For Your Business

Flex Your Time, Not Your Muscles
The U.S. workplace is changing quicker than President Bill's cabinet appointments. Companies have discovered that helping workers with day care and eldercare pays off, and that flexible work schedules mean fewer cases of burnout. The Work and Family Clearinghouse has written materials and a database where they can match your company with a company of similar needs and geographic area. You can then see how they succeed with these innovative programs. The Work and Family Resource Kit is a free publication which provides information on all of the above, plus references and resources for further information. Contact: Work and Family Clearinghouse, Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210; 800-827-5335.

Complaint Hotline
Need some help resolving a complaint? What about setting up a complaint handling procedure for your business? The Office of Consumer Affairs works with the business community on behalf of consumers and assists consumers with marketplace problems. To help businesses improve customer relations and the quality of goods and services, the Office develops cooperative projects with companies, trade and professional associations, consumer organizations, and more. They have many free publications. Business Services Directory describes business-related activities and services of Commerce Department agencies, and lists telephone numbers for all divisions. Consumer Tip Sheets are five fact sheets to help consumers resolve their complaints with specific steps to follow for complaints about auto repair, mail order, banking and credit, and travel. Helping Small Business Respond to Consumers' Needs, which is a manual for state and local consumer protection agencies. Contact: Office of Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Ave., NW, Room H5718, Washington, DC 20230; 202-482-5001.

Build a Better Mousetrap In Tahiti
Starting up a factory overseas does not make you Benedict Arnold. You can play Albert Schweitzer, and a New Age business guru in many small countries, and still be a good U.S. citizen at home. Learn the best countries to do business in with Foreign Labor Trend reports prepared by American Embassy staff in 70 foreign countries. Contact: Office of Foreign Relations, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Room S5006, Washington, DC 20210; 202-219-6257.

From Beets to Rutabagas
The "AgExport Action Kit" provides information that can help put U.S. exporters in touch quickly and directly with foreign importers of food and agricultural products. The services include trade leads, a Buyer Alert newsletter, foreign buyer lists, and U.S. supplier lists. Contact: AgExport Connections Staff, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Ave., SW, Room 4939 South Bldg. Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-7103.

One Glass Ceiling Is Another Woman's Floor
Do you feel like you are the only woman in town trying to run a business? Ever wonder how you stack up against other businesswomen in the U.S., or whether you should be in another line of work? What about your chances of rising to the top of the heap? If you're interested in finding out more about women in the workforce, including trends and future projections, you might find the free series of fact sheets on women business owners very interesting. Some of the topics include: Women Who Maintain Families, which provides statistics on working mothers, and The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which explains the Act, requirements, and exclusions. Contact: Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room S3309, Washington, DC 20210; 202-219-6652.

A Credit to the Gender...
If you've been divorced, it can be hard establishing credit, especially if your ex ran up huge credit card bills chasing his lost adolescence. Find out how to restore your good name. Women and Credit Histories is a free pamphlet that explains your credit rights under the law, how to get help in establishing your own credit, and what to do if you feel your credit application was unfairly denied. Contact: Public Reference Branch, Federal Trade Commission, 6th and Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-2222.

Oh Tax-Me-Not
When the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) knocks, you need a friend, not an accountant. To make sure you have all your records in order, request Publication 334, Tax Guide For Small Business, which explains what can be deducted and how, as well as what records you need to keep. Contact: Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20224; 800-829-3676.

Facts on Working Women
Women will account for 62 percent of the net growth in the labor force over the next ten years. As part of their free Facts on Working Women series, the Women's Bureau has put together interesting fact sheets including the following: Twenty Facts on Women Workers examines where women fit into the labor force. Women With Work Disabilities explains the Americans With Disabilities Act, employment profiles, and employment assistance programs for women. Earnings Differences Between Women and Men show the earnings gap and the factors that affect it. Contact: Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210; 800-827-5335.

Break the Glass Ceiling
The Glass Ceiling Commission was created to identify artificial barriers that prevent women and minorities from advancing to mid- and upper-level management positions in the corporate world and to determine how such barriers could be removed. They published a free brochure, Breaking The Glass Ceiling, which gives a brief overview of the Commission's work. Also, articles and reports dealing with this issue are available. The commission has since disbanded, but information may be obtained by contacting: Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210; 202-219-9430.

The Fruitcake's in the Mail
Many products are best marketed by mail, but this takes more than stamps and a zip code directory. It takes some knowledge of Federal Trade Commission's Mail Order Rule, which requires companies to ship purchases made by mail when promised or to give consumers the option to cancel their order for a refund. For a free copy of A Business Guide to the Mail Order Rule contact: Enforcement Division, Federal Trade Commission, 6th and Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-3768.

Free Help Finding Guardian Angels
Look no more. The Investment Division of the U.S. Small Business Administration licenses, regulates, and funds some 320 Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) nationwide, which supply equity investments to qualifying small businesses. A free Directory of Small Business Investment Companies is available which lists names, addresses, telephone numbers and investment policies of SBICs. Contact: Investment Division, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third St., SW, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6510.

Some Nighttime Reading
Read every line before you sign. The Federal Trade Commission has two free publications to help you learn your way around the franchise business. When you go in for the big meeting, you'll know the right questions to ask. Franchise and Business Opportunities is a four page guide about what to consider. Franchise Rule Summary is a seven page explanation of the federal disclosure rule. For your free copies contact: Franchise Rule Information Hotline, Federal Trade Commission, Pennsylvania Ave. at 6th St., NW, Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-3220.

Is Your Business in a "Sick Building"?
Do you suffer from headaches and have difficulty concentrating only while you are at work? You could be working in a Sick Building, a term used to describe situations where workers experience acute health or comfort effects when they are at work, but no specific illness can be identified. The Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse can answer all of your indoor air quality questions and has many free publications on this topic including, Indoor Air Facts: Sick Building Syndrome. Contact: Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse, IAQ INFO, P.O. Box 37133, Washington, DC 20013-7133; 800-438-4318, 202-484-1307.

Free Consultants Make Your Company a Safe and Healthy Place to Work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to encourage employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards and to implement new or improve existing safety and health programs. They provide research on innovative ways of dealing the these problems, maintain a recordkeeping system to monitor job-related injuries and illnesses, develop standards and enforce them, as well as establish training programs. OSHA has an extensive list of publications on a variety of job hazards. Some of the titles include: Asbestos Standard for Construction Industry Hearing Conservation Respiratory Protection Program Highlights, a one-sheet description of hazards, standards, of OSHA programs or policies. Employee Workplace Rights. How to Prepare for Workplace Emergencies. Contact: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N3101, Washington, DC 20210; 202-219-4667.

Go to the Bank
Think you don't have the money to start a business? A Guide To Business Credit For Women, Minorities, and Small Business is a free publication which describes the various credit opportunities for industrious entrepreneurs. Don't let the lack of funds hold you back. Contact: Publications Services, MS-127, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System, Washington, DC 20551; 202-452-3244.

What's Hot, What's Not
The Federal Procurement Data Center (FPDC) can tell you how much the federal government spent last quarter on products ranging from pasta to real estate. It also can tell you which agencies made those purchases, and who the contractors were. FPDC summarizes this information through a free, annual standard report, and provides customized reports on a cost recovery basis. Contact: Federal Procurement Data Center, General Services Administration, 7th and D St., SW, Room 5652, Washington, DC 20407; 202-401-1529.

Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Smoking, and the Workplace
Get your employees on the road to good health. The National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute (NHLBI) Workplace Initiative promotes research and educational projects and materials that promote the reduction of cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality among workers and their families. The "Workplace Initiative Kit" contains materials for professionals and workers related to risk factors for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, especially the three major modifiable risk factors: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and cigarette smoking. Materials include: technical documents for health professionals, guides for workplace program planners, brochures and materials for workers, order forms for additional publications, and audiovisual materials. Some of the free publications and posters include: Wellness Outreach at Work Program, Finding Resources for Healthy Heart Programs at Work, Contact: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Information Center, P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824; 301-251-1222.

Plants Eliminate 90% of Office Pollution
Office plants are great places to hide microphones, but they also clear up 90% of office pollution, according to a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) study called, Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. The study shows that house plants remove chemicals from the air and clean up indoor air pollution. The report is free from Teacher Resource Center, Bldg. 1200, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529; 601-688-3338.

Help Your Employees Clean Up Their Own Act
Making your workplace clean and safe should also include looking at your employees. Are some coming in late often or not at all? Are there problems with some employees' work habits? It could be that drugs or alcohol are involved. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is developing programs to eliminate illegal drug use in the workplace. Its programs include research, treatment, training, and prevention activities, as well as projects related to the development of a comprehensive Drug-Free Workplace programs. The Clearinghouse distributes the following four-part videotape series on drugs at work: "Drugs At Work" (employee/employer versions), presents information about the nature and scope of the alcohol and drug problem in the workplace and about the Federal Government's initiative to prevent and reduce the problem ($8.50). "Getting Help" (employee/employer versions), highlights the benefits of an effective employee assistance program to employees and employers through comments by business, labor, and government leaders and Employee Assistance Program professionals ($8.50). "Drug Testing: Handle With Care" (employee/employer versions), describes the options available for designing a drug testing component as part of a comprehensive drug-free workplace program ($8.50). "Finding Solutions", Drug abuse in the workplace is portrayed as a community-wide problem. The solutions offered through education and prevention are presented as personal, workplace, and community responsibilities ($8.50). Contact: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847; 800-729-6686.

No Money No Problem
Raising capital is a little bit like raising kids; it's a pain, but worth the effort. How To Raise Money for a Small Business is a fact sheet outlining the basics of raising money, where to find it, borrow it, types of business loans, how to write a loan proposal, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) financial programs (you'll have to do the kids yourself) . For your free copy contact: Marketing and Customer Service, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd St., SW, Washington DC 20416; 202-205-6744.

Dial-A-Porn Business Boom
Thinking about getting rich quick by starting a dial-a-porn phone service? Before you do, better make sure you know the federal laws concerning these services and how to comply with them. For the free fact sheet, Dial-A-Porn, contact: Federal Communications Commission, Consumer Assistance and Small Business Division, Office of Public Affairs, 1919 M St., NW, Room 254, Washington, DC 20554; 202-418-0200.

Workers' Comp for Federal Employees
Do you work for Uncle Sam and were injured on the job? Federal Injury Compensation is a free publication which lists questions and answers regarding the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. They can also provide you with claim forms and checklists for evidence required in support of claims for occupational diseases. Contact: Federal Employees' Compensation Division, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Employment Standards Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room S3229, Washington, DC 20210; 202-219-7552.

Lend a Helping Hand
Want to help your employees recover from drug or alcohol addiction? Want to institute a "drug-free workplace" program, but aren't sure how? The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information has several free publications and videos (for $8.50) dealing with drugs and the workplace to get you started. Some of the titles include: An Employer's Guide to Dealing with Substance Abuse (PHD543) Employee Helplines Flier (PHD639) Substance Abuse Information Database SAID (DOL03; $10) Employer Resource List (MS469) Employee Assistance Programs (MS439) Making Your Workplace Drug Free: A Kit for Employers (WORKIT) America in Jeopardy: The Young Employee in the Workplace (VHS44; video; $8.50) Contact: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847; 800-729-6686.

Teach Your Workers English
Want information on workplace or family literacy? The National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education covers all aspects of literacy education for adults and out-of-school youth learning English as a second language. They publish digests, bibliographies, resource guides and more on the topic. Free digests include: Workplace ESL Instruction: Varieties and Constraints, Adult ESL Learner Assessment: Purposes and Tools, Union-Sponsored Workplace ESL Instruction,For more information contact: National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education, Center for Applied Linguistics, 1118 22nd St., NW, Washington, DC 20037; 202-429-9292.

Check Out the Mail
Even the mail isn't safe anymore. Mail fraud and mail theft seem to be big business. How do you protect yourself, your employees, and your company? A free booklet, Postal Crime Prevention: A Business Guide, shows business owners how to protect themselves from con artists and thieves whose business is mail fraud and mail theft. It includes information on different types of mail fraud, check cashing precautions, guidelines for mailroom security, bombs in the mail, as well as additional information. Contact your nearest Post Office or: Public Affairs Branch, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Room 5541, Washington, DC 20260; 202-268-4293.

Got A Great Idea?
Got a great idea that just can't wait? The Patent and Trademark Office administers the patent and trademark laws, examines patent applications, and grants patent protection for qualified inventions. For more information on what is required for patents and trademarks, several free publications are available including: Basic Facts About Patents, Basic Facts about Trademarks, Disclosure Document Program, Contact: Public Affairs, Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20231; 703-308-4357.

Mom's Home Office
Starting a home-based business is often an economic necessity, because of the cost of childcare, the desire to be home with the kids, and more. The Business Plan For Home-Based Business ($2) is a publication of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and provides a comprehensive approach to developing a business plan for just such a venture. Once you've got your plan, all the rest you need is courage. Selling By Mail Order ($2) provides basic information on how to run a successful mail order business and includes information on product selection, pricing, testing, and writing effective advertisements. How to Get Started with a Small Business Computer ($2) helps you forecast your computer needs, evaluate the alternatives and select the right computer system for your business. To obtain a directory and order form, write SBA Resource Directory, MC 7110, 409 3rd St., SW, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6666.

Be Your Own Financial Manager
Just make sure you know what you are doing. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a series of publications dealing with financial management, designed to educate you on budgeting, money management issues, and record keeping. Some of the titles include: ABC's Of Borrowing ($2) Understanding Cash Flow ($2) Financing For Small Business ($2) Budgeting In A Small Service Firm ($2) Pricing Your Products and Services Profitably ($2) To obtain a directory and order form, write SBA Resource Directory, MC 7110, 409 3rd St., SW, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6666.

Should My Company Go Public?
If my company becomes public, what do I have to tell? Are there legal ways to sell securities without registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)? The free booklet, Q&A: Small Business and the SEC discusses capital formation and the federal securities laws and is designed to help you understand some of the basic necessary requirements that apply when you wish to raise capital by selling securities. Contact: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Publications Section, M/SC-11, 450 5th St., NW, Washington, DC 20549; 202-942-4040

MBA without the Degree
Your business is up and running, so keep it headed in a good direction with a little help from the Small Business Administration (SBA). They have publications on management and planning, which can help you look at the decisions you need to make. Some of the publications include: Checklist For Going into Business ($2), Problems In Managing A Family-Owned Business ($2), Planning And Goal Setting For Small Business ($2),Developing a Strategic Plan ($2), Business Plan for Small Service Firms ($2), To obtain a directory and order form, write SBA Resources Directory, MC 7110, 409 3rd St., SW, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6666.

Energy Business
The National Energy Information Center is the central distribution point for most U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) publications, including the free Energy Information Administration Publications Directory: A Users Guide. The Directory includes current program information sources; an index of DOE, State, and Federal Agency contacts; a directory of DOE technical information with descriptions of computerized databases and other resources; and more. For your copy contact: National Energy Information Center, Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW, Room E1-231, Washington, DC 20585; 202-586-8800.

First, the Idea
Inventors are idea people. To help them become business people, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has several publications on what step two needs to be. Ideas Into Dollars identifies the main challenges in product development and provides a list of resources to help inventors ($2). Avoiding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Problems shows how to avoid infringing the rights of others and the importance of protecting yours ($2). Creative Selling: The Competitive Edge explains how to use creative selling techniques to increase profits ($2). To obtain a directory and order form, write SBA Resource Directory, MC 7110, 409 3rd St., SW, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6666.

More than 138 Government Bulletin Boards
That's what the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) Fed World will connect you to. Many government agencies have collected their material in one place and make it available online through this service. You can order popular government reports, receive specialized information in areas like patent abstracts, and even get information on government studies and research results. The fees range from free information to $3000 for an annual subscription, but 95% of the information is free. Call for access or for a faxed copy of the service list: NTIS FED WORLD, 703-487-4608 (voice).

Maternity and Family Leave
Thirty-four States, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of State maternity/family leave law to meet the changing needs of the American work force. To find out what States have these laws and the scope of the law, request the free publication, State Maternity/Family Leave Law, available through the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau. The publication outlines the law for each State, the employees covered by the law, temporary disability insurance, and enforcement or administration of the law for each State. Contact: Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210; 202-219-6652.

More than Running the Cash Register
Good employees are worth more than gold. Learn how to find and hire the right employees. Employees: How To Find and Pay Them ($2) gives you some guidelines for your personnel search. Human Resource Management for Growing Businesses ($3) uncovers the characteristics of an effective personnel system and training program. Learn how these functions come together to build employee trust and productivity. To obtain a directory and order form, write SBA Resource Directory, MC 7110, 409 3rd St., SW, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6666.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a tingling sensation in the hands and fingers and can be caused or aggravated by repeated twisting or awkward postures, particularly when combined with high force. The population at risk includes persons employed in such industries or occupations as construction, food preparation, clerical work, product fabrication, and mining. The National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome booklet, which contains information on the syndrome, including current research, preventive recommendations, a bibliography, and articles. Contact: National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226; 800-356-4674.

Overseas Carry Out
Do you have some food you would like to start exporting overseas? The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) are the experts in exports. They have agricultural attaches and counselors stationed around the world who can help you market and sell your products. Some of the free publications they have to offer include:Your Link to World Markets, AgExporter, Food and Agricultural Export Directory, For more information on the services that are available contact: Foreign Agricultural Service, Information Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-9446.

Cheap Ways to Spread the Word
Think about getting out the word using bulk mail discounts offered by the U.S. Postal Service. You can find out about using this and other postal discounts by getting free copies of: Small Business Guide To Advertising with Direct Mail, Postal Business Companion, International Direct Marketing Guide, Third Class Mail Preparation, There are 85 Postal Business Centers across the country set up to provide, at no cost to customers, business building information. Contact: U.S. Postal Service, Advertising Mail, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Room 5540, Washington, DC 20260.

Help for Inner City Businesses
Want to help improve your neighborhood that is in a poor section of town? How about starting a business? There are loans available to small businesses owned by low-income persons, or to businesses which are located in an area with a high percentage of unemployment or low-income individuals. The money can be used to establish, preserve or strengthen a business. Help revitalize your neighborhood. To learn how to apply for the loans and for credit criteria contact: your local Small Business Administration office, or the Small Business Answer Desk, Small Business Administration, 409 Third St., SW, Washington, DC 20416; 800-8-ASK-SBA.

Money to Sell Food Overseas
The government would love to export more food overseas, but sometimes it takes some work teaching other cultures how to use the food products. There is money available through the Market Promotion Program. These funds are provided through the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and can only be used to support activities conducted outside the United States. You can use the money for consumer advertising, point of sale demonstrations, public relations, participation in trade fairs, market research, and more. To learn more about this program contact: Commodity and Marketing Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-5521.

Special Help For Women
Did you know that women-owned businesses fare much better than those run by men? To help women along, there is a special Office of Women's Business Ownership within the Small Business Administration. They offer grants to local organizations to help women start and maintain their own businesses. These demonstration projects provide services and assistance in the form of financial management and marketing training, and counseling to start-up a business or help an established ongoing business. For more information, contact: Small Business Administration, Office of Women's Business Ownership, 409 Third St., SW, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6673.

What's Overtime?
You must pay time and a half to any of your employees who work more than a forty hour work week. This does include some salaried employees, although there are four groups who are exempt from this requirement: executives, professionals, administrative, and those in the outside sales field. Information is available on what job requirements are necessary for those in the exempt category. Contact: Wage and Hour Division, Fair Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room S3516, Washington, DC 20210; 202-219-4907.

Video Display Terminals User Friendly?
Over a million people each day sit down to work in front of a terminal, inputting and outputting information. There have been concerns about the risks these terminals present. Are we destroying people's eyesight? Are they at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome? The National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has put together an information booklet titled Video Display Terminals describing video display terminals, the current research on their use, and a listing of articles for further information. Contact: National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226; 800-356-4674.