Category Archives: General Business

Using Opensource Software for E-Commerce at www.OhWowThatsCool.com

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I’ve always advocated starting new business ventures with as little investment at risk as possible. It makes sense to let the business pay for itself. I’ve also given all of my consulting clients a copy of Open Office.

Now, I’ve put opensource software to work as an e-commerce platform at www.OhWowThatsCool.com. We’re using Zen Cart on  OhWowThatsCool.com as a storefront that supports our other three websites.

It was a lot of work. I’ve spent six weeks learning the software, adding inventory, and trying to make things look pretty. I’ve also opened it up to other local vendors as a way to help them get more exposure.

If you have a few moments, go check it out. Leave me a comment on the site design. I’m pretty happy with it for a free piece of software :)

Grow Your Business with new ideas

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(I originally published this article in the Galion Inquirer on February 11, 2012)

Are you looking for an idea to help you start your new business? Is your current business in need of some fresh ideas to bring in new customers?

When my consulting clients come to me for help, most of them are stuck for new ideas. They need to start or grow their business, but they have a very difficult time coming up with new and creative solutions.

The good news is that it isn’t as hard as it appears to be. By the time you finish reading this article, I’m willing to bet that you’ll have several new ideas floating around in your head. That’s the easy part. The hard part is going to be evaluating them and putting them into practice.

If you want to come up with new ideas to evaluate, you need to think in three basic ways. First, every problem is also a solution. Second, everyone is an expert in some area. Third, think about parades.  

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February’s Ohio Business Profiles

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Featured companies all minority-owned businesses in Ohio

COLUMBUS – Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that as part of an ongoing effort to recognize the impact Ohio businesses have on our state, February’s Ohio Business Profile features minority-owned businesses.

“These companies are a testament to the welcoming business climate in Ohio for entrepreneurs who provide quality services and products to their customers,” Secretary Husted said. “These businesses are an integral part of our communities and their continued success has a positive impact on our state.”

The companies being featured this month offer a wide variety of products and services, ranging from IT support to fishing gear.  

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  • Executive Security Group – Cleveland, Ohio – Founded in 2008, this company offers armed and unarmed security, private investigations, BCII and FBI electronic fingerprinting and more.
  • Salamander Sinkers – Cincinnati, Ohio – This sporting goods company specializes in drop shot, freshwater drift and salt water drift fishing sinkers.
  • OCG Telecom – Cincinnati, Ohio – This IT and telecom equipment and software company began in 2008 and specializes in computers, software and routers.
  • Dane’s Dessert Cafe – Columbus, Ohio – Started in 2011, this company offers sweet treats such as specialty crepes, Belgian waffles and sundaes.

Ohio Secretary of State Husted Releases Year-End Filing Figures for New Businesses

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SECRETARY OF STATE HUSTED RELEASES YEAR-END FILING FIGURES FOR NEW BUSINESSES

Announces updates to filing forms for companies to make doing business in Ohio easier.

 COLUMBUS  Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that 82,601 new entities filed to do business in Ohio in 2011. Those numbers are up compared to 2010, in which 80,081 new entities filed. Secretary Husted also announced the roll-out of updates to filing forms designed to make is easier for domestic and foreign companies to do business in Ohio.

When it comes to the number of new businesses choosing to operate in Ohio, our state is heading in the right direction, Secretary Husted said. The Secretary of States office continues to do its part to ensure a more welcoming business environment, working to streamline the filing process for Ohio companies. We hope for an even more prosperous year for Ohio in 2012.

The year-end numbers include figures for December 2011, in which the Secretary of States office assisted with 6,463 new business filings. This is a slight increase from December 2010, in which there were 6,226 new entities filed.

 

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