Home Businesses
Goosey's Mentorship Program
Your Own Website
Thanks for all the tunes U-Tube!!!
We really appreciate all you guys stopping by. I believe that is why the U-Tubes don't work properly. Too many viewers at once.
Thank you for your patience!
Research
Our home business did not work; but, I have to keep all our notes for future reference.
I believe very deeply in American History.
It may be that Prince William County, could still be under a tryanny from England.
Since, history always has a tendency to repeat itself.
The Declaration of Independence
"In the Cause of Freedom, Virtue and Prosterity"
"The Sun Never Shined on a Cause of Greater Worth...for God's Sake, Let us Come to a Final Separation."
Once they get to the bottom of this, then maybe we can have home business.
Channel 7 always has the best ink wells.
We just needed our hometown back.
That job I applied for with the Department of Defense; has been placed on hold. I was told they were reviewing Government contracts in my area.
Better remember I'm sitting in the middle of this.
Christian Fuentes
(877) 334-7700 x 251
Advanced Technology
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Notes
I called Veronica Morris at the Virginia State Contractor's License office 1-804-367-8500.
We reviewed our company's services and all are fine without a contractor's license. We cannot make more than a $1,000.00 per job.
We can do tear offs and new roofs following specific county guidelines. We are not interested in new construction.
I also called Amanda Spittle concerning Prince William County building codes at 703-792-6930 to see if we need permits for the services our company offers.
The Rules
IRS number - EIN or Employee Identification Number
I was told that we would not need an EIN for a sole proprietorship business.
We are going to get one anyway for identity protection purposes. Because, I really don't want Jackie's SSN all over the place. You can get your EIN off the IRS website, only takes a few minutes.
We received a letter from the IRS with Jackie's EIN; also another letter pertaining to activating his EFTPS Enrollment. EFTPS is the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. Easy step by step instructions for automatic deductions.
I just sent Jack over to the bank to have his EIN placed on his commercial account.
Check Tax Section.
We drove out to the Manassas County Circuit Court and recieved a notarized statement for the certificate of assumed or fictitious name for our company for $12.50. The reason we did this, is because we needed to set up a Business/Commerical account for tax purposes.
Then we went to Prince William County
McCoart Building
Department of Public Works - Building Development Division
We received a Home Office Occupational Certificate from the Zoning Administrator.
We met up with our insurance agent. We now have commercial insurance on Jackie's truck, business liablity insurance and surety bond! Make sure your insurance agent has a notary stamp; or this could cause delays.
I'm going to try to explain what a Surety Bond is for you. Bascially, our customers know that we are insured for $10,000 in case anything goes wrong on the work site. So, this protects our customers from any loses; and also lets them know we are insured and can be trusted. We will be bonded.
Thank you Mrs. Jackson!
We are having a few problems with this county because they do not seem to believe in Citizen's Constitutional Rights, nor our Declaration of Independence.
But, I love Freedom of the Press!
Here is our Prince William County
Home Improvement License
This past week Prince William County has been on the news concerning our immigration problem here. This evening there was a story concerning a rash of immigrant complaints.
Looks like we might get our County back after all. All that needs to be done is to spread the Hispanic community out a bit.
Also, If you look at the current stats Arlington has stopped by...........they have the same problem, too.
We are very grateful
Thank you!
You can check our local paper at the bottom of SNL................ there are not any news articles concerning this problem today. I heard these stories on local channels 4 and 7 just short clips.
These should have been top articles in our local newspaper. Freedom of the press in PWC. What's that? The news reporters are here; and we see stories almost daily on the television news.
See the Muppet Show. The garbage can-can sisters may be here soon. They dance for a really, really long time too.
Beijing is here, I hope they don't try to tear up my hard drive.
My computer is having a rough enough time as it is. They are really tough on home computers; when paid to do so. Stratford just may have told on themselves again. Just give the money to the President. Beijing we have a very good cause here. See Goosey's Dream. I don't want to have to work out of the library; I may need some Microsoft updates soon. Just like last time OK?
Thank you
Oh, this must be that Mary Poppins in Goosey's Corner again.
I have received a few more award entries for "Goosey's Dream".
Wonder if I should enter and put them up for the cause? We should get the link first.
Just remember I gave all the money to the President. I don't know how much it is, and I don't care. Maybe I'm expected to fill out an application for Goosey's Dream Federal Employment link. Just drop it in the mail, Sir.
Oppsie.......there goes another one! Love that file thirteen. That's four total now..........
Always nice hearing from you.
I'm looking over a four leaf clover; that I over looked before.
Our Stats
These will be moved to Goosey's Dream starting tomorrow; under She's a Lady.
Two more for file thirteen. Two more and one from a magazine program. All right in the dumper.
Thank you for showing all your support.
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This writing episode must have been about the big balloon that goes grrrrrrrrrr!
Lady and the Tramp
I never asked to be a cartoon either; somebody is gonna get a flea bath.
Look at all that spaghetti up there.
It must have been that Mary Poppins down on Goosey's Corner.
Walt Disney always loved to laugh.
Guess he is the only one who could turn me into a lady; at least here of course.
That's just Disney Magic!
The President and the FBI were here; so I think we have a very good chance of putting a plan into action for Goosey's Dream. I have been receiving out of state calls from Cambridge, you can find them on my testimonials page. They have not spoke with me yet. Hopefully, this will involve more companies for our directory in the future.
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Got an interview with the Auto Parts Store where my brother works.
I lost a lot of weight this past year...............gotta get out and tone.
Looks like i'll be driving that stick.
Dont worry too much guys. I'm easy on the clutch, never grind the gears and my truck runs smooth as a kitten.
"I love guys and cars"
Wish me luck!
Hope I get a chance to get reacquainted with the guys; and help Jackie work with our home business by advertising. I'm only taking a part-time job.
No one will bother me, my brother will beat them up. I have to go shopping, need new work attire.
We're still in neutral.
I had the interview, it went quite well.
Carquest is putting me off again..................should know by the end of the week. They are conducting more interviews.
They want to treat me like a lady and put me in a van; to do long distance runs between stores. Someone in corporate probably evaluated my application and education and will not let me pick up one single auto part.
This is what I'll have to do. Start dealing with the big people on the big road; and just watch out for the bumper cars on the interstate. Eventually, I'll get a route here at home.
Talked to my brother, he said we got through the interview that's the hard part. Jackie went over to the store today and they are looking forward to working with me. Now, I have to wait for a letter/email from Human Resources at Corporate. I need to do some fun stuff for a change.
I got goosed from CarQuest. They are doing cutbacks, isn't that a concidence just when I thought I had the job. If anyone out there has some pull with CarQuest Corporate, put in a good word OK? This is my way of fighting my own unemployment.
I have other things in the works, too. I'll just go apply at Staples, they're hiring.
Thanks!
Someone is messing with my Norton again. Have an extra hit from Leesburg too.
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This last episode must be about the balloon ranch. You really have to watch the Muppet Show.
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Thanks Mom & Dad, Gary and Julie for all your help.
Jackie and I are getting back on our feet. I'm making sure Jackie get his medication and whatever he needs. For me, working on gathering my application information and resume for job interviews. So, we can rebuild our home business again in my name. Time, time, time........ We may be up against another battle with this county. Challenges, that's the fun of it!
(see below)
Next time, Jackie will supervise and I'll 1099 all our employees.
Jackie's
Funds permitting will renew our home improvement license as soon as possible.
I think they are purposely trying to close our home business. They won't let us work here. You see that expiration date on our license.
I believe they planned it so we would have a violation by setting us up with a job and reference the day after our expiration date. You can see this on Jackie's viewership. We appreciate the reference Ms. Carpio; even though your job was scheduled for May 5th. We really needed the reference for our business here; she is listed under Woodbridge references on Jackie's website.
If you send us any type of violation, because of this incident, your in trouble for not letting us work in this County. It will be posted worldwide in a second. The Federal Government really supports small businesses, unlike you.
We have been dealing with you guys for a year now. We know what you are up to and so does everyone else. You don't understand who reads this website.
See, we have to defend ourselves out here...........it's the only way to make a small home business work in PWC.
We have some good leads and should be just fine. It's ok because we're loved.
I wonder how many violations are out there, because we have never seen any. No lawsuits nothing at all. Probably because I would have posted them.
One more thing, you know that new law in Arizona............we need that here too. It's really bad. We are run over by hispanic immigrants here.
I don't believe small home business ever existed in this County before. That is why this has been such an uphill battle for us. Jackie is not feeling well, too much stress I guess. We need to find a way for him to have his medication and fatten him up a bit. The business may have to be placed in my name, so he can keep working when he feels better. He really wanted his own home business. I'll still schedule appointments, so he can do little side jobs.
"Remember real men have problems when they don't feel their self-worth."
I serve Man. In God's eyes that's what we where made to do.
Now we received a letter from the IRS for full collection on payment, for income Jackie voluntary submitted from his previous employer the year before last; who did not 1099 him.
Back to Britt's Roofing for that little trick.
We can not afford the installment payments to you if our home business does not work here. Jackie is being forced to go back on disabilty because he has AIDS. Everything will be placed in my name. Please give us time to place Jackie's only possession, his truck in my name. That's all the man owns.
You just turned this wonderful ideal of home business into your living nightmare. I really hope this County gets sued to high heaven. And you wondered how we were ever going to beat you huh?
Jackie is on the phone with social secuity and the IRS today. This man never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him. I've been with him for over four years, been tested and never contracted AIDS. Jackie just spoke with the IRS, we are ok. Next, we go to Juniper INOVA to get his medication. We are working with the Social Security Administration at this moment. Jackie should be able to get his medication immediately through the Ryan White Foundation.
Thank you
Jackie never wanted to be back in the system. They say here free doctor visits, medication, here's a check, have some food stamps.
Until things change Jackie and I will remain roommates. I'll be the boss and pay him a penny for every repair and nickle for every roof. We will 1099 our employees, so Jackie will only have to supervise. We'll enjoy our vacations. Jackie and I really enjoy campin' and fishin'.
We were really hopeing we could receive our own health insurance from the President's New Health Care Reform Package.
We're just two little troublemakers.
Jackie contracted AIDS way, way back when it was first discovered. He's fifty-eight and as far as we can figure..........they were not very careful when people got tattoos back in those days. He appreciates every day he is here and so do I. I love his tattoo. Girls are funny like that.
Left click to view!
We have a home business license.
The rest is up to you.
Always get a business license for your home business.
We called the County and there is no charge for a business license. Jack needs to bring his Contractor Licenses, Birth Certificate, and our zoning certificate approval for our home office. For good measures, he is also bringing the document from the court for the certificate of assumed or fictitous name, plus our EIN.
PWC
See Rock on!!!
Our Home Business is Progressing
Jackie got his first real roofing job since we started our company; for which we are very, very grateful.
Thanks Curt!!!
Jackie had to make a minor correction to Curt's roof. We are certainly more then happy to guarantee our work!
I went to the website listed below and printed out the Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors CLASS C LICENSE APPLICATION (short form). We will be filling this out and calling Richmond to find out about the training class Jack does need to attend.
We are currently shopping around for the best priced class from an acceptable training center.
I'll let ya know.
Thank you Master Institute!
Jackie will be in a one day training class very soon............then a road trip to Richmond for a temporary Class C License!
When you have come this far in establishing your home business; if anyone should impede upon your rights. Take your issue, with all the documentation for your new home business and go to court. You have an obligation to defend your Constitutional Rights as a United States Citizen.
Your Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are a very important part of our
United States Declaration of Independence.
One Nation, under God, with Liberty and Justice for All.............
Thank you Nate!
Jack will be right over!
The contractor's license has a specified limit for the monetary amount you can make per job for your labor. Don't go above that amount; if you want to stay in business.
I'm really glad we had the foresight to abide by these rules.
You may double click; this will magnify our creditials!
Thanks Scooter!
Jackie said that with this new license we can expand our business throughout Northern Virginia and get more high dollar jobs! Sounds Great!!!
Thank you
Mr. Katzen!
Thank you Mrs. Fairbanks!
This is our tear-off and brand new roof. Yes!!!
Thank you!
Jackie is working on a hip, timberline roof.
He always makes sure the roof is sealed and papered in for waterproofing using button caps; and runs a large magnet around the grounds to ensure no one steps on a single nail every night before he comes home. He is very particular to meet all the specified warranty guidelines; and is as neat as a pin!
Jack and I will invest in a digital camera, so we can post pictures of his work on the website.
The neighbors across the street from this job are wavin "Hi" almost everyday!
Hi back!
This is what the man does; and this is what he wanted to do!!! I am so proud of him!
Thank you!
Good News! Jackie and I filed our taxes with all our home business deductions; and we do not owe any taxes for last year! As our home business grows, we will need to start paying our taxes quarterly to make sure we are prepared for the bill. Whatever funds are left over will be returned to us or we can apply them for the following year.
It is very important that you keep a log, or excel spreadsheet and receipts for all your profits and business expenses for tax purposes.
You have to pay attention to a lot of details here. You wanted to work at home and this will be a very important part of your job.
Jack will have to learn a new habit of saving all his purchase receipts for our business. I'm putting a large envelope in the truck for him. Or, if he would like, he can just put them all in the glove box as long as he saves them!
Your checkbook is a great way to see how you are doing for your deductions. I always check our account on line.
This is a good guideline for matching your receipts to your future home business deductions.
I spoke with a tax advisor and was given these instructions.
Small businesses do not pay taxes quarterly; small business pay taxes on a yearly basis.
When beginning your new business make sure you let the IRS know that you will not have any regular employees; and will only use the 1099 for contractors.
You will use the form 1099-MISC.
The Schedule C (Form 1040) will have a listing of all your business expenses for tax deductions. There are twenty-seven of them! If you pull up the instructions for the Schedule C, you will find an explanation for each deduction.
Then, you will want to find the form 8829. This figures your allowable deductions for your home business office. These will be your deductions from your mortgage, rent and utilites for the percentage of the space you use for your home office.
You can find all the necessary forms on the
So, I feel confident that we were placed on the right track. We will file in January using a tax preparer service.
Thank you for your patience. We are all learning here.
BOTTOM LINE.................YOU CANNOT CLAIM ANY DEDUCTIONS FOR YOUR HOME BUSINESS WITHOUT A RECEIPT!!!
There are no business deductions for our State or County.
I found this for State sales tax:
$100.00 X .04 = $4.00
.04 = 4% which is the Virginia Sales Tax rate.
Make sure you add the Virginia Sales Tax to your customer billing for retail sales.
We will not need to calculate state sales tax for our business; for we are not reselling any products. We are a service industry type of business.
The way we work our business is this, Jack shops to find the best possible prices for our customers. We write up an estimate and our customers pay directly for materials necessary for the roofing project before we begin the job.
Jack is always willing to sharpen his pencil for customer bids. With our low overhead costs...........we can do it!!!
We would personally like to thank Liberty Tax for all the tax information necessary for our home business!
Liberty Tax
Deondra Bowman
703-986-9726
Looks like I will be studying our checking account and running around for receipts; so we will be ready when we file in April. We were not sure whether our home business idea was going to work because of the state of today's economy.
Small Business Turbo Tax may work for us in the future; to cut costs on filing expenses.
At the same time, Jack and I are working on our business proposal for our grant. The grant will be for company expansion.
I found out when I called the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778; that they will set very low payments for both of Jack's personal and business taxes (with higher interest of course). Just a little piece of mind, since we just started our business.
I'm going to rewrite our customer referral pages; dividing them into the different locations where Jackie has worked. We can't wait to start our business photo gallery, too!
Then, we will add a reference sheet for each area we flyer.
Thanks again, Guys!
As hard as anybody tries........you can't stop freedom of choice.
In the future, I am planning on getting Jackie the training necessary for his contractor B license. Our business needs a net worth of $15,000 to qualify. We have only been working on our home business since April of last year. But, we keep growing! With all our references and word of mouth this should hopefully happen by next spring!
The important thing is that we have our home business started! We all know that nothing worthwhile happens in a day! It takes time to build your business's reputation. Because we care for our established customers; we are receiving call backs for new work.
We didn't place any search engines on Jackie's site. You don't need those for local businesses here at VistaPrint.
Taxes & Payroll
Very, Very Kewl!
Most of our profits have gone right back into our business. We have only been working on this since April. Jack got out and sold these jobs himself. He's a really good Home Improvement Specialist and Salesman!
Jack is working by himself for a while. But, we will grow and when we do. We'll have a great team that will deserve everything we can give them.
For our payroll expenditures, we spoke with Terry a Representative from Paychex. What a great guy! The prices he quoted are correct. These include our initial setup fee of $75.00. All the payroll deductions for our employess; and our payroll taxes will be taken care of for a $60.00 monthly fee.
Paychex is really easy to use! Just log in, enter your employees' salaries; then you can print off their earning statements right at your home computer! They offer direct deposit or you can write their checks directly out of your commercial account.
Terry Burns
Sales Consultant
(703) 698-6910 ext 27053
3060 Williams Drive, Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22031
Terry said they are rated very high with IRS standards. I believe this to be so, for in my previous employment experience I worked for an attorney's office that used Paychex. Terry gave us all our employee forms and stated that the EFTPS is going to work well for our payroll taxes. Our payroll taxes will be a very small percentage of our business costs.
We also have modified a Business Contract to meet our specifications. You can pick up standard business contracts at any office supply store.
We are going to hold off on these items for right now; because we will have only two employees working for us. But, Paychex will help us with this too!
Health & Life Insurance
Paychex will shop around for you and find the best possible prices for your personal insurance.
Workman's Comp Insurance
By law you must carry Workman's Compensation Insurance; if you have three or more employees on your staff.
An important note about Paychex. Terry said that once you enroll that's it!!! If you do not continue with the monthly payment; you could lose your contractor's license. I believe for now, we will 1099 our employees until we get the ball rolling. Jack can do roofovers and repairs by himself. The only time we will need help is with tearoffs.
For our beloved Govenor
Our Govenor has helped Jackie and many others with their contractor licensing; and also appointed me a Notary Public listed on my biography page.
The Seven Bridges are our first seven original customer references listed throughout this page.
Government Grants
I'll research this for you and me!
Our little Roofing business is moving along quite well, we have six pretty good references; and I believe our business is going to work.
The secret to building a good reference list, when starting your new business is underbid, underbid, underbid!!!
This is what I call my good old "Freedom of the Press" gig!
Let's share the good news!
Happy Fourth of July Ya'll!
We'll Declare our Independence Today!!!
Huey Lewis and the News!
We have lots of information from my research listed below.
Wow! What a great site!
I did find this one:
Funding Opportunity Number: PA-08-115
Listed as: Eligible Applicants
Small Businesses
Just go under "Find Grant Opportunities" on the left column
Then click basic search and put in the Funding Opportunity Number.
I wish I could have just searched this website for Eligible Applicants Small Businesses.
You guys should get the ideal..............just go on in and look around. I found these under the "Recovery Act Opportunities"
DE-FOA-0000096
Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
W911NF-07-R-0001-03-ARRA
Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
DE-FOA-0000044
Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
DE-FOA-0000107
Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
Huey Lewis and the News!
Grant Proposal
Now we will need to register and follow the specific guidelines for the one we apply for.
The more time you spend on your proposal; the better chances you will have for a grant.
I found some free Small Business Templates at
At the bottom of the page............this should help in preparing your government grant proposal.
First, I made a graph showing our sales for the past four months with the chart feature in Microsoft Word. With today's economy, that's how long this is taking.
The templates I am working with in our grant proposal are:
Business Plan for a Startup Business
The Twelve Month Sales Forecast
and
The Twelve Month Profit and Projection
Thank you for everything!
Mr. Gates
This is the Succeed Newsletter
Government Grants - Winter 2009
They update this information quarterly.
Just sign up for your free e-mail subscription!
The dream of a paperless office!
I retyped our service invoices; and made a template for his proposals, contracts and billing to attach via e-mail to his customers. This was typed in Microsoft Word and saved to my desktop. I open the document and use the "save as" feature for each customer, saved to the desktop for easy access of course.
I will make folders for each of his customers on the desktop to file all documentation that is sent out via e-mail attachments. When the job is complete, I add our customers to contacts and print off one receipt for our files. Thank goodness for the Microsoft calendar and the recurrence alarms as reminders to follow up! Hopefully, Jackie will enjoy his nearly paperless office! Yes!
I'll have to renew our Norton subscription and make sure we have backup storage with them.
Home Dispatching Services:
I know this can be done.....because I dispatched for HVAC Techs all over Northern Virginia in some of my previous employment experience. The business lines were forwarded; and I was able to dispatch and set appointments right here from the house!
If your home job is dispatching, you may consider using the MapQuest toolbar.
This toolbar includes:
Maps, directions, traffic reports, lowest gas prices in the area, etc.
I use Sprint/Nextel, where I can text message Jackie with our new customer information from their website for only $5.00 a month.............I believe we get around 300 text messages per month. Then, I make an appointment with the new customer information, in our calendar to follow-up with Jackie later!
My free Windows Calendar will work for scheduling and following up with customers for now.
Here's a tip, make a customer information sheet. I have Jackie hand them over to our customers to fill out; while he does his roofing estimates. His handwriting isn't that great, and this way I am sure to have the correct customer information for our typed proposals, contracts and billing. I especially need those e-mail address!
Nextel walkie-talkies are great! They offer free minutes for all day long service.
This is for the new modern day Mom. She is taking care of the little ones, handling all your phone calls, scheduling appointments, following up on estimates, making sure your licenses are up-to-date, keeping receipts and filing taxes, paying the bills, typing your proposals and contracts sending them out via e-mails to your customers, payroll, dispatching your service calls, advertising and all tasks as assigned...................
So, please don't forget.
Eagles
Virtual Credit Card Machines
I'm still researching this....
I wrote to my bank for suggestions. Telecheck is a well known company. There are many other companys we can look at.
I'll shop around for you
Dear Jodi Ann Fulton:
Thank you for contacting BB&T E-Mail Support to request a virtual credit card machine.
You may request a virtual credit card machine by contacting Merchant Services at 877-672-4228. Our associates are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 9:00 pm.
If E-Mail Support can be of additional assistance to you, feel free to e-mail us again through BB&T OnLine.
Thank you for using BB&T OnLine. We appreciate your business!
BB&T E-Mail Support
Advertising
We purchased our new advertising magnets for the truck that reads "Licensed, Bonded and Insured"! Yeah!!!
I designed and uploaded the image for our truck advertising magnet, pretty kewl!
Your own website, we save a lot of money on advertising by doing this ourselves. Think about this, when your potential clients view your website they will be looking at pages and pages of information about your business composed by you. Compared to a full page ad in the yellow pages; you can drastically reduce your costs of advertising from your office budget.
Lots of website traffic from this site. Plus, I will include our website on the personal signature for e-mails and business contracts.
Make flyers!
Jackie likes it!
When printing your flyers, don't use your home printer ink. That can be very costly! For bulk printing jobs go to Staples. They will let you use colored paper in their machines and you can print in black and white at very modest prices.
Craigslist is also a very good source
Just found this today. You can check under Virginia, Northern VA for Gigs. I wonder if there is a charge for listing our business on this website. Initially, we have an advertisement for our company for seven days without a charge.
We are listed under Northern Virginia, Services, Skilled Trade.
I'm gonna check out this site too:
I read they don't charge business to be listed, the site runs off membership fees. I went to Angie's List 101 and printed out some Service Company Report Forms. In order to be listed in Angie's List you need to submit one of these forms first.
Jackie is running all over town with flyers. If you knew what he is seeing out there right now with the housing market; it would bring tears to your eyes.
I'm contacting all the local realestate offices to see if we can help them; advertising via e-mail with our flyer and a link to our website. I use anywho.com. In most cases, I call and ask for their e-mails.
I'm going to try advertising with homeowner associations and homeowner insurance companys to help assist with their customer claims.
I have another theory I want to check out. I think that websites are basically only like stationery e-mails and the World Wide Web is like a great big Internet bulletin board to place our websites on. Very kewl!! I'll have to check this out by calling my relatives across the country in the near future. Make sure to have them search for your website in the main WWW browser. Important here folks; give VistaPrint at least 24 hours before you start exploring. For goodness sakes have some fun!!!
I just called my cousins in New York State.........I'm there!!!
Hello Jeffie and Kandy!!!
Search Engines
More research here, as time permits I will resubmit this site to Search Engines; and make this list for you.
Personally, I don't mind admitting to my mistakes in writing on the World Wide Web; as long as I know someone out there is learning from my experience.
Search engines were a total mystery to me, when I began this website. So don't do like I did, and submit for a bunch of search engine companys and not read the fine print. After the trial period is over, they will automatically debit your account for payment.
I'm serious about this folks, I had to go to my bank personally and cancel my debit card; and had to wait seven days for another one.
Plus, if you submit your website to a lot of search engine companys at once (I personally submitted to twelve search engine companys), you will not know which ones work.
So it's one search company submission at time from now on. As time and money allow. I did have one really great day here on my site!!! If I knew what happened last July 1st that would be absolutely marvelous!!!
Up to this point in my research, search engines still remain a mystery to me. On a more serious note here.....I spent $250.00 total for search engines; and believe that over the past two months, I have been solely responsible for promoting my website. I don't mind, this is for a good cause :o)
Designing your own website - up to this point we have only dealt with companies that supply you with a prebuilt website.
VistaPrintUSA Inc.
Vista Print offers statistical charts, graphs and reports which allow you to check the daily activity for your website. The software is really easy to use; and they have lots of sample style websites to choose from. They also have free trail websites!
The reports are great and show how many website and page hits per day, search engine rankings, hits from website trafficking or referral sites, etc. Your location statistics data may not be accurate. (I found the solution for this under website promotion on page six). Their main concern at Vista Print is that you have the best possible rankings in the search engines. Good rankings in search engines are very important.......they really get your website out there!!!
You can purchase business advertising materials at reasonable prices.......the cost for my website is only $20.00 a month. You can have your own business cards, return address labels, and a magnet for your car if you so desire. They also have an entire mail marketing program!
If you need help Vista Print will customize your website for you. Personally, I designed this website myself and enjoy the free style type of approach. Shows personality don't ya think?
Here's the website for our New Roofing Company
Only in America!
This is our business plan.........this outline may help you with some of your own small home business ideas. It does take time to start your own home business. This depends on your experience, connections and type of business you want to build. Reinvest, reinvest, and reinvest in your business. I know it's going to be hard, but you can do it!
Jackie and I ran into some really tough times trying to get this done. We both got laid off March of last year. I see things turning around for us very soon!
We got our first service call! This is for an estimate. Ladies make sure to compose a customer reference list on your website! This customer found us by our flyer advertisements. Don't put them in the mailbox, and definitely don't knock on any doors! You know those little flyers you get stuck in your door from Pizza delivery places and stuff? It's perfectly legal. Well, we had to start somewhere.
I just ordered Jackie 250 business cards that match his website for our company. Only had to pay shipping and handling costs!
Thank you Mr. Abrams!
Jackie is as happy as a lark....
I'll get to work from home......fulltime in the future. I need to free up some time to continue my education. Looking forward to completeing my math requirements to begin my bachelors. I'll be taking a compass on line course to prepare before enrollment in the classes.
We are calling our Roofing Company
"Fiddlers on the Roof"
Because Jackie is so light and sure-footed up there......and it's one of my favorite musicals.
Jackie has over 25 years experience in roofing and siding...........I feel pretty confident we'll make it on our own. Oh well, you guys know the type of people we are.......just your little Mom and Pop shop!
More business research for you coming up! I want to learn all about real business; all the gruesome details. I'm gonna love it!
Research
Our home business did not work, but I have to keep all our notes for future reference.
I believe very deeply in American History.
It may be that Prince William County, could still be under a tryanny from England.
Since, history always has a tendency to repeat itself.
The Declaration of Independence
"In the Cause of Freedom, Virtue and Prosterity"
"The Sun Never Shined on a Cause of Greater Worth...for God's Sake, Let us Come to a Final Separation."
Once they get to the bottom of this, then maybe we can have home business
Channel 7 always has the best ink wells.
We just needed our hometown back.
That job I applied for with the Department of Defense; has been placed on hold. I was told they were reviewing Government contracts in my area.
Better remember I'm sitting in the middle of this.
Christian Fuentes
(877) 334-7700 x 251
Advanced Technology
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Notes
I called Veronica Morris at the Virginia State Contractor's License office 1-804-367-8500.
We reviewed our company's services and all are fine without a contractor's license. We cannot make more than a $1,000.00 per job.
We can do tear offs and new roofs following specific county guidelines. We are not interested in new construction.
I also called Amanda Spittle concerning Prince William County building codes at 703-792-6930 to see if we need permits for the services our company offers.
The Rules
IRS number - EIN or Employee Identification Number
I was told that we would not need an EIN for a sole proprietorship business.
We are going to get one anyway for identity protection purposes. Because, I really don't want Jackie's SSN all over the place. You can get your EIN off the IRS website, only takes a few minutes.
We received a letter from the IRS with Jackie's EIN; also another letter pertaining to activating his EFTPS Enrollment. EFTPS is the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. Easy step by step instructions for automatic deductions.
I just sent Jack over to the bank to have his EIN placed on his commercial account.
Check Tax Section.
We drove out to the Manassas County Circuit Court and recieved a notarized statement for the certificate of assumed or fictitious name for our company for $12.50. The reason we did this, is because we needed to set up a Business/Commerical account for tax purposes.
Then we went to Prince William County
McCoart Building
Department of Public Works - Building Development Division
We received a Home Office Occupational Certificate from the Zoning Administrator.
We met up with our insurance agent. We now have commercial insurance on Jackie's truck, business liablity insurance and surety bond! Make sure your insurance agent has a notary stamp; or this could cause delays.
I'm going to try to explain what a Surety Bond is for you. Bascially, our customers know that we are insured for $10,000 in case anything goes wrong on the work site. So, this protects our customers from any loses; and also lets them know we are insured and can be trusted. We will be bonded.
Thank you Mrs. Jackson!
We are having a few problems with this county because they do not seem to believe in Citizen's Constitutional Rights, nor our Declaration of Independence.
But, I love Freedom of the Press!
Here is our Prince William County
Home Improvement License
This past week Prince William County has been on the news concerning our immigration problem here. This evening there was a story concerning a rash of immigrant complaints.
Looks like we might get our County back after all. All that needs to be done is to spread the Hispanic community out a bit.
Also, If you look at the current stats Arlington has stopped by...........they have the same problem, too.
We are very grateful
Thank you!
You can check our local paper at the bottom of SNL................ there are not any news articles concerning this problem today. I heard these stories on local channels 4 and 7 just short clips.
These should have been top articles in our local newspaper. Freedom of the press in PWC. What's that? The news reporters are here; and we see stories almost daily on the television news.
See the Muppet Show. The garbage can-can sisters may be here soon. They dance for a really, really long time too.
Beijing is here, I hope they don't try to tear up my hard drive.
My computer is having a rough enough time as it is. They are really tough on home computers; when paid to do so. Stratford just may have told on themselves again. Just give the money to the President. Beijing we have a very good cause here. See Goosey's Dream. I don't want to have to work out of the library; I may need some Microsoft updates soon. Just like last time OK?
Thank you
Oh, this must be that Mary Poppins in Goosey's Corner again.
I have received a few more award entries for "Goosey's Dream".
Wonder if I should enter and put them up for the cause? We should get the link first.
Just remember I gave all the money to the President. I don't know how much it is, and I don't care. Maybe I'm expected to fill out an application for Goosey's Dream Federal Employment link. Just drop it in the mail, Sir.
Oppsie.......there goes another one! Love that file thirteen. That's four total now..........
Always nice hearing from you.
I'm looking over a four leaf clover; that I over looked before.
Our Stats
These will be moved to Goosey's Dream starting tomorrow; under She's a Lady.
Two more for file thirteen. Two more and one from a magazine program. All right in the dumper.
Thank you for showing all your support.
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This writing episode must have been about the big balloon that goes grrrrrrrrrr!
Lady and the Tramp
I never asked to be a cartoon either; somebody is gonna get a flea bath.
Look at all that spaghetti up there.
It must have been that Mary Poppins down on Goosey's Corner.
Walt Disney always loved to laugh.
Guess he is the only one who could turn me into a lady; at least here of course.
That's just Disney Magic!
The President and the FBI were here; so I think we have a very good chance of putting a plan into action for Goosey's Dream. I have been receiving out of state calls from Cambridge, you can find them on my testimonials page. They have not spoke with me yet. Hopefully, this will involve more companies for our directory in the future.
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Got an interview with the Auto Parts Store where my brother works.
I lost a lot of weight this past year...............gotta get out and tone.
Looks like i'll be driving that stick.
Dont worry too much guys. I'm easy on the clutch, never grind the gears and my truck runs smooth as a kitten.
"I love guys and cars"
Wish me luck!
Hope I get a chance to get reacquainted with the guys; and help Jackie work with our home business by advertising. I'm only taking a part-time job.
No one will bother me, my brother will beat them up. I have to go shopping, need new work attire.
We're still in neutral.
I had the interview, it went quite well.
Carquest is putting me off again..................should know by the end of the week. They are conducting more interviews.
They want to treat me like a lady and put me in a van; to do long distance runs between stores. Someone in corporate probably evaluated my application and education and will not let me pick up one single auto part.
This is what I'll have to do. Start dealing with the big people on the big road; and just watch out for the bumper cars on the interstate. Eventually, I'll get a route here at home.
Talked to my brother, he said we got through the interview that's the hard part. Jackie went over to the store today and they are looking forward to working with me. Now, I have to wait for a letter/email from Human Resources at Corporate. I need to do some fun stuff for a change.
I got goosed from CarQuest. They are doing cutbacks, isn't that a concidence just when I thought I had the job. If anyone out there has some pull with CarQuest Corporate, put in a good word OK? This is my way of fighting my own unemployment.
I have other things in the works, too. I'll just go apply at Staples, they're hiring.
Thanks!
Someone is messing with my Norton again. Have an extra hit from Leesburg too.
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This last episode must be about the balloon ranch. You really have to watch the Muppet Show.
***************************************************************************************************
Thanks Mom & Dad, Gary and Julie for all your help.
Jackie and I are getting back on our feet. I'm making sure Jackie get his medication and whatever he needs. For me, working on gathering my application information and resume for job interviews. So, we can rebuild our home business again in my name. Time, time, time........ We may be up against another battle with this county. Challenges, that's the fun of it!
(see below)
Next time, Jackie will supervise and I'll 1099 all our employees.
Jackie's
Funds permitting will renew our home improvement license as soon as possible.
I think they are purposely trying to close our home business. They won't let us work here. You see that expiration date on our license.
I believe they planned it so we would have a violation by setting us up with a job and reference the day after our expiration date. You can see this on Jackie's viewership. We appreciate the reference Ms. Carpio; even though your job was scheduled for May 5th. We really needed the reference for our business here; she is listed under Woodbridge references on Jackie's website.
If you send us any type of violation, because of this incident, your in trouble for not letting us work in this County. It will be posted worldwide in a second. The Federal Government really supports small businesses, unlike you.
We have been dealing with you guys for a year now. We know what you are up to and so does everyone else. You don't understand who reads this website.
See, we have to defend ourselves out here...........it's the only way to make a small home business work in PWC.
We have some good leads and should be just fine. It's ok because we're loved.
I wonder how many violations are out there, because we have never seen any. No lawsuits nothing at all. Probably because I would have posted them.
One more thing, you know that new law in Arizona............we need that here too. It's really bad. We are run over by hispanic immigrants here.
I don't believe small home business ever existed in this County before. That is why this has been such an uphill battle for us. Jackie is not feeling well, too much stress I guess. We need to find a way for him to have his medication and fatten him up a bit. The business may have to be placed in my name, so he can keep working when he feels better. He really wanted his own home business. I'll still schedule appointments, so he can do little side jobs.
"Remember real men have problems when they don't feel their self-worth."
I serve Man. In God's eyes that's what we where made to do.
Now we received a letter from the IRS for full collection on payment, for income Jackie voluntary submitted from his previous employer the year before last; who did not 1099 him.
Back to Britt's Roofing for that little trick.
We can not afford the installment payments to you if our home business does not work here. Jackie is being forced to go back on disabilty because he has AIDS. Everything will be placed in my name. Please give us time to place Jackie's only possession, his truck in my name. That's all the man owns.
You just turned this wonderful ideal of home business into your living nightmare. I really hope this County gets sued to high heaven. And you wondered how we were ever going to beat you huh?
Jackie is on the phone with social secuity and the IRS today. This man never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him. I've been with him for over four years, been tested and never contracted AIDS. Jackie just spoke with the IRS, we are ok. Next, we go to Juniper INOVA to get his medication. We are working with the Social Security Administration at this moment. Jackie should be able to get his medication immediately through the Ryan White Foundation.
Thank you
Jackie never wanted to be back in the system. They say here free doctor visits, medication, here's a check, have some food stamps.
Until things change Jackie and I will remain roommates. I'll be the boss and pay him a penny for every repair and nickle for every roof. We will 1099 our employees, so Jackie will only have to supervise. We'll enjoy our vacations. Jackie and I really enjoy campin' and fishin'.
We were really hopeing we could receive our own health insurance from the President's New Health Care Reform Package.
We're just two little troublemakers.
Jackie contracted AIDS way, way back when it was first discovered. He's fifty-eight and as far as we can figure..........they were not very careful when people got tattoos back in those days. He appreciates every day he is here and so do I. I love his tattoo. Girls are funny like that.
Left click to view!
We have a home business license.
The rest is up to you.
Always get a business license for your home business.
We called the County and there is no charge for a business license. Jack needs to bring his Contractor Licenses, Birth Certificate, and our zoning certificate approval for our home office. For good measures, he is also bringing the document from the court for the certificate of assumed or fictitous name, plus our EIN.
PWC
See Rock on!!!
Our Home Business is Progressing
Jackie got his first real roofing job since we started our company; for which we are very, very grateful.
Thanks Curt!!!
Jackie had to make a minor correction to Curt's roof. We are certainly more then happy to guarantee our work!
I went to the website listed below and printed out the Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors CLASS C LICENSE APPLICATION (short form). We will be filling this out and calling Richmond to find out about the training class Jack does need to attend.
We are currently shopping around for the best priced class from an acceptable training center.
I'll let ya know.
Thank you Master Institute!
Jackie will be in a one day training class very soon............then a road trip to Richmond for a temporary Class C License!
When you have come this far in establishing your home business; if anyone should impede upon your rights. Take your issue, with all the documentation for your new home business and go to court. You have an obligation to defend your Constitutional Rights as a United States Citizen.
Your Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are a very important part of our
United States Declaration of Independence.
One Nation, under God, with Liberty and Justice for All.............
Thank you Nate!
Jack will be right over!
The contractor's license has a specified limit for the monetary amount you can make per job for your labor. Don't go above that amount; if you want to stay in business.
I'm really glad we had the foresight to abide by these rules.
You may double click; this will magnify our creditials!
Thanks Scooter!
Jackie said that with this new license we can expand our business throughout Northern Virginia and get more high dollar jobs! Sounds Great!!!
Thank you
Mr. Katzen!
Thank you Mrs. Fairbanks!
This is our tear-off and brand new roof. Yes!!!
Thank you!
Jackie is working on a hip, timberline roof.
He always makes sure the roof is sealed and papered in for waterproofing using button caps; and runs a large magnet around the grounds to ensure no one steps on a single nail every night before he comes home. He is very particular to meet all the specified warranty guidelines; and is as neat as a pin!
Jack and I will invest in a digital camera, so we can post pictures of his work on the website.
The neighbors across the street from this job are wavin "Hi" almost everyday!
Hi back!
This is what the man does; and this is what he wanted to do!!! I am so proud of him!
Thank you!
Good News! Jackie and I filed our taxes with all our home business deductions; and we do not owe any taxes for last year! As our home business grows, we will need to start paying our taxes quarterly to make sure we are prepared for the bill. Whatever funds are left over will be returned to us or we can apply them for the following year.
It is very important that you keep a log, or excel spreadsheet and receipts for all your profits and business expenses for tax purposes.
You have to pay attention to a lot of details here. You wanted to work at home and this will be a very important part of your job.
Jack will have to learn a new habit of saving all his purchase receipts for our business. I'm putting a large envelope in the truck for him. Or, if he would like, he can just put them all in the glove box as long as he saves them!
Your checkbook is a great way to see how you are doing for your deductions. I always check our account on line.
This is a good guideline for matching your receipts to your future home business deductions.
I spoke with a tax advisor and was given these instructions.
Small businesses do not pay taxes quarterly; small business pay taxes on a yearly basis.
When beginning your new business make sure you let the IRS know that you will not have any regular employees; and will only use the 1099 for contractors.
You will use the form 1099-MISC.
The Schedule C (Form 1040) will have a listing of all your business expenses for tax deductions. There are twenty-seven of them! If you pull up the instructions for the Schedule C, you will find an explanation for each deduction.
Then, you will want to find the form 8829. This figures your allowable deductions for your home business office. These will be your deductions from your mortgage, rent and utilites for the percentage of the space you use for your home office.
You can find all the necessary forms on the
So, I feel confident that we were placed on the right track. We will file in January using a tax preparer service.
Thank you for your patience. We are all learning here.
BOTTOM LINE.................YOU CANNOT CLAIM ANY DEDUCTIONS FOR YOUR HOME BUSINESS WITHOUT A RECEIPT!!!
There are no business deductions for our State or County.
I found this for State sales tax:
$100.00 X .04 = $4.00
.04 = 4% which is the Virginia Sales Tax rate.
Make sure you add the Virginia Sales Tax to your customer billing for retail sales.
We will not need to calculate state sales tax for our business; for we are not reselling any products. We are a service industry type of business.
The way we work our business is this, Jack shops to find the best possible prices for our customers. We write up an estimate and our customers pay directly for materials necessary for the roofing project before we begin the job.
Jack is always willing to sharpen his pencil for customer bids. With our low overhead costs...........we can do it!!!
We would personally like to thank Liberty Tax for all the tax information necessary for our home business!
Liberty Tax
Deondra Bowman
703-986-9726
Looks like I will be studying our checking account and running around for receipts; so we will be ready when we file in April. We were not sure whether our home business idea was going to work because of the state of today's economy.
Small Business Turbo Tax may work for us in the future; to cut costs on filing expenses.
At the same time, Jack and I are working on our business proposal for our grant. The grant will be for company expansion.
I found out when I called the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778; that they will set very low payments for both of Jack's personal and business taxes (with higher interest of course). Just a little piece of mind, since we just started our business.
I'm going to rewrite our customer referral pages; dividing them into the different locations where Jackie has worked. We can't wait to start our business photo gallery, too!
Then, we will add a reference sheet for each area we flyer.
Thanks again, Guys!
As hard as anybody tries........you can't stop freedom of choice.
In the future, I am planning on getting Jackie the training necessary for his contractor B license. Our business needs a net worth of $15,000 to qualify. We have only been working on our home business since April of last year. But, we keep growing! With all our references and word of mouth this should hopefully happen by next spring!
The important thing is that we have our home business started! We all know that nothing worthwhile happens in a day! It takes time to build your business's reputation. Because we care for our established customers; we are receiving call backs for new work.
We didn't place any search engines on Jackie's site. You don't need those for local businesses here at VistaPrint.
Taxes & Payroll
Very, Very Kewl!
Most of our profits have gone right back into our business. We have only been working on this since April. Jack got out and sold these jobs himself. He's a really good Home Improvement Specialist and Salesman!
Jack is working by himself for a while. But, we will grow and when we do. We'll have a great team that will deserve everything we can give them.
For our payroll expenditures, we spoke with Terry a Representative from Paychex. What a great guy! The prices he quoted are correct. These include our initial setup fee of $75.00. All the payroll deductions for our employess; and our payroll taxes will be taken care of for a $60.00 monthly fee.
Paychex is really easy to use! Just log in, enter your employees' salaries; then you can print off their earning statements right at your home computer! They offer direct deposit or you can write their checks directly out of your commercial account.
Terry Burns
Sales Consultant
(703) 698-6910 ext 27053
3060 Williams Drive, Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22031
Terry said they are rated very high with IRS standards. I believe this to be so, for in my previous employment experience I worked for an attorney's office that used Paychex. Terry gave us all our employee forms and stated that the EFTPS is going to work well for our payroll taxes. Our payroll taxes will be a very small percentage of our business costs.
We also have modified a Business Contract to meet our specifications. You can pick up standard business contracts at any office supply store.
We are going to hold off on these items for right now; because we will have only two employees working for us. But, Paychex will help us with this too!
Health & Life Insurance
Paychex will shop around for you and find the best possible prices for your personal insurance.
Workman's Comp Insurance
By law you must carry Workman's Compensation Insurance; if you have three or more employees on your staff.
An important note about Paychex. Terry said that once you enroll that's it!!! If you do not continue with the monthly payment; you could lose your contractor's license. I believe for now, we will 1099 our employees until we get the ball rolling. Jack can do roofovers and repairs by himself. The only time we will need help is with tearoffs.
For our beloved Govenor
Our Govenor has helped Jackie and many others with their contractor licensing; and also appointed me a Notary Public listed on my biography page.
The Seven Bridges are our first seven original customer references listed throughout this page.
Government Grants
I'll research this for you and me!
Our little Roofing business is moving along quite well, we have six pretty good references; and I believe our business is going to work.
The secret to building a good reference list, when starting your new business is underbid, underbid, underbid!!!
This is what I call my good old "Freedom of the Press" gig!
Let's share the good news!
Happy Fourth of July Ya'll!
We'll Declare our Independence Today!!!
Huey Lewis and the News!
We have lots of information from my research listed below.
Wow! What a great site!
I did find this one:
Funding Opportunity Number: PA-08-115
Listed as: Eligible Applicants
Small Businesses
Just go under "Find Grant Opportunities" on the left column
Then click basic search and put in the Funding Opportunity Number.
I wish I could have just searched this website for Eligible Applicants Small Businesses.
You guys should get the ideal..............just go on in and look around. I found these under the "Recovery Act Opportunities"
DE-FOA-0000096
Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
W911NF-07-R-0001-03-ARRA
Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
DE-FOA-0000044
Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
DE-FOA-0000107
Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
Huey Lewis and the News!
Grant Proposal
Now we will need to register and follow the specific guidelines for the one we apply for.
The more time you spend on your proposal; the better chances you will have for a grant.
I found some free Small Business Templates at
At the bottom of the page............this should help in preparing your government grant proposal.
First, I made a graph showing our sales for the past four months with the chart feature in Microsoft Word. With today's economy, that's how long this is taking.
The templates I am working with in our grant proposal are:
Business Plan for a Startup Business
The Twelve Month Sales Forecast
and
The Twelve Month Profit and Projection
Thank you for everything!
Mr. Gates
This is the Succeed Newsletter
Government Grants - Winter 2009
They update this information quarterly.
Just sign up for your free e-mail subscription!
The dream of a paperless office!
I retyped our service invoices; and made a template for his proposals, contracts and billing to attach via e-mail to his customers. This was typed in Microsoft Word and saved to my desktop. I open the document and use the "save as" feature for each customer, saved to the desktop for easy access of course.
I will make folders for each of his customers on the desktop to file all documentation that is sent out via e-mail attachments. When the job is complete, I add our customers to contacts and print off one receipt for our files. Thank goodness for the Microsoft calendar and the recurrence alarms as reminders to follow up! Hopefully, Jackie will enjoy his nearly paperless office! Yes!
I'll have to renew our Norton subscription and make sure we have backup storage with them.
Home Dispatching Services:
I know this can be done.....because I dispatched for HVAC Techs all over Northern Virginia in some of my previous employment experience. The business lines were forwarded; and I was able to dispatch and set appointments right here from the house!
If your home job is dispatching, you may consider using the MapQuest toolbar.
This toolbar includes:
Maps, directions, traffic reports, lowest gas prices in the area, etc.
I use Sprint/Nextel, where I can text message Jackie with our new customer information from their website for only $5.00 a month.............I believe we get around 300 text messages per month. Then, I make an appointment with the new customer information, in our calendar to follow-up with Jackie later!
My free Windows Calendar will work for scheduling and following up with customers for now.
Here's a tip, make a customer information sheet. I have Jackie hand them over to our customers to fill out; while he does his roofing estimates. His handwriting isn't that great, and this way I am sure to have the correct customer information for our typed proposals, contracts and billing. I especially need those e-mail address!
Nextel walkie-talkies are great! They offer free minutes for all day long service.
This is for the new modern day Mom. She is taking care of the little ones, handling all your phone calls, scheduling appointments, following up on estimates, making sure your licenses are up-to-date, keeping receipts and filing taxes, paying the bills, typing your proposals and contracts sending them out via e-mails to your customers, payroll, dispatching your service calls, advertising and all tasks as assigned...................
So, please don't forget.
Eagles
Virtual Credit Card Machines
I'm still researching this....
I wrote to my bank for suggestions. Telecheck is a well known company. There are many other companys we can look at.
I'll shop around for you
Dear Jodi Ann Fulton:
Thank you for contacting BB&T E-Mail Support to request a virtual credit card machine.
You may request a virtual credit card machine by contacting Merchant Services at 877-672-4228. Our associates are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 9:00 pm.
If E-Mail Support can be of additional assistance to you, feel free to e-mail us again through BB&T OnLine.
Thank you for using BB&T OnLine. We appreciate your business!
BB&T E-Mail Support
Advertising
We purchased our new advertising magnets for the truck that reads "Licensed, Bonded and Insured"! Yeah!!!
I designed and uploaded the image for our truck advertising magnet, pretty kewl!
Your own website, we save a lot of money on advertising by doing this ourselves. Think about this, when your potential clients view your website they will be looking at pages and pages of information about your business composed by you. Compared to a full page ad in the yellow pages; you can drastically reduce your costs of advertising from your office budget.
Lots of website traffic from this site. Plus, I will include our website on the personal signature for e-mails and business contracts.
Make flyers!
Jackie likes it!
When printing your flyers, don't use your home printer ink. That can be very costly! For bulk printing jobs go to Staples. They will let you use colored paper in their machines and you can print in black and white at very modest prices.
Craigslist is also a very good source
Just found this today. You can check under Virginia, Northern VA for Gigs. I wonder if there is a charge for listing our business on this website. Initially, we have an advertisement for our company for seven days without a charge.
We are listed under Northern Virginia, Services, Skilled Trade.
I'm gonna check out this site too:
I read they don't charge business to be listed, the site runs off membership fees. I went to Angie's List 101 and printed out some Service Company Report Forms. In order to be listed in Angie's List you need to submit one of these forms first.
Jackie is running all over town with flyers. If you knew what he is seeing out there right now with the housing market; it would bring tears to your eyes.
I'm contacting all the local realestate offices to see if we can help them; advertising via e-mail with our flyer and a link to our website. I use anywho.com. In most cases, I call and ask for their e-mails.
I'm going to try advertising with homeowner associations and homeowner insurance companys to help assist with their customer claims.
I have another theory I want to check out. I think that websites are basically only like stationery e-mails and the World Wide Web is like a great big Internet bulletin board to place our websites on. Very kewl!! I'll have to check this out by calling my relatives across the country in the near future. Make sure to have them search for your website in the main WWW browser. Important here folks; give VistaPrint at least 24 hours before you start exploring. For goodness sakes have some fun!!!
I just called my cousins in New York State.........I'm there!!!
Hello Jeffie and Kandy!!!
Search Engines
More research here, as time permits I will resubmit this site to Search Engines; and make this list for you.
Personally, I don't mind admitting to my mistakes in writing on the World Wide Web; as long as I know someone out there is learning from my experience.
Search engines were a total mystery to me, when I began this website. So don't do like I did, and submit for a bunch of search engine companys and not read the fine print. After the trial period is over, they will automatically debit your account for payment.
I'm serious about this folks, I had to go to my bank personally and cancel my debit card; and had to wait seven days for another one.
Plus, if you submit your website to a lot of search engine companys at once (I personally submitted to twelve search engine companys), you will not know which ones work.
So it's one search company submission at time from now on. As time and money allow. I did have one really great day here on my site!!! If I knew what happened last July 1st that would be absolutely marvelous!!!
Up to this point in my research, search engines still remain a mystery to me. On a more serious note here.....I spent $250.00 total for search engines; and believe that over the past two months, I have been solely responsible for promoting my website. I don't mind, this is for a good cause :o)
