articles of incorporation http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for articles of incorporation Copyright 2008 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:41:21 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/articles+of+incorporation Frequently Asked Questions About Articles Of Incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-articles-of-incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-articles-of-incorporation#comments Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:27:11 +0000 articles of incorporationmailsecretary of statelegal business nameincorporateorganization certificateconduct business http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-articles-of-incorporation Articles of Incorporation?

Articles of incorporation are needed when a business decides to . Articles of incorporation are a set of rules that determines how a corporation should be managed and they are filed with the government in your area. In order for a business to become a corporation, the Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the appropriate agency. It is important to know that in, they may not be called Articles of incorporation in your area. They may also be referred to as Certificate of Organization, Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization.

Where do I file the Articles of Incorporation?

Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the government in the area in which you intend to incorporate. Typically the forms are filed with the . However, if approved you may use another regulatory agency or company. There will be a fee associated with filing Articles of Incorporation and this will vary depending on where you live.

The forms needed to file the Articles of Incorporation should be readily available to you from a variety of venues. You can obtain them by printing them on your computer from the web site of the Secretary of State. You can also obtain the forms needed by writing to or calling your Secretary of State and asking them to the form.

What information is contained on the Articles of Incorporation?

There is a variety of information that is required when you file the Articles of Incorporation. These are the basics in all areas. However, your local government may require additional information. It is important that you conduct full research on what your area may require.

The first piece of information to be listed on the Articles of Incorporation includes the name of the corporation. This will be the under which the corporation will . This should include any designators at the end such as Inc. or Corp.

You will also be required to determine the purpose of your corporation as stated by the government in your area. The name and address of the person responsible for accepting any legal notices in regards to the business named, such as an attorney.

Another piece of information that is required on the Articles of Incorporation includes the number of shares the business is allowed to issue. The type of business the corporation is conducting will determine the amount of shares issued and how many people can hold them.

The final requirement for the Articles of Incorporation are the signatures. This should be of the incorporator or any directors along with the addresses of all signatories.

Other requirements that may be required in your specific area could include the duration of the corporation, if the corporation will have preemptive right or cumulative voting and if the business will offer various classes of their stock shares. It is important that you research all areas of the Articles of Incorporation and understand what is required and what additional items may be added to your filing. This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more articles of incorporation resources at: http://www.articles-of-incorporation-centre.info ]]> The Basics Of Business Incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-basics-of-business-incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-basics-of-business-incorporation#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2006 07:50:05 +0000 business incorporationpersonal creditpersonal sharespersonal litigationbusiness ownerundoubtedlyaware http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-basics-of-business-incorporation business owner, even if it is a small business, you want to be successful. You are of the work it takes to make a business profitable. You might also be aware of the different tax penalties and other ways that the government makes it difficult for a small, young business to make it. You should consider . It is not as complicated as you might think it is, in fact, it is quite easy to incorporate your business. By doing it, you will be helping your business to fulfill its potential.

Incorporation is the process of forming a new corporation, whether it is a business, a new town government, or a not-for-profit organization. As a business owner it is easy for you to take advantage of the many benefits that incorporation has to offer. There are several legal advantages to going through the process of business incorporation. For starters, your personal property and possessions will be protected from creditors and lawsuits. Any officers in your corporation (including you) are only responsible for the amount of money that they invest into the corporation. And if you are going through some kind of , your corporate assets are secured, other than your in the organization.

Another plus in business incorporation is that your ownership in the corporation can be transferred to other parties without difficulty, sometimes with little or no paperwork required. Also, your corporation will be taxed at a lower rate than individuals. There is no cutoff point on the loss amount that can be carried into succeeding tax years, either. Further, corporations earn and maintain their own credit ratings separate from the owner, no matter what the owner's rating might be. Business incorporation is a really good way to not only protect the organization, but to protect the business owner as well.

Yet another advantage to business incorporation is that it is easier to set up retirement plans. In addition, the owner's health insurance premiums are fully deductible, which is a huge bonus. And no matter if the owner or some other officer in the corporation passes away, the corporation continues on forever.

The basic steps in business incorporation are fairly straightforward. Every state is going to have different requirements and applicable laws, so make sure to check before getting started with the process. The first thing you do when incorporating is to file a charter. Check with your state's (or the state that you wish to incorporate in) Secretary of State office for guidelines and appropriate forms to complete. The next step is to choose a name for your new corporation. You should make sure to check trademark registers to avoid duplication and problems later on. Next, you need to complete the corporation's bylaws. These are important because they set forth the particulars regarding annual shareholder meetings and voting procedures. You will also need to report annually on your corporation. This can be done at an annual meeting, and any business that is discussed and voted upon is documented.

Business incorporation can be the answer to making the most of your organization. Taking advantage of the tax benefits alone can help save - and make - you money. And depending on which state you incorporate in, you might have to deal with little or no paperwork and red tape, and even fewer tax issues. Business incorporation is a great way to turn your little business into a legitimate organization, and it is not nearly as complicated as it might sound to you. Mark is a director of 3 Internet Companies, is a published author and has written many articles on a widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.llc-incorporation.info ]]> Easy Business Incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-business-incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-business-incorporation#comments Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:32:08 +0000 business incorporationincorporation applicationincorporation servicestatenamestedious stepsknowledgeable http://www.artwoo.com/article/easy-business-incorporation Business incorporation a decade or two ago is a tedious process that businesses often reach bankruptcy before being awarded corporation status. However, recent developments in the business world and the creation of Business Corporation Act make the process quicker and easier. Business journals outline three steps for business incorporation: securing corporate name, submitting required documents, and paying filing dues. These process can be done with the services of your lawyer or you can opt to D-I-Y.

First, secure and ensure a corporate name. Check other businesses' before deciding on yours. Business incorporation processes are usually disrupted by businesses filing names already owned by other companies. Also, avoid naming your corporation names that sound and spell like other companies' names. Not only same sounding names might confuse possible clients, these can also cause your business to be overshadowed by the other company. This is especially true if they have been in the business longer, hence more popular.

Second, prepare all documents pertinent to business . File these documents as early as you can for quicker processing. Third, pay all required fees for application; taxes and other fees is a must if you want an efficient processing of your papers. State filing rates vary from state to state, these can be as low as $100 or as high as $400. Paying these dues is necessary to establish your company in that particular state.

These can be if you opt to apply by yourself. D-I-Y application requires you to be about state laws concerning business incorporation. Preparing and collecting required documents alone is a long and ardorous task. In addition, you must follow-up and inquire about the status of your application with the authorized agencies yourself. However, using groups reduces your burden considerably. After furnishing these companies with information, they will check the corporate name for you, file required documents, and even pay initial dues for you. In addition, they will also assume the duty of following up and inquiring about your application with the respective agencies. These companies have also done these application process many times, which translates into knowing key people inside these agencies which can give your paper or application a push in the right direction. This will result to an easy and efficient business incorporation application for you as their client.

Lastly, these service companies require minimal and nominal fees aside from state filing dues. To promote fast processing, they even allow clients to submit necessary data and information online. Though lawyers can do the job for you, you have to pay them hourly for their service. The cost alone might drive you to cancel business incorporation plans as it usually takes a month or so to be fully incorporated. For more valuable information on business incorporation, please visit http://www.incorporation-service.net ]]> What Come After Business Incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-come-after-business-incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-come-after-business-incorporation#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2006 22:27:16 +0000 business incorporationcorporate sealincorporation applicationincorporating your businessstock ledgerstock transferstockholders http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-come-after-business-incorporation business incorporation process, don't expect that your work is done. Actually, the real work is just starting. Being a corporation means that you are not the center of the business anymore. You have your partners, , and shareholders to think about. In addition, you have to continue providing service to your clients without a dip in quality. But your first order of business after the business incorporation process is producing your corporate kit.

Corporate kits are essential for a start-up incorporated business. These kits contain every legal papers documenting the entire business incorporation event. These will keep the necessary records that will facilitate the distribution of stocks. The kit may also be used to keep track of the shareholders and the value of their assets. However, a standard corporate kit only include six items: your , certificates of stock, ledger of , by-laws and sample minutes, minute binder, and other miscellaneous forms.

Business incorporation requires that every transaction of a stockholder or the management must be approved by the entire corporation. The corporate seal affixed on the document guarantees that the deal is legally approved. The seal is in the form of a portable press where documents are affixed or imprinted with the corporation seal. The seal imprint shows the corporation name, the approval date of the , and the state where the business is incorporated. Years back, all states required corporate seals. Today, only a few keeps the corporate seal requirements. But even so, corporate seal imprints lend business documents power or authority.

Of course, in , you are accepting the multiple system of ownership that comes with it. The business incorporation process requires you to divide the ownership of the business among yourself and your stockholders. Certificates of stocks ownership are issued to every stockholders with information about their part in the corporation. These certificates indicate the value of a stockholder's share in the business.

The value of a stockholder's stock determines his power within the corporation. Why? Because corporations can crash if major stockholders pull out their shares or investments. This is why it is important to keep track of the shares of each stockholder. Deals between the stockholders can also affect the corporation and must be closely monitored. These changes and deals are recorded in a ledger of stock transfer. For example, a major stockholder buys the shares of a minor partner to increase his value in the corporation. The details of this deal, like the issuance date, certificate numbers, and the stockholders involved in the trade, are all recorded for reference. These will come in handy if a need for business incorporation renewal should arise.

In accordance with business incorporation policies, the by-laws will dictate all the regulations concerning the corporation. It will cover policies from the organizational structure to the most trivial rule. Minutes and results of meetings and conferences are recorded in the minutes binder to establish the validity of each corporation decision. Business incorporation is all about working and managing a business with other people. However, as with all situations that deal with investments and money, lines must be kept straight. To know more about business incorporation, checkout http://www.incorporation-service.net ]]> Incorporating Your Business http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporating-your-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporating-your-business#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:57:31 +0000 incorporating in georgiacompetent lawyerfuture companydelicate issueforming a corporationbusinesspersontax identification number http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporating-your-business incorporating in Georgia; if you check with the Secretary of State's office in the state in which you live, you will get details on differences, if any, between your state and the state of Georgia.

While even the most competent or entrepreneur may not necessarily feel that they are prepared to undertake the process Incorporating in Georgia if you look at the process, step by step, you will find that it will not be nearly as intimidating or overwhelming as you may have thought, and with the advice of a , the process should be easy!

An incorporation attorney will let you know the range of documentation and other information needed for incorporation. If you have not already obtained a , or EIN, they will instruct you as to how to apply for one. In addition to all of the steps that are required for incorporation, your attorney will also advise you of other options which you may wish to consider, such as whether you may want your business to be recognized in states other than Georgia.

If you are uncertain about any of these matters, your attorney can offer experienced advice that will be in the best interest of your and its potential for the widest degree of success. Incorporation does not need to be expensive, and it is certainly worth the value as an investment in your new company.

is a precise process. There are many things which must be done, and they must be done correctly, in the correct order, and in accordance to a specific time frame. There are very few individuals who have either the degree of knowledge or the time to dedicate to doing it all properly. Even something as basic as meeting deadlines can be a for the businessperson who is too busy in the workplace to be as effective as necessary to deal with these details.

When you elect to consult with your attorney and leave the details in his hands, you are making the best possible decision for the eventual success of your new corporation.

If you choose not to go with a Georgia Attorney, of course, there are other alternatives. A number of companies now offer online incorporation services. Before you go with one of these services, however, be careful. There are many mistakes that can be made. For instance, if you file the wrong corporation, say, an S-Corporation rather than an LLC, you could be in for some major trouble during tax filing time! That is why we do recommend working with an Atlanta Attorney. Of course, if you do your homework and know the ins and outs of corporate and tax law, you may very well be able to do it on your own.Brad Jefferson is a successful entrepeneur and native of Atlanta, Georgia. He has incorporated many companies with the assistance of the Atlanta, Georgia Lawyers at Persily and Associates.]]> Establishing A Representative Office In China: Documentation http://www.artwoo.com/article/establishing-a-representative-office-in-china-documentation http://www.artwoo.com/article/establishing-a-representative-office-in-china-documentation#comments Thu, 30 Nov 2006 14:27:05 +0000 articles of incorporationincorporation documentssaicchief representativerepresentative officespassportsoffice premises http://www.artwoo.com/article/establishing-a-representative-office-in-china-documentation Chief Representative. It must also include the historical background of the head office, the names of the General Manager, the Chairman of the Board, and the other directors of the head office, the names of the head office's primary trading partners in China, and its business volume.

Supporting documents include (but are not necessarily limited to):

A completed application form

The foreign head office's , including certified copies of the Certificate of Incorporation, business registration certificate, (or equivalent), etc.

An original of a letter from the head office's bank attesting to the head office's financial standing (amount on deposit and other details pertinent to the company's financial reputation)

A letter appointing the Representative Office's Chief Representative and any other representatives, along with their resumes and copies of their IDs ( for non-Chinese nationals) and photos

Copies of the lease agreement for the Representative Office's from an approved unit (such as a commercial building or hotel)

Permit use certificate (required in some jurisdictions), to be completed and signed by the landlord and tenant

An "Approval Certificate for Premises to be Occupied by a Foreign Company" (required in some jurisdictions)

Other possible documentary requirements include:

(1) Board resolutions authorizing the establishment of the Representative Office and appointing the Chief Representative;

(2) Proof of more than US$10,000 in paid-in capital;

(3) Certification in both English and Chinese of the head office's Articles of Incorporation (or equivalent), and tax registration certificate.

All of the foregoing documentation should be prepared in both Chinese and English. Please note that certain jurisdictions require additional documentation and that industry-specific requirements apply in certain industries (such as finance). David Carnes is licensed to practice law in California. He speaks and reads Mandarin Chinese and has several years experience working with Chinese law firms and Sino-American joint ventures. His website, China Legal Bulletin, is at http://www.lunaticwisdom.com/blog1. ]]> Using Caution When Incorporating In California http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-caution-when-incorporating-in-california http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-caution-when-incorporating-in-california#comments Tue, 11 Apr 2006 11:00:04 +0000 incorporating in californiastate of californiaincorporating your businessfederal taxationbusiness ownerbeneficialbusiness incorporation http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-caution-when-incorporating-in-california business owner, you of course want to do what will give it the best chance for success. That includes making it easier for you to operate your business. That is why many proprietors turn to . can be very to you and your business. However, if you are a business owner in California, you might want to think hard about the decision to incorporate there. or incorporating in another state and operating your business in California can cause a business owner more headaches than need be.

Incorporation is a process that a business owner goes through in order to turn his business into a corporation. There are many federal legal benefits to doing this, including having your personal assets protected from seizure in the event of legal issues, the establishment of a credit rating separate from your personal credit rating, longevity of the business, lower , and the ability to easily transfer ownership. And depending on which state you incorporate your business in, it can be a very simple process, requiring little to no paperwork and fees, or it can be a demanding process that requires filing paperwork and paying multiple fees and taxes. Such is the case when incorporating in California.

Incorporating in California can prove challenging due to its strict regulations and daunting taxation issues. Many businesses choose to incorporate in neighboring states where the regulations are more relaxed, in order to avoid this trouble. However, this can lead to a whole host of problems if care is not taken (and extra expense laid out) to make sure that the is in the loop.

The state of California is notoriously strict when it comes to where your business is operating. If you are running your business with an office facility and you employ staff members (even if it is out of your home) in California, then the state of California considers your business a California business, no matter where you are incorporated. The state will claim jurisdiction (authority over your business), because the day-to-day operations are there. Even if you do incorporate your business someplace other than California, you are required to register with the state of California and pay the required taxes.

Therefore, the question might be, why not just look into incorporating in California, rather than getting hit with two sets of fees and taxes by incorporating in another state while operating out of California?

You might think that you can fly under the radar and conduct your business operations in California without going through the proper notification, while being incorporated in another state. You will eventually be caught, though, and you will be subject to steep fines, back fees and taxes, in addition to having your business audited (which will close down the shop temporarily). It won't be a good situation for you or your business to be in.

It is possible to get around incorporating in California. You can incorporate in another state, while operating business there AND in California. Because it is such a harsh atmosphere for business, incorporating in California and doing business there is not as easy as it is in other states. Unfortunately, unless you can move to another state to operate your business there, you will have to go through the rigors that businesses in California are subject to. About The Author: Mark is a director of 3 Internet Companies, is a published author and has written many articles on a widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.llc-incorporation.info ]]> Incorporation Services: What Are The Benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporation-services-what-are-the-benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporation-services-what-are-the-benefits#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2006 18:00:07 +0000 incorporateparitycorporationstranslatefringe benefitstax holidaystax exemption http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporation-services-what-are-the-benefits incorporate because of the benefits that can be derived from it.

Not long ago, only big businesses were incorporated. These businesses can provide the best compensation packages and benefits that are near to impossible in smaller establishments that are not incorporated.

During the middle half of the 1900's, other smaller businesses started picking up the idea. One of the reasons that incorporated businesses enjoy is and that into big savings that can be used as additional capital.

During the 70's the reason to incorporate even small businesses had been so attractive that small businesses started to incorporate. Later however, congress started curtailing the benefits that the big are enjoying that today, even small organizations can start having additional . This resulted in smaller entities having with big corporations in terms of tax deductible benefits without being incorporated.

While parity has been achieved, there are still many reasons for incorporating.

One is image. A good title like President or the CEO of a corporation can command respect among clients. Clients would normally prefer to talk with the top executives of a company than any other person with a non-corporate title to back him up.

Another is the protection of a corporation when buying services. To soften the exposure of the company, many are now requiring independent contractors to incorporate themselves before their services are accepted.

An incorporated business has a wide range of powers. It has its own legal personality separate from its stockholders, owners and investors that is mandated and protected by state laws. It can Enter into contracts and buy and sell properties and goods subject to lawful transactions.

When legal problems arise, anyone from the company can represent the corporation in behalf of the company.

An incorporated company is liable for its own debts. The directors, shareholder and owners are shielded from the company's debt and can not be sued in behalf of the company. The company will have to bear the burden of is own debts from its own resources except in cases when an individual guarantees the corporate debt or as mandated by the court.

Corporations are granted a separate personality that it can go on even after the death of the owner and the shareholders.

In short, there is money to be saved privileges to be enjoyed when an entity is incorporated.

While books have been written whereby an individual can incorporate himself without a lawyer, the safest and surest way is still to have one. The expertise of a lawyer encompasses consideration for commercial law, laws on taxation, securities legislation, limited liability, local and national ordinances and a wealth of knowledge regarding business consideration. Furthermore, laws are being changed, proposed and amended from time to time that the law that a non-attorney is familiar with may already have been replaced.

A registered agent will be required for companies that are in the process of incorporation. They act as the representative for accepting service processes that include official government communication that are presented to the company, legal proceedings and legal notices.

Incorporation services can also provide you a registered agent when you require one. About The Author: Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides incorporation service resources on http://www.about-incorporation-services.info ]]> Business Incorporation -- Your Guide To The Best http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-incorporation-your-guide-to-the-best http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-incorporation-your-guide-to-the-best#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2006 10:50:04 +0000 limited liability companyincorporating in californiaforming an llcnevada corporationpersonal assetsforming a partnershiplectric law library http://www.artwoo.com/article/business-incorporation-your-guide-to-the-best Lectric Law Library's Lexicon:

A business structure that is a hybrid of a partnership and a corporation. Its owners are shielded from personal liability and all profits and losses pass directly to the owners without taxation of the entity itself.

What should you now before joining in an LLC?

Forming a is more complex than , but is less complicated than forming and operating a corporation. Forming a limited liability company is a formal process.

In a limited liability company, a member's legal liability is limited to his or her investment in the business. Generally, a member's are not at risk, but a member's personal assets may be at risk if any of the following occurs:

A member personally guarantees a business debt. The form of business is found to be a sham (not properly formed or maintained). A member becomes personally liable as a result of his or her own acts or conduct.

Having said that, here are a few links to sites where you can find help for your incorporation or where you can incorporate.

www.executivesolutions.biz

Among the packages and services you can find at Executive Solutions is the opportunity to create a basic . In doing so, you are afforded a Nevada certificate of incorporation, the preparations that create that certificate, a resident agent, and an SS-4 form to get your EIN. Also, you can find the options to create your own LLC. Both the LLC option and the Nevada corporation option come in premium editions, where you pay a bit more but receive a lot more.

www.companiesinc.com

Companies Incorporated offers incorporation services in all 50 States. Whether you are incorporating or , Companies Incorporated is the premier online incorporator. We're located in Southern California extending our relationships with Secretary of State Offices, nationwide. If you are , or any other state, we have walk in services available; California Incorporation has never been easier or safer. Incorporating in California can also be expedited by covering additional state of California incorporation fees. So, Incorporating in California is a breeze when you choose us as your Incorporating agency. So, when you incorporate online, or are incorporating in California, or any of the 50 US states, you can trust the experience that Companies Incorporated has offered since 1977.

www.geccorpservices.com

GEC Corporate Services, LLC, is a professional services organization specializing in nation-wide research, document retrieval, filing and managing all of your Corporate and Uniform Commercial Code requirements. It is a member of the National Registered Agents Inc. (NRAI) Affiliate Network. NRAI is the preferred provider for Fortune 500 companies to start-up businesses. NRAI provides the highest quality professional service at a very affordable price.

www.corporate.com

Founded in 1899 by the architects of Delaware's corporate laws, The Company Corporation has the tools and know-how to make starting and running a business easy and affordable. With more than 100 years of experience, TCC provides a nationwide network, a Delaware-based call center and a wide variety of corporate services. The Company Corporation has the expertise you can trust -- one out of every seven new corporations in the United States turns to us for help in forming their new business.

Please consider protecting your wealth. It just might make the difference between retiring early and not retiring at all! John Thompson is editor of http://www.direct-2-desktop.net/ which offers resources and information on business incorporation. ]]> The Difference In The Many Incorporation Entities http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-in-the-many-incorporation-entities http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-in-the-many-incorporation-entities#comments Mon, 21 May 2007 17:24:58 +0000 becoming incorporatedsole proprietorshipbusiness entitieslimited liability companythis means thatdoing businesssign contracts http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-in-the-many-incorporation-entities Becoming incorporated is not all that complicated. There are 4 that you can choose from. If you know the difference in the 4 of them, then you should not have any problems knowing which one is for you. However, here is a run down on the entities and what they are.

As is a business entity, and also is sometimes called a , or even a fictitious name. When you have a Doing Business As entity, this business is not separate from you. You the owner are personally responsible for all debt, law suits, and income that comes from this entity. When there is more than one person involved in the DBA entity, that person is also legally liable, and the entity is then known as a partnership.

Regular Corporation is also a type of entity that you may be considering. When you have a corporation, the owners are not personally responsible for any of the company's debt. The regular corporation can purchase real estate, , and can handle its own legal matters apart from the owners.

S Corporation is a entity that a corporation can form after becoming incorporated. With this status, the taxes are then changes so that it is taxed as if it were a sole proprietorship or partnership instead of a corporation.

LLC also known as is an entity that is generally the easiest and cheapest to obtain. It also provides protection for the owners, in the even that the LLC obtained debt, or were to be sued.

While becoming incorporated can be quite confusing to someone that has never owned a company before, it is all quite simple. If you are considering becoming incorporated, just be sure that you know how many people will be in it with you, what name you would like to operate under, and then you can choose which entity is best for you and your business. Find out more about Many Incorporation Entities at http://www.llc-explained.com ]]> Benefits To Incorporating A Business Today http://www.artwoo.com/article/benefits-to-incorporating-a-business-today http://www.artwoo.com/article/benefits-to-incorporating-a-business-today#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:19:59 +0000 personal assetsbankruptcy assetscertificate of incorporationarticles of incorporationtransfer ownershipcreditorslawsuits http://www.artwoo.com/article/benefits-to-incorporating-a-business-today personal assets against the claims of and .

Starting a corporation involves filing the (also called a Charter, ), listing the purpose of the corporation, its principal place of business and the number and type of shares of stock.

It's important to carefully consider the type of business entity that is right for you. You may feel an LLC is more suitable for you because it is often a more flexible form of ownership, especially suitable for smaller companies with a limited number of owners.

Yet there are important legal benefits to incorporating your business. The primary benefit is the safeguarding of personal assets against the claims of creditors and lawsuits. Individual proprietors and general partners are personally and jointly responsible for all the liabilities of a business such as loans, accounts payable and legal judgments.

In a corporation, however, stockholders, directors and officers typically are not liable for their company's debts and obligations. If one is personally involved in a lawsuit or bankruptcy, assets such as boats, cars and houses may be protected.

You can also easily of a business to someone else, either in whole or in part depending on the state. For instance, a person with a Delaware Corporation can transfer ownership of a corporation and not be required to file or record the transfer.

Another factor that makes incorporating a good decision is taxation. In the United States, corporations are taxed at a lower rate than individuals. In addition to the lower tax rates there are no limits on the amount of losses a corporation may carry forward to subsequent tax years.

Also corporations have the ability to raise funds through the sale of its own stock. You can raise capital from investors for your corporation easily through the sale of your stock. This can be crucial for expanding and developing a business.



Forming a corporation can also mean durability. Its existence is not affected by the death or absence of shareholders, directors, or officers of the corporation. In essence your corporation can exist indefinitely.

A corporation also has the ability to establish its own credit rating. Regardless of an owner's personal credit scores, corporations acquire their own credit rating, and build a separate credit history by applying for and using corporate credit.

Incorporating can be accomplished easily today in a number of ways. There are online resources where you can download incorporation forms or have a legal service complete the application process for you.

Ultimately you need to determine what your business goals are and decide if forming a corporation will work for you. Incorporating today has become a crucial step for many new business owners seeking to protect themselves and their business. To learn more about forming and LLC or Incorporating your Business go to http://www.legaldocumentfinder.com. Kennard McGill is an online publisher and writes articles on numerous topics. ]]> Incorporating Your Business In Florida http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporating-your-business-in-florida http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporating-your-business-in-florida#comments Tue, 16 May 2006 18:32:06 +0000 incorporating your businessbenefits of incorporatingstate of floridapersonal assetspersonal fundscorporationsbusiness owner http://www.artwoo.com/article/incorporating-your-business-in-florida business owner, you might be looking for the best opportunities that will allow your business to grow and be nurtured in a secure environment. This can be accomplished by . Incorporation is the formation of a business or non-profit organization into a corporation. There are many benefits for you and your business in doing this. And if you are a business owner in the , the there can be even greater.

The benefits of incorporating your business in general are pretty appealing. For example, you are protected against creditors' claims and lawsuits when you incorporate your business. In a corporation, stockholders and other officers are only legally responsible for the amount of money that they invested. In addition, can own personal assets like homes or vehicles. These assets are protected in the event that one is personally embroiled in court proceedings or bankruptcy.

When you incorporate your business, it is easy to transfer any portion of ownership to other parties in the corporation. Also, various types of retirement plans and funds are set up with greater ease for a corporation. And, corporations are taxed at a lower rate than individuals. Other benefits of incorporating your business include the fact that stock can be sold in order to raise funds for the corporation (less out of your pocket!), a corporation can continue for an indefinite period even if deaths of any prominent members occur, and since corporations attain their own credit rating unique to the individual who started the business, the credit history of the corporation is not tied directly to the chief officer.

Because Florida acquires so much of its revenue annually from tourism, there is great reason to believe that bringing your business to or starting your business in the state of Florida will not only help add to the great business and industry there, but will help your business to thrive, no matter what service you provide or products you sell. There are even greater benefits for your business if you consider incorporating in Florida over other states.

For starters, there is no personal income tax in Florida. By incorporating your business in Florida and opting for "S" status, you are not required to file a state income tax return after the first year. This will help you reap huge benefits in the long run. Also, the state of Florida has no minimum asset requirement for incorporating a business. That means that you don't have to plunk down a lot of cash out of your pocket. This is especially beneficial if you are a small, young business and do not have a lot of personal assets to put into the business.

Another benefit of incorporating in Florida is that you don't have to have more than 1 person involved in your company. Some states require that a different person be seated for each corporate position. Florida does not have that prerequisite. Shareholders and other officers in your corporation (if there are any) can also remain anonymous, because the Florida Secretary of State office does not insist on a list of people that are involved in your business, or any of their personal information, such as phone numbers or addresses.

The state of Florida makes it very easy to be an incorporated business owner there. It business-friendly tax laws and lenient requirements make it seem almost too good to be true for business owners. By considering incorporating your business in the state of Florida, you can feel secure knowing that you and your business will be shielded from burdensome legal issues, and that you and your business colleagues will enjoy success in one of the most popular states in the United States. Mark is a director of 3 Internet Companies, is a published author and has written many articles on a widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.llc-incorporation.info ]]> Canada Business - Incorporation Canadian Companies http://www.artwoo.com/article/canada-business-incorporation-canadian-companies http://www.artwoo.com/article/canada-business-incorporation-canadian-companies#comments Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:36:28 +0000 incorporating a business in canadacanadian jurisdictionssole proprietorshipconflict searchbritish columbia albertafederal jurisdictionisland northwest http://www.artwoo.com/article/canada-business-incorporation-canadian-companies incorporating a business in Canada, a company in Canada can be registered in each of the including federal, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Nunavut Territories and the Yukon Territory. Each jurisdiction will have a slightly different procedure, price and forms. In order to determine how to incorporate in a particular Canadian jurisdiction you must check the appropriate Corporate Registry for the province in which the business will be operating.

The basic principles of incorporating a business in Canada are as follows:

1) Choosing a Name

2) Obtaining a Nuan Name Search Report

3) Completing a form of Articles of Incorporation, a form of Notice of Directors and/or Notice of Registered Office

4) Setting Up Your Corporate Minute Book

5) Determining if you need to be extra-provincially registered

6) Maintaining Your Company's Records

Great consideration should be given to the name that you choose for your company. You must ensure this name is not similar, does not sound the same as or is remotely the same as any other corporation, business name, , partnership or trade-mark registered in any of the provinces, territories or federally in Canada. It is not enough that the name is available. It can still be considered a conflict. Search houses are trained to determine whether a proposed name is available or could be a future conflict if used. With the exception of the , the governments will accept a name if it is available which may not be enough to determine whether the name could be a conflict in the future. If it turns out to be a conflict you may be forced to change the name which will be very costly regardless of the fact that your government allowed you to incorporate the name. Using a qualified search house to assist you with obtaining your name search report will cut down the chance of this happening since their are trained.

You should do a preliminary name search before ordering name search reports to incorporate in all jurisdictions in Canada. There are name granting guidelines for each jurisdiction and you will need to provide a name search report. The name search report allows the government to determine if your name is available prior to accepting your articles of incorporation. In order to ensure the proposed name is not rejected a preliminary name search should be performed.

There is no guarantee though that having a preliminary name search performed there still might be a confliction because sometimes not all relevant names will show up but it does narrow the possibility of rejection.

You will be required to provide a Name Search Report to incorporate or register in Canada. You should obtain your Nuans name search in advance since if you register online or in person, you will be required to provide the report number or a copy of the report as the case may be before you will be able to incorporate.

For Ontario articles of incorporation or if you are starting a business in Alberta, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Federal jurisdictions you will be required to provide a Nuans Name Search Report. The other provinces have their own form of name search that you will be required to provide.

The federal government in particular will scrutinize your proposed name very closely before allowing your incorporation to go through. For this reason it is a good idea to obtain an advance Name Decision from the federal government before submitting articles of incorporation to incorporate federally in Canada. This service is not provided in any of the provinces and territories.

You would still do the preliminary name search to rule out any obvious conflicts and then a full Nuans name search report should be ordered. The report is submitted to the federal government and a Name Decision is requested.

If the federal government does not like the name you have choosen you will be required to provide a Nuans name search each time you pre-clear a name with them if you wish a second or third Name Search Decision. This could become costly. It is therefore a good idea to have someone with experience pre-clear the name before ordering a full federal Nuans Name Search. This is called a preliminary name search. An experienced search clerk will have better results at getting a Name Decision the first time round. Since incorporating federally is the cheapest you will more than likely save money even with the use of a search house to assist you.

If you do not wish to go through the procedure of obtaining an alpha name for your company you can register a numbered company which will have a name such as 9999999 Ontario Inc. or 9999999 Canada Ltd., and so on.

Each province, territory and the federal government will have its own form of articles of incorporation. Each government has a section on its website which outlines the requirements for incorporation and the forms to be completed. In most cases you can download these forms, fill them in and print them off. You will always be required to provide two fully originally executed copies of the forms. Frequently additional forms are required to be completed as well including a Notice of Directors and/or a Notice of Registered Office either at the time of incorporation or within so many days after incorporation. When you register online the government will request the registration number associated with the name search report you ordered.

You will be required to provide the name of the company, the registered office address (which is the address where government mail can be sent), the names of the directors and their addresses (these must be physical addresses where the directors can be located in person), the nature of business (which should in most cases be left blank to enable any business to be carried on), the share attributes (which in most cases would be an unlimited number of common shares), the attributes for the shares (which in most cases can be not applicable if only one class of shares is shown), the transfer restrictions (which should be upon approval of the directors and shareholders) and the special provisions (which provide that shares cannot be sold to the public and the number of shareholders will be less than 50).

Incorporations are governed by the business corporation statutes in the various jurisdictions. For instance in Ontario it is called the Business Corporations Act. In Ontario Section 105 of the statute provides that a director of a corporation (a) must be at least 18, (b) of sound mind, and (c) a person, (d) not bankrupt.

A certain number of the directors will need to be resident Canadians and each statute will have it own definition of what a resident Canadian is. Basically it is a person who lives in Canada, is a Canadian citizen or a Landed Immigrant. Therefore if the director is a Canadian and lives outside of Canada he or she would not be considered a resident Canadian and if all of your directors had that same classification then you would more than likely not be in compliance with the requirements.

When you incorporate the incorporation documents instructions might very well provide you with how many resident Canadians are required for a company in your province or territory.

This is the part that many small business owners do not bother to do and it is very important. Once you are incorporated you will need to appoint the officers, approve the form of share certificate, allot the shares to the shareholder and the shareholder has to pay for the shares, and elect the permanent directors. If you do not do this and you are the owner of the company and something happens to you, there will be no record of you being the shareholder and therefore the ownership of the company comes into question. As well, if you decide to sell your company down the road and you have no minute book, then you will have to pay to have one set up before you can sell and this will be much more costly than if you had done it in the first place. Your minute book can be a binder rather than an expensive minute book.

Federal companies will need to register in the province or territory where your company is situationed which is usually just a form. This let's the province or territory know that you are carrying on business in its province.

If you are a company incorporated in a province or territory you do not need to register extra-provincially in that province since your articles notify the government that you are there. However, you may wish to carry on business in another province as well. Maybe you are selling products across Canada. There are special criteria for considering whether you need to register and each province has an extra-provincial statute that outlines the requirements.

A company can carry on business under a name that is different than its own. For instance you can have a company name called Holly Incorporated and that company may register a business name called Holly Paralegal and another one called Holly Trucking Services, and so on. Frequently people will incorporate a numbered company and then register a business name such as "Joe's Dry Cleaning" under that name. You should do a business name registration search before you register the business name against the company.Holly Crosgrey is a a paralegal with over 20 years experience in Canadian corporate law. She is the owner of Resources for Canadian Business Owners at http://www.canadianbusinessresources.ca. She also owns http://www.hollyscentsgourmetcandles.ca and http://www.hollyscents.ca and has a section on her website called E-Book Library devoted to internet marketing.She also is an avid internet marketer.]]> How To Be Happy With Your Offshore Banking Strategy. http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-happy-with-your-offshore-banking-strategy http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-happy-with-your-offshore-banking-strategy#comments Sun, 26 Aug 2007 05:25:02 +0000 personal income taxprivate banksassetsinternational banksbeneficial ownerthird partiesoffshore bank http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-happy-with-your-offshore-banking-strategy international banks are sited there. Research the bank's history and find out who its real owner is. Ask about staff turnover, especially if you are looking for investment help.

Consider what you want from an . Deposits, current account, savings, money transfer, or investing? Take your time to discover as much as you can about whether the bank offers the services you need.

People mainly use offshore to protect from . They can deal in cash, securities, investing etc. The identity of the owner can be protected by offshore legislation or can even be anonymous.

One can keep control over one's assets yet third parties can't link the assets to the . They are far more lawsuit-resistant than assets held by in one's home country.

However, one of the most common, false beliefs is that offshore private banks can legally prevent assets from being subject to on interest.

Certainly some have low or no taxation, this exception is generally associated with one's accounts meeting complex requirements. The 'no-taxes' idea is wrong as the personal income tax of most nations makes no distinction between interest earned in local banks and that earned offshore, adding clauses to enforce tax revenue.

Some things to look for before opening an offshore account are the benefits you will receive regarding privacy, taxes, and security. You will also want to see how long the bank has been operating, the rules and regulations it follows, policies and so on.

Once your account is established, you are issued a bank card, then after that you can use the bankcard to withdraw cash and to pay for everyday expenses. Some facilitators provide them for 'free' as part of an incorporation package. The account is only set up once you've established an IBC or an offshore Trust.

An offshore broker site can:

- Facilitate your access to offshore private banks; - Introductions to banks in all major jurisdictions; - Open personal, corporate or offshore accounts; - Manage these accounts; - Arrange or transfer letters of credit; - Creating trusted structures; - Sort out debit and credit cards and - Online banking.

Offshore corporations associated with these accounts can't conduct business inside their country of incorporation.

They are often completely tax-free: they are exempt from tax on their profits or assets. They do have to pay a small annual licence fee, usually a couple of hundred dollars. Ideal offshore bank accounts should not need to file annual accounts or returns. They are usually as easy to incorporate as a limited company in the U.K. or the U.S.A.

Offshore shelf companies are companies that have already been formed, with the intention that someone will buy them later. Such a company will not have traded, and can be transferred to the customer immediately. The only drawback of such a company is that you can't select a name in advance.

Consider asset protection. When you look for an offshore bank account, have in mind that there are some ways to get your assets protected from any form of liability. You should get an expert to help you manage your corporation, at least for some initial advice, so that they are protected from any kind of liability.

Also, there are some general requirements almost all offshore banking institutions require before an account may be opened. These include:

- Copies of identification or passports of the company owners; - Copy of bylaws and articles of incorporation for the company; - Bankers reference (sometimes two required); - Completed application forms, and - Banking information. T. O' Donnell http://www.ttoffshorebanking.com/offshore-banking-service.shtml is a licenced credit broker based in London, UK. ]]> Seo - What Is Seo Copywriting? http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-what-is-seo-copywriting http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-what-is-seo-copywriting#comments Tue, 26 Dec 2006 04:27:09 +0000 search engine spidersoverture keyword searchkeyword search toolseosearch enginescopywritingwebsite promoter http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-what-is-seo-copywriting SEO , the acronym SEO stands for search engine optimized copywriting. This refers to the craft of writing text on a page in a way that is readable to both surfers and . The ultimate purpose of SEO copywriting is to elevate your site's ranking in the through the incorporation of targeted keywords and keyword descriptions that are found right in the body of the text on your website.

The keywords are obtained by finding out how people phrase their requests when they input a request into the search engines. Commonly searched for content is found using a such as the tool. Once the top ten to twenty to keywords are found, articles are then created around each of these key phrases and posted to the web site in the form of a blog or articles. Each of these new search engine optimized articles creates new portals for the search engines to spider when people type in those key phrases during a search. So in essence the search engine optimized article is mainly a way to increase sales or membership conversions by increasing your visibility in the search engines.

Professional SEO copywriters that keyword paragraphs ideally be about 250 -500 words in length but no more than 100 words. These types of articles must be well written and informative with at least two of the search terms strategically placed within the text and other on-page elements.

Yet another use for these articles is as submissions to ezine and article directories where people will post them, along with a link to your site on their own site. This is a way of making others do your advertising for you and increasing traffic so that you can make a bigger profit with your website. Chris Angus is a SEO and , he can be contacted at sales(at)brilliantseo.com http://www.seocompanyuk.com http://www.mobility-direct.co.uk http://www.chooseinsurance.co.uk ]]> Seo - What Is Seo Copywriting? http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-what-is-seo-copywriting http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-what-is-seo-copywriting#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:15:01 +0000 seo copywritingoverture keyword search toolsearch engine spidersoverture keyword searchkeyword search toolsearch engineswebsite promoter http://www.artwoo.com/article/seo-what-is-seo-copywriting SEO copywriting, the acronym SEO stands for search engine optimized copywriting. This refers to the craft of writing text on a page in a way that is readable to both surfers and . The ultimate purpose of SEO copywriting is to elevate your site's ranking in the through the incorporation of targeted keywords and keyword descriptions that are found right in the body of the text on your website.

The keywords are obtained by finding out how people phrase their requests when they input a request into the search engines. Commonly searched for content is found using a such as the tool. Once the top ten to twenty to keywords are found, articles are then created around each of these key phrases and posted to the web site in the form of a blog or articles. Each of these new search engine optimized articles creates new portals for the search engines to spider when people type in those key phrases during a search. So in essence the search engine optimized article is mainly a way to increase sales or membership conversions by increasing your visibility in the search engines.

Professional SEO copywriters that keyword paragraphs ideally be about 250 -500 words in length but no more than 100 words. These types of articles must be well written and informative with at least two of the search terms strategically placed within the text and other on-page elements.

Yet another use for these articles is as submissions to ezine and article directories where people will post them, along with a link to your site on their own site. This is a way of making others do your advertising for you and increasing traffic so that you can make a bigger profit with your website. Chris Angus is a SEO and , he can be contacted at sales(at)brilliantseo.com http://www.seocompanyuk.com http://www.mobility-direct.co.uk http://www.chooseinsurance.co.uk ]]> Should You Incorporate Your Business? http://www.artwoo.com/article/should-you-incorporate-your-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/should-you-incorporate-your-business#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:29:59 +0000 federal tax idsocial security numberpersonal assetsfinancial entityillegal actsapplicable statutescorporate purposes http://www.artwoo.com/article/should-you-incorporate-your-business financial entity from yourself. Legally a corporation is treated as a citizen. It even has its own for tax purposes, called a .

Most people incorporate to limit their personal liability so that they shield their . For instance, if your incorporated business was sued and found liable for damages, the winner could not take your personal car or home. Furthermore, incorporating creates a more professional image, and often helps with your taxes. If you plan to receive outside investment to grow your business corporation is the way to go. Incorporation protects you in many regards, but it does not protect you from any criminal charges by you or the corporation. You can't hide behind your corporation to commit and expect to be free from liability.

By investing cash or other property in your corporation you become an owner of an interest. In exchange for your personal investment you are issued stock in the corporation. A person with that ownership interest is called a stockholder or shareholder. Once you become a shareholder your liability is normally limited to the value of the cash or other property you have contributed to the corporation in exchange for stock.

As a general rule, the shareholder's assets not invested in the corporation are safe from the corporation's creditors. A shareholder may become personally liable for corporate debts if the corporation is not formed in compliance with or it operates in violation of , or if the corporation is functioning as a mere front for its shareholders rather than for . In other words, if you are simply creating a corporation to avoid liability, may become personally liable.

Under certain circumstances, corporate officers may be held personally liable for the corporation's failure to pay state and federal income tax withholdings. Additionally, a shareholder may be required to personally guarantee a loan of the corporation in order to satisfy a lender. If a shareholder does so, his liability is no longer limited to the value of his investment in the corporation.

The business affairs of your corporation are managed by the board of directors and officers. The directors are elected by the shareholders. For this reason, while shareholders have the ultimate control of a corporation because of their stock ownership, the every day management lies with the board of directors through its officers. In small corporations the shareholders, directors and officers are often the same persons. George Meszaros with Webene http://www.webene.com ]]> How To Form A Limited Company http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-form-a-limited-company http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-form-a-limited-company#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:08:28 +0000 becoming a limited companydividend paymentsregistering your businesssuperficial reasonshousehold namesole tradersnational insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-form-a-limited-company household name is to form a limited company. Over the course of this article I will explore how to go about and the benefits of doing so...

The Benefits of a Limited Company?

Of course, the formation of a limited company sounds a fantastic idea -- it's a benchmark for how far your business has come and lends an air of legitimacy and respectability to all your future dealings. But behind these , there are also some obvious benefits to :

- The main advantage of the formation of a limited company is the limited liability status you are granted. This means that if the company goes into receivership the shareholders and officers' own assets are not at risk (provided you have always operated within the law!)

- and Partnerships pay tax on the first penny of profit they make. If you're a limited company, the first £10,000 of your profits is free from the taxman's grasp.

- Profits of the company can be paid as dividends to the shareholders. Currently is not applicable to , reducing your taxes further...

- As suggested above, your customers and suppliers are likely to have more confidence in a limited company ahead of a non-limited business. You may find that more people are happy to deal with you, making it easier for your business to continue its growth.

- No two limited companies are allowed the same name, so registering is a good way of protecting your brand outside of your region.

- There is no obligation for a limited company to begin trading immediately, so forming one is considered a lot cost and simple way to protect a business name. This doesn't in itself give the right to use the name, but it's a good for companies who anticipate future developments well in advance.

How's it done?

So now that you know the benefits that a limited company is allowed, how exactly do you go about become one?

While there are a lot of websites offering to help with the process, the cheapest and most straightforward way to form a limited company is to deal with Companies House directly. For this, you will need:

- A memorandum of association. This outlines the company name, its registered offices and what it does.
- Articles of association. These establish the rules for carrying out the company's internal affairs.

On top of this, you will then need to fill out Form 10 (which provides details of directors, the secretary and the registered offices) and Form 12 (a statutory declaration of compliance with all legal requirements surrounding the limited company's incorporation.)

Companies Houses charges a standard fee of £20 to form a limited company, but also offers a premium service that offers same day incorporation for £50, which should be considered if the funds are available and time is a factor.

If all this sounds a bit of a hassle (and it really can be -- mistakes are very easy to make in the process), there are simpler routes if you're willing to pay a premium. You can consult a lawyer or a business agreements specialist to ensure that the process is not delayed any more than necessary, although this will cost you. Alternatively, one of the quickest is to buy an "off the shelf" company from a company formation agent. This is one of the quickest routes, but expect to pay well over £100 for the privilege -- although of course you can shop around. An off-the-shelf business will already have a registered company name, but you can change this easily to the business name of your choice.

And that's the process of formation for limited companies. There are reasons to stay self employed, but from a tax perspective the positives outweigh the negatives!Iain Mackintosh is the managing director of Simply-Docs. The firm provides over 1100 business agreements covering all aspects of business from holiday entitlement to non-disclosure agreements.]]> How To Bore People and Blend Into The Woodwork At Business Networking Functions! http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-bore-people-blend-into-the-woodwork-at-business-networking-functions http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-bore-people-blend-into-the-woodwork-at-business-networking-functions#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:00:02 +0000 soft skills developmentlogistical solutionslogistical solutionnetworking functionnetworking functionscommunications environmentfacilitation http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-bore-people-blend-into-the-woodwork-at-business-networking-functions
A couple of years ago, I introduced myself to an insurance salesman at a Chamber of Commerce . An honest mistake=85 After being educated for 9 and a half agonizing minutes about the benefits of whole life insurance versus term, I made my getaway, mumbling something about grabbing a coffee. It later occurred to me that there must be other entrepreneurs out there who aren't sure exactly what to do at business . "There ought'a be a manual!", I thought. Now, there is=85

The Twelve Steps to becoming an Anonymous Entrepreneur

1. Wear grey! If grey is not available, curtain beige or sofa brown plaid will do.

2. Tell them that your business "specializes in promoting of and incorporation of systems in a pro-active =85"

3. Make sure they get the full 60 second shpiel. If they interrupt you, start again at the beginning. You've crafted your infomercial, don't let them throw you off by asking questions.

4. Tell them that you have 25 years experience doing what you said in point #2 above, and repeat it, just in case they didn't get it all the first time.

5. Tell them you also do HR outsourcing on the side.

6. Don't ask about them. They're interested in you! Well, they asked, didn't they? This is your chance to impress!

7. Hand them a two to three page photocopied pamphlet about your business in case they want to go straight home and read more about your "facilitation of soft skills development and incorporation of in a proactive communications environment," and give them a couple of extra pamphlets in case they want to give some to their friends and neighbors.

8. Don't tell them about the time you went skydiving in the Himalayas to rescue baby llamas or that you got a Line Dancing scholarship to the University of Texas because this is business. They are much more interested in hearing about ALL the features and benefits of your doodad.

9. Avoid talking to anyone who does what you do. No sense wasting time on the competition. What if they try to copy some of your techniques or worse, hit on some of your prospective customers? Hopefully they'll never show up again anyway. Giving them the squinty eye will seal the deal.

10. Make sure your cell phone is on a string around your neck so you don't miss any important calls and, besides, you want to show these guys you are a busy professional. Juggling a few clipboards and briefcases helps as well.

11. Avoid smiling, business is serious, and make sure your suit looks exactly like everyone else's.

12. Did I mention that you should wear grey or sofa beige (a slightly different shade than curtain beige). Some points can't be stressed enough!!

I could go on and on but I was only paid for 12 tips . . . Happy Networking! TSUFIT is a coach specializing in helping entrepreneurs and keynote speakers to captivate their audiences. To learn how to attract, rather than chase, your clients and prospects, check out Tsufit's 11 Secrets from the Spotlight!, available fr.ee at http://www.secretsfromthespotlight.com ]]> Entrepreneur's Beware! http://www.artwoo.com/article/entrepreneurs-beware http://www.artwoo.com/article/entrepreneurs-beware#comments Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:22:27 +0000 limited liability corporationtrue entrepreneurtax deferralsole proprietorstarting your own businesspersonal assetsbusiness deduction http://www.artwoo.com/article/entrepreneurs-beware starting your own business. Working for others may be a necessity so you can get on your feet, gain some experience and a book of business, and move forward securely, but it is hardly the ideal for a who has the spirit and passion to go out on their own.

While this entreprenerial spirit can be positive, and indeed most of the great pioneers in American history have been truly entrepreneurial in nature, this personality type does lend itself to some signficant flaws. Primary among them, entrepreneurs are often too positive in nature, too willing to take on risks that maybe they should not, and too passionate to move forward without often doing the necessary research to do so in the best manner possible.

This is often true with regard to the structure of the business. Indeed, many entrepreneurs do not even bother incorporating. Especially for an online venture where it is simply too easy to open a new website to try selling a new product or service, the process of incorporating can seem to just "get in the way" of going ahead and making money!

However, there are some very important advantages to incorporating a business, and a good entrepreneur would be wise to take heed before moving forward. One advantage is that if your business is a , this means your individual assets are not at stake as they would be if you were the . As a shareholder, your risk is determined by the amount you have invested. What belong to the company belongs to the company, and what belongs to you belongs to you-- you will not be risking your own .

Second, there are some tax advantages to incorporation. When your business's tax credit is applied, your taxable income is likely to be significantly lower than it would be without this . You will also be eligible for . While these are important points in general, they are even more beneficial to a business which is relatively new and not yet secure in its financial assets. When your business is incorporated, dealing with your annual income taxes will involve a little less money and much less worry.

Incorporating your business has the potential for helping your business to grow. This can cover a variety of aspects from attracting more customers to making more sales to having your business more widely recognized. Your small business simply has the potential of doing more business and better business if it is incorporated. While it is not a guarantee, there usually is a much higher responsiveness to a limited liability corporation than to a business that is a sole proprietorship.

If you have decided, or are considering, incorporating your small business, it is wise to seek assistance from an attorney. While incorporating your business is not extremely difficult, there are many steps and much paperwork necessary for this process, and the process will be easier and accurate if you do not try to do it all on your own.

All in all, the entrepreneurial spirit and the American Dream are what keeps this country moving forward. It is wonderful, and nothing should take that away from a true entrepreneur. But, that does not mean that you should not move forward with caution, and with respect to first setting up your business structure properly and legally, could mean the difference between success and failure.Sandy Pensner has been an entrepreneur for a number of years, and has set up numerous entities. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and consults with the Incorporation Specialists at http://www.formacorpga.com as well as the Atlanta Attorneys at Persily and Associates]]>