Contractor Marketing Advice

Murals, Faux Painting, Tiles, Color Consulting in Sonoma by Artist Linda Shea Design

2012-02-27T20:46:00.001-08:00

Healdsburg, Sonoma artist Linda Shea works directly with you or your designer to create custom murals, borders and theme rooms.

Her repertoire of architectural finishes includes: faux stone, wood graining, textures and metallic patinas.

She creates new finishes for cabinetry and furniture including glazing, antiquing/distressing and decorative painting.

She and her craft experts guide your interior or exterior project from color selection through all phases of prep and painting to the finish itself. She is also available for design and color consultations exclusively.

Her palette of decorative motifs includes:

• architectural finishing design

• faux wood grain, stone and patinas

• reinterpretation of fabric, wallpaper, photos, paintings, or historical motifs

• color consulting

Linda offers:

• color consulting

• interior / exterior paint treatments

• cabinetry and furniture

• faux painting

• custom draperies

• on site color mixing

To see samples of Linda Shea’s designs visit http://lindashea.com/index.html. Call 707-838-2523 for free one hour consultation.

Country Homes Campers Your Camper Van Connection

2012-02-12T21:26:00.001-08:00

We’re your camper van experts with over 30 years of experience.

We offer great deals on selected camper accessories.

Our bestseller: ShadyBoy Camper Awnings – inexpensive, practical, durable awnings!

Replacement Parts

For your convenience, we also carry

• Pop Top Replacement Bearings

• Pop Top Replacement Canvas

• Freeway Flier Automatic Transmission

Buy Vehicles

Camper Vehicles for Sale!

We feature quality Volkswagen, Ford and other models.

Our specialty: Vehicles converted to a fully self-contained Camper.

Minivan Conversions Info

Campers – we market them, repair them, and consult customers.

Our associates (like Personalized Vans and Trucks) customize them.

Together we equip your camper vehicle with the best:

· ergonomic engineering

· craftsmanship

· pleasing aesthetics

Company Info

Country Homes Campers campers were custom built until 1997. Country Homes Campers no longer builds campers.

We now maintain our website for informational purposes, to sell accessories and parts, and to assist old customers with finding parts and helping them to sell or buy their campers.

Camper Van Conversions

So you’re interested in a minivan conversion?

Let us help you!

First some handy tips:

1. Old vans are often NOT worth converting due to costs involved .

2. A NEW conversion from a dealer usually costs over $10,000

3. Often BUYING A USED VAN with a conversion is your best choice.

Conversion costs are independent of vehicles age.

4. We are your only source for our classic camper designs (a Canadian company offers a different type of conversion).

5. Look at our classic camper designs first!

Next, we recommend that you select from these conversion options:

Option A:

Basic Pop-top installation

Option B:

Interior Conversion with Standard options:

• Cabinet – Curtains – Screens

• Porta- Potty

• Carpet for center of Van

• Dual Battery charging system

• Sink

• 8 gal water tank

• 110V outlet

• Table – Drawer – Closet

• Fire extinguisher

• Propane and CO detector

• Rear Light

Optional Equipment:

• Built-in stove (3 gal tank)

• Awning

• Sunroof

• Luggage rack

• Swivel Seat

At Country Homes, we make your camping trips a pleasurable experience. Because we are camping enthusiasts!

SERVICES

Buy Vehicles

We feature quality Volkswagen, Ford and other models.

Our specialty: Vehicles converted to a fully self-contained Camper.

Sell Vehicles

Sell your Preowned Vehicle

We will advertise it for you!

Our loyal customers and visitors are always looking for deals on preowned vehicles!

Advertising package includes:

1. Targeted marketing to our preferred client base (thousands of potential customers)

2. Complete full page listing on our site until vehicle is sold (example)

Visit http://countryhomescampers.com/to see our camper information and accessories.

Email us or leave short message on our voice mail (509) 472-8666 and we’ll get back to you soon.

Professional Electrical Services for Residence and Commercial- AMPLEX Electrical and Solar serves Bay Area

2012-01-16T19:23:00.001-08:00

Amplex Electrical, Inc. has provided Bay Area residential and commercial customers with professional electrical services since 1989. With more than 20 years of industry experience, we offer solutions for any project, from residential homes to large commercial buildings and multi-story dwellings. We know what it takes to complete your project on time and on budget.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve customized our services to include:

• New construction, residential and commercial

• Extensions & remodels

• Fire alarm life safety systems

• Voice and data installation and terminations

• Close circuit television and intrusion systems

• Design-build services

• Access control and intercom systems

• Building management systems

• Electrical service upgrades of all sizes

• Building power analysis

• Emergency back-up power generators systems

• Solar photovoltaic systems (residential and commercial)

• Single- to three-phase power converters

AMPLEX SERVICES

SOLAR SERVICES

Amplex Electrical, Inc. can help you harness the sun’s unlimited power to supply energy to your home or business. Solar photovoltaic systems efficiently produce electricity, and can reduce or eliminate your electric bill, saving you thousands of dollars.

Trust Amplex with your next electrical or solar project. You’ll benefit from our decades of experience and cost-effective approach.

A solar PV system is a great investment, it:

• Increases property value by thousands of dollars

• Earns up to 15% return on your investment

• Harnesses the sun’s power 365 days per year

• Qualifies you for local, state, and federal rebates (where available)

• Substantially reduces your carbon footprint

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Amplex Electrical, Inc. has provided Bay Area residential and commercial customers with electrical services since 1989. Our recent addition of a solar photovoltaic division provides our customers with additional eco-friendly services.

Amplex Electrical, Inc. provides homeowners with the following residential services:

• New and remodel homes

• Electrical main service upgrades

• Hot tubs and pools

• Outdoor landscape lighting

• Grounding and surge protection

• Arc fault and GFI protection

• Home safety inspections

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector upgrades

• Nob and tube wiring-repair and replacement

• Home power analysis

• Timers, dimmer switches, occupancy sensors and other energy saving devices

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Amplex Electrical, Inc. provides a variety of electrical services specifically tailored to the commercial industry, including:

• Office dwellings/work stations

• Retail Spaces (restaurants, showrooms, hair salons, coffee shops, among others)

• New electrical three-phase services

• Back-up, three-phase emergency generators

• Single- to three-phase converters (rotary and static)

• Three-phase power analysis

SPECIALIZED SERVICES

At Amplex Electrical, Inc., we pride ourselves on offering all of the expert services a residential or commercial structure would demand. In doing so, we’ve positioned ourselves to be the electrical company that fits all of your project needs.

Fire Alarm Design & Installation – Amplex Electrical, Inc. expertly designs and installs conventional, addressable, and voice evacuation fire alarm systems for commercial projects of all sizes. Through close collaboration with elevator and mechanical contractors, we insure a seamless interface from design through final inspection. We use the following high-quality products: Silent Knight Addressable Control Panels,Silent Knight Modules and Devices, System Sensor Notification Devices, andEdwards Signaling Magnetic Hold Openers.

Voice & Data Systems – When it comes to the voice and data requirements for your new or remodel office project, let your IT person and Amplex Electrical, Inc. work together to simplify the process and reduce sub-contracts.

We install Cat-5 or Cat-6 wiring from the telecom room to the office work stations. At each work station, we install modular wall outlets to accommodate your needs, and then test and label. In the telecom room, we install wire management systems, racks, and patch panels. We punch down all Cat-5 and Cat-6 wires, in either A or B configurations, to accommodate your IT installer.

Amplex also installs telephone and DSL lines and terminate adjacent to patch panels. We take care of your power needs within the telecom room and even size and install your UPS systems. We plan ahead and accommodate your air conditioning needs to insure a stable, safe temperature within the telecom room for your valuable equipment.

We use the following high-quality products: Leviton electric and electronic products, including wall plates and housing network solutions.

Intercoms, Access Control and Close Circuit TV – Trust Amplex Electrical, Inc. to coordinate your intercom, access control, and close circuit TV applications. No project is too big or too small – from single family residences to large buildings with multiple elevators – we can control access to several entrances and floors using state-of-the-art elevator control.

Using proximity cards or fobs with computer-based software, combined with close circuit TV systems offer you limitless possibilities to easily monitor all entrances and unsecured areas. Leave your worries behind with a 24-hour security system.

We use the following high-quality products: DoorKing Access Control Solutions, Sony Broadcast & Production Cameras, ASSA ABLOY Door Opening Solutions, and HID Secure Identity Solutions.

ABOUT US

Amplex Electrical, Inc. has been providing Bay Area customers with electrical contracting services since 1989. Over the years, Amplexhas expanded its services from focusing primarily on new construction and remodel projects to include fire alarm life safety systems, voice and data, CCTV, access control, and intercoms. Most recently, Amplex added a solar photovoltaic division.

Over the past 20 years we have provided our clients’ money-saving design-built services in every aspect of the building industry. Those areas include: power distribution, emergency generation, and fire alarm life safety systems. When you work with Amplex the cost effectively design-build process saves you money and time. Our design-build services set us apart from the rest of the industry.

Our new solar division provides the same quality of service and workmanship and that important personal touch that we have provided for more than 20 years. That’s service you won’t get from the larger national solar companies.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide you with the best possible service, complete each project with pride and leave customers knowing they made the right decision in Amplex Electrical, Inc.

Founder

Patrick Whooley is the founder and president of Amplex Electrical, Inc. Patrick has spent more than 30 years in the electrical business and has run his own company for more than twenty of those years.

A native of Ireland, Patrick received his initial training there. He has also worked in England, Australia and New Zealand. A veteran in all aspects of the industry, Patrick attributes his success to his customer relationships and his steadfast attitude that the quality of the job should never be compromised. He often recites that if the customer isn’t 100% happy, neither is he.

Certifications

We only believe in professional, high-quality service. And we can back up that statement with facts. Amplex Electrical, Inc. is:

Registered California Contractor: C10 866386 Contractor Number

Fully Bonded: SC6079111

Fully Insured: General Liability & Workers Compensation

An Eaton Certified Contractor

Eaton is a nation-wide network of highly qualified certified electricians, incorporating cutting edge tools and technologies with advanced ideals to make your home as safe and functional as possible.

A Certified Solar Installer through Unitech College and the Boots on the Roof program.

A certified Better Business Bureau company with an A+ rating.

For more information about Amplex Electrical & Solar services visit http://www.amplexelectrical.com/. Call (415) 892-6501 for free estimate.

English Country Pine & Design provides custom kitchen cabinets, tables & chairs, Traditional & Country Design Furniture, Remodeling and Woodworking in Marin County.

2012-01-04T17:24:00.001-08:00

English Country Design was established in 1986 by John Varney, an English Craftsman and Designer with patience and an eye for detail.

In the well-equipped workshop everything from a coffee table to a large kitchen job flows with ease and confidence. A separate building for finishing offers a dust free environment for a variety of eco-friendly finishes.

The showroom is a perfect designing space loaded with samples of wood, hardware, moulding, colors, etc. and lots of pictures to aid in the designing process.

In the showroom you can also purchase:

• Fiddles furniture wax

• Rocky Mountain Hardware

• Sun Mountain Doors

• Michigan Maple Butcher Block tops

• Spekva Scandinavian countertops

• Raymond Enkeboll carvings

• Shaw farm house sinks

• Rohl taps and faucets

Wood Choices

Pine, cherry, oak, maple, alder, teak, mahogany... Don’t be overwhelmed. As you see what you don’t care for, it becomes clearer what you do like. You seek can advise on the pros and cons of different wood species and show you an array of color samples. The showroom is a wonderful and vital aid in assisting with the design process and our multitude of samples are available to be taken home so you can be sure of your selection.

Designing

Designing is John’s strong point. With over 25 years of experience, a trained eye, and a good ear, John first listens to your needs then puts pen to paper and starts to sketch for you. Combining this art with examples in the showroom and a myriad of wonderful photographs your idea becomes a reality. John has lectured for the A.S.I.D. on furniture design addressing how to incorporate modern technologies into a traditional design. He’s also a problem solver for those awkward spaces and can always find the perfect balance between function and aesthetic.

Reclaimed Lumber

Typically, reclaimed timber is obtained from the roof joist or flooring of old buildings which are scheduled to be torn down. Although reclaimed timber is usually more expensive than new wood, its rich character and proven quality make it an attractive choice for the discerning furniture buyer.

By the time it reaches your home, reclaimed timber will have endured decades, if not centuries, of seasoning. Its low moisture content and tight grain make reclaimed timber much more resistant to cupping, cracking, curling, splitting, or twisting than new wood.

Reclaimed timber is available in a wide variety of colors and grain patterns. Every piece is unique in its character, often bearing subtle signs of previous use, and can add instant atmosphere to any room in your home or office. At English Country Design, you can personally select the degree of distressing to best suit your taste.

Lastly, by choosing to have your furniture built with reclaimed timber, you will contribute to saving our old growth forests.

Pine Furniture

Antique pine furniture, as we know it today started in popularity in the late 1960's. Young homemakers not wanting the mass produced melamine cheap furniture turned to the auction rooms and secondhand furniture stores for the old pine furniture that had survived from the previous century. Often covered in many coats of paint, a chest of drawers was a bargain at $10.

First they would strip their newly acquired antique down to bare wood, then polish with Briwax, an inexpensive wax polish with a light brown color and this was the birth of STRIPPED PINE FURNITURE, later to be labeled country pine furniture. The antique trade at the time disowned it, considering it junk furniture and not a fine hardwood antique.

Little did they know because over the following 30 years it grew in popularity and prices rose dramatically and a new cottage industry was born. That $10 chest of drawers would sell for $500 in the 90's.

In England a dresser (or hutch as it's called in America) will differ in style depending on the region of its construction, and named after that region i.e. Cornish dresser, Irish dresser, Welsh dresser, Lincolnshire dresser, Scottish dresser.

Differences may at first appear subtle but once one knows what to look for it becomes obvious, much like seeing a Mercedes, BMW, or Jaguar without the emblem, one would still be able to identify it.

Throughout Britain people were stripping their interior room doors and adding a wax finish as most houses have interior wood work of pine. Still to this day watch and English movie and note the pine doors and pine kitchen furniture.

Visit http://www.englishcountrypine.com/ to see our sample designs. Hours is by appointment only please call first (415) 382 1952 to book for appointment.

JFK Marble Granite & Ceramic serves San Francisco and North Bay Area

2012-01-04T16:44:00.001-08:00

JFK offers the following services:

Custom fabrication & installation of stone
Installation of tile – ceramic or stone
Restoration of natural stone
Residential and Commercial

Areas served:

Marin County, San Francisco, Sonoma County, Napa County

About Josef

Josef Kremlacek is originally from the Czech Republic, where he learned the artistry of stone design. When he immigrated to the United States, he brought his knowledge and expertise to the Bay Area and formed JFK & Associates – Marble-Granite-Ceramic. He has worked in the stone industry since 1965 and has continually worked toward perfecting his craft.

Josef’s expertise in the field of natural and engineered stone includes working with granite, marble, slate, limestone, travertine, Cesarstone, Eurostone, Quartzite, Zodiac, ceramic tiles, mosaic tiles, stone medallions, as well as, glass blocks. He really knows how to bring out the beauty of any of these materials. As an artist, he takes great pride in creating a product that is both beautiful and outstanding. Close attention to detail and fine craftsmanship are evident in all of JFK’s projects. It is JFK’s goal to provide the highest quality finished product at a fair and reasonable price.

JFK & Associate fabricate and install kitchen counter tops, islands, bars, vanities, bathtub and fireplace surrounds, mantels and hearths, window sills, as well as installing ceramic or natural stone tiles. Although they believe that it’s best to have their crews prepare your site, they can work with any preparation that might be needed in order to ensure that your job is done right.

Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but JFK is flexible in their schedule to meet the customer’s timeline. JFK Marble & Granite provides free estimates and in-home consultations and can do small or large projects.

Company’s Philosophy:

JFK believes that quality of work, attention to detail, and making sure that the customer is satisfied with the service are the key aspects of every project.

Stone Care Tips

The care and maintenance of natural stone is very important in order to ensure that the integrity and beauty of your stone is preserved for a long time. Using a neutral pH cleaner or stone soap to clean the stone surface is highly recommended.

What is pH? PH is used to express the acidity or alkalinity for a chemical liquid. PH only applies to water-based chemicals. PH scale ranges from 1-14 where (1-6) = Acid, (7) = Neutral, (8-14) = Alkaline. PH of 1 means the solutions is a strong acid. PH of 14 means the solution is a strong alkaline.

Common Acids: Muriatic Acid, polishing compounds; vinegar, grout cleaners, batteries, bathroom cleaners, rust removers, alcoholic and carbonated beverages, and fruit juices.

Alkaline: Alkaline chemicals are found in heavy-duty stone cleaners, floor strippers, ammonia and lye. When using alkaline products be sure to thoroughly rinse the surface to remove all the alkaline solution. Rinsing is crucial since alkaline solutions can leave a residue on the surface of the stone.

Maintenance: To provide good results, a maintenance program should be implemented when the stone is in “like new” condition. But, there’s no time like the present time to get on a good maintenance program.

Floor surfaces:

Dust Mop: Dust mop with a non-treated dust mop daily to remove sand, dirt and miscellaneous grit. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to nature stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone surface. Normally, it takes a person 7 to 8 steps on a floor surface to remove sand and dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Dust mop only in one direction. Do not move it back and forth. Store mop with head off the ground and keep the mop clean. Do not dust mop on a wet floor. This may cause streaking. Designate one dust mop for each type of surface. Treated dust mops are not recommended for nature stone because the oils in the treated material may soak into the stone and discolor it. Do not used vacuum cleaners with metal wheels. The wheels may scratch the stone.

Damp mop: Sponge type mops are excellent for picking up a spill quickly. It is very important to rinse frequently. The sewn end string mops are best to use because they can be laundered easily in the washing machine. Use clean cold to warm water. Never use hot water as it might cause streaking. Again, it is very important to rinse frequently. Rinsing frequently can prevent streaking, sticky floors and the shine will last longer. Dry the tile with a clean terry cloth towel or machine buff with a white pad.

Cleaning rags: White terry cloth, old t-shirts, cotton rags are all excellent for picking up spills and removing streaking. Do not use colored rags. The colors could bleed into the stone and stain it.

Countertops and Vanities:

Regularly use a neutral pH cleaner or stone soap to clean the stone surface to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills. A mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water may also be used. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch the stone and dull the surface of the stone. Common toiletries such as perfume, toothpaste and mouthwash contain acids and may damage the stone surface and penetrate the sealer. Use a clean soft cloth for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acidic products on marble or other calcareous stones. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water often. This is very important. Do not use scouring powders or creams. These products may scratch the stone.

Bath and Other Areas:

In the bathroom soap scum and hard water deposits are the culprits. Using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit builds up. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover.

Spills and Stains:

Spills are going to happen so a quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or the sealer. Whether the stone is sealed or unsealed highly acidic substances such as orange juice, tomato juice, vinegar, mustard, carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and coffee will etch most marble, limestone and travertine. Although sealing the stone allows you enough time to wipe up a spill, it cannot prevent the chemical reaction that may dull or etch the stone area.

Dos and Don’ts:

Do dust mop floors regularly.

Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap.

Do blot up spills immediately.

Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.

Do dust countertops, islands and vanities regularly.

Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and counter top surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats.

Do enjoy the beauty of your stone.

Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, onyx surfaces.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry or soft cleaners

Don’t use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone

Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.

Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

Don’t worry. Stains happen and they can be removed.

Visit http://www.jfkmarble.com/ for sample of designs.

For more information please call 415 442-4982.

INTERPROJECTS

2011-10-18T18:06:00.001-07:00

Optimising Organisational Health

Led by internationally acclaimed multi-lingual expert Reavis Hilz-Ward, INTERPROJECTS is a company with corporate capability and a very human face. A consulting firm that knows that in a competitive environment it’s smarter not harder that will liberate your success.

SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS

• LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

• RISK ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION

• CRISIS INTERVENTIONS – PROJECT FIREFIGHTING

INTERPROJECTS has a track record of achievement in optimising people, processes and complex organizations – making them more efficient and more effective. From one-to-one professional coaching to global scale complexity issues, INTERPROJECTS takes the time to be considered, understanding, innovative, enlightening and endlessly passionate about assisting you in achieving your goals.

Reavis Hilz-Ward is a management consultant specializing in international and intercultural project management, risk management, process optimization, and change management for financial services, pharmacy, and automobile industries and for multinational organizations. From offices in Frankfurt, Germany we bring business executives to international success.

Interprojects Services:

Executive Coaching and Leadership Development
Risk analysis and mitigation
Transformational Leadership
Employee Empowerment

THE INTERPROJECTS APPROACH

The tools and approaches created by Reavis are a reflection of the considered and compassionate way in which INTERPROJECTS optimizes success. The methods of work are guided by honesty, integrity, deep knowledge, sensitivity and focus. The journey for each client and project will be different but the destination is always improvement and success. INTERPROJECTS visits ‘waypoints’ on your journey that will vary in length and content for each client. A typical journey might include:

Initial non-binding consultation – establishes ‘fit’ between INTERPROJECTS and the needs. Broadly defines challenges, goals and timeframes.

Analysis sessions – using extensive interviews and state-of-the-art tools to clarify the issues, uncover root cause and deliver a firm understanding of the context of the environment.

Goal identification – uncovering agreed goals and measurement indicators for success.

Implementation – a programme designed to address the issues which might include individual andgroup coaching sessions, training, performance management, risk assessment and change process design.

Mid-term review – assessment and orientation ‘health check’ for the project.

Second implementation phase – a continuation of work.

Success review – appraisal and evaluation of works against the indicators of success.

To find out more about how Reavis Hilz-Ward and the INTERPROJECTS team might help call +49 (69) 75600-10, email us or explore our site, http://interprojects.de.

How-to Guides to Running Your Small Business from Work.com

2011-06-23T18:35:00.001-07:00

Check out this website I found at work.com

Business Growth | Funding Solution | Marble Bridge Funding Group, Inc.

2011-05-02T15:10:00.001-07:00

Your Bridge to Success

Marble Bridge Funding Group is your source to immediate cash to grow your business. Since 1997, Marble Bridge has provided more than $500 million of funding to hundreds of companies. We provide ready cash through financing your accounts receivable and purchase orders.

For companies looking to grow, Marble Bridge is your bridge to success. We are a direct lender, providing flexible, quick, reliable, custom funding solutions, and superior customer service.

Find out how we can help you:

Expand your business

Purchase additional inventory

Acquire larger customers

Get cash in 24-48 hours rather than waiting 30, 60 or even 90 days

Simply make the payroll

Contact Us Today!

Tel 925-977-8210

via marblebridge.com

Kahl Consultants client Marble Bridge Funding Group is a progressive commercial finance company headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 1997 this privately held direct funder has been financing growing businesses – from start-ups to companies with $100 million in sales – via a range of innovative programs:

Account Receivable Financing
Purchase Order Financing
Receivables Management
Other Related Financial Services

Marble Bridge also maintain a visible presence in the community, assisting government and private institutions that serve small businesses.

Entrepreneur Magazine Tips to Start Your Own Business

2011-04-22T12:08:00.001-07:00

Or almost nothing. Before you sign a lease (or buy a phone plan or make a hire), find out what's available for free.
You don't need a fancy telecom system and an office full of equipment to get your business off the ground. Hell, you don't even need an office, especially with the ever-growing array of virtual services at your disposal. --E.W.
The un-office
Save the rent and work with your colleagues anywhere that has a Wi-Fi signal. Basecamp--a web-based project-management app--lets you assign tasks, send instant messages, collaboratively edit documents, create presentations and track projects with employees and clients. A good service for web design professionals and other creatives completing longer-term assignments. Plans start at $24 a month for as many as 15 projects and go up to $149 a month for unlimited use. But if you can find office space at that price, we suggest you take it.
Basecamphq.com: From $24 a month.
Credit cards
Setting up a conventional credit card payment system involves contracts, equipment rental and thousands in transaction fees. Ex-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has a new startup called Square that allows you to swipe plastic with your iPhone or iPod. Simply plug Square's, er, square, into the headphone jack and your customers can make a purchase from anywhere. With instant photo verification, on-screen signature technology and e-mail receipts, the system is paperless, too. It's still in beta testing, but expect Square to arrive this summer.
Squareup.com: $1 for the app, plus 2.9 percent of each transaction. Hardware will be free.

The phone
Telecom systems killed the receptionist. Now Google Voice is set to kill telecom. Voice gives you the local number of your choice and lets you forward it to as many landline or cell phones as you please, giving you an "office number" even if said office consists of nothing more than you and your cat. Voice kindly transcribes voicemails for access through text message or e-mail, and incoming calls can be recorded and played back on the web. Local calls are free; long distance starts at just 2 cents a minute.
Google.com/voice: Free, or close to it.
The fax
Buying a bulky fax machine is so 1993. And then there's the monthly cost of the dedicated landline needed to run the thing. With eFax, $16.95 a month gets you a local fax number of your choosing and 130 incoming pages each month. And eFax sends incoming faxes as e-mail attachments--very 2010, indeed.
Efax.com: $16.95 a month.
IT department
Get the perks of a corporate computer network with Dropbox's free downloadable software: Just drag and drop files into a desktop folder to sync them to computers and PDAs--no IT guy needed.
Dropbox.com: Free.
Accounting department
Freshbooks--an online invoicing, time-tracking and expense service--automates the accounting department with an easy web interface that sends documents (with your logo) to clients. Manage as many as three clients for free; a $19 monthly upgrade increases that to 25. Getting clients to pay on time? That's another matter.
Freshbooks.com: Free.
Complaint department
Get Satisfaction--a startup that mint.com and Nike are already using--collects questions, complaints and feedback from throughout the social media universe and organizes it into a customer service platform that can be used on your website. Led by CEO Wendy Lea, Get Satisfaction has plans starting at $19.
Getsatisfaction.com: From $19 a month.
Make it legal
Create a simple LLC or trademark your business name with LegalZoom, a low-cost alternative to hiring counsel. LLC document preparation starts at $149 (about one-tenth of what an attorney would charge) and includes all filing fees and a custom operating agreement.
LegalZoom.com: $149 for an LLC document.

via entrepreneur.com

Ready to start your own business? Worried about the expenses?

This article has excellent tips for free or almost free services and tools to get you going when you are short on money.

myearthdaymarin.org

2011-04-21T16:20:00.001-07:00

Thank you for visiting the My Earth Day Marin Coalition Homepage – your source for information on environmentally focused service projects organized in honor of Earth Day throughout Marin County! Opportunities abound for those interested in giving back to mother nature, but sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin. That is why agencies across Marin have come together to collectively advertise Earth Day service projects and celebrations. We hope that your celebrations this April leave you with a greater understanding of, and appreciation for the incredible land and wildlife of Marin County, and the people who reside here. Together we can make a great difference; thank you very much for your time!

“Let it rain, let it pour, let the sun rise and roar, whatever the weather we are here to serve, to celebrate, nurture, preserve and observe, the endless wonders of earth!” -Marin County Park Ranger Kirk Schroeder

If you are interested in volunteering for an Earth Day service project, please visit our VOLUNTEER page for information on a wide variety of projects across the county. For more information on the My Earth Day Marin Coalition, please visit our About Us page. If you have general questions about the My Earth Day Marin Coalition, visit our Contact Us page. Note that our listed volunteer opportunities have specific contact persons pertaining to each event. If you are interested in promoting a volunteer event that is not listed on our VOLUNTEER page, visit our Add an Event page. We look forward to hearing from you!

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My Earth Day Marin Partners:

Marin County Parks and Open Space District
City of San Rafael Volunteer Program and Public Works Department
San Rafael Clean
Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
Marin County Department of Public Works
Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin
Marin Municipal Water District
Marin County Community Development Agency

Founded by:

Marin County Parks and Open Space District
City of San Rafael Volunteer Program
San Rafael Clean
Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin
Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program

via myearthdaymarin.org

April 22 is Earth Day! Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to Mother Earth and volunteering for community service projects.

How to use Images Online and How to find Free Images

2009-09-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

As a contractor you know how important it is to make your work visually appealing. This is true about all your online marketing, from your website to your blog and your email newsletters and more.

The internet is a very visual medium that is becoming more and more visual with the advent of broadband and mobile web apps. The web is becoming more like your TV.

So if your websites lacks pizazz you can actually make it spiffier FOR FREE - just grab some videos from YouTube.com and photos from Flickr.com or similar sites.

How to Use Images for your Online Marketing:
1) Each page on your website should have at least ONE IMAGE (photo, graphic, or video)
2) Each blog entry should have at least ONE IMAGE (photo, graphic, or video)
3) Each email newsletter entry should have at least ONE IMAGE (photo or graphic).

So you may be a hobby photographer and you have lots of your own photos. Use them!

If not, where do you get the right images? Do NOT copy them from other websites, unless you have permission and then be sure to include the copyright information.

Or you can use the list below to find images that you can use at no cost.

How and Where to find FREE IMAGES

Free Stock Photo Websites:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.nrel.gov/data/pix/
http://images.fws.gov/
http://www.flickr.com/commons/

Image Search Tools:
http://images.google.com/
http://www.google.com/advanced_image_search
http://pixsy.com/
http://www.picsearch.com/
http://www.sxc.hu/

If you know of any other great collections of free images please let us know.

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Do I need SEO?

2009-08-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

Do I need Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Do you already have a website? Did you know that nobody cares how slick your website is? What really matters is how your customers find your website!

A good ranking in the big search engines which brings more traffic to your website can be achieved through SEO.

The ways that you can optimize your website for search engines depend on the rules of the search engines. And these are constantly being rewritten.

What are these search engine rules? Lets just boil it down. There are only two things you really need to understand about search engine rules: content and popularity:

Content:
The text you write on your website. This text should be unique and relevant to your visitors. Write as much as you can about your goods and services, making sure your copy is easy to read. A blog can help you do this.

Popularity:
Search engines define your popularity based on the number of BACKLINKS you get. A backlink is a link from some other website to your website. Backlinks are weighted, so a backlink from a popular website is worth more than one from an less popular site. Whatever you do, get more backlinks!

It is a good investment to talk to an SEO Expert such as Kahl Consultants. They can help you to understand what SEO does and they can help optimize your site and improve your ranking.

Three Contractor Marketing Tips

2009-08-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Attention plumbers! Attention electricians! Attention HVAC pros...

You get the idea. Here are three marketing tips that are good for ALL contractors!

There are Many Marketing Avenues

Do not rely on only one avenue of marketing.

Market conditions keep changing, so you cannot rely solely on traditional marketing avenues such as the good old Yellow Pages or word of mouth networking anymore.

The Yellow Pages

Print Yellow Pages are not what they used to be. They have been taken over by internet search engines. But this can be good news for you!

Do you still run expensive yellow page ads? Be sure to stick only with the most popular yellow pages.

RENEGOTIATE! Call them up, tell them you are considering dropping your ad, and ask them to cut the price by at least 50%. If they don't do it then cancel your ad, and invest this money in online advertising.

Avoid online yellow pages! They are expensive and not very effective. Think about it... when was the last time you looked for something in a yellow page website? Most of us use search engines to find something online.

Repeat Customers

Find customers that will give you repeat business. For example, try to call on property managers or neighborhood associations. Give your customers a discount coupon that they can use the next time they call you.

Marketing Advice blog for Contractors by Kahl Consultants

2009-08-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome contractors! We at Kahl Consultants want to show you valuable marketing information and give contractors tips on marketing both on the internet and in your local communities.

Our focus will be on the many small contractor firms who we have already assisted to market their services.

Kahl Consultants is a web services and internet consulting company based in San Rafael, California. Our clients are small business establishments, individual professionals and nonprofit organizations found in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.