StartupMix

Small and mid-size businesses may be the growth engine of the Australian economy, but, alarmingly, only a small proportion appear to have adequate insurance in place should the unexpected occur.

Most business owners recognize the need to insure their buildings, plant or stock, but neglect to take similar precautions when it comes to another major asset – themselves and their key people.

A lack of awareness among small business operators about how business protection works and what it can offer, coupled with the reticence of some advisers to get involved in an area they perceive as complicated, are often cited as two key reasons why many small businesses are underinsured in this area.

If you and I were to decide to go into business together, and we chose to open up a brick and mortar store down on Main Street, there’s no way we’d sign an 18-month lease, order display furnishings, install carpet, hook up a phone line, and hire employees without first knowing what we’re going to sell. Yet, online retailers or, more accurately, casual sellers who want to become successful online retailers, do it every day.

Marketing is an important aspect of any business. Home based businesses are no exception. Here are a few good tips on promoting your home business.

I was recently told by an acquaintance that RSS feeds have been explained to him a number of times, but despite that he still doesn’t understand the technology. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this. RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is a great tool for small business owners to get the word out about their company or their offerings. The problem is that it’s difficult to explain.

I left the corporate world to start my own business about a year ago and have COBRA health coverage that will end in four months. Because I am a prostate cancer survivor (cancer-free for two years), I don’t qualify for individual insurance. The HIPAA policies available to people like me carry high monthly premiums, with high deductibles. Can you suggest any alternatives?

Two longtime bus drivers in the spring started a home-based gift basket business here in West Branch. Called Lady Kats Gift Baskets, the company is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Steven Miller and Kat Collins.

Collins said the two are a few years away from retirement and wanted to start a small business doing something they enjoy while generating some extra income.

A niche market is the group that your prototype ideal customer represents. That’s why it’s critical that we define the prototype customer as well as we possibly can. Because now we’re going to extrapolate up.

You might think it’s a waste of time to prototype the ideal customer in the first place. Stop right there.

There are many different types of niche marketing efforts available to you to use with your pet business promotions and sales. You just have to focus on your shoppers and buyers, those people in your targeted niche audience, and do what works well for others in the industry like …

Small business owners looking for lawyers or accountants need to approach their search with the same kind of care they’d use in hiring an employee – they need to be sure the professionals they hire are experienced enough to do the job and that they’re a good fit with the company.

Many business owners and professionals believe the best way to come up with the right CPA or accountant is to get a referral from someone you trust. And, before you agree to work with a professional, ask plenty of questions and try to talk to other business owners who have experience with him or her.

It was another strong quarter for venture capital investing in Washington state, as $300 million in fresh capital primarily flowed to software and health care companies.

This marks the first time since 2000 that startup companies in the state attracted more than $300 million in back-to-back quarters. During the first quarter, venture capitalists invested $391 million — meaning venture investments are on pace to top $1.2 billion this year. Deal flow also is heating up.