SmallBiz - Current Issue
 | Starting a Business After Age 50Here are more people who retired from one career only to launch another. |
 | Lessons Learned: Launching a New ProductWhat started two years ago as a healthy vitamin and mineral water to combat jet lag has turned into Aloha Friday Beverages, which are designed to keep everyone healthy, every day. |
 | Ask the Expert: Preventing Financial FraudHow can you protect myself from Automated Clearing House fraud? Our expert provides security tips to protect businesses against hackers. |
 | 5 Steps to Starting an eCommerce BusinessMaui-based Jennifer Varner, the founder of BellaBluMaternity.com, helps people start their own ecommerce companies |
Ask SmallBiz
| Ask the Expert: Preventing Financial FraudHow can you protect myself from Automated Clearing House fraud? Our expert provides security tips to protect businesses against hackers. |
 | Ask the Expert: Bring Your Own Device to WorkBeau Monday, Information Security Director at Hawaiian Telcom, suggests safeguards to take if employees are using their own devices on the job |
 | Ask the Expert: Should I Buy Gym Memberships for My Staff?It might seem like an added expense, but company well programs have a proven ROI. |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Advice on Effective SellingWhat's the magic behind professional selling? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Design Your LogoI need a new logo for my small business. What should I do to ensure I get the most effective one? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Building Teamwork on Construction ProjectsI am involved in a construction project whose contract provides performance-based penalties and rewards. What can I do to help get all the companies to work together? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: ExpansionI have a successful company and am thinking of expanding to another island. What should I consider before taking the leap? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Grid SaturationI'd like to put in solar-electric system to reduce my business' energy costs, but I'm concerned about grid saturation. How does it affect me? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Business ExpensesWhat's the best way to pay for my business expenses? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Exit PackagesOne of the key, long-term managers at our family-owned company - someone who is not a family member - is asking for an "exit package" in the event she is terminated or decides to leave the company... |
 | Ask SmallBiz: LeadershipWhy do some leaders fail? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Hurricane PreparednessHow should I prepare my small business for hurricane season? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Engaging EmployeesIt seems like a paycheck isn't enough to keep my employees fully engaged in customer service and efficiency. What can I do? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Solar Tax Benefits for Small BusinessesAs a small business owner, what are the tax benefits of installing a photovoltaic system? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Buying Commercial PropertyDennis Wong of Hawaii National Bank explains how to buy commercial property |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Requesting Public Records for Your BusinessA state agency compiled information that might be helpful to my small business. How do I get it? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: RecruitingI need to hire a general manager, but no one working for me now has the right stuff. How do I find the best person? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Conversation StarterIt feels tacky to introduce myself and start talking about my business. How can I get over my shyness? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Selling a BusinessOur children have no interest in taking over our business, so my wife and I have decided to sell it. How should we proceed? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Insurance CoverageHow much business income insurance coverage do I need? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Picking an HR CompanyWhat should I look for when choosing an HR company? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Mediation ClauseAs I read through the fine print of our new office lease, I noticed it stipulated that mediation would be used in case of a dispute. Should I agree to this? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Online ReputationI seem to have no control over the things that are said about my business online. What can I do? |
 | Ask Small Biz: Facebook For BusinessI set up a Facebook page for my store. What should I do to engage customers and bring them in? |
 | Ask SmallBizI have insurance for water damage, so why am I not covered for a tsunami? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Paying for a PV SystemAs a small-business owner, what are my options to pay for a photovoltaic system? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Selling the CompanyI’m nearing retirement and interested in selling my business. How do I determine the value of my company and maximize its value before selling? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Intellectual PropertyOur employees have specialized knowledge and are often trying new things. How can we harness that expertise to add value to our small business? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Creating a Succession PlanMy wife and I plan to retire in about 10 years. What should we do to get ready to turn over our business to our children? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Protecting Your DataMy business would be a disaster zone if our data were lost or stolen. What should I do to protect it? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Creating a Team EnvironmentWe have great employees, but everyone seems to operate from a different agenda. How can we create a team approach? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Successful WomenHow women can succeed in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Leadership TrainingWe have some great managers in our company but still need to improve our leadership skills. What do you suggest? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Retirement PlanningI own a small business. How do I go about planning for my retirement and for my (few) employees? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Remodeling a Store and Being GreenWhat environmental considerations should we be aware of when remodeling our store? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: How do I invest wisely?I’ve just sold some assets and am looking for good investments, but I don’t want to be taken in by the next Bernie Madoff. What should I watch for? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Collecting your debts and solving a cash-flow issueA lot of customers are long overdue on paying me. I’m reluctant to take them to court, but I’m forced to borrow to pay my employees and bills. What do you suggest? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Insurance coverage for your businessI’ve worked hard to build my business and I don’t want to lose it in a disaster. How do I know if I’ve got the right insurance coverage? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Paying taxes when low on cashMy small business has really slowed down, and I am worried that I will not have sufficient cash to pay all of the taxes I will owe. What can I do? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: How do Public Relations and Advertising fit together?How do public relations and advertising fit together? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Securities Backed LoanI own a successful architectural firm in Honolulu. I’d like to expand my business but am having difficulty finding a lender. I have capital assets, including real estate and a portfolio of stocks... |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Transferring OwnershipWe are growing our business and want to make sure that we are able to perpetuate it long after we are no longer active in the company. We have no children, so what are our options to ensure the... |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Getting loan approvalI’m a small business owner and I’ve heard about the new ARC loans. How do I get approved for these loans? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: FundingOur small business develops content and we are looking for funding to innovate its delivery, such as over the Internet and mobile devices. Where can a small company find funding? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Personal BrandingHow do you build a personal brand? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Dividing Family StockWhat should the owners of a family business consider when dividing shares of stock among their children? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: BudgetingI have a very small business with shallow pockets. Given the current economy, I am thinking of saving the money I originally designated for marketing and staff development/training for a rainy day.... |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Connect with customers with blogs and TwitterUsing social networks such as twitter and blogs allows companies to connect with customers on different levels. |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Succeed in a slow economyWhat types of businesses historically have done well in a slow-growth economy, and what kind of tips can you provide that will improve my chances for success if I want to start a business this year? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Skills to start a businessWhat kinds of questions should I be asking myself now to make sure I have the right skills to own/manage a small business? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: The good and bad for business in HawaiiHow small businesses strive despite bureaucracy, and where Hawaii stands amongst the nation for business. |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Financing a Business StartupMy son wants to start a business but doesn’t know how to go about it. Where should he get started? He is most concerned about financing. |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Tech SavvyHow to determine your business’ technology needs, and office equipment infrastructure. |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Family ConstitutionsWhat is a Family Constitution? Do all family businesses need one? |
 | Ask SmallBiz: Search for a Financial PartnerMy engineering design firm is blooming. While I’m comfortable with the tech development, I need a financial partner to manage its growth. How do I begin my search? |
The Pitch
 | The Pitch: A Renter's Search EngineRyan Yanagihara and Chris Gilding created Rentrilla.com, a search engine for anybody who is trying to advertise or rent property |
 | The Pitch: Taking the Work Out of PlayVenati Games pitches an idea of merging casual gaming with virtual worlds in a new genre, hopefully combining the best of both worlds. |
 | The Pitch: Self-help UnleashedUnleashed Technologies markets self-help products via infomercials. The faith-based product provides motivational and applicable advice paired with real-life stories. |
 | The Pitch: Government Participation Made EasyHawaii Policy Portal facilitates and expedites legislative testimony for organizations and their constituents. |
 | The Pitch: Citizen EconomistsCitizen Economists is a magazine for non-economists. Ten unique regular writers, each with varying educational and professional backgrounds, provide economic analyses of the different industries... |
 | The Pitch: Grand Plans for Petite MarketAllisonizu designs petite clothing for women 5 feet 4 inches and under. |
 | The Pitch: Makaha StudiosMakaha Studios’ edge in the media market is that it can craft honest, heartfelt audiovisual messages by Hawaii’s most creative youth. |
5 Steps
| 5 Steps to Starting an eCommerce BusinessMaui-based Jennifer Varner, the founder of BellaBluMaternity.com, helps people start their own ecommerce companies |
 | 5 Steps to Creating a Culture of InnovationManagement consultant Vino Mehta offers this guide to creating a culture of innovation |
 | 5 Steps to a successful media interviewLori Teranishi explains how to handle your next media interview |
 | 5 Steps to Writing a Business PlanWhen starting a business, writing a business plan should be your first priority. |
 | 5 Steps to a successful business meetingDan Bower, general manager of the Plaza Club, offers some tips for your next business meeting. |
 | 5 Steps to Becoming a Sustainable BusinessScott Cooney, adjunct professor at the University of Hawaii's Shidler College of Business, offers strategies on making sustainability work for your business. |
 | 5 Steps to a More Civil WorkplacePenelope Paik of Civility International offers a few tips on creating a better work environment with your colleagues. |
 | 5 Steps to Creating a Mobile AppCould a mobile app improve your company's customer service? |
 | 5 Steps to Social Media SuccessGet the most out of Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Google and Foursquare. |
 | 5 Steps to Accessing CapitalSBA's Elizabeth Echols provides tips on how to obtain financing |
 | 5 Steps To Email MarketingDamian Davila, online marketing consultant and CEO of Idaconcpts.com, shares tips for smart email marketing. |
 | 5 steps to marketing in Japan |
 | 5 Steps to Applying for a Business LoanFirst Hawaiian Bank vice chairman Ray Ono explains how to get a business loan. |
 | 5 Steps to Getting a Liquor License in HonoluluRead our how-to guide and avoid repeat visits |
 | 5 steps to Writing a Press Release |
 | 5 Steps to Private BankingHigh-net-worth and business owners can have their own personal banker. |
 | 5 Steps to Better Public SpeakingMark Blackburn, treasurer of Honolulu’s Downtown Business Association Toastmasters, offers tips to help you be an effective speaker. |
 | 5 Steps to Make the Most out of YelpHere's how to make Yelp your ally and not your enemy. |
 | 5 steps to Planning an EventPhilip Richardson of Current Affairs gives these tips on getting the most out of your events. |
 | 5 Steps to Start Investing in Real EstateKim Kiyosaki bought a single rental home in 1989 and has 2,000 today. Here’s how she did it. |
 | 5 Steps to Saving on Workers’ Compensation InsuranceBob Dove of HEMIC shares his tips on saving on insurance premiums |
 | 5 Steps to Buying an Existing BusinessGabe Lee, executive vice president of commercial marketing at American Savings Bank, explains a little about what to act upon when purchasing a business |
 | 5 Steps to Making Meetings WorkAttorney Elizabeth Kent of the Hawaii Judiciary’s Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution discusses how to make meetings more efficient. |
 | 5 Steps to Handling the MediaHawaii presentation coach Pam Chambers gives tips on working a television interview |
 | 5 Steps to Making a Million DollarsThere's a reason some people are wealthy: they learn to manage their time, resources and passions. |
 | 5 steps to Build Trust In the WorkplaceAccording to Kalei Inn, principal consultant of Kalei Inn, Ph.D. and Associates,the key to a peaceful work environment is trust. |
 | 5 steps to Boost Web TrafficMary Fastenau, president of StarrTech Interactive, explains how to drive more eyeballs to your Web site for little or no cost. |
 | 5 Steps to Motivating EmployeesNicholas Mitsakos, chairman of Arcadia Holdings Inc., explains how to keep workers excited for the workweek. |
 | 5 Steps to Prevent Credit-Card Processing Rip-offsMatt Sakauye, senior consultant at credit-card processing firm Gravity Payments, tells you what you need to know if your business plans to accept credit cards. |
 | 5 Steps to Stopping FraudProtect yourself from fraud with these tips from Bank of Hawaii's Brian Ishikawa. |
 | 5 steps to Buying Business InsuranceBuying the proper business insurance is one of the most important decisions a business owner makes, says Myles Murakami, president of Atlas Insurance. |
 | 5 Steps to Getting a Building PermitNancy Kaya, owner of Kaya Permit Processors and an 18-year veteran of the business, offers these tips to homeowners and business owners on how to make the process of obtaining a business permit... |
 | 5 Steps to a Painless Tax ReturnA little planning goes a long way toward reducing the tax-season sting. We offer the following tax tips to prepare this year, and keep you organized moving into 2009. |
 | 5 Steps to Boosting Your Cash FlowEvery business owner should map out a cash-flow strategy and be diligent about following it, especially in these troubled economic times. Here are some easy tactics involving minimal investment to... |
 | 5 Steps to Exporting InternationallyEstablishing your product in a foreign market takes more than just international postage. Export management firm Tradewinds Global’s president Kevin Kraft offers these steps to exporting. |
 | 5 steps to Cutting Costs in a Soft EconomyLocal economists and business industry leaders are advising companies across the state to tighten their financial belts for an economic downturn that could last through 2009. |
 | 5 Steps for Handling LayoffsFor small-business owners, weathering a recession sometimes means having to layoff employees. While staff reductions are never easy, there are a few things business owners can do to maintain... |
Lessons Learned
| Lessons Learned: Launching a New ProductWhat started two years ago as a healthy vitamin and mineral water to combat jet lag has turned into Aloha Friday Beverages, which are designed to keep everyone healthy, every day. |
 | Lessons Learned: Finding PartnersScott Mercer of Volta Industries explains how his company expanded with the help of partners |
 | Lessons Learned: Huggo's in Kailua-KonaExecutive chef and butcher at Huggo's restaurant explain where they get their fresh fish |
 | Lessons Learned: Starting AnewEric Rose of Morning Glass Coffee and Cafe on coming up with his business idea, hiring the best and keeping it simple and local. |
 | Lessons Learned: Housing LessonsTerry Brooks of Housing Solutions talks about creating Sea Winds Apartments, a 50-unit project completed using government funding. |
 | Lessons Learned: Overseas LessonsJames Freeman of FSC Architecture + Planning talks about size, technology and what it takes to succeed abroad. |
 | Lessons Learned: Start up LessonsShawna Emery and Danni Fry of D&S Fry Plumbing explain growing their young business and working in a male-dominated field. |
 | Lessons Learned: Expanding in the PacificLyon Associates, Inc. is a Honolulu-based, father-and-son engineering firm with projects from Micronesia to Bahrain. |
 | Adapting to Customer’s NeedsEvan Fujimoto of Graham Builders explains how conducting seminars helped identify customers' needs |
 | Lessons Learned: Franchising LessonsDavid Lelm of Maaco Auto Body Shop in Kailua-Kona talks about the transition from independent company to franchise |
 | Launching a BusinessMatthew Bittick talks about opening Bishop Street Commercial after the Great Recession |
 | Launching a Business GroupAs the Kakaako area transforms from industrial to work-live-play, these business owners found a need to organize and plan |
 | Expansion LessonsNella Media Group's Chinatown Newspaper started in Honolulu, has expanded to Portland, and wants to add more cities |
 | Connectivity LessonsArchitects Pacific bought all its employees iPhones, and now the team is more efficient, says the CEO |
 | Building Customer LoyaltyDespite being less than a year old, Luibuenos Restaurant in Haleiwa already has a loyal following |
 | Adaptive LessonsTeri Edmonds changed careers and learned the lost art of shoe repair on Maui |
 | Making a Hobby Your BusinessDustin Tester fell in love with surfing as a young girl. Here's how she turned her passion into a small business. |
 | Exporting LessonsWhen the economy tanked, Douglas Smith's business took off via exporting. |
 | Mediation LessonsJohn Bates’ job as a mediator is to help find common ground. |
 | Customer Service LessonsJeremy Leonard of Pacific Pump and Power explains how his company takes customer feedback and turns it into positive results |
 | Export LessonsThe CEO of Hawaiian Springs talks about rebranding his bottled water and selling it to the world |
 | iPhone App LessonsDaniel Leuck of software development company Ikayzo Inc. talks about the potential for mobile phone applications. |
 | Competition LessonsWhen Whole Foods came to town, Down to Earth differentiated itself and carved its niche |
 | Tech-Buying LessonsJmi Bassett of Pacific Dental Implant Solutions finds that doing your research and finding a good consultant can save money when buying high-tech equipment |
 | Adaptability LessonsRetailer Audrey Fu used to run two trendy boutiques, but now she takes her products directly to her customers' homes |
 | Family-Business LessonsThe secret to operating a successful family business is that the company will only function well if the family functions well first. |
 | Marketing LessonsJon Jepson knows the Hawaiian seas like the back of his hand, but when he began marketing for Makani, the $1.8 million catamaran he helped hand-build, Jepson found himself testing new waters. |
 | Telecommuting LessonsLouis Darnell explains the benefits of telecommuting, which helps businesses save money and improve their employees’ quality of life. |
 | Tech-Startup LessonsBen Leong founded Bluewater Multimedia so local graphic artists could have a place to work, but it wasn't easy. Here's his advice on starting a tech business. |
 | Lobbying LessonsMelissa Pavlicek, state director the of National Federation of Independent Business, fights for small businesses. |
 | Changing-course LessonsMax Botticelli M.D., president and CEO of UHA, says the company originally had plans to be a university-based practice of medicine but now supplies health insurance. |
 | Succession LessonsHelen Godwin of Professional Image, shares her thoughts on accepting command of an existing business. |
 | Franchising LessonsSara Lufrano of Aloha Salads speaks out about franchising her company to maintain quality and manage resources. |
 | Startup LessonsRobert Stehlik of Blue Planet Surf Gear explains how he created a business plan for a surfing distribution company as part of a course requirement and ran with the idea. |
 | New Business LessonsA lot has changed in the three years since the Pietsch sisters, Stephanie Pietsch Gambetta and Noel Pietsch, opened Wahoo's Fish Tacos on Ward Avenue. |
 | Distribution LessonsAshley and Holly Harding of Bubble Shack Hawaiian Soap Co. share their experiences with distribution channels and the results. |
 | Success LessonsBev Gannon owns two thriving Maui restaurants, Haliimaile General Store and Joe’s Bar, a catering business, and is also the corporate chef for Hawaiian Airlines. She tells us what led to her... |
 | Business-owning LessonsGeoff Lee’s been a glassblower for 17 years – since his high school days at Punahou School, actually. But as a business owner, he’s relatively fresh to the field. In 2005, Lee opened a... |
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SmallBiz Awards
 | 2011 SmallBiz Success AwardsHere's our finalists for Best New Business, Family Business, Most Innovative, Lifetime Achievement, Nonprofit and Community Service Awards. |
 | 2010 Smallbiz Success AwardsWe profile our six 2010 winners of the Hawaii Business SmallBiz Success Awards |
 | 2009 Smallbiz Success AwardsWe profile our ten 2009 winners of the Hawaii Business SmallBiz Success Awards |
 | 2008 SmallBiz Success AwardsWhat do a 50-year-old sausage manufacturer in Kapolei, a guitar retailer in Honolulu and a diving specialist in Kona have in common? All are recipients of the 2008 SB Success Awards! |
 | 2007 SmallBiz Success AwardsWe profile many high-achieving local small businesses, including Assaggio's and Kamaka Hawaii Ukuleles and more. |
