Client Profile: Abel & Wright

Safe Shield is only as successful as the clientele we support. And, fortunately for everyone involved, we work with some of the hardest working, most innovative people around.

Today, we talk a little with Amy Marquard, Founder/ President of Abel & Wright, LLC. This brand-new St. Cloud-based agency works to reclaim debt on a business-to-business basis.

Marquard is still settling into her new adventure, but she definitely has a strong idea of what she wants and where she’s heading professionally - but we’ll let her explain it all herself.

Q: So, what does Abel & Wright do?

A: Abel & Wright collects B2B debt while protecting your brand with respect and integrity. We believe companies should be paid on-time and in-full. It’s only right. And we’ll tell that to your customers in the very nicest possible way.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: We formed on April 5, 2014.

Q: Why did you decide to go into business for yourself?

A: Well, I've always had a desire to build a strong brand and I feel lucky to have the opportunity at the same time that my experience, education and vision are so well-aligned. Business owners are telling me that, while they are profitable, their slow-paying customers cause them to struggle with cash flow. I love that I can provide a very necessary and valuable service in my hometown, with collection strategies focused on customer retention (working under their company name or mine).

Q: What is the most rewarding part of owning your own business?

A: Doing what I love  - passion motivates me. I hear really painful stories from business owners, detailing the hard work, time and money invested to build solid customer relationships - and then the disappointment and repercussions of having to chase money owed to them. It all really tugs at me. But their customers have struggles, too, so building rapport and collaborating on both ends is very necessary. Truly, what could be better than delivering cash to customers whose hope had been lost? I have the best job in the world.

Q:  Have you faced any challenges with being your own boss? Has Safe Shield made this easier?

A: Some people warned that being my own boss can be lonely and/or stressful. I know I'm in the early stages, but I really haven't found that to be true. Yes, there have been challenges and setbacks, but each presented an opportunity to build my professional network. Safe Shield LLC is a big part of that team and I rely on them to do what they do best.

Q: At what point in your business journey did you start using Safe Shield? What has been helpful about this?

A: I used Safe Shield, LLC to form my entity, so they were one of my first business partners. Using their service allowed me to really relax about something as important as how the company will be formed - and then focus my energy on improved cash flow for my customers. While I originally thought I could just form the LLC on my own, the large stack of documents Safe Shield LLC produced was proof that I would have had no idea what I was doing. I also like supporting local businesses and was happy to have been referred to them.

Q: What plans do you see in the future?

A: I love the idea that, with controlled growth, I will be able to create highly-skilled jobs for the St. Cloud area while solving real cash flow problems for businesses. The St. Cloud area business community has truly embraced Abel & Wright and the future excites me!

5 REASONS YOUR LLC SHOULD USE SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is, without a doubt, becoming a major player in the business world. If you need some convincing, consider this: as of last year, around three-fourths of all Fortune 500 companies had an active presence on major social media platforms. These are companies with unlimited resources to spend on advertising, and a huge part of that effort is now participatory and actively being funneled into highly shareable media like Facebook and Twitter.

This strategy is also becoming indispensable for smaller, independently-owned enterprises.

If you’re a small business owner, there are, quite literally, hundreds of reasons to forge a presence on social media. We’ll keep it simple; here are a few of the top reasons to consider.

Going Social is Inexpensive

If you’re new to the business world, the odds are good that you’re operating on a slim promotional budget. Social media is a great way for home-based businesses with limited start-up resources to get themselves “out there.” These platforms allow business owners to deliver targeted messages without having to spend large amounts of money on traditional or print advertising. What’s more, unlike traditional advertising, social media messages are interactive; they have the power to begin a dialogue between your company and potential customers.

Going Social Creates Business Awareness

Many independently-owned new businesses are formed right in a person’s home office or living room - but social media can work around that! Cultivating a strong social image raises awareness of your business’ existence and the services offered. You can showcase your expertise and services with tips and advice through social media and generate a customer base - even from your family room.

Going Social Finds Your Target Audience

Billions of people are on social media…yes, billions. With that volume of users, it goes without  saying that they’re an easy way to find the right customers. By joining different industry-specific groups on social media, you’ll find it’s easier to find people in your target audience and reach out to them. Invite them to learn more about your company - start a social media conversation!

Going Social Increases Your Online Presence

Not only does being social have benefits in and of itself, but if you do it properly, you’ll bring those very same users to your website. Many home-based businesses rely on their website to act as the face of their business - and social media can direct users right to it. The result? A boost in SEO, and greater odds that new business will find you in the future!

Going Social Kickstarts Business Events

Many home-based businesses launch their brand by hosting parties or events to promote their products. Social media is a really easy means for promoting and inviting your friends and associates to join you. Those contacts can, in turn, invite their friends and associates to learn more about your event. After all, the best and most trusted form of advertising is organic promotion from others!

This is a brief list; the reasons to go social with your home or independent business are as varied as there are businesses in the world. Have you used social media to promote your business? What has worked for you? Leave us a comment and let us in on your thoughts!

Client Profile: Guytano Magno Photography

Here at Safe Shield, our business success is reflected perfectly in the successes of our clients. Today, we’re profiling Guytano Magno - the owner and head photographer of Guytano Magno Photography.

Magno has made quite a name for himself - and expanded his business - in a relatively short amount of time. Magno has been shooting weddings for the better part of a decade, but made the decision to create an entity and formalize his photography business three years ago.

Magno cites several reasons for forming his own business. He says he’s always been an adventurous, independent person, so the idea of starting something of his own - something without limitations - has always been very appealing.

“I don’t feel like I have a ceiling…in any capacity,” Magno explains. “The only thing that will hinder the growth of the business is me.”

Magno also appreciates the flexibility that comes with being able to craft his own work schedule.

“I work much harder now, but I have the control to take time off whenever I choose,” Magno says. “This is a huge blessing when it comes to helping my wife raise our beautiful son -  I love slow mornings when the 3 of us get to spend time together at the house.”

This blessing, however, does not come without cost. Magno says, as a business owner, he faces unique challenges all the time - many related to growth.

“If your business never grows or changes, you can stay put in the same structures you’ve always had,” Magno explains. “But, if you are growing and adapting, you will need to figure out how to do that in a way that is right and healthy.”

Magno says Safe Shield has been an integral part of making those growing pains manageable. While he’s only been working with Safe Shield for a few months, Magno says, since then, he’s developed a subsidiary business under the umbrella of the main business, hired a new employee, and remodeled his studio. Magno says Safe Shield's services have given him the structure and support he’s needed during this busy time. “All of these things take planning and structuring. Safe Shield has been invaluable in doing those things well.”

We have little doubt Guytano Magno Photography will continue to boom. The proof is in what Magno told us when asked what the future holds.

“I would like to go to the moon…or anything else equally ambitious.” Safe Shield is very excited to be along for the ride!

4 HOME-BASED BUSINESSES TO KEEP AN EYE ON

When it comes to self-employment, perhaps no other industry has provided quite the volume of opportunities as direct sales businesses. In fact, Women’s Day Magazine reports that, in 2009, over 16 million Americans generated more than 28 billion dollars in revenue from these home-based, consultation and party-style enterprises.

Some names - Avon, Mary Kay, Amway - are those you’ve probably heard. These are companies that have been granting extra income to home-based entrepreneurs for decades. But, there’s a whole new crop of direct-sales companies rising in popularity.

If you’re one of the millions of people kicking around the idea of joining this industry, take a peek at this list of 4 up-and-coming companies you might want to look into.

YOUNIQUE COSMETICS

Founded in 2012, this direct-sales cosmetics company has been expanding rapidly with an extensive inventory of natural cosmetics. Distributors, called “presenters,” typically make sales via an online presence, along with home and online demonstration parties. Online research finds presenters need to spend $99 on a start-up kit, and can expect to make a 25% commission on sales. Basically, $1,000 in sales nets the seller about $150.

THIRTY-ONE GIFTS

According to their website, Thirty-One Gifts formed 10 years ago “with a simple goal of helping women by giving them an opportunity to own their own business.” The business boasts a wide-ranging inventory with everything from handbags to stationary to creative storage solutions - and a nationwide consultant force of over 80,000. While not as new as some of our profiled companies, Thirty-One Gifts has staying power; it ranked 5th for fastest-growing Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) companies in 2011, with over $100 million in profit.

JAMBERRY NAILS

This direct-seller, formed in 2010, has seen marked success with women by selling ready-to-wear decorative nail strips. Like all reputable work-at-home businesses, Jamberry has an online presence for customers to shop without a sales agent. However, the company employs thousands of sellers around the US who actually stand to earn a fair amount through commission. After a $99 startup cost, a Jamberry consultant will earn 30% commission from all sales.

LILLA ROSE

While not particularly new when compared to other direct-sales companies, Lilla Rose bears mentioning simply because it’s got a solid reputation. The business formed in 1992, selling all varieties of hair accessories. Like many other home-based businesses, consultants are encouraged to host parties to lure more customers and possibly consultants. The model has worked well for them; according to Find the Best, Lilla Rose consultants earn a 40% sales commission, one of the highest in the direct-sales universe.

Direct sales is a huge empire, and folks interested in venturing into it are not going to have trouble finding a product or company that interests them. Are you self-employed as a direct sales consultant? What’s the experience like for you? Leave us a comment below - and good luck!

Client Profile: Solid Rock Home Innovations

Here at Safe Shield, our business success is reflected perfectly in the successes of our clients. Today, we talk with Dale Gronhovd, the founder and CEO of Solid Rock Home Innovations, LLC. here in St. Cloud. Dale is a passionate small-business owner with years of experience, and we’re honored to be able to share his story. Here’s Dale:

How long have you been in business?

I started in November 2013 - so about 5 months.

Why did you first get into business for yourself?

I have a degree in Carpentry and have worked in the construction field for the past 20 years. I absolutely love working with homeowners to help them enjoy their home. I had always dreamed of owning my own business, and have done projects for family and friends for years. Even though there are plenty of remodeling/repair technicians in the community, I saw a gap in customer service and expertise - and knew I could fill that gap. My fiance was very supportive, so when I needed to make a job change just a few weeks before our wedding, we decided it was a great time to start the business. Solid Rock Home Innovations specializes in remodeling, repair and DIY consulting.

What is the most rewarding part of owning your own company?

It is so rewarding to talk to a home owner or business owner who has a challenge with their home or office and be able to offer a solution they didn't realize was possible. Because of my years of experience, I'm often able to find a more cost-effective solution than they had imagined. Knowing my work is helping people enjoy their home gives me tremendous satisfaction.I also know that the buck stops with me and I can perform each job to my own high standards. I truly enjoy each day and come home at night with peace knowing I gave my clients my all.

At what point in your business journey did you start using Safe Shield? How has using them helped you? What feature has helped you the most.

I could have started my business under the radar and waited awhile before getting set up legally; in fact, there were people who suggested I just take cash jobs for the first few months. However, as our business name suggests, we wanted to run a business with integrity and wanted to start by doing things right; I just had no idea where to get started. My wife, Tara, had worked with Kent in the past and had respect for Safe Shield. Meeting with Kent was one of the very first things I did in getting started and he brought tremendous value! He helped me understand my options for setting up my business and advised me on a number of business issues I had questions about. Not only did SafeShield help us set up our LLC, but taking Kent's advice brought incredible peace of mind as I started my business. What could have been a very stressful process, was exciting and motivating!

How do you see your future?

Solid Rock Home Innovations is growing at a steady pace and once I obtain my contractor's license this summer, the opportunities will be endless. I'm excited to grow Solid Rock Home Innovations into a respected brand in our community as we continue to delight our clients. In addition to providing for my family, we pray Solid Rock will grow so that we can also give back to our community.

What makes Solid Rock unique is the ability to find creative, cost effective solutions combined with carpentry expertise (high end attention to detail) and a sincere heart for our clients. This combination of skills and values aren't found in many businesses nor are they being taught, so one day I hope to take on apprentices to teach and mentor the next generation.

Being a Business Partner with Integrity

At Safe Shield we strive to help protect your business while allowing you more time to focus on the day-to-day needs of your customers. For a wonderful example of this, look no further than Integrity Auto and Truck, an auto repair business in St. Cloud. Founded by Jason Brehmer almost five years ago, they have been a Safe Shield Client for the past two years. It has been satisfying to work with Integrity Auto and Truck because we are able to provide Jason with the peace of mind that his business is compliant and he doesn’t have to worry about it.

In Jason’s own words: “I could go on and on about the challenges that I face in business. As the business grows, new ones come up and I start to see my shortcomings just as much as my strengths appear. One of them was realizing that no matter how much ambition or drive I have, I simply can’t do it all. It either doesn’t get done or slips through the cracks. A perfect example of this is my corporate documents. I always thought “yeah, I’ll get to them”, but I didn’t. The other component is that I’m a car expert, not a corporate expert. I started to ask myself, “if my LLC isn’t bullet proof, then what good is it?” and “do I know how to make it that way?” After that, the choice was easy. Kent and his team have been great to work with. They call me and remind me, even hound me if need be, to make sure that my ducks are in a row. It is good piece of mind, and priceless.” Jason started Integrity Auto and Truck as a life goal and the work that he does is very rewarding. Safe Shield has strived to help Jason accomplish his goals and run a successful business, while being able to directly see the fruits of his labor.

“There are so many ways they have helped” said Jason. “From making sure I keep my documents in order, to things getting filed as needed. My bank likes them too because of the online access to all of my records. Best feature for me out of all of it, is them calling me and making sure things get done because it is far too easy to keep putting things off.”

We look forward to helping Jason deal with the new challenges that come with owning a business and are excited to see continued growth at Integrity Auto and Truck over the years to come.

Safe Shield Client: Cohlab

Cohlab, founded a year and 4 months ago by Heather Robbins and Cliff Robbins, is one of Safe Shield’s newest clients. Cohlab helps small businesses create a collaborative web and mobile strategy that is both understandable and affordable. Heather and Cliff got the idea after they learned about the struggles their aunt and uncle were having maintaining and understanding the technology surrounding their business’ website. After discovering that many other business owners were experiencing the same frustrations, Heather and Cliff decided to open Cohlab- a company small business owners can turn to for help in growing their business’ online visibility.

While the partnership between Cohlab and Safe Shield is new, Heather and Cliff compliant. So far Kent and the Safe Shield team have helped Cohlab get their documentation and certification in order. “Working with Safe Shield not only gives us one less thing to worry about it also

know what a value it is to their business, “We started with Safe Shield just a month ago; which is a year too late. We wish we would have met Kent when we were first starting to plan the business.” Heather and Cliff are realizing how much they didn’t know about what needs to happen in order for their business to stay provides us with a trusted advisor.”

Knowing that Cohlab’s compliance needs are taken care of, Heather and Cliff are focusing on growing their business. Within the next couple of months they plan to move out of their home office into an office building in downtown St. Cloud. All the while knowing that Kent and the rest of the team from Safe Shield will take care of their business affairs to keep them safe and compliant.