the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Florida area is a great place to start a new business. As are the other four.

Report Background

The Kauffman Index: Start-Up Activity (PDF) report is one which compiles and crunches data to determine the rate of entrepreneurs opening businesses in any month. It also runs the data to find out if the businesses started because the market was good or because its owner had no other options for work. The report also measures the number of newly created businesses that employ at least one other person per 1,000 companies.

Top Five U.S. Cities for Start-Up Creation

Austin, Texas came in first and understandably so. It is a growing vibrant city with a continual growing entrepreneurial community. It is a supportive city for start-ups, no matter which industry the business is in.

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL came in second. Other than its low tax rate and low cost of living, the area is rich with immigrants from the Caribbean, Cuba and South America. These enterprising residents open the smaller mom and pop shops, eateries, craft houses, etc.

Following these two are: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Los Angeles has always has a strong creative spirit that invites business creation. San Francisco is California city in which high tech start-ups thrive. Las Vegas has year-round pleasant weather and plenty of space in which to open a business.

US Media Studios believes in start-up creation, supporting those new businesses, and cities providing support for the entrepreneur. If not, we would not be here ourselves.

US Media Studios Notes the Best U.S. Cities for Everyone

Most Americans would say that their city is best place to live. There really is much to love about our hometowns and home cities. Despite the daily grind of life, traffic congestion, and cost of living rates, home is where we long to be, where we are eager to return after vacation, and where we feel most comfortable.

The Woodlands, Texas

Great Places 

US Media Studios knows that there are hundreds of great U.S. cities. Each one has its own personality, its on history, and its own unique benefits. Below are five U.S. cities which a recent survey ranked as being some of the best. They are in not in particular order:

The Woodlands, Texas – Despite its name, the outdoor activities are not all that plentiful. However, it does boast plenty of great job opportunities and an educated population. Texas is a great state in which to live, anyway.

Austin, Texas – There is plenty to love about Austin from its vibrant music and entertainment scene to its schools, neighborhoods and its diversity.

Boulder, Colorado – Clean air, an abundance of outdoor activities, great public schools, and short work commutes make this city beneath the mountains one of the best in the country. What more could one ask for?

Arlington, Virginia – Arlington is really more of a county than a city. Nonetheless, it is close to the nation’s capital, therefore, offers plenty of outdoor events, monuments, and great public transportation. Its public schools are rated A-plus, and its family friendly.

Provo, Utah – It is well-known for its nightlight, short commutes, and overall good health and fitness. US Media Studios also notes that the city boasts short work commutes and a happening night life.

Where do you want to live?

US Media Studios Eyes the Top Five Cities for Small Business Success

Where are the top five cities in the US for small business success?  We were surprised by the results of small business loan company Biz2Credit’s recent report – but in a positive way.

US Media Studios recently read a report which listed the top cities for small business success. Surprisingly, San Jose, California was ranked first. This Silicon Valley city pulls some of the highest rents and highest salaries in the nation. It has a strong tech start-up community and strong support for it. It also as a steady venture capital community, a better real estate industry, and lower gas prices than previous years. All of these push it into the top spot.

Following San Jose are:

2. New York – high construction and rental prices kept New York from earning the top spot.

3. San Francisco–Oakland, CA – This area is very strong in the tech-driven world. Small companies in operation have been open longer than other cities.

4. Miami-Fort Lauderdale – Average cost to rent space, pathway to Latin America, booming construction, and a very strong tourist industry make this area strong for small business success.

5. Los Angeles – LA is home to many growing businesses in a variety of fields and industries. It also has a wealth of capital resources such as accelerators and angel investors.

Small businesses around the country keep America strong, and foster our spirit of independence. They offer the innovative products and services. They hire locally and keep local economies strong. Visit the small businesses in your city today. They have more to offer than name brand chains.

Downtown San Jose, CA

US Media Studios Reviews Steps for Entrepreneurial Success

America is chock full of entrepreneurs. The ones who are most successful have and utilize these basic steps for success. US Media Studios reviews the best ones.

Focus, and in particular, business focus. Those who succeed in their new venture keep profit in their horizon. Short-term and long-term profit projections are better off written down so they are constantly in the forefront.

The new business owner is a creative thinker. New ideas are always forming and coming to fruition. These fresh thoughts can make a product better or create a new one. But there is no lack in the innovative process of the successful entrepreneur.

There is no doubt that confidence plays an important part in success. The most likely to succeed entrepreneurs are not arrogant, but confident in themselves, their skills and experience. These winners also know people, how they think, feel and react to products and services.

US Media Studios knows that the entrepreneurs who stay in business longer knows how to delegate the smaller more time-consuming, every day business tasks. Smart new business owners who keep their shops open longer than others focus on the important details and leave the more mundane to trusted staff.

It can be a tough business world for the today’s entrepreneurs. Success is not only measured by profit, but also by stamina, knowledge, confidence and always keeping the big picture clearly in mind. Master your new venture like a pro and succeed.

image:pixabay

US Media Studios Lists the Best Free Online Marketing Tools for Small Businesses

Small businesses often have small operating budgets. Marketing activities usually fall behind when there is little money to promote the product, service and company. US Media Studios looks at the best, free online tools.

Automation can be a saving grace to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Fortunately, there are some great resources to use that automate social marketing campaigns. Hootsuite is an online source that allows users to schedule Facebook posts, tweets on Twitter, blogs on Google+, and images on Instagram. Set up is easy and is one-shot deal.  Automated email program such as MailChimp are free at the basic level give the business owner a way to reach out and connect via email with their customers.  Website traffic analyzing tools give entrepreneurs a way to see what prospective customers are looking for on their websites and tailor marketing to it.

Most free, online marketing resources also offer upgraded plans which cost very little per month to use. Also, as much as some people don’t like to receive requests to complete a survey, this form of marketing can be valuable to the small business owner. Free plans include 10 survey questions, 100 responses and provides the business owner a valuable, free resource for data collection and analysis. US Media Studios encourages readers to look into these tools to determine how to better promote their products, services and brands. 

US Media Studios Unlocks the Back Door to Small Business Data Breaches

American small businesses are the back door that cyber thieves enter to gain entry into larger companies for troves of data.  US Media Studios unlocks the back door to small business data breaches.

Small businesses are often lax when it comes to cyber security.  Often, it is lack of funds which prevents the entrepreneur from safeguarding their e-commerce site, or other data systems.  As business grows, so does the data the company collects and stores.  The passwords chosen to prevent hacking are simple and usually the same for every bank, vendor or email account.  So what can the small business owner do to keep all data safe and secure?

Create and use a different and strong password for each website or server needed to access daily.

Clear the cookies on Internet browsers weekly.

Don’t save passwords or log in credentials on any computer. Write them down on paper and store offsite.

Regularly remind employees to not click suspicious links in email from unknown sources, even if the sender seems legit.

Add security software to blog sites and websites. Limit who can use it.

US Media Studios realizes that small business data security might not be a top priority. But an easy to access network is the back door hackers use to gain entry to larger pools of customer, client and vendor information.  This can lead to reputation damage, loss of revenue, brand damage and end of the business. Many cyber security packages are not expensive and take a little more than an hour to set up. Ask a trusted IT professional for advice and help, if needed. Peace of mind is valuable.

US Media Studios Explores Small Business Security Strategies

Small businesses can have security issues the same as large businesses. US Media Studios explores the best security strategies.

Small businesses are a hacker’s sweet spot. It’s easy to infiltrate servers as there are not many of them and they are not tied up in heavy security. Breaking a code can be easy. A recent survey found that in the last year, 97 percent of smaller companies neglected to prioritize online security. Failing to do so sets the business up for trouble.

The best security strategies are those that prevent several different types of possible breaches. Some of the most common are: malware attacks, DDoS stoppages, phishing and password hacks. US Media Studios suggests hiring an IT security consultant to find and implement the most useful and effective tools for the prevention of security breaches. Something as small as not having a secure server, or the standard secure server image on business-related websites can wreak havoc on the most earnest entrepreneur.

If the company is small enough, a good anti-virus/malware/firewall software package can help block unwanted visitors with bad intentions. Always back up files and other data to another source, in case of a breach. Implement strong password protection policies and keep on top of them. Small business security strategies don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. But they have to be in place.

USM Studios Reviews the Top Five States to Launch a Business

There are many cities and states in the US which are good for starting a business.  What sets one state apart from another is how supportive it is to new business owners. USM Studios reviews the top five states to launch a business.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners need more than just funding to launch their endeavor. Local and state laws can be complex and solid training is needed to fully comprehend how to work with them.  Tax codes can also be confounding if one. When states step up to help people understand what they need to know and do when operating a business, it benefits the new business owner, their company or organization, their customers, clients and vendors. USM Studios takes a look at the top five states, as rated by Thumbtack, a professional marketplace:

• Texas – Most friendly place to open a business. Lots of opportunity for new endeavors.
• New Hampshire – One of the easiest states to launch a business, but has some tough environmental laws.
• Utah – Zoning regulations are easier to grasp and follow in this state.
• Louisiana – Employment, hiring and labor laws allow for ease of getting staff in place.
• Colorado – Another friendly state for the prospective business owner to consider.

Entrepreneurs who wish to launch a business in their respective state should take their time and peruse all local and state regulations before opening the doors.  Find the local small business administration office in the area and take advantage of what it offers. Consult with other small business owners at networking events. The more you know, the more success you might have.

US Media Studios Shares How to Best Work with Remote Teams

Tele-commuting is not only efficient but is desired by both employers and employees who are spread across time zones.  This way of working does have it challenges though. US Media Studios share how to best work with remote teams.

A recent Forrester Research survey found that 43 percent of the U.S. workforce will be tele-commuting by the year 2016. That’s roughly 63 million people. Working from home is a perk that some employees enjoy, even for one day a week.  Below are some suggestions for keeping remote teams and workers in the loop and productive.

• Hold daily meetings with all workers. Utilize the best forms of video conferencing and document sharing.
• Keep records of the meeting to be sure everyone knows what the objectives are and when deliverables are due.
• Set clear work hours and job responsibilities. Keep in touch throughout the day via phone and video conference to be sure work is being done. Create documents on shared Cloud drives where completed tasks can be recorded.
• Before hiring a remote worker, ask for and check references carefully. Ask about quality of work, amount of work, and work ethics.

US Media Studios recognizes that some people work better in a tele-commute situation than others. These are the people who are organized, goal oriented and thrive in their work.  Remote teams can easily and seamlessly get the job done when everyone is on the same page and communicating with each other. 

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.

*******************************

Visit the USM Studios Inc Press Room

Behind the Scenes at USM Studios Inc

Follow USM Studios Inc on Tumblr

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.

Visit the USM Studios Inc Press Room

Behind the Scenes at USM Studios Inc

Follow USM Studios Inc on Tumblr

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.

*************************

Visit the USM Studios Inc Press Room

Behind the Scenes at USM Studios Inc

Follow USM Studios Inc on Tumblr

US Media Studios Reviews Online Marketing Tips

Online marketing can help anyone who has something they want to sell. From the top social media sites to review websites, US Media Studios offers marketing tips which bring success.

Social networking is more than being social on the Internet. If done consistently and with a sound strategy in mind, it can bring success to the solo business person. Online marketing can position the seller as an authority on the matter. It can also influence the consumers’ opinion on reviews. It can also help add customers which in turn can generate better comments from people.

Online marketing is not just about posting great photos with colorful descriptions. It is also about making the first YouTube video explaining how to use the product. US Media Studios advises that it’s best to learn how to use keywords when writing online marketing materials so search engines can find the company or product name when a prospective customer is trying to find it. Other strategies include posting interesting articles from different sources, sharing news from clients and consumers and using Instagram, an image posting social forum, to alert and remind the public when a new item is available or how an old was improved.

*************************

Visit the USM Studios Inc Press Room
Behind the Scenes at USM Studios Inc
Follow USM Studios Inc on Tumblr

US Media Studios with Strategies for Small Businesses

Small businesses want and need to grow in order to stay alive and survive. In order to do that, they’ll need strategies that are created just for them.

When an entrepreneur starts out, he or she may need just one laptop, a smart phone and a simple business plan. But as the business grows with inventory and revenue, the operational strategies must change. US Media Studios suggests researching what resources are available for the small business owner. Many times, the solutions for larger companies are not a good fit for the smaller ones. Marketing, for example, can mostly reach its target consumers via social media or email blasts. Other strategies to consider are hiring, technology needs, accounting and more.

Considering an e-commerce site? There are good resources available for less than what might be imagined. Entrepreneurs should consider getting any intellectual property trademarked.  US Media Studios also recommends find a tax professional to assist with any sales and use tax documentation. It is also important to choose the right e-commerce platform since there are many available. The best strategies are well thought out and fit the small business’s needs best.

*************************

Visit the USM Studios Inc Press Room
Behind the Scenes at USM Studios Inc
Follow USM Studios Inc on Tumblr

US Media Studios Offers Location Tips for Small Businesses Owners

Location, location, location. It is not only the mantra for the real estate industry but also for people wanting to open their own business. US Media Studios offers location tips for small business owners.

The main rule of thumb for opening a small business is to know the customer. Know where they live, work, play and like to relax. Know where they shop for food, clothes, gas and home supplies. Once these establishments are known, a small business owner can start looking for a good space to rent or buy.

The U.S. Small Business Administration advises small business owners also look at if the location is right with the image the business wants to maintain. Also get a good look at the other shops or stores in the area to see if there is stiff competition.

Other location factors to consider: traffic patterns, parking, signage, pedestrian and vehicle congestion, public transportation stops in the nearby area, and residential demographics.

USMedia Studios suggests talking to other business owners in the area to determine if there are unknown expenses to opening a business there. Be armed with as much information as possible before deciding on a location for the new small business.

*************************

Visit the USM Studios Inc Press Room
Behind the Scenes at USM Studios Inc
Follow USM Studios Inc on Tumblr

How to Find a Niche Market from USM Studios

It is Small Business Week in the United States. USM Studios relays some tips for finding a niche market for your small business.

Small businesses can corner the market if they stick to one or two specialized fields. Note the advantages below of refining the areas of expertise and of refining the customer base:

• Standing apart from competitors
• Focuses marketing efforts
• Adds credibility
• Allows for price increases when needed without harming the brand

When a small business has a defined style, it is easier for prospective clients and customers to reach them. A company that is highly focused on their niche industry will find it easier to grow in size, credibility and in revenue. Consider streamlining the business on demographics, industry, knowledge and experience. USM Studios Inc. believes these can help small business owners take better control of some aspects which can get out of control later. Once the business loses definition, it is challenging to find it again and regain the momentum it had before.

Finding a niche industry or market may not be that difficult since most new business owners already know where they want to position the company.  Here are a few suggestions to get started: search social sites for the specific industry and trade associations to engage with, create one landing page on the company’s website to specifically use for the niche category. Stay active on the web and in local organizations which cater to the chosen niche market.

------------------------

Visit the USM Studios Inc PressRoom
Behind the Scenes at USM Studios Inc
Follow USM Studios Inc on Tumblr

USM Studios and Retirement Strategies for Boomers

It is cold, hard fact that Baby Boomers may have to work longer in order to save more for retirement. In fact, USM Studios learns that more than half of working people who were born between 1946 and 1964, feel they will have to work forever.

The Great Recession took its toll on many people and their investments. Hard-earned invested money went right out the window when the stock market crashed. Along with it, employers dropped their end of 401(k) contributions. Wages have barely budged past the stagnant stage leaving middle-aged workers to find ways to save for a retirement of downsized living. A recent study found that 36% of those asked expect to reply on Social Security even though the federal agency keeps mentioning it may fall short. USM Studios, Inc. offers a few retirement strategies for the Baby Boomer who may be behind in saving:

Re-work the household budget to find extra savings from company 401(k) funds, IRAs and other savings vehicles.

Pay yourself first. Set up automatic transfer from checking to savings to occur monthly and pay yourself before paying other bills.

Reduce debt with a plan and stick to it. Don’t overextend yourself in order to pay off debt quickly.

Put away any extra money in a CD or IRA. Stash tax refunds in retirement accounts too.

With fortitude, perseverance and steady employment, Boomers can have a comfortable retirement. 

USM Studios on What Employee Handbooks Cover Today

Not long ago, corporate employee handbooks covered the basics like sick days and dress code. But this is the digital age. USM Studios looks at what the updated handbooks cover.

Today’s employee handbook details the most important company policies that workers at all levels need to know. It reviews company computer use, vacation time, sick time, dress code, equal opportunity rules and more. It also offers guidelines for bring your own device (BYOD), social media use or not on the job, and data privacy. A national HR company, XpertHR, conducted a survey to find the top workplace issues addressed in U.S. employee handbooks. They are:

• Paid sick leave
• Data privacy
• Social media
• E-cigarettes
• LGBT protection
• BYOD policies
•  

USM Studios, Inc. notes that most companies have to constantly update handbooks to reflect the latest labor laws and hot topics for staff. But more importantly, employers need to review what’s in the handbook with newly hired employees. If updates are added, schedule an all-company meeting to review them. Also, new hires are asked to sign off that they received the handbook.  Updates can also be made to handbooks and emailed to everyone. A read receipt can be printed to show the employee received the update and placed in their personnel file. 

------------------------

Visit the USM Studios Inc PressRoom
Behind the Scenes at USM Studios Inc
Follow USM Studios Inc on Tumbr