Tag: Business

Check Out Our Reliable Business Credit Card Comparison

The Only Business Credit Card Comparison You’ll Ever Need

We performed a business credit card comparison and did the research for you. So, here are our top picks.

Per the SBA, company credit card limits are a whopping 10 – 100 times that of consumer cards!

This reveals you can get a lot more money with small business credit. And it also shows you can have personal credit cards at stores. So, you would now have an additional card at the same retail stores for your small business.

And you will not need collateral, cash flow, or financial data to get small business credit.

Business Credit Card Comparison: Benefits

Perks can vary. So, make sure to select the benefit you like from our business credit card comparison.

Business Credit Card Comparison: 0% APR – Pay Nothing!

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Credit Card

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card has no yearly fee and comes with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first nine months. Thereafter, the card has a 13.24 – 23.24% variable APR

Earn 3 points/dollar spent when you book travel via the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points/dollar on all other purchases. You can earn unlimited points and points will never expire.

Details

There is a 25,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $1,000 in the initial 60 days of opening up the account. Cardholders get travel accident insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement.

They additionally get trip cancellation coverage, trip delay reimbursement and other benefits.

There is no introductory rate for balance transfers. Also, bonus categories are limited.

Get it here: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-business-credit-card/

JetBlue Plus Card

Check out the JetBlue Plus Card for one more offer of a 0% introductory APR

Earn six points/dollar on JetBlue purchases, two points/dollar at dining establishments and grocery stores. And get one point/dollar on all other purchases.

Details

Spend $1,000 in the first 90 days and pay the yearly fee, and get 40,000 bonus points. New cardholders get a 12-month, 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made in 45 days of account opening.

After that, the variable APR on purchases and balance transfers is 17.99%, 21.99% or 26.99%, based upon creditworthiness. Benefits include a free first checked bag and 50% savings on in-flight purchases.

There is a $99 annual fee for this card.

Get it here: https://cards.barclaycardus.com/cards/jetblue-card/

Uber Visa Card

Check out the Uber Visa Card. Uber is the first ride-sharing service to offer a credit card, in a partnership with Visa and Barclays.

The card offers 4% back per dollar spent at restaurants, takeout and bars, including UberEATS. Also, get 3% back on hotel, airfare and vacation home rentals. And earn 2% back on online purchases.

So, this includes retailers and subscription services such as Uber and Netflix. And get 1% back on all other purchases. Each percent/point has a value of 1 cent. Redeem points for cash back, gift cards or Uber credits directly in the app.

By spending a minimum of $500 in the first 90 days, users can earn a $100 sign-up bonus. Cardholders spending at least $5,000 annually are eligible to receive a $50 credit toward online subscription services.

Details

If you pay your cellular phone bill with this card, you are insured up to $600 for cellphone damage or theft.

Cardholders are eligible for exclusive access to specific events and offers. Uber expects most of these offers will be available in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and DC. There is no foreign transaction fee.

But there is no introductory rate. The APR is a variable 16.99%, 22.74% or 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Cardholders with less than stellar credit will be on the higher end of the range.

Also, there are restrictions on Uber credits. To redeem points as credits in the Uber app, accumulate a minimum of 500 points, or $5. Cardholders can convert a maximum of 50,000 points, or $500, per day.

Get it here: https://www.uber.com/c/uber-credit-card/

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi

Not taking Uber? Then you’ll need to fill your gas tank someway. Why not do so with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi?

This card earns cash back with every purchase. Earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on eligible gas purchases annually (1% after that). Get 3% cash back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases. Also, get 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com. And earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Note: the $0 annual fee is only for Costco members. And an active Costco membership is required. Cardholders will get access to damage and theft purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and travel accident insurance.

Also, there is no sign-up bonus available with this card.

Get it here: https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/credit-card-details/citi.action?ID=Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-business-credit-card

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Have a look at the Ink Business Cash ℠ Credit Card. Small businesses can get cash back with each purchase. Spend $3,000 in the initial three months from account opening. And you’ll earn a $500 bonus cash back.

There is a $0 annual fee with a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Afterwards, the APR is a 15.24 – 21.24% variable.

The card features travel and purchase coverage benefits. So, this includes an auto rental collision damage waiver and extended warranty protection.

Details

Earn additional cash back on business categories. So, these include office supply stores, telecommunications, gas stations and restaurants.

Note: this credit card has a balance transfer fee. Pay 5% of the amount transferred or $5, whichever is greater. Also, there is a foreign transaction fee of 3%.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/ink-cash

United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card

Get a good look at the United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card.

Earn 2 miles/dollar with United and at restaurants, gas stations and office supply stores. All other purchases earn 1 mile/dollar. Earn a 50,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the initial three months from account opening.

Benefits include priority boarding, a free first checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation.

Details

Also, get two United Club passes annually. And get hotel and resort perks including upgrades. On top of that, get early check-in and late checkout. And get an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Also, get baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Finally, get trip delay reimbursement, purchase protection, price protection and concierge service.

After the first year, the card has an annual fee of $95. APR of 17.99% – 24.99%, based on creditworthiness.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/united-mileageplus-explorer-business

Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express

Another alternative is the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express.

This credit card is for those who stay at Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott hotels often. Get six points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels.

And get four points per dollar at American restaurants, US gas stations, and on American purchases for shipping.

Also, get four points to the dollar on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers. For all other eligible purchases, get two points per dollar.

Details

Earn 75,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the initial three months of account opening. Benefits include free in-room premium internet access, Sheraton Club lounge access, and purchase protection.

Plus, you get car rental loss and damage insurance. And you get baggage insurance. There is also a global assistance hotline. And there is a roadside assistance hotline. And get travel accident insurance and extended warranty coverage.

The most significant issue is the annual fee. There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then it’s $95 thereafter. Plus, there is no 0% introductory APR. Instead, there is a 17.74 – 26.74% variable APR

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/spg-amex-starwood-credit-card

Business Credit Card Comparison Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Business Credit Card Comparison: Terrific Cards for Cash Back

SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express

Check out the SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express. There is a $0 yearly fee. And there is a 0% APR on purchases. So, this is for the initial 15 months an account is open.

But when the introductory period ends, the APR for purchases is 14.24 to 21.24%. So, this is variable and based on creditworthiness.

Details

This card has several benefits. These include purchase protection, car rental loss and damage insurance. And they also include a baggage insurance plan, extended warranty coverage and a global assist hotline.

Also, get 5% cash back at US office supply stores and on wireless phone services. So, these must be bought from American service providers. But this pertains to the initial $50,000 of annual spending. Then, you earn 1% cash back.

You also get 3% cash back on spending category of your choice. So, this is from eight distinct categories. They include airfare, gas, advertising and computer purchases. But it applies to the first $50,000 of yearly spending. Then, you earn 1% cash back.

Cash-back bonuses are automatically credited to the customer’s billing statement.

Note: you cannot use this credit card for balance transfers. There is a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%. The credit card charges up to $38 in late fees. And the returned check fee is also $38. The penalty APR is 29.99%.

And, it kicks in if you have two or more late payments within 12 months. It can also apply if you fail to make the minimum payment on time or have a returned payment.

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/credit-cards/simply-cash-plus-business-credit-card/44279

Capital One® Quicksilver® Card

Check out the Capital One® Quicksilver® Card. It offers flat-rate rewards of 1.5% on all purchases. There are no limits to the amount of cash back rewards which cardholders can earn. Also, the card has a $0 annual fee.

New cardholders have a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after opening the account. And after that they have a 14.74 – 24.74% (variable) APR after that.

A cash bonus of $150 is on offer for those who make at the very least $500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening.

Details

Also, cash back rewards do not expire for the life of the account. And there is no limit to how much you can earn.

This card also offers travel accident insurance. And you get an auto rental collision damage waiver. There are no foreign transaction fees. And there is extended warranty coverage.

Downsides are the flat reward rate, not allowing for any more than that. And the higher APR after the first 15 months.

Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/quicksilver/

Business Credit Card Comparison: Small Business Credit Cards for Luxurious Travel Points

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

Be sure to check out the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business card for travel points. With this card, you can get 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. When you spend $4,500 within the first 3 months of opening an account, you can earn 50,000 miles. So, that is worth $500 in travel.

Benefits for cardholders include an auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase security. And they also include extended warranty coverage. And you get travel and emergency assistance services.

Cardholders will pay $0 introductory for the first year. But they will pay $95 after that for the annual fee.

There is no 0% APR for purchases or balance transfers with this card. The APR is 18.74% (variable).

Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-miles/

The Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN

Check out the Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN if you’re comfortable with an outrageous annual fee. This card earns 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on the American Express Travel website.

It also gets 2 points per dollar on travel purchases booked on the American Express Travel website.

Furthermore, it gets 1.5 points per dollar on purchases of $5,000 or more. So, this is with up to one million additional points per calendar year. All other eligible purchases earn one point per dollar.

Details

With this card’s welcome offer, you can earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $10,000. And earn another 25,000 points when you spend an additional $10,000 in that same period.

Cardholder benefits include global lounge access and a $200 airline fee credit. And you get a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.

Benefits also include complimentary Wi-Fi hotspot internet access, privileges including early check-in and daily breakfast at participating hotels and resorts. Plus, the card offers travel accident insurance and roadside assistance.

This card does not offer bonus point earnings in other categories like gas, office supplies or advertising. In addition, all of these benefits do not come cheap. Note: the card has a yearly fee of $450!

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/american-express-business-platinum-credit-card-amex

Business Credit Card Comparison Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

For travel points, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card. You can get 3 points/dollar on travel and dining at restaurants and 1 point/dollar on other purchases.

Spend $4,000 in the initial 3 months, and you will earn 50,000 bonus points. This card provides a $300 annual travel credit. And you get airport lounge access, perks at luxury hotels and resorts including upgrades.

It also provides a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, early check-in and late checkout. And it provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Details

Plus, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, and purchase protection. Finally, it also has return protection and extended warranty protection.

This credit card also offers cardholders a 25% higher points value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. With this card, points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

The biggest issues are the annual fee of $450 and $75 per authorized user. Another point to consider should be that the card has a 17.99 – 24.99% variable APR.

So, consider this one carefully and make sure to read the small print.

Get it here: https://www.chase.com/card-benefits/sapphirereserve/travel

IHG ® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Have a look at the IHG ® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. it gets hotel rewards worldwide. For every dollar spent at participating IHG hotels, get 10 points. Get two points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants.

Plus, all other purchases earn one point. New cardholders can get an 80,000-point sign-up bonus when they spend $2,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Details

This card provides a free one-night hotel stay per year. Plus, there is a range of benefits like travel and purchase coverage and an upgrade to Platinum Elite status with the IHG Rewards Club. The club offers complimentary room upgrades when available and guaranteed room availability.

The most significant issue is that the card does not offer a zero percent APR introductory rate. And the standard APR is 17.99 – 24.99% variable. Also, the annual fee is $89.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/ihg/premiernaep

Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card

This card earns six points/dollar spent at participating Marriott and SPG hotels. And get two points/dollar on all other purchases.

Spend $3,000 in the initial three months from account opening and get two free night awards (each valued up to 35,000 points).

Cardholders get access to perks including a free one-night stay annually after account anniversary. Also get travel and purchase protection. So, this includes free standard in-room Wi-Fi and priority late checkout.

Details

Perks include baggage delay reimbursement, and lost luggage reimbursement. There is also trip delay reimbursement. And there is purchase protection. Plus, there are concierge service and automatic Silver Elite status, which includes a 20% bonus on points.

Spend $35,000 each account year and get an upgrade to Gold Elite status. So, that includes a complimentary room upgrade, free daily breakfast and 4 PM late checkout.

There is an annual fee of $95. The APR is a 17.99 – 24.99% variable.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/marriott/apply

Business Credit Card Comparison: Unbeatable Cards for Jackpot Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Check out the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for travel points.

You can earn two points to the dollar spent on travel and dining at restaurants. And you can earn one point per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel.

The card’s benefits include trip cancellation insurance, travel and emergency assistance services. They also include an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

When you spend $4,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening, you will earn 50,000 bonus points. These points are worth $625 if you redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Details

You can earn an unlimited two points per dollar for travel and dining at restaurants. And then earn one point per dollar for all other purchases. Points will transfer equally to 13 leading frequent travel programs with partners. So, these include British Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, and Marriott.

There is no 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers. The card’s standard APR is 17.74 – 24.74% variable. Also, the card has an annual fee of $0 introductory for the first year. And then it skyrockets to $95.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred

Ink Business Preferred ℠ Credit Card

Get a look at the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card from Chase. Cardholders earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising with the card. So, this is up to $150,000 each year. And all other purchases earn an unlimited one point per dollar spent.

This is a Visa credit card.

Cardholders get benefits like purchase protection, trip cancellation or interruption insurance. They also get cellphone protection. And they get extended warranty coverage. And they get an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Details

Get 80,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening. There is an annual fee of $95. You can add employee credit cards at no additional cost.

This credit card only offers 3 points per dollar to a limit of $150,000 a year. So, this is for travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising. All other purchases get an unlimited flat rate of one point per dollar. And there is no introductory APR

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/ink-business-preferred

Business Credit Card Comparison Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card

Check out the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card, which earns hotel rewards points. Get up to 12 points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts.

Automatically get Hilton Honors Gold status. And this includes room upgrades when available, a 5th night free when you book a rewards stay of 5 nights or more.

And get free internet access and late checkout. It also includes a 25% bonus on base points earned with Hilton Honors.

This card has a variable purchase APR of 17.74 – 26.74%. There is an annual fee of $95.

Details

Cardholders can earn a 125,000-point welcome offer after making $2,000 in eligible purchases in 3 months from account opening. Get a free weekend night award after making $15,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year.

Benefits include purchase protection. And there is extended warranty coverage. They also include car rental loss and damage insurance and travel accident insurance.

If you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases with the card in a calendar year, you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. This status includes all of the benefits of Gold status.

It also includes a 50% bonus on base points earned with Hilton Honors and exclusive floor lounge access at select properties. But that is awfully high spending required for elite status. Only you can decide if that’s worth it.

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/hilton-honors-ascend/

Secure Business Credit Cards for Average Credit

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

For average credit, we like the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. It has no annual fee. There are cash-back rewards. The card gets an unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. There is an annual fee of $0.

With this card, you will get benefits including an auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase security. And you also get extended warranty coverage. And you get travel and emergency assistance services.

But KEEP IN MIND: the ongoing APR is 24.74% variable APR. And the penalty APR is even higher, 31.15%. Also, there is no sign-up bonus.

Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-classic/

Reliable Low APR/Balance Transfers Business Credit Cards

Discover it® Cash Back

Check out the Discover it® Cash Back card. There is a 10.99% introductory APR for six months from date of first transfer. So, this is for transfers under this offer which post to your account by January 10, 2019.

After the introductory APR expires, your APR will be 14.99% to 23.99%. So, this is based on your creditworthiness. Your APR will vary with the market, which is based on the Prime Rate.

Details

You can earn 5% cash back at different places every quarter. So, these are establishments like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com, or wholesale clubs. But this is up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate. Also, automatically earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

You will get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you have gotten at the end of your first year. So this is automatic.

Get it here: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/it-card.html

Credit Builder Company Credit Cards – Make Your Credit Surge!

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Be sure to check out the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. It has no yearly fee. The credit card also offers a six-month introductory period of 0% APR on purchases. And there is an APR of 14.99 – 23.99% variable on all purchases after that period.

One distinct feature is that it offers an incentive for students to maintain good grades with a $20 statement credit. If students earn a GPA of 3.0 or better each school year, the card will award the $20 statement credit annually for up to five years. We feel it belongs in any business credit card comparison.

Details

Use this credit card to build personal credit. So this is a personal credit card versus a business credit card. But for new credit users, their FICO scores will be vital. And this card provides an outstanding way to raise FICO while also getting rewards.

You can earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter. So these are places like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants or Amazon.com. And it is up to the quarterly maximum. After that, this credit card offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases.

In the first year, all cash back rewards are matched 100%.

Downsides include a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance. So this is whichever is greater. And though they waive the first late payment fee, a fee of up to $37 applies on all other late payments. There is also a returned payment fee of up to $37.

Get it here: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/it-card.html

Ironclad Secured Credit Cards

Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

Have a look at the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card. It charges a $25 yearly fee per card (up to 10 employee cards). It also requires a minimum security deposit of $500 (up to $25,000). And it is meant to help cardholders establish or rebuild their credit.

Pick this card if you wish to get 1.5% per dollar in purchases with no limits or earn one point for every dollar in purchases. You also get 1,000 bonus points for every month your company makes $1,000 in purchases on the card.

Details

Also, you get free FICO scores every month. There are no foreign transaction fees. It is possible to upgrade to unsecured credit. Your account is regularly reviewed. And you may become eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use over time. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on factors including how you manage this and your other accounts.

APR is the current prime rate plus 11.90%. There is no introductory APR period and no sign-up bonus. This is not a credit card for balance transfers.

Get it here: https://www.wellsfargo.com/biz/business-credit/credit-cards/secured-card/

Secured cards are a valid part of any business credit card comparison.

Our Business Credit Card Comparison Helps Find the Perfect Business Credit Cards for You

Your absolute best business credit cards hinge on your credit history and scores. Our business credit card comparison should help.

Only you can choose which features you want and need. So, make sure to do your homework. What is outstanding for you could be catastrophic for another person.

And, as always, be sure to build credit in the recommended order for the best, speediest benefits.

The post Check Out Our Reliable Business Credit Card Comparison appeared first on Credit Suite.

Become a Brilliant Boss and More –10 Brilliant Business Tips of the Week

The Hottest and Most Brilliant Business Tips for YOU – Become the World’s Most Brilliant Boss and More

Our research ninjas at Credit Suite smuggled out ten amazing business tips for you! Be fierce and score in business with the best tips around the web. You can use them today and see fast results. You can take that to the bank – these are foolproof! Become a brilliant boss to your employees today!

Stop making stupid decisions and start powering up your business. Demolish your business nightmares and start celebrating as your business fulfills its promise.

And these brilliant business tips are all here for free! So settle in and scoop up these tantalizing goodies before your competition does!

#10. Holiday Etiquette to Attract Customers

Our first jaw-dropping tip is all about the best etiquette for holiday postings. Manta says this time of year can be terrific for bringing in more customers. But how?

Decorations!

You’ve (maybe) already decorated your store. But what about your website? Go beyond the clichés – but avoid overly religious imagery unless it fits. After all, if your store sells bibles, then go for it.

But if you’re a realtor, a creche is probably not going to be the best of ideas. Still, there are plenty of other ideas. Consider this idea – when your intrepid blog writer was growing up, there was a very boxy older home in town. The house was probably built at the start of the last century or so. It was white, with black shutters and a gray roof. It was a realtor’s office.

Just your standard house, right?

But they had the best holiday decoration, bar none.

It was a huge red ribbon, with a bow in the front, diagonally hung from the second floor down to the ground.

The house looked like a big holiday present. It was likely an inexpensive decoration. There were no specific lights for it. It probably just had to be folded up and stuffed into some big box to be stored.

And … that was it.

Simple. Elegant. Timeless.

People loved it.

There have been others since. But this one was spot-on perfect. And at the time, it was original.

Get a Second Opinion

We cannot stress this one enough. There are, unfortunately, so many ways to mess holiday communications up. Egad, there are more of them than there are ways to get it right, eh?

A look at Hallmark Movies tells the tale.

They’re adding two Chanukah films this year! Yay?

Except one is about how a Jewish actor goes to a Christmas celebration and doesn’t know how to act. And the other is about a Jewish woman and her Christian coworker decorating their office for the holidays.

Oy vey.

No one ever asked for special attention. These films could have been presented as your standard Hallmark Christmas movies and no one would have batted an eye. Instead, they come out as what, to many folks (your blog post writer included), feels like Chanukah isn’t good or interesting enough so we need to wrap it up in pine trees and elves.

Hallmark, I have a lot of trouble believing you couldn’t find anyone Jewish in the entertainment business to bounce this idea off.

Srsly.

So please, I beg of you – run an idea like this past the people it affects the most. What you think might be a warm, inclusive idea just might turn out to be a good gesture sheen over second-class treatment to the very people you’re trying to attract.

Don’t be like Hallmark Movies when it comes to this.

#9. Better Cold Calling Can Be Yours

The next awesome tip is about better and more effective cold calling. Sales Hacker notes a lot of people ask silly questions or stick too closely to a script. Neither will help you.

But we really loved their other tip.

Learn Something From Every Call

Truthfully, this should be what you do with pretty much everything. But let’s just look at cold calling right now.

It can be tempting, in particular if you experience a bunch of these at once. But rejections, no doubt, are a great place to learn. Did you talk too fast? Or waste time? Did you sound unprepared? Were there objections unexpected?

Whatever it was, learn something! Otherwise, you’re just wasting your time.

Brilliant Boss Credit Suite

If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! Be the brilliant boss your employees need – and more!

#8. Have Your Salespeople Meet Your Sales Quota More Easily

Our following life-changing tip concerns making your sales quota. LinkedIn lays it all out for us. A simple sales strategy was one of our favorite ideas. An easy process is going to be more likely to be followed, yes?

And one of the best ways to simplify all of it is to help your salespeople better communicate value to their prospects. If it’s easy to enumerate what’s so great about your product, then your sales team is going to be far, far more likely to do that on the first call, the last call, and every call.

#7. Smash Those Content Marketing Myths

For our next sensational tip, we looked at banishing content marketing myths. G2 says that some of the least common practices seem to get the best results.

We recommend you read the entire article to get the benefit of all of their insights. Here’s the one that really jumped out at us.

Don’t Be All Things to All People

Well, they didn’t exactly put it that way. Rather, they said that publishing daily, everywhere, isn’t doing you any favors.

Egad, please shout this one from the rooftops. Tattoo it on the inside of your eyelids.

We ain’t kiddin’.

Being everywhere isn’t just silly and nonscalable. It’s also a lousy use of your resources. And it doesn’t target your audience. At. All.

If there is one marketing drumbeat we have been hearing throughout 2019, it’s this: specify, specialize, and get personal. Trying to target everyone with a firehose is a terrible way to market.

So don’t do it.

#6. Bring Back the Passion

This tip is so different, but it works! Addicted 2 Success tells us all about refueling your passion.

What made you want to start your business in the first place? Is it feeling just a little bit stale? Are you maybe burned out a little? Then this article is for you. We highly recommend reading the whole article.

So we’ll just concentrate on one thing here: joining a community.

It’s hard to sustain your passion when you feel like the Lone Ranger. So why not join a community of like-minded individuals? They may have ideas to help you become even more successful. Or they might just commiserate. There’s nothing like talking to someone else who’s been there, done that, got the tee shirt.

In fact, that’s kind of what your Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, and a number of other local organizations are all about. You don’t have to go it alone.

#5. You Can Become a Brilliant Boss

Grab this mind-blowing tip while it’s hot!

If you’ve ever wanted to become a brilliant boss, then here’s your chance.

Noobpreneur provides a baker’s dozen worth of  advice from the best bosses their contributors ever had.

We especially loved two of their tips.

Don’t Go it Alone

Wellll, they didn’t actually put it that way. Rather, they said a brilliant boss knows how to delegate. And a brilliant boss also knows how to encourage and elicit feedback.

We think those two go together. Consider this: the hardest, most stressful way you can work is to take the weight of the world on your shoulders and never, ever give it up to anyone else.

Don’t do this.

You have employees for a reason. Work with them! And let them in on the struggle. Their ideas just might make everyone’s life easier.

Get Your Hands Dirty

Awesome Supervisor Credit Suite

In a way, this is a corollary to not going it alone.

Raise your hand if you ever had a boss who left you work to do on a deadline, told you it was imperative to get it out, and then grabbed their coat and left. Bonus points if they never bothered to forward the finished product, or didn’t return in time to get it out on time. And more bonus points if they sat on it, or claimed it wasn’t what they wanted – but they never told you what they wanted in the first place.

That’s passive-aggressive nonsense (there’s a nice, sanitized word for it). Don’t be that kind of a supervisor.

A brilliant boss gets in the trenches and works with their employees. They help out when the team is shorthanded. And they respect their employees’ hard work and don’t undermine it by sitting on time-sensitive work.

Let me tell you about my own experiences.

A Few True Stories

Your intrepid blog writer has had several bosses. But three tie for the title of Most Brilliant Boss. Here they are presented, in chronological order.

Amy was 100% organized. Her meetings were run like a steel trap. You always knew exactly what she wanted and needed. You knew her expectations. She was (still is!) an extraordinary communicator.

Maureen was informal and funny. The first time I ever met her, she was swearing about a report which wasn’t working for her. It was my first day on the job! And so I asked – how can I fix this for you? A few months later, I had the solution. To show her appreciation, she nominated me for a company award, which I won.

Alex is smart and is a great facilitator. He has a wonderful talent for getting in the middle of an issue between an employee and anyone else. He serves as a human shield, a buffer, if you will, between his charges and other departments. These other departments aren’t hostile – it’s more that he can interpret between them and make things better for all.

Back to You

Be organized like Amy. Know what you want and need, and ask for it clearly. Your employees will appreciate the directness, and not having to play let’s read the boss’s mind. You know, where they spin a big wheel and try to figure out just what the heck you meant by what you just said.

Communicate like Amy.

Be relaxed and appreciative like Maureen. Thank the people who work for you for what they do – and not just during the holidays! You never know how your documented appreciation can help someone out. My little company award story has gotten me jobs!

Thank like Maureen.

Be protective like Alex. Cherish your employees and treat them fairly. Don’t let others undermine them. You’re the one making the big (er, maybe just the ‘biggish’) bucks. So start acting like it, and get in the middle so your employees don’t have to bear the brunt.

Protect like Alex.

Thank you, Amy. I appreciate it, Maureen. And thank you, Alex.

Brilliant Boss Credit Suite

If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! Be the brilliant boss your employees need – and more!

#4. Appreciate Your Employees Before They Find Someone Else Who Will

Check out this spectacular tip, all about showing employee appreciation. Entrepreneur notes that there are a number of creative ways to show appreciation to the people who work for you.

We really loved the idea of being public about it – as public as possible. You know all those company-wide emails you sometimes get because someone messed up? Why not turn them into a force for good?

Chris did an amazing job on the XYZ report and helped us keep this vital client. Thank you, Chris!

Sending that to everyone in the company means Chris can get accolades from everyone.

Point out errors and correct mistakes in private, praise in public.

#3. Manage All Around the World and In Cyberspace

It’s not your imagination: this winning tip can help you better manage virtual teams. Proof Hub tells us there are differing cultures everywhere, and they can sometimes come into conflict when it comes to how teams are structured. In particular, this has to do with how the boss is treated. Are they an elite in an ivory tower? Or is even the most brilliant boss considered to be just another member of the team?

None of these are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, of course. They’re just a bit different.

Another area where things differ is in the area of holidays and days off.

A Fer Instance

Your intrepid blog writer has had jobs in four separate states: Delaware, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

Even though all of these places are in the United States, they don’t have the same holidays.

Rhode Island has Victory Day in August (confidentially, we used to call it “Rhode Island Saves The World Day”). Massachusetts has Patriots Day in April. Lincoln’s Birthday in February is celebrated as a government holiday in Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, and New York. And poor little Delaware doesn’t have a holiday of its own. So sad, Blue Hens.

If there are so many differences in the same country and even in the same time zone, then how can anyone expect the holidays will be the same in Bangladesh, the Philippines, Ireland, and Zaire?

A little sensitivity and imagination, as in a lot of places, can go a long way.

#2. Git ‘Er Done

Our second to last unbeatable tip can give you a new perspective on getting more done in your business. Success Harbor reveals all about improving efficiency in your business.

Truth is, this can work outside of your business.

Our fave tip was to prioritize.

Does anyone read the report you spend four hours preparing every month? If so, and they get actionable insights from it, then keep prepping that report. Although you may want to explore as many ways as possible to streamline that activity.

But if they don’t, then why are you doing? If there’s a value to the report, then can it come out semi-annually or even annually? And if there is no value whatsoever, then ditch it. Don’t waste your time on it.

#1. Get Organized!

We saved the best for last. For our favorite remarkable tip, we focused on the benefits of getting organized in your business. Young Upstarts says there are essential benefits to being organized in your business. That is, beyond saving your sanity!

We’d like to combine two – one is that you’ll be more focused, and the other is that you will have more time. We think these go hand in hand.

Picture it: you can find every single report you need, in seconds. The sales figures are right where you expect them to be. And you have your taxes organized.

The few seconds you spend filing, either in the real world or virtually, will save you hours later.

So which one of our brilliant business tips was your favorite? And which one will you be implementing now?

Brilliant Boss Credit Suite

If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! Be the brilliant boss your employees need – and more!

The post Become a Brilliant Boss and More –10 Brilliant Business Tips of the Week appeared first on Credit Suite.

How to Find the Best Business Loans for Disabled People

Those with disabilities run businesses every day. While there are not a lot of business funding resources available specifically for those with disabilities, some loans work better for them than others.  Typically, you would have to wade through everything that’s out there to find the best business loans for disabled people. That could take forever. … Continue reading How to Find the Best Business Loans for Disabled People

How to Find the Best Business Loans for Disabled People

Those with disabilities run businesses every day. While there are not a lot of business funding resources available specifically for those with disabilities, some loans work better for them than others.  Typically, you would have to wade through everything that’s out there to find the best business loans for disabled people. That could take forever. We try to narrow it down a little. 

Where to Start to Find the Best Business Loans for Disabled People

Of course, there are some highly variable factors at play.  Whether you are disabled or not, your credit score will make a difference when looking for business loans. Other factors will come into play as well, such as length of time in business and annual revenue.  For traditional lenders, credit is still king. The best business loans for disable people with a high credit score (650 or over) include the following. 

Best Business Loans for Disabled People: USDA Business Loans

These are loans from the United States Department of Agriculture.  They don’t provide loans directly. Rather, they guarantee loans from lenders and provide funds to agencies that act as intermediaries. Since a large share of disabled Americans are in rural communities, the USDA’s focus on these areas is a bonus.

The most popular of the USDA’s many business loan programs is the Business and Industry Guarantee Program. The USDA helps guarantee loans made to businesses in rural areas through this program.  By USDA definition, a rural area has fewer than 50,000 residents. Therefore, if your business is located in an area that fits this definition, you could qualify. However, you will also need good credit, adequate business revenue, and potentially some collateral. 

Learn business loan secrets and get money for your business. 

Best Business Loans for Disabled People: SBA 7(a) Loans

Another option for disabled people with good credit is an SBA loan.  Like the USDA, the SBA does not issue loans directly.  They guarantee loans made through specific lenders. The 7(a) loan program is the SBA’s most popular.  It offers up to $5 million in funding and repayment terms that go up to 25 years.  

Entrepreneurs can use these funds to buy commercial real estate, expand a business that is already in operation, start a new business, buy equipment, and more.  Not everyone will qualify however. In addition to a credit score of 650 or above, businesses operating for at least two years and already producing revenue are more likely to get approval. Collateral is also a likely requirement.  The process takes several weeks. 

Best Business Loans for Disabled People: SBA Microloans 

The really cool thing about these loans is that you can qualify with credit that is between 550 and 650.  They offer up to $50,000 in funding, so they are a great option for micro or home-based businesses. They can be used for hiring, launching a new location, and even remodeling your office.  Accion, one of the partner lenders, will work with scores as low as 575. They focus more on the expected income during the loan term than current financial position.  

Best Business Loans for Disabled People: SBA Community Advantage Loans

The goal of these loans is to get funds to business owners in underserved groups.  This, of course, includes disabled people. They go up to $250,000, so large investments work well with these funds.  The application process works the same as with other small business loans in that you need to find an SBA partner lender. Use this tool to find a lender. 

Business Loans for Disabled People: Non-Traditional Lender Options

The SBA works with traditional lenders to help get loan funds in the hands of those that may not be able to qualify under traditional requirements.  While the government guarantee helps, sometimes it still isn’t enough. If you find this is the case with your, business consider applying for loans from non-traditional lenders. 

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OnDeck

With OnDeck, applying for financing is quick and easy. Apply online, and you will receive your decision once application processing is complete. Loan funds will go straight to your bank account. The minimum loan amount is $5,000.  The maximum is $500,000.

You must have a personal credit score of 600 or more.  Also, the business has to be in operation for at least one year. There is an annual minimum revenue requirement of  $100,000 as well. In addition, there can be no bankruptcy on file in the past 2 years and no unresolved liens or judgements. 

StreetShares 

StreetShares began as a service to veterans.  These days, they offer term loans, lines of credit, and contract financing. They also offer small business loan investment options. The maximum loan amount is $250,000.  Pre Approval only takes a few minutes. They use a soft pull on your credit so it doesn’t affect your score. 

To be eligible, you have to be in business for at least 12 months with annual revenue of $25,000. Exceptions are possible however.  For example, with loans to companies in business for at least 6 months that have higher earnings, they make decisions on a case by case basis. The borrower’s credit score must be at least 620. For more on StreetShares, see our in-depth review. 

Kabbage 

Kabbage is an online lender. They offer a small business line of credit that can help businesses meet their goals quickly. The minimum loan amount is $500, and they do not exceed $250,000. You must be in business for at least one year and have $50,000 or more in annual revenue, or $4,200 or more in monthly revenue, over the last 3 months. 

Learn business loan secrets and get money for your business. 

Kabbage is  great if you need cash quickly. Also, their non-traditional approach puts less weight on your credit score, so they may work better for some borrowers than other lenders.

Business Loans for Disabled People: Business Credit Cards

Business loans for disabled people are not easy to get.  If your personal credit is totally shot and you are having trouble getting enough funding through business loans, business credit cards can help.  Of course, you’re thinking if your credit isn’t good enough to get loans, how are you going to get credit cards?  

First, credit cards are easier to get regardless.  Those with poor credit scores can still get cards, they just have higher rates and lower limits.  However, if you build credit for your business, known as business credit, you can get great business cards and fund your business quite successfully without bringing your personal credit into the picture at all.

Why Should Disabled Business Owners Build Business Credit?

Not just disabled business owners, but all business owners should build credit for their business that is separate from their own. Here’s why.  If you have strong business credit you can get business credit cards with favorable terms and nice rewards regardless of what your personal credit looks like.  Also, if your business runs into problems, your personal credit will be protected and you will still be able to do things like buy a car or a house. 

Business Loans for Disabled People: How to Build Business Credit to Apply for Business Credit Cards

The first thing you have to do is ensure accounts in your business name report to your business credit report and not your personal credit report.  Do this by setting up your business as a fundable entity apart from yourself. Start by making sure your business has its own phone number and address that is not the same as yours.  Be sure to get these listed in the business 411-directories.

Then, you need to get an EIN.  You can do that at the IRS website for free.  You’ll use it to apply for credit in place of your SSN.   After that you have to incorporate. You can do so as a corporation, S-corp, or LLC.  Do some research to determine which option will work best for your budget and liability protection needs, but you have to choose one. 

There are just a few more things you need to do to make sure your business stands on its own credit wise: 

  • Get a D-U-N-S number
  • Open a separate business bank account
  • Put up a professionally designed and hosted business website.  Make sure you have a business email address with the same URL as the website as well. 

Business Loans for Disabled People: Build Business Credit

You cannot just apply for business credit cards in your business name right away. First, you have to establish tradelines with starter vendors. These are vendors in the vendor credit tier that will issue invoices with Net 30 or longer terms. While you may need to make a few initial purchases with these vendors to establish yourself as a customer before they will extend these terms, there is no personal credit check. They do sometimes want to see a certain amount of time in business however. 

As you pay the invoices consistently and on-time, these vendors will report your payments to the credit reporting agencies, thus establishing your business credit profile. Some of the most common and easiest to start with are Uline, Quill, and Grainger. 

Why Start Here?

These are the easiest to start with simply because they sell products that most any business can use on a daily basis. Items such as paper, toner, pens, pencils, packing supplies, and even janitorial supplies. After you order from them a few times, apply for net 30 terms, pay on time, and watch your business credit score start to build like a snowball rolling downhill.

Once you have 8 to 10 tradelines reporting your on-time payments to the credit agencies, you can start to apply to creditors in the other credit tiers. 

  • Retail Credit Tier– Credit attached to specific stores such as Amazon, Home Depot, and Best Buy. 
  • Fleet Credit Tier– Companies that offer credit for fuel purchases as well as automobile repair and maintenance.
  • Cash Credit– These are the large, well-known credit companies such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. 

As you can see, it all starts with building trade lines through the vendor credit tier. Then a whole credit world opens up to you!

Learn business loan secrets and get money for your business. 

Business Loans for Disabled People: Assistive Technology Business Loans

If you have a disability that makes it necessary for you to use assistive technology to run your business, you could benefit from one of these loans.  An example of this would be if you need an automobile that is wheel-chair accessible to make deliveries. Another example would be braille-compatible software, or a hands-free device to make business calls.  

Most often these types of loans come from local lenders, and requirements for eligibility vary.  The National Disability Institute offers assistive technology loans in New Jersey and New York that range up to $30,000. It is important to note that your credit can affect your ability to get these loans, but if you can show you have sufficient income to pay it back that will help a lot. 

Business Loans for Disabled People: Disabilities Don’t Have to Stop You from Funding Your Business

Over the course of a lifetime, a disability can affect a person in a number of ways.  You can feel like you are not able to do the same things others can. While this may be true in some cases, often having a disability doesn’t make a difference in what you can do.  The difference that has to be made is how you do it. The vision impaired can read, just with their fingers instead of their eyes. The hearing impaired can talk, either with their hands or their mouths.  Similarly, those with disabilities can fund a business, they just may have to go about it differently. There are resources for disabled business owners out there, but you have to know where to look.

While it can seem that your disabilities stop you from many things in life, they do not have to stop you from owning and running and successful business.  There aren’t a ton of business loans for disabled people exclusively, but there are plenty of options that work well for all types of business owners. Take the time to do the research you need to and figure out what’s out there, what you qualify for, and what you actually need.  In the meantime, start building your business credit so you can access business funding at any time. You’ll be glad you did. 

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Building Business Takes a Lot of Hard Work, but it Isn’t as Hard as You May Think

The key to building business successfully is to set your business up for success in the beginning.  Everyone knows that the key to building anything strong is to have a solid foundation, and the same is true of building a business.

Building Business Means Setting Up a Strong Foundation and Following Through

No one wants to go back to the beginning to build a foundation. It is always best to take the extra time to build a solid foundation on the front end.  That usually takes some extra work and more than a few extra steps. While it’s true that building business is not for the faint of heart, this extra work is always worth it.  Here is how to begin setting up your business for success. 

Building Business: It’s all in the Plan

Not only is a business plan necessary when it comes to getting business loans, but it is necessary to the day to day operations of your business as well.  Virtually all successful entrepreneurs will tell you that a major key to success is to plan to work and work the plan.  

Most traditional lenders are going to need to see a business plan as part of the loan application process.    Truthfully, it’s best to hire a professional business plan writer if possible. They can work with you to get all the necessary information and put it together in the traditional  format.  

If you cannot hire a business plan writer however, there other options. The Small Business Administration offers a template, and your local small business development center may also be able to help.

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Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit. 

For a business plan to be taken seriously by a lender, it needs to include the following: 

A Strong Opening 

 An Executive Summary

 This is a complete summary of the business idea. 

Description

The description goes into further detail than the summary, describing the business. This is where you work to build excitement about your business. 

Strategies

Layout your plan for getting started. Do you have a marketing plan, area in mind for location, or idea of how many employees you will start with? What is your ramp up plan? 

Market Research 

Market Analysis

This actually includes two parts. All that market research you did goes here: 

Analysis of audience

What need will your business fill, and for who? Are you a child care facility filling a need for affordable child care for working moms? Are you an eatery filling a need for a lunch spot for those working downtown? How will your business fill the need? All of that information goes in this section. 

Competitive Analysis

Is there already a business working to fill this need? Is there room for more? How do you plan to compete with them? 

If you are not a new business, this will be a market analysis that supports your need for funding, or that shows your business is strong and growing.

The Plan 

Plan for Design and Development

How is all of this going to play out, from start to finish. What steps are you going to take? This is more detailed than your strategies section.

Plan for Operation and Management

Who will own or does own the business and who will run or currently runs it from day to day. This could be as simple as stating that you are the sole owner and operator, or as complicated as laying out a complete partnership plan or board or directors’ format. It just depends on how your business works. 

Financials

Financial Information

This section includes current financials, projections, and a budget plan for the loan funds you are applying for.  Lenders need to see that you know how to handle the funds you get, and that you have a plan to pay them back.

Working the Plan 

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking the official business plan is only for lenders to help you get loan approval.  It isn’t. Your business plan should be a useable, practical tool that you can follow and refer back to. That is key to building business.   Are sales down? Refer to your plan. Struggling with cash flow? What does the plan say? Work the plan you worked so hard on and trust the process. Also, remember to revisit the plan occasionally even if things are going well to look for ways to improve it, or adjust it if necessary.

Building Business: Licenses

Do you need a business license?  What type of license do you need?  Ask yourself these questions and find the answers to begin building business on a solid foundation.  

Which Types of Business Licenses Do You Need?

If a federal agency regulates your business activities, you will need a federal license.  The Small Business Administration lists the following industries as needing a federal license.

    • Agriculture
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Aviation
    • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
    • Fish and wildlife
    • Commercial fisheries
    • Maritime transportation
    • Mining and drilling
    • Nuclear energy
    • Radio and television broadcasting
    • Transportation and logistics

The SBA also has a wealth of other information you need to know for starting your business, from help writing a business plan to finding funding.

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Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit. 

Building Business: What Funding Options are Available

There are a number of funding options available to help you when building business.  Which one you choose will depend on a number of variables. It’s likely the best option will be some combination of the many possibilities, including how fundable your business is.  We break them down for you below.

Traditional Term Loans 

These are the loans from traditional lenders such as banks and credit unions.  As a business, your business credit score can help you get some types of funding even if your personal score isn’t awesome.  That isn’t necessarily the case with this type of funding however. 

With a traditional lender term loan, you are almost always going to have to give a personal guarantee.  This means they will check your personal credit. You will need a personal credit score of 700 or higher to gain approval usually, with the best terms and rates coming at 750 or higher.  

Of all of the available business funding types, this is the hardest to get, but is also typically the option with the lowest interest rates and most reasonable terms.

SBA Loans

These are traditional bank loans, but they have a guarantee from the federal government. The Small Business Administration works with lenders to offer small business loans  that they may not be able to get otherwise based on their credit history. Because of the government guarantee, lenders are able to relax a little on the personal credit score requirements. 

In fact, it is possible to get an SBA micro-loan with a personal credit score between 620 and 640. These are very small loans, up to $50,000.  Personal collateral is also usually a requirement. 

 The trade-off with SBA loans is that the application process is long and involved. 

Business Line of Credit 

This is basically the traditional lender’s version of a business credit card. The credit is revolving, meaning you only pay back what you use, just like a credit card. However, rates are typically much better than a credit card.  The application and approval process is similar to that of a traditional term loan. 

If you need revolving credit and can qualify for a term loan, this is a good option. It is great for bridging cash gaps and covering short term expenses without the high credit card interest rates. 

There are no cash back rewards or loyalty points.  This makes some business owners prefer business credit cards despite higher interest rates. 

Invoice Factoring 

If you are an established business with accounts receivable, then you might consider invoice factoring. This is where the lender buys your outstanding invoices at a premium, and then collects the full amount themselves. You get cash right away, without waiting for your customers to pay the invoices.

This is a good option if you need cash fast.  It can also work if you do not qualify for other funding types. The interest rate varies based on the age of the receivables.

Non-Traditional Lenders

These are private lenders, not traditional banks and credit unions, that offer terms loans.  Usually they operate online. The difference between these and traditional lenders is that the loans have looser approval requirement and a much faster application process. Most often you can simply apply online, get approval in as little as 24 hours, and the funds are in your account within 24 to 48 hours after approval. 

These are an option if your personal credit isn’t terrible and you need money quickly.

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Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit. 

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a newer option for finding investors. While the average Joe that wants to start a business needs funding, it is not always possible to find one or two large investors. With crowdfunding, you can literally have a crowd of investors fund your business in $5 and $10 increments. 

There are many crowdfunding sites, but Indiegogo and Kickstarter are the most popular. The platforms are similar but there are some important differences. The most obvious is the timing of when you actually receive the funds that other invest in your company.

Find out more about each option here. 

Grants 

These are typically offered by professional organizations. There are some government grants available also. Competition can be stiff, but they are definitely worth applying for if you think you may qualify. 

While requirements vary from grant to grant, and most are only awarded to a certain number of recipients, this is an option is worth looking into if you fall into one of these basic categories. 

  • Women owned business
  • Minority owned business
  • Businesses run by veterans
  • Businesses in low income areas

 There are also some corporations that offer grants in a contest format that do not require much other than that you meet the corporation’s definition of a small business and win the contest. 

Business Credit Cards 

These get a bad rap, but in lieu of another option, they aren’t a bad option. The draw is that they are available to most, even if their credit score that isn’t awesome. The catch is, the lower the credit score, the higher the interest rate. Also, there are limits on how low they will go with a credit score. 

However, this is one type of funding that most of the general public is eligible for at any given time. They do a credit check, but your credit doesn’t have to be as high as it would be to gain approval for a traditional loan. 

 The downside of business credit cards is that they typically have a high interest rate. The upside is that many of them offer rewards in the form of cash or points that can be helpful. 

Building Business: Marketing

Once you have your foundation set, you have to actually build up the business.  That means getting others to buy whatever you are selling. Marketing is a term used for getting your product and service out there for others to see.  

The number one beginner tip for marketing is to know who you are marketing to.  You need to know what types of people will be buying your product so that you know how to convince them they need it.  This step was probably taken care of in the marketing section of your business plan.  

How you market will vary based on your budget, but these days social media marketing is huge.  It’s a lower cost option than traditional television and news print, yet highly effective. If you can get just one post to go viral, you’ve done something.  Get people talking about your product on social media and your marketing could basically be done for you, depending on what you are selling.

Of course, there is still a place for, and even a need for, traditional marketing when building business.  Generally speaking, the best bet is to hire a professional to handle all aspects of marketing.

Building Business: Networking

This is an aspect of building business that so many do not really think about until after the fact.  It can have a huge impact though. Of course, these days, as with marketing, much networking is done online through social media channels. There is something to be said for face to face connections however. 

While much of your business may be run online, limiting face to face interaction, take some time to consider ways to connect locally.  There could be those that need your services or product right in your area. Try joining your local chamber of commerce. They typically have events like business after hours that support this type of networking. 

Building Business Isn’t Hard, but it Does Take Work

Building a successful business takes a lot of hard work and a lot of luck.  Things can go wrong, even if you do everything right. You have to have a business plan, find funding, nail marketing, and work at networking.  However, if you set yourself up for success in the beginning, work hard, and don’t lose momentum, you may end up with something fabulous.

 

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Interesting Marketing Tips for You – 10 Brilliant Business Tips of the Week

The Hottest and Most Brilliant Business Tips for YOU – Write More Interesting Marketing Copy and More

Our research ninjas at Credit Suite smuggled out ten amazing business tips for you! Be fierce and score in business with the best tips around the web. You can use them today and see fast results. You can take that to the bank – these are foolproof! You’ll have more interesting copy!

Stop making stupid decisions and start powering up your business. Demolish your business nightmares and start celebrating as your business fulfills its promise.

And these brilliant business tips are all here for free! So settle in and scoop up these tantalizing goodies before your competition does!

#10. Be True to Your Customers and They Will Reward You With Loyalty

Our first jaw-dropping tip is all about getting more members for your membership program. If you have one, of course. Noobpreneur says a customer loyalty program is a great way to encourage repeated purchases. But that can only work if it’s a customer loyalty which actually appeals to your customers.

Otherwise, what’s the point?

Members Means Members Only – Or At Least it Should

There were two tips which we loved. One was to provide exclusive content via email. Your membership list is essentially your email list, or at least it should be. The other was to create and host members only events.

Need some inspiration when it comes to events?

The holidays are coming (eek, faster than I’m ready for, truth be told), so why not attach your event to them? Or express your gratitude to your members. Another idea is to offer exclusive training or goods or services to your loyalty customers during these events.

You can never, ever go wrong with gratitude.

#9. Keep Your Customers With Great Retention Emails

The next awesome tip is about the most necessary customer retention emails you need to send. Sleek Note notes it’s far easier to sell to your preexisting customers than hunt for new customers. And a great way to do this is to target your current customers with pertinent retention emails.

These emails can cover topics as varied as reminders and special occasions to birthday and anniversary celebrations.

One of the clearest trends we have been seeing all along is the personalization of marketing.

And these sorts of emails can help you do just that.

Interesting Marketing

If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! More interesting marketing copy will help your business make more money.

#8. Control Your Business Spending, Or It Will Control YouInteresting Marketing Credit Suite

Our following life-changing tip concerns creating a brilliant business budget. Small Biz Trends lays it all out for us. We are big fans of business budgeting. After all, it can lead rather directly to better chances for funding. There’s nothing that screams fundability quite so well or so loudly as having your business finances in order.

And having your future expenses in order? So much the better.

Understand The Terms

It can sometimes feel as if finance and accounting terms are in a foreign language. This terrific article breaks them down smartly and makes them more accessible.

The way to calculate fixed costs was particularly helpful.

And the best tip of them all? It’s to keep an emergency fund. Because you never know. And when you need that money, you will be so glad you remembered to set it aside.

So do your future self a favor, and sock away some of your profits for the proverbial rainy day. If you put them in your budget, then you’ll know how much you can afford to set aside. And you’ll know just how far that cash will go, if you need to tap into it.

#7. What Does Your Brand Look Like?

For our next sensational tip, we looked at bringing your brand to life. Score says that it’s a lot more involved than, perhaps, closing your eyes and pointing.

Er, don’t do that.

The article is intriguing and really should be read in its entirety, as it compares everything from the three primary colors (plus green) to basic shapes. It also discusses the merits of photography versus illustrations. And it even gets into candid shots versus posed ones.

A Fer-Instance

So let’s say you own an over the road trucking company. Square images tend to relay an air of security and professionalism. But you may want to go with a rectangle instead, in order to evoke a truck. As for colors, you probably don’t want red, with its connotations of danger and stopping. So you might do better with blue, which is associated with calm.

And when it comes to a font, you might want to go with sans serif (the letters don’t have those little extra bits – those are called serifs). Sans serif fonts have a clean and simple look. Serif fonts, on the other hand are more classic. You’d need to choose which makes more sense with your brand.

But don’t just take our word for it – make your own brand and it’ll truly be yours.

#6. Learn From Your Setbacks and Become a Better Leader

This tip is so smart, and it works! Startup Professionals tells us how leaders can best handle their inevitable setbacks. Because they are going to happen, like it or not.

Two tips we really loved were to control how you react and to ask for help if you need it. There is no shame in asking for assistance. You aren’t less of a leader if you get someone else to pitch in. Heck, delegating is a good idea no matter what.

And controlling your reaction is often the only thing you can control. You can let your setbacks defeat you. Or you can learn from them and use them to make you a better manager. And maybe even a better person.

Failure is a part of life. Embrace it, know it, and understand it. Because it’s going to happen anyway.

#5. Write More Interesting Marketing Copy Today

Grab this mind-blowing tip while it’s hot!

Don’t we all want to create more interesting marketing?

Women on Business says interesting marketing means making boring topics more fascinating. Their suggestions are all good ones. And they dovetail rather well with advice we’ve seen before. That is, know your customer buyer persona. Address their concerns. Write directly to them, as if they were the only people in the world.

And you may have noticed some of that more interesting marketing in these Friday blog posts. Oops, you caught us! But that’s okay.

So now that you know what can make for more interesting marketing, allow your intrepid blog writer to exercise those interesting marketing muscles. In short, it’s time for a story.

What Do You Do When Interesting Marketing Just Can’t Happen?

Eek!

It happens.

So, back in the day, I was a freelance writer. And I ran my own little business. This involved writing about, well, every single little thing that needed to be written about.

This included such fascinating topics such as:

  • Parking lot striping (that’s the painted lines between parking spots)
  • The psychology of male suicide (a tragic topic which isn’t boring, just hard to write about)
  • Pest control
  • Auto emissions testing
  • Lawn care
  • Choosing the right bailout kit (for rock climbing)
  • Federal employment law

Anyway, you get the idea.

So, how the heck do you write hundreds if not thousands of words on parking lot striping?

Interesting Marketing Techniques to the Rescue!

It really made me happy to see that a number of the tricks I used were endorsed in the article. Which, by the way, you really should read in its entirety. Yes, it’s that good.

But back to my story.

Interesting Marketing Credit SuiteResearch is key for truly esoteric topics. And so is breaking up the copy. Because even the more ardent parking lot striping fans (Are there such people? If so, I’m feeling kinda sorry for them) will probably suffer from MEGO if you don’t break up the text somehow.

Oh, and MEGO means ‘my eyes glaze over’.

Another great tip is to add relevance. Why are you writing about what you’re writing about? And why should your readers care in the first place? Without relating your copy to their needs, they won’t read it.

Ouch.

And the tip about adding humor? I like to think I do that, too. At least, I hope you’re pleased. I don’t expect you to fall off your chair, or anything.

So the other part of interesting marketing is it’s necessary even when the topic is fascinating. After all, and trust me on this one, folks – this is all too easy to do. When it comes to writing marketing copy, if you don’t watch it, you can make anything boring.

Interesting Marketing

If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! More interesting marketing copy will help your business make more money.

#4. Use Brainstorming More Effectively

Check out this spectacular tip, all about bettering and perfecting your brainstorming process. Under 30 CEO notes that one fantastic way to spur creativity is – get this – boredom.

So walk away from the problem or issue for a while. The solution may come to you when you least expect it. There’s an awfully good reason why a lot of us get our best ideas in the shower.

A related tip was to change your scenery and thereby change your perspective. Take a new route to work. Move the furniture in your office. Bring in a plant. Head out to the coffee shop to get some work done. Your creativity will be all the better for it.

#3. Build Interest in Your Products and Services

It’s not your imagination: this winning tip can get prospects more interested in your product. We figure this can also apply to services. Talk about your interesting marketing! HubSpot tells us that engaging the prospect is vital. And they gave a fascinating method for doing just that.

Picture this.

A sales person calls you and you’re interested enough to not just hang up. And then after a while, they say to you, “There’s one more thing I want to talk about before our conversation ends. Would you be so kind to remind me of it before we hang up?”

That’s a brilliant bit of marketing.

Why?

Because it does two things. One, it gauges if someone is truly paying attention and interested. If you’re not, then you won’t remind the caller. You’ll just end the call as soon as you politely can. But if you are interested, then you may be intrigued by whatever that extra thing is. Is it a discount? A slightly different offering which would suit you better? A free gift?”

And the other thing it does is, it gives the caller a reason to extend the conversation. Which just so happens to be another of the terrific tips in that article.

#2. Creativity is Awesome – But Ranking in Search is Equally Awesome

Our second to last unbeatable tip can give you a new perspective on SEO copywriting. Because along with all of that interesting marketing language, you do still need to rank in search. Word Stream reveals all about ranking on Google. And while there are other search engines, the bottom line is Google is the big, 900 pound gorilla. And that’s not even including Google Images search, which is technically separate.

So if there’s a choice between what Bing wants and what Google wants, the answer is clear. Sorry, Bing.

This is another article to read in its entirety. So we’ll just cherry pick a few points here.

Keyword Intention

Why are people searching for … whatever it is they’re searching for? There’s a marked difference between a search for the history of Christmas and one for how to throw a great Christmas party.

Google loves it when you match intent to content. So if you’re selling, for example, Christmas ornaments, you need to lay off the history of them or just mention it in passing before getting to the goods.

And for people looking for the history of Christmas trees, you’re not matching their intent if you associate that keyword phrase with a page where you’re selling wreaths. Not only do you have the product wrong, but you’re also not matching searcher intention.

Target Ancillary Keywords

Just what does that mean? It means that if you’re selling Christmas tree ornaments, you might want to add phrases like Christmas angel, holiday ornament, and Xmas decorations to your content. Often a great piece of content can rank for more than one key phrase. Related keyword phrases bolster your case for ranking on any of those phrases.

One great place where you see this is the related searches section. Your related keyword phrases are, if you select them well, going to answer those related search queries as well. And that means they’ll be on the first page of related search results.

#1. How Do You Use Your Organizational Chart? Wait, You Don’t Use Yours? Here’s How You Can

We saved the best for last. For our favorite remarkable tip, we focused on making your organizational chart more useful. A bit different from interesting marketing, but still helpful for running a business, eh? E One Network says there are better uses for an org chart than just as something pinned to the bulletin in the break room and then forgotten and covered by a flyer asking for a car pooling buddy.

Our fave tip was to ditch the names. It’s a great idea. Consider this. People may move around or come and go. So instead of continuously changing it, why not just show that the Content Manager (er, that’s me) has a writer under her? If there’s another writer hired, or 50 hired, then the relationship is already in place.  A new employee hired a year from now can use the exact same chart as one hired 20 years ago.

Not bad for a simple file, eh?

So which one of our brilliant business tips was your favorite? And which one will you be implementing now?

Interesting Marketing

If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! More interesting marketing copy will help your business make more money.

The post Interesting Marketing Tips for You – 10 Brilliant Business Tips of the Week appeared first on Credit Suite.

Get Fantastic Building Business Credit Cards

The Best Building Business Credit Cards

We looked at a ton of building business credit cards and did the research for you. Check out our top picks.

Per the SBA, company credit card limits are a whopping 10 – 100 times that of personal cards!

This demonstrates you can get a lot more cash with business credit. And it also means you can have personal credit cards at retail stores. So, you would now have an added card at the same stores for your business.

And you will not need collateral, cash flow, or financial data to get small business credit.

Building Business Credit Cards: The Benefits

Perks can differ. So, make sure to pick the perk you prefer from this variety of options.

Building Business Credit Cards – Make Your Credit Surge!

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Be sure to check out the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. It has no yearly fee. The card also offers a six-month introductory period of 0% APR on purchases. And there is an APR of 14.99 – 23.99% variable on all purchases after that period.

One distinct feature is that it offers an incentive for scholars to maintain good grades with a $20 statement credit. If students earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher each school year, the card will award the $20 statement credit every year for up to five years.

Details

Use this credit card to build personal credit. While this is a personal credit card versus a company card, for new credit users, their FICO scores will be vital. And this card offers an excellent way to raise FICO while also getting rewards.

You can get 5% cash back at different places each quarter such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants or Amazon.com up to the quarterly maximum. After that, this card offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases.

In the first year, all cash back rewards are matched 100%.

Downsides include a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. And even though they waive the first late payment fee, a fee of up to $37 applies on all other late payments. There is also a returned payment fee of up to $37.

Get it here: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/it-card.html

Secure Business Credit Cards for Average Credit: An Excellent Accompaniment to Building Business Credit Cards

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

For fair credit, we like the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. It has no annual fee. There are cash-back rewards. The card gets an unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. There is an annual fee of $0.

With this card, you will get benefits including an auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase security. And you also get extended warranty coverage. And you get travel and emergency assistance services.

But BEAR IN MIND: the ongoing APR is 24.74% variable APR. And the penalty APR is even higher, 31.15%. Also, there is no sign-up bonus.

Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-classic/

Reliable Low APR/Balance Transfers Business Credit Cards: A Smart Consideration to Complement Building Business Credit Cards

Discover it® Cash Back

Have a look at the Discover it® Cash Back card. There is a 10.99% introductory APR for six months from date of first transfer. So, this is for transfers under this offer which post to your account by January 10, 2019.

After the introductory APR expires, your APR will be 14.99% to 23.99%. So, this is based on your creditworthiness. Your APR will vary with the market, which is based upon the Prime Rate.

Details

You can earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter. So, these are establishments like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com, or wholesale clubs. But this is up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate. Plus, automatically earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

You will earn an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you have earned at the end of your first year, automatically.

Get it here: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/it-card.html

Company Credit Cards with 0% APR – Pay Zero!

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Credit Card

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card has no yearly fee and comes with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the initial nine months. After that, the card has a 13.24 – 23.24% variable APR.

Earn 3 points/dollar spent when you book travel through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points/dollar on all other purchases. You can get unlimited points and points will never expire.

Details

There is a 25,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $1,000 in the initial 60 days of starting the account. Cardholders get travel accident insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement.

They also get trip cancellation coverage, trip delay reimbursement and other advantages.

There is no introductory rate for balance transfers. Also, bonus categories are limited.

Get it here: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-business-credit-card/

JetBlue Plus Card

Have a look at the JetBlue Plus Card for yet another offer of a 0% introductory APR

Earn six points/dollar on JetBlue purchases, two points/dollar at dining establishments and grocery stores. And get one point/dollar on all other purchases.

Details

Spend $1,000 in the first 90 days and pay the annual fee and earn 40,000 bonus points. New cardholders receive a 12-month, 0% initial APR on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening.

Thereafter, the variable APR on purchases and balance transfers is 17.99%, 21.99% or 26.99%, based on creditworthiness. Benefits include a free first checked bag and 50% savings on in-flight purchases.

There is a $99 annual fee for this card.

Get it here: https://cards.barclaycardus.com/cards/jetblue-card/

Building Business Credit Cards Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 building business credit cards and lines.

Uber Visa Card

Check out the Uber Visa Card. Uber is the very first ride-sharing service to offer a credit card, in a partnership with Visa and Barclays.

The card offers 4% back per dollar spent at restaurants, takeout and bars, including UberEATS. Also, get 3% back on hotel, airfare and vacation home rentals. And get 2% back on online purchases.

So, this includes retailers and subscription services such as Uber and Netflix. And get 1% back on all other purchases. Each percent/point has a value of 1 cent. Redeem points for cash back, gift cards or Uber credits directly in the app.

By spending a minimum of $500 in the first 90 days, users can earn a $100 sign-up bonus. Cardholders spending at least $5,000 per year are eligible to receive a $50 credit toward online subscription services.

Details

If you pay your cellphone bill with this card, you are insured up to $600 for cellphone damage or theft.

Cardholders are eligible for exclusive access to specific events and offers. Uber anticipates most of these offers will be available in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and DC. There is no foreign transaction fee.

But there is no introductory rate. The APR is a variable 16.99%, 22.74% or 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Cardholders with less than stellar credit will be on the higher end of the range.

Also, there are restrictions on Uber credits. To redeem points as credits in the Uber app, accrue at least 500 points, or $5. Cardholders can convert a maximum of 50,000 points, or $500, per day.

Get it here: https://www.uber.com/c/uber-credit-card/

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi

Not taking Uber? Then you’ll want to fill your gas tank someway. Why not do so with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi?

This card earns cash back with every purchase. Earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on eligible gas purchases annually (1% after that). Earn 3% cash back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases. Also, get 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com. And earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Note: the $0 yearly fee is only for Costco members. And an active Costco membership is required. Cardholders will get access to damage and theft purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and travel accident insurance.

Also, there is no sign-up bonus available with this card.

Get it here: https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/credit-card-details/citi.action?ID=Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-business-credit-card

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Have a look at the Ink Business Cash ℠ Credit Card. Businesses can get cash back with every purchase. Spend $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. And you’ll get a $500 bonus cash back.

There is a $0 annual fee with a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the APR is a 15.24 – 21.24% variable.

The credit card features travel and purchase coverage benefits. So, this includes an auto rental collision damage waiver and extended warranty protection.

Details

Earn bonus cash back on business categories. So, these include office supply stores, telecommunications, gas stations and restaurants.

Note: this card has a balance transfer fee. Pay 5% of the amount transferred or $5, whichever is more. Also, there is a foreign transaction fee of 3%.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/ink-cash

United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card

Get a good look at the United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card.

Earn 2 miles/dollar with United and at restaurants, filling stations and office supply stores. All other purchases get 1 mile/dollar. Earn a 50,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening.

Benefits include priority boarding, a free first checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation.

Details

Also, get two United Club passes annually. And get hotel and resort perks including upgrades. On top of that, get early check-in and late checkout. And get an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Plus, get baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Finally, get trip delay reimbursement, purchase protection, price protection and concierge service.

After the first year, the card has an annual fee of $95. APR of 17.99% – 24.99%, based on creditworthiness.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/united-mileageplus-explorer-business

Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express

Another alternative is the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express.

This card is for those who stay at Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott hotels often. Earn six points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels.

And earn four points per dollar at American restaurants, US filling stations, and on American purchases for shipping.

Also, get four points to the dollar on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers. For all other eligible purchases, get two points per dollar.

Details

Earn 75,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the initial three months of account opening. Benefits include free in-room premium internet access, Sheraton Club lounge access, and purchase protection.

Plus, you get car rental loss and damage insurance. And you get baggage insurance. There is also a global assistance hotline. And there is a roadside assistance hotline. And get travel accident insurance and extended warranty coverage.

The biggest issue is the annual fee. There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then it’s $95 thereafter. Plus, there is no 0% introductory APR. Instead, there is a 17.74 – 26.74% variable APR

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/spg-amex-starwood-credit-card

Ironclad Secured Credit Cards: An Alternative to Building Business Credit Cards

Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

Have a look at the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card. It charges a $25 annual fee per card (up to 10 employee cards). It also requires a minimum security deposit of $500 (up to $25,000) and it is designed to help cardholders build or rebuild their credit.

Select this credit card if you wish to get 1.5% per dollar in purchases with no limits or get one point for every dollar in purchases. You also get 1,000 bonus points for every month your company makes $1,000 in purchases on the card.

Details

Also, you get free FICO scores every month. There are no foreign transaction fees. It is possible to upgrade to unsecured credit. Your account is regularly reviewed. And you may become eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use over time. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on factors including how you manage this and your other accounts.

APR is the current prime rate plus 11.90%. There is no introductory APR period and no sign-up bonus. This is not a credit card for balance transfers.

Get it here: https://www.wellsfargo.com/biz/business-credit/credit-cards/secured-card/

Terrific Cards for Cash Back: Another Way to Work with Your Building Business Credit Cards

SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express

Check out the SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express. There is a $0 yearly fee. And there is a 0% APR on purchases. So, this is for the first 15 months an account is open.

But when the introductory period ends, the APR for purchases is 14.24 to 21.24%. So, this is variable and based on creditworthiness.

Details

This card has several benefits. These include purchase protection, car rental loss and damage insurance. And they also include a baggage insurance plan, extended warranty coverage and a global assist hotline.

Also, earn 5% cash back at US office supply stores and on wireless telephone services. So, these must be bought from United States providers. But this pertains to the initial $50,000 of yearly spending. Then, you earn 1% cash back.

You also get 3% cash back on spending category of your choice. So, this is from eight distinct categories. They include airfare, gas, advertising and computer purchases. But it applies to the first $50,000 of annual spending. Then, you get 1% cash back.

Cash-back bonuses are automatically credited to the customer’s billing statement.

Note: you cannot use this card for balance transfers. There is a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%. The card charges up to $38 in late fees. And the returned check fee is also $38. The penalty APR is 29.99%.

And, it applies if you have two or more late payments within 12 months. It can also apply if you fail to make the minimum payment on time or have a returned payment.

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/credit-cards/simply-cash-plus-business-credit-card/44279

Capital One® Quicksilver® Card

Check out the Capital One® Quicksilver® Card. It offers flat-rate rewards of 1.5% on all purchases. There are no limits to the amount of cash back rewards that cardholders can earn. Also, the card has a $0 yearly fee.

New cardholders have a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after opening the account. Then afterwards they have a 14.74 – 24.74% (variable) APR after that.

A cash bonus of $150 is on offer for those who make at the very least $500 in purchases in 3 months of account opening.

Details

Also, cash back rewards do not expire for the life of the account. And there is no limit to how much you can earn.

This card also offers travel accident insurance. And you get an auto rental collision damage waiver. There are no foreign transaction fees. And there is extended warranty coverage.

Downsides are the flat reward rate, not allowing for any more than that. And the higher APR after the first 15 months.

Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/quicksilver/

Establish Biz Credit at Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 building business credit cards and lines.

Unbeatable Cards for Jackpot Rewards: When You Graduate from Building Business Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Check out the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for travel points.

You can earn two points to the dollar spent on travel and dining at restaurants. And you can get one point per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be traded in for cash back, gift cards, or travel.

The card’s benefits include trip cancellation insurance, travel and emergency assistance services. They also include an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

When you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, you will earn 50,000 bonus points. These points are worth $625 if you redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Details

You can get an unlimited two points per dollar for travel and dining at restaurants. And after that earn one point per dollar for all other purchases. Points will transfer equally to 13 leading frequent travel programs with partners. So, these include British Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, and Marriott.

There is no 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers. The card’s standard APR is 17.74 – 24.74% variable. Also, the card has an annual fee of $0 introductory for the first year. And then it skyrockets to $95.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred

Ink Business Preferred ℠ Credit Card

Get a look at the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card from Chase. Cardholders earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising with the card. So, this is up to $150,000 each year. And all other purchases earn an unlimited one point per dollar spent.

This is a Visa credit card.

Cardholders get benefits like purchase protection, trip cancellation or interruption insurance. They also get cellphone protection. And they get extended warranty coverage. And they get an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Details

Get 80,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening. There is an annual fee of $95. You can add employee cards at no additional cost.

This card only offers 3 points per dollar to a limit of $150,000 a year. So, this is for travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising. All other purchases get an unlimited flat rate of one point per dollar. And there is no introductory APR

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/ink-business-preferred

Build Biz Credit Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 building business credit cards and lines.

Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card

Have a look at the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card, which earns hotel rewards points. Get up to 12 points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts.

Automatically get Hilton Honors Gold status. And this includes room upgrades when available, a 5th night free when you book a rewards stay of 5 nights or more.

And get free internet access and late checkout. It also includes a 25% bonus on base points earned with Hilton Honors.

This card has a variable purchase APR of 17.74 – 26.74%. There is an annual fee of $95.

Details

Cardholders can get a 125,000-point welcome offer after making $2,000 in eligible purchases in 3 months from account opening. Earn a free weekend night award after making $15,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year.

Benefits include purchase protection. And there is extended warranty coverage. They also include car rental loss and damage insurance and travel accident insurance.

If you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases with the card within a calendar year, you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. This status includes all the benefits of Gold status.

It also includes a 50% bonus on base points earned with Hilton Honors and exclusive floor lounge access at select properties. But that is extremely high spending required for elite status. Only you can decide if that’s worth it.

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/hilton-honors-ascend/

The Perfect Building Business Credit Cards for You

Your outright best company credit cards hinge on your credit history and scores.

Only you can choose which features you want and need. So, be sure to do your homework. What is outstanding for you could be disastrous for someone else.

And, as always, make certain to develop credit in the recommended order for the best, quickest benefits.

 

The post Get Fantastic Building Business Credit Cards appeared first on Credit Suite.

Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card: What It Is and What It Isn’t

The True Story of What You Can Do with a Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card, and What You Can’t

It can be a bear to figure out which credit cards are worth your time to apply and for and which ones are not.  If you like to play the loyalty points and balance transfer game, it can be equally as daunting to figure out which combinations of cards work best for your needs.  The Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card is great for many purposes.  It isn’t for everyone though.

To understand if this card is right for you, and how it compares to other cards out there, keep reading.

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards.

Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card New Customer Perks

Many cards offer a new customer bonus.  The Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card is no different.  Currently the offer to new cardholders is a one-time $500 cash back bonus or 50,000 bonus points.  That is, if you enroll in their rewards program and spend $3,000 in the first three months.  They also offer a $0 rewards fee annually.

Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card Cash Back and Points

The Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card offers 1.5% cash back on every $1 spent.  In addition, you can earn 1 point per $1 and 1,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 or more in any month.  There are no required spending categories or caps.

Users can redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, airline tickets and more.  In addition, you can earn a 10% credit by redeeming points online.

Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card Interest Rates

This card offers a 0% introductory rate for first nine months.  After that, Interest rates are prime + 7.99% to Prime + 17.99% on purchases.  Cash advance rates are prime + 20.74%.

Which Businesses Benefit Most from the Business Platinum Credit Card?

Not all cards work well for all businesses.  This card works best for those that meet the following characteristics:

  • Businesses with annual sales up to $2 million
  • Those wanting the ability to choose between cash back or points
  • Businesses that need an easy way to manage business expenses
  • Those needing to add employee cards. The Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card allows up to 99 employee cards with no additional fee.

Other Benefits of the Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card

In addition to those already mentioned, this card also boasts the following.

  • Cash management tools
  • Spending reports available online
  • Online banking and bill payment options

How Does the Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card Compare to Other Cards?

It really just depends on what you need and what you qualify for.  Here are some other options for comparison purposes.

Discover it® Cash Back

You can earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter. Gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com, or wholesale clubs all qualify. There is a quarterly maximum each time you activate however. On top of that, automatically get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

You will earn an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you have earned at the end of your initial year, automatically.

For this card, your APR will be 14.99% to 23.99% based on creditworthiness and the market rate, which is based on the Prime Rate. Find out more about this card here.

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

This is another Wells Fargo card that may work better for you if the Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card is not an option.  It charges a $25 yearly fee per card (up to 10 employee cards).  In addition, it requires a minimum-security deposit of $500 (up to $25,000). It’s designed to help cardholders build or rebuild their credit.

If 1.5% per dollar in purchases with no limits or earn one point for every dollar in purchases sounds like something that would work for your business, this is the card for you. Additionally, you earn 1,000 bonus points for every month your company makes $1,000 in purchases on the card.

You will also have access to free FICO scores every month. It’s important to note that there are no foreign transaction fees, and it is possible to upgrade to unsecured credit.  They will review your account regularly to see if you are eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured card.  Approval is not guaranteed and depends on factors including how you manage this and your other accounts.

APR is the current prime rate plus 11.90%. There is no introductory APR period and no sign-up bonus. Since this is a secured card meant for building credit, it is not a good option for balance transfers.  Find out more about this option here.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great option.  They offer two points for every dollar on dining and travel.  Other purchases will earn you one point per dollar.  Trade the points in for the regular parade of cash back, gift cards, or travel.

Other benefits include trip cancellation insurance, travel, and emergency assistance services. They also include an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.

When you spend $4,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening, you will get 50,000 bonus points. These points are worth $625 if you redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

There is no 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers. The card’s standard APR is 17.74 — 24.74% variable. Also, there is an annual fee of $0 introductory for the first year. After that it is $95.  Find out more or apply here.

Business Platinum Credit Card Credit Suite2

Ink Business Preferred ℠ Credit Card

With this card, cardholders earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising. The cap on this is $150,000 each year.  All other purchases earn an unlimited one point per dollar spent.

In addition, you get 80,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. There is an annual fee of $95.  However, you can add employee credit cards at no additional cost.

One drawback is there is no introductory APR. Find out more and apply for this card here.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Be sure to look at the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. It has no yearly fee and offers a six-month introductory period of 0% APR on purchases. After six months, there is an APR of 14.99 — 23.99% variable on all purchases.

One exceptional feature is that this card offers an incentive for students to maintain good grades.  Those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher each year will get up $20 statement credit.  This is good for up to 5 years.

Since it is developed with students in mind, this card is great for building personal credit. Of course, this is different than business credit.  However, for new credit users, FICO scores will be important also. This credit card offers an outstanding way to raise FICO while also getting rewards.

You can earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants or Amazon.com up to the quarterly maximum. After that, the card offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases.  Also, all cash back rewards are matched 100% the first year.

Drawbacks include a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of every cash advance, whichever is more. Even though they waive the first late payment fee, a fee of up to $37 applies on all other late payments. There is also a returned payment fee of up to $37.  Find out more here.

Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card

This one earns hotel rewards points, so it is best if you spend a lot of time in hotels. Get up to 12 points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts.

In addition, you automatically get Hilton Honors Gold status. That means room upgrades when available, and a 5th night free when you book a rewards stay of 5 nights or more.

This credit card has a variable purchase APR of 17.74 — 26.74%.   Also, there is an annual fee of $95.

Special offers include a 125,000-point welcome after making $2,000 in eligible purchases within 3 months after opening the account.  Additionally, earn a free weekend night award after making $15,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year.

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards.

If you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases with the card within a calendar year, you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. This status includes all the benefits of Gold status. Find out more here.

Where Do You Start?

This is just a sample of what is out there and I am certain you can already see how hard the choice can be.  While some narrowing down is easy, based on things such as spending habits and eligibility, other factors are not so cut and dry.

The first thing you should consider is what is actually available to you.  Which cards are you eligible for based on your business income and credit?  If you currently are not eligible for the cards you want, you can do a couple of things.

The easiest is to start building your business credit.  If you don’t already have business credit, now is the time to make that happen. If you haven’t done the following already, they need to be handled first.

  • Incorporate as either a Corporation, S-corp, or LLC.
  • Get an EIN.
  • Get a D-U-N-S number.
  • Make sure your business has its own phone number, address, and fax number separate from your personal ones.
  • Open a separate business bank account.

How Do You Build Business Credit?

After you do these things, you can begin to open tradelines with starter vendors in the vendor credit tier.  These are vendors that will give you net terms on invoices, and then they will report your payments to the business credit reporting agencies (CRAs).  Find out more about the vendor credit tier and some great starter vendors here.

After there are enough of these vendors reporting on-time payments, your business credit score will be strong enough to start applying for credit cards in your business name.  Start with the retail credit tier.  These are store specific cards, such as a Staples credit card or a Best Buy card.  When you apply, use your business name and contact information along with your EIN.  Do not use your name, SSN, or contact information for anything other than identity verification.

As you get more of these cards and use them wisely, you will be able to apply for fleet cards that you can use to manage fuel and auto maintenance expenses.  Those would be from companies like Fuelman and Shell.

Lastly, you can apply for cards in the cash credit tier, which is where the Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card falls. Other general, non-store associated cards fall into this category as well.

Is the Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card Best for Your Business?

It depends on what you are looking for and what you are eligible for.  If the rewards with the Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card fit your spending habits, and if you are eligible, then yes, this card may be right for you.

It can help to choose a few of the best cards that you may qualify for, and make a list of their pros and cons.  Maybe the rewards are perfect for you, but there is an annual fee.  Try to evaluate your spending to determine if the rewards will make the annual fee worth it.  Will you earn more than the annual fee in cash back or points?

If you need to do some work on your business credit before you are eligible for approval, there are other options.  Do some research, and in the meantime follow the steps outlined above to get your business credit score up to par.

It really is a balancing act between what you need rewards wise and what you actually qualify for.  Take some time to evaluate these things, do some research, and find the card that will work best for your business.  It may be the Wells Fargo Business Platinum credit card, but it may be something else entirely.

 

 

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Organisation Broker Guide- How To Choose A Reliable Business Broker

Company Broker Guide- How To Choose A Reliable Business Broker

Organisation brokers or company transfer representatives are practical in offering your service at greater costs. A company broker supplies customers as well as vendors for various companies.
Company brokers locate customers for you to make a reliable company sale. Company broker can be an individual as well as a company that allows you to offer numerous services that consists of Internet organisations as well as site.
Service brokers give exact worth of the service. They promote your company for sale and also manage all first conversations with the purchasers as well as additionally aid the vendors to market their company at great rates.
Service brokers are really much positive with their job. Customers can additionally obtain advantages of organisation brokers by informing their demands.
While considering organisation brokers, extremely initial inquiry that can be found in mind, exactly how to select an appropriate company broker?
There are not particular certifications of organisation brokers yet the individual or company, that you’re going to employ for your service purchases, must be trusted, educated, skilled, pleasant as well as scheduled with you. You need to call 2 or even more company brokers for meeting as well as after that pick the finest amongst them.
Company brokers ought to recognize just how to preserve excellent buyer-seller partnership. The individual that can commit time for your company is the ideal organisation broker.
International Business Brokers Association is the prominent organization of service brokers.

Service brokers or company transfer representatives are handy in marketing your organisation at greater rates. A service broker supplies customers as well as vendors for various organisations. Organisation brokers discover customers for you to make a reliable company sale. Service broker can be an individual as well as a company that allows you to offer numerous services that consists of Internet companies as well as site.
There are not details credentials of organisation brokers yet the individual or company, that you’re going to work with for your company deals, must be reputable, well-informed, knowledgeable, pleasant and also scheduled with you.

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