The End of an Era: Why Yelp is on its Last Leg

More than ever, an online review, often anonymously written on websites like Yelp can make or break a small business. If you own your own service business, chances are you’ve already felt the dramatic effects of a single negative review can have. A disgruntled customer can ruin a business’s reputation without ever stepping foot inside, and with little to no evidence of their claims. Search the web and you’ll encounter endless horror stories of distasteful reviews that, regardless of merit, have essentially crushed a business’s standing with the public. Even when countless good reviews outweigh a few bad ones, the systematic way in which Yelp strong arms its business users creates a dead end for a small business on the cusp of greatness. The real problem lies in Yelp’s ability to “filter” reviews in an effort to reduce fake reviews that have plagued the site.

However, the more you look in to this feature, the more you begin to wonder if Yelp is using this as a tactic to scrape money from a helpless business. John, an East Bay Restaurateur explained his experience to the East Bay Express in an article that explores the Extortion tactics that Yelp is using against owners like himself. John received multiple phone calls from Yelp employees after a few bad reviews of his restaurant inexplicably appeared at the top of his page. When Yelp offered to remove these reviews at an enormous price, John knew something was wrong "It totally felt like a blackmail deal. I think they're doing anything to make a sale." John isn’t alone. Hundreds of businesses around the web are stuck in similar situations, all the while potential customers avoid their establishment. Simply google it and you’ll see for yourself.

The lack of a standardized format for reviews means that a business's Yelp profile rarely accounts for an accurate reflection of it’s standings with the public. This is an out of date process that will eventually fail. As the public catches on to the scheme, Yelp will lose credibility and more structured review systems will take its place.

Ch. 2 of the Comprehensive Guide for Growing Your Business: Getting Insured

Unfortunately, when you’re an entrepreneur/CEO of our own business, it means that you have to deal with the dry, boring paperwork that comes across the desk. But who better than yourself to set the solid foundation for the growth of your business to stand on? So. Today’s topic we’re touching base on is: insurance! Let’s get through this thoroughly and quickly so you can get back to daydreaming of your yacht and exotic miniature horse farm.

Get Limited Liability Business Insurance

Owning a business can put you in scary situations, especially when unforeseen accidents happen. A team member or customer becomes physically injured during the job, property damage ensues, or even psychological injuries can turn out to be an ugly lawsuit against your business. Safeguard your livelihood and get Limited Liability Business Insurance. Liability Insurance can help cover costs of medical expenses, attorney/court fees, and other damages that your business may be legally responsible for. Speak to an insurance agent first and see what customizable option plans there are that best suits your business. If you already have a policy in place - check this right off your to-do list! But also be aware of when your coverage expires.

Have workers? Get Workers Comp.

We hear stories everyday from our friends, family, news, everywhere - accidents happen all. The. Time. Workers Compensation Insurance is actually mandatory by law in almost every state and is available to employers through commercial insurance companies. In essence, workers compensation insurance covers costs for any illness or injury a team member obtains at work or by performing the duties of his or her job. Examples of these injuries include slipping on wet floors, straining muscles while lifting heavily, or obtaining injury by fire or explosions. Your workers compensation costs are determined by the amount of worker’s wages paid out, so make sure your estimated payroll is good for the year ahead.

Consult With an Insurance Broker

And for safe measures, it won’t hurt to consult with an insurance broker to make sure every corner of your business is covered. Don’t hesitate to ask questions until you’re blue in the face! Every business operates differently and not one insurance policy fits all. They are there to help and it’s better to be safe than find yourself in an unknown sticky situation down the road.

Business Handlr Spotlight: Mrs. Owl's Tutors

Meet Vanessa. She's our Business Spotlight of the week and one of the many, new business owners that just on-boarded her business onto Handlr. Vanessa operates a tutoring business in North County San Diego, and we are so excited to watch her business grow with us. We asked her a couple questions about her journey of starting her business and what inspires her to keep growing.

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Q. How did you start your business?

A. I started my business by saying “Yes” to opportunities. I was a newly credentialed substitute teacher struggling to get a job in a poor job market for San Diego teachers. I had begun tutoring to supplement my income and made the big decision to stop substitute teaching and focus on tutoring. After 3 years, my schedule was packed and I was still getting new student requests so I decided to start Mrs. Owl’s Tutors and bring on like-minded tutors to help me out. Three years later, we continue to grow and I now have a part time office manager and part time office assistant! We have over 50 students now!

Q. What was your biggest struggle in the process?

A. My biggest struggle in the process was and still is balancing the number of tutors and the number of students. At this point I am constantly looking for qualified new tutors to keep up with the student requests. 

Q. What’s one product/business tool you can’t live without?

A. One thing I can’t live without is my office space. I joined a co-working space that is only for female entrepreneurs and business owners, called Hera Hub. It’s an amazing community of strong, intelligent, brave women who support each other. 

Q. What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

A. My favorite inspirational quote for my business is: We “bring an attitude of acceptance and interest.” from Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore. My favorite inspirational quote for myself is: “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others” 
  — L. Frank Baum,  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Q. Which historical person do you most look up to?

A. My historical person that I most look up to is Maya Angelou. She is a strong woman who isn’t afraid of being honest. Her words are beautiful and deep reaching. She is the Phenomenal Woman.

Q. If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?

A. If I could be an animal, I would be a tiger. I know, don’t I want to be an owl? That’s my business animal! Frankly, I just would want to be an animal that is at the top of the food chain, I don’t relish the idea of being eaten by a predator.

Q. What does your typical weekday look like?

A. My typical weekday looks like a whirlwind. I am a Stay At Home Mom/ Small Business Owner. I have a 3 month old, Lucas, who (so far) allows me to cram a few hours of work in. So, my day tends to be spent bouncing between taking care of Lucas and taking care of my business. It’s too exhausting to get into specifics. 

Q. How many hours do you spend on marketing, sales, scheduling, employee/contractor management, customer communication, accounting, business development, other?

A. Hours spent on different tasks per week are:

• Marketing – 1-2 hours, word of mouth works best, but we do have a Facebook page, a Yelp page, and a website (www.mrsowlstutors.com).
• Scheduling – Many hours - depending on new students and changes in existing students schedules.
• Tutor Management – 4 hours – I help tutors when they need support, offer materials for them to borrow, and deal with any issues that come up.
• Customer Communication – 3 hours – I check in with new families after their first session, talk with parents about any questions or concerns and take care of any payment questions.
• Accounting – 3 hours – we cross check tutoring sessions to try to avoid incorrect invoices, process payments, etc.
• Business Development – 3 hours

Q. What’s your favorite business hack?

A. My favorite business hack is having other people do the work!

Q. What does your morning routine look like?

A. My morning routine is: Wake up and feed Lucas, put him back to sleep, eat, work for about 2 hours, then feed Lucas again. 

Q. Where do you see your business in 5 years?

A. In five years, I hope to be offering tutoring to families all over San Diego County, if not more!

Q. If you could do anything right now, what would it be and why?

A. If I could do anything right now, I would sleep!

Q. If you could go back and change anything when you first started your business, what would it be and why?

A. I don’t have anything I would go back and change at the start of my business. Starting my own business was scary, but I did it anyway. I appreciate what I’ve learned along the way and I don’t regret those lessons. 

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Thanks Vanessa for a great interview! If you're in the North County San Diego area, book a tutoring session with Mrs. Owl's Tutors on Handlr today! For more information on Mrs. Owl's Tutors, click here.

Ch1. So You Want to Start Your Own Business

Well that’s great! You’re about to embark on a very exciting journey of self-exploration, discovery, and knocking down the doors to countless opportunities for your future. There are many, many aspects to consider when starting your own business. Skipping a minor step can send you down a windy, bumpy road to getting your business where you dreamt it to be. Fortunately, there are plentiful resources at our fingertips that can smoothen the journey. We’ve assembled a small starting checklist and some insightful info for the first chapter of your story.

 

Make sure you have your DBA and a Business Tax Certificate

First off. DB-What? It’s an abbreviation for “Doing Business As” and sometimes it’s needed to conduct business under another name. Many entrepreneurs overlook the legalities of registering a DBA and later on, encounter fines, penalties, and lawsuits. Know what your state requires for a DBA and don’t take any shortcuts. A DBA can help you open up business bank accounts and can add asset to your existing business. Legalzoom.com can get you started with your DBA for a small cost.

Obtain a Business Tax Certificate (also called Business License) in the city you are doing business in. Any person who conducts business, trade, profession, or enterprise within a specific city will need a tax certificate – and it doesn’t matter if your physical business address is in or outside the city. Your Business License is good for one year from the date of application. Check with your City Hall for fees and specific requirements.

 

What about an LLC or Inc?

There’s a lot of confusion between the differences of establishing an LLC or Inc., but it’s good to know the roles of each so you can choose the appropriate setup for your business. An LLC is a limited liability company – it’s a marriage of two business structures of providing the limited liability of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational adjustability of a partnership or sole proprietorship. The pros of establishing an LLC gives the business owner choices on how they will be taxed, less administrative paperwork, and record keeping (as opposed to a corporation), are protected from some or all liability for acts and debts of the LLC depending on state laws, and can even be set up with just one natural person involved (wikipedia).

In contrast, an Inc., is an abbreviation for Incorporated and it declares the corporation as a separate entity from its owner(s); nonetheless, it can raise its own funds, own property, and conduct business. Many find this an appropriate business option because it protects the owner’s personal assets against the company’s liabilities. Because this option is more ideal for larger establishments and is legally complex, it is not always ideal for new and small businesses.

 

1-800 Call-Saul

Okay, maybe not Saul from Breaking Bad, but it is very well advised to speak to a small business attorney just to cover all ends you may overlook. It’s highly recommended that you have a Terms and Conditions agreement with your clients and if you have contractors working with you, have an Independent Contractor Agreement ready to go. Depending on the nature of your business, a small business attorney will assist you in making sure that you are legally protected. You can also visit LegalZoom or RocketLawyer for quick and easy standard agreements.

Handlr Business Spotlight: Hypnotherapy & Wellness with Andrea Squibb

Here at Handlr Headquarters, we're all about networking and making connections between people that will serve beneficially to them. We’re turning the spotlight onto Andrea Squibb with her business practice: Hypnotherapy & Wellness. Hypnotherapy has been a powerful resource for many when it comes to overcoming stress, anxiety, specific disorders, unwanted behaviors and bad habits.

Always up for a new #neverhaveieveradventures, Elaine our Creative Director, and Britt our Founder, both tried personal hypnotherapy sessions with Andrea. Britt described it as one of the most relaxing activities that she has ever tried:

“I was under a lot of pressure with deadlines and couldn’t tap into my creative self, so I told Andrea how I wanted to let go of stressful, negative thoughts. I thought that I was going to be really out of it and that she would make me do strange things, but instead it was much more like guided meditation. It was amazing how Andrea’s calming voice could guide your mind towards visualizing peaceful and self-empowering images. Afterwards I felt light as a feather and was ready to tackle everything.”

We’ve interviewed Andrea to get the low down on how she got started with her business, her tribulations in the process, and what her hopes and dreams are for the future.

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Q: What do you specialize in?

A: I am a Certified Hypnotherapist. I specialize in helping people with anxiety, fears, phobias, insomnia, emotional eating, confidence building and sports performance. I have also helped many people lose weight and quit smoking. In addition, I provide group guided imagery journeys to local corporations and facilities for stress reduction and relaxation purposes.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: I opened my practice in early 2010.

Q: What areas are you currently servicing and hoping to service in the future?

A: I have offices in Santa Monica and Woodland Hills and also conduct sessions over the phone or internet as needed to clients across the globe.

Q: What makes you different from the competition?

A: I have extensive training and client hours compared to many of my competitors. My sessions are always individually tailored to my client's needs. I also provide individualized recordings for use between sessions. I have a diverse background which allows me to relate to many different types of people. As a singer/songwriter, who also has experience in voice-over work, my clients benefit from my vocal skills, creativity and compassion.

Q: What is your biggest headache when it comes to growing your business?

A: My biggest headache is finding time and worthwhile avenues to market my business to new clients. Luckily many of my client's send referrals but I often get caught up working hard for my current clients and guided imagery groups and run short on time to market my services to clients who have yet to find me. I get bombarded by companies trying to lure me into marketing with them but often find it is not an effective use of funds.

Q:  What is it about Handlr that caught your attention?

A: I was drawn to the personalized attention and customer service I received from the people at Handlr. I also liked the clean, sleek look of the app and site.

Q:  Where do you see your business in 5 years?

A: I can see more people using the online platform in the future for counseling services or stress reduction which will be wonderful for my business. I can also imagine a world where insurance companies begin to allocate funds toward Hypnotherapy as they have done over time with Chiropractic and Acupuncture Services especially for smoking cessation, weight loss or exam anxiety. Helping people in need receive these services seems like a win-win for everyone in my mind.

Live in LA? Book Andrea on Handlr or for more information on Hypnotherapy & Wellness, visit: http://www.hypnotherapyandwellness.com.

Britt's 2016 Comprehensive Checklist for Growing Your Business

The Handlr team is happy to wish all of our Handlr Partners a successful new year! We are so excited for 2016 and we’ve already begun implementing our resolutions. Are you ready for 2016? Ready to double your business this year?

Our CEO, Britt Alwerud is excited to share with you her incredible 2016 Comprehensive Checklist for Growing Your Business. Whether you're just starting your mobile service business or you're gearing up to double your existing team, this guideline is a complete checklist of action steps that you can take to instantly increase your sales this year. This is a great opportunity to tap into the knowledge of a business owner who’s experienced exponential growth over the last 9 years. 

If you're anything like us, we don't like the phrase "small business". At Handlr, we believe the sky is the limit and that every business has the potential to scale and become a bigger business. We hope this 2016 Checklist will help you reach your goals this year. 

This checklist is broken down into the following categories:

• Legal necessities for running your business
• Business Insurance
• Business Management Guides
• Systems and Processes
• Automation
• Reports and Bookkeeping
• Modernizing your business
• Mobilizing your business
• Marketing strategies and CRM tips
• Social Media Tactics
• Community Outreach
• Hyperlocal Marketing
• Content Creation
• Customer Feedback
• Growth

And she's giving it all to you for free! Enter your email below to download Britt's Checklist:

Introducing Handlr: The first all-in-one mobile service business platform that is f@#$ing awesome.

We have a million words we want to share with you, but to get started... here's a little video from our founder Britt and the reason why she started Handlr. 

Put your local service business on autopilot. Handlr automates scheduling, fleet tracking, payments, feedback, reporting and more so that you can organize and scale your business. The Handlr Business Dashboard is connected to the Handlr customer and team apps to streamline your daily operations.