Identity Theft Concerns

Identity theft is becoming very common, and it should be a concern for small business owners, whose credit line is often their working capital line.

A recent security breach at ChoicePoint, an Atlanta based credit reporting company, has affected over 35000 people in the California area, and an estimated 100,000 nationwide. View news articles.There are steps that you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. The Federal Government through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a comprehensive web page that addresses steps for preventing, reporting and remedying suspected identity theft. You can also protect yourself by frequently reviewing your credit reports which are maintained by national credit reporting agencies (see list and web links below). These agencies can provide you with free copies of your credit report. If you see anything unusual or incorrect, the FTC and the credit reporting agencies include on their websites options to consider for addressing the problems. In addition if you have a potential ID theft incident (e.g. wallet stolen) the agencies can put your identity on Fraud Watch.Credit Reporting Agencies:

Transunion 800-680-7289
Equifax 800-525-6285
Experian 888-397-3742
Experian (free online credit report)

"Democrats: Small Business Getting Shafted"

By Joi Preciphs

UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL

Washington, DC, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Radically different views are shaping the debate on the government's commitment to the nation's small businesses. The ranking Democrat on the House Small Business Committee has drawn a line in the sand, saying that the aggregate impact of recommended program restructuring and funding reductions in the president's fiscal 2006 budget proposal will disproportionately hurt the interests of small business owners, a key constituency that supported President George W. Bush's successful re-election last year.

Read on

I am so proud . . .

I just received a note, that a friend of mine has launched his first blog . . .

http://creativityplace.blogspot.com

It is so exciting to see other blossoming bloggers. Someday, we’ll look back and say, “I remember your first posting.” Sniff.

I still believe that this is a great medium to get your message out there. Whether it is personal, or business, it is a cost-effective reach. When you are a small business it is all about getting your message out there.

We look forward to interesting discussions over at "Creatives and Lefties."

Black History Month . . .

In recognition of Black History Month, some facts about African American Women Owned Businesses.

• As of 2004, there are an estimated 414,472 firms owned by African American women in the U.S. employing nearly 254,000 people and generating $19.5 billion in sales.
• Between 1997 and 2004, the number of African American women-owned firms increased by 33%.
• Over one quarter (29%) of minority women-owned firms are owned by African Americans.
• 6% of all privately-held, majority-owned firms in the U.S. are owned by African American women.
• California is among the ten states with the greatest number of African American women-owned firms.

Happy New Year

Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on February 9th and ends on the full moon 15 days later. This is a very superstitious time of the year. Many believe that whatever you do on the first day of the year will dictate the year's fortune.

In other traditions, by this time in the year, most resolutions - made on December 31 - have been subtly forgotten. However, all hope is not lost, as there's a second chance to start afresh with the celebration of Chinese New Year.

So, you have been granted a second chance. How will you use it? What did you want to do different this year? Are you?

Use this time to launch a fresh start. Is this the year you start a new marketing program? Launch a blog? Or simply find some balance between work and home? Remember the kids?

If you got caught up in the January madness of year-end financials, 1099’s and such; here’s your chance to revisit your objectives for 2005. It’s your business, where do you want to take it?

According to Chinese tradition, every household should have live blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth. Flowers are believed to be symbolic of wealth and high positions in one's career. Lucky is the home with a plant that blooms on New Year's Day, for that foretells a year of prosperity.

"May the Star of Happiness, the Star of Wealth and the Star of Longevity shine on you"