Inexpensive Employee Appreciation Ideas

One easy way to help keep employees motivated is to provide extra perks. This time of year many employers shell out big bucks in holiday bonuses and/or holiday parties. Revenue may be lower due to a decrease in time spent on tasks. Why? A high number of vacation days used, extra "water cooler" time spent discussing the holidays, holiday planning at their desks, etc. It becomes a financial challenge for many employers to provide these perks that have become expected.

As a business owner, you want your employees to feel appreciated and to be happy in their work environment. Is there a way to achieve this without spending a fortune? The answer is yes and here are some ideas!

• Talk with your vendors. You provide them with business throughout the year and help keep their business profitable. See if they would be willing to offer discounts directly to your employees.

• Talk with local merchants. Perhaps you can make arrangements to offer discounts to each others employees.

• Professional associations may have agreements for discounts to their members. If so, see if you can extend these discounts to your employees.

• The gift of time is always a cherished perk. Depending upon your business structure, there are different ways to make this manageable. One way is to change the working hours to four ten-hour days thereby providing your employees a three day weekend every week! Another way is to have a rotating schedule for employees to add extra time to their lunch hour or leave early for the day. An hour here and there may not affect your bottom line too much or may even improve it by keeping your employees motivated and happy!

Of course, not all perks are free, but the benefits of providing them can be great. If you would like to offer perks to your employees, but cash flow is a challenge, speak with one of the business consultants at National Business Capital. We can discuss the options available to provide you with the cash flow you need.

Every Business Needs a Line of Credit

We are fast approaching the fiscal cliff and there is great concern about the impact it will have on our economy. Business owners worry about loss in cash flow and the ability to purchase needed supplies. Establishing a line of credit with vendors is one way to ensure the business will have the supplies it needs.

Unfortunately, vendors are feeling the stress of the economy as well and small business owners may find it more difficult to be approved for credit. This is especially true for newer businesses that have not had the opportunity to develop a good credit rating. If you are looking to establish credit with vendors, here are some tips:

• Start Small: It takes time to build trusting relationships. Do not ask for too much too soon. Prove your credit worthy by creating a pattern of timely payments.
• Share Documentation: Vendors will want to see objective proof that you are credit worthy. Have documents available for the vendor to review. Ask other business owners that you have relationships with for a letter of recommendation.
• Get Personal: Before looking for credit to be extended, take time to review your personal credit reports and ensure their accuracy. Have corrections made if needed.

In place of, or in addition to, credit directly with vendors, National Business Capital may be able to help you open a business line of credit. Our approval process is faster and easier than at traditional banks. Speak with one of our business consultants to learn more!

Financial Stress During the Holidays? National Business Capital May Be Able to Help!

The holiday season is a time of great profits for some industries, but can slow business down in other industries. Many business owners worry throughout the season either hoping to make enough profit to tide them over during slow months or hoping to make it through the holiday slow down. Along with wishes for happy holidays, National Business Capital may be able to offer solutions to ease your financial worry.

Small business owners find it difficult to obtain financing from traditional banks. The process is slow moving, confusing, and often the lender searches for reasons to reject loans. National  Business Capital differs by actively searching for ways to approve loans with the best interest rates and repayment structures. The process is quick and easy providing the business owner quick access to the money.

Holidays should be a time for enjoying the fruits of your labor along with your friends and family. However, the economy of the past few years has taken quite a toll on so many businesses. Add the disruption and devastation from natural weather events that many areas of country have faced and the stress is magnified. Call National Business Capital and speak with one of our business consultants to learn if we can provide the funding to make this holiday season one of joy rather than stress!

Business Financing for Victims of Hurricane Sandy

It has been a tiring and emotional week for the residents of the the East Coast as Hurricane Sandy tore a destructive path across many states. National Business Capital is a Long Island based company and we had a front row view of the devastation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by the storm.

We are pleased to be in the position to help business owners as the recovery from the storm continues. Our business consultants are on hand to discuss funding opportunities and eligibility. Insurance companies are overwhelmed with processing claims due to losses from Sandy. We can provide fast funding to eligible applicants for use while waiting on insurance. We also may be able to provide funding with no payments for 30 days!

Call National Business Capital today to learn how we can help your business move forward during this difficult time!

National Business Capital Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and here on Long Island that means the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk held at Jones Beach. Two employees of National Business Capital proudly participated in the walk and showed their support for this great cause.

Jack Hasso and Dirk Nova walked in honor of Maria Nova, cancer survivor. Mr.Hasso said, "It was a great experience taking part in the walk.  The weather was perfect, the crowd was very energetic and everyone really enjoyed the day.  We do it every year.  There’s no better feeling than supporting such an amazing cause and charity and it’s special when the person you’re walking with is a survivor."

National Business Capital would like to thank everyone who made this event possible, from the organizers and walkers to the people who offered love and encouragement. 

How Much Is It Costing Your Business By Not Taking A Loan?

Right now business owners are taking advantage of great opportunities by using our working capital. Usually when taking advantage of an opportunity, you need capital. If the profit outweighs the cost of capital, the opportunity makes sense. How much is it costing your business by not taking a loan? 

Do You Have the Funding to Prepare for the Vital Holiday Season?

Whew! The fast pace of summer business has slowed down giving business owners a chance to re-group and prepare for the rush of the holiday season. October can be a slow business month, especially for retailers and restaurants, making it the perfect time to plan ahead!

A profitable holiday season is crucial to the success of retail stores and restaurants. In order to maximize your profits, consider the following:

• Inventory should be well stocked and ready for the earliest holiday shoppers! The good news is that many vendors offer discounts during the month of October. Take advantage and stock up! Check with your suppliers to see if discounts are offered or ask for a discount if you buy in bulk.
• Increase your marketing efforts during the busy holiday season! Consumers are bombarded with print ads, online ads, radio and t.v. ads all calling for their business. Be sure you are heard above the rest! Speak with your marketing company to see if they will provide a discount for early payment on your holiday ads.
• Do you have enough staff? There is nothing more frustrating than filling your business with customers, but losing the sales because you do not have adequate staff to service them. Hire seasonal staff early enough to train them well. Having enough salespeople or servers means nothing if they can not do the job properly.

Don't let limited cash flow hinder your holiday sales! Speak with a business consultant at National Business Capital to learn about our financing programs!