How can I protect my business name?

Trade names can be registered through the Indiana Secretary of State, and for wider marketplace protection, throught the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A search can be done through the USPTO's online system for all state and federal trademark registers to see if a proposed name is being used.

For many businesses that operate on the Web, trade names are synonymous with domain names, such as Amazon.com and Monster.com. Domain names are not registered through state or local government; rather they can be obtained through numerous online businesses, most of which will allow you to conduct a name search prior to purchase to make sure your chosen nmae is not taken.

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How to reduce the number of programs which start automatically when I launch my computer.

For most people, all you need as you start your computer is your anti-virus software. To eliminate other automatic programs follow the following steps:

1. Click on the start button, go to "run".
2. Type in "msconfig" and hit enter (do not use quotation marks)
3. This will bring up a window with several tabs. Select the "startup" tab.
4. This is a list of all the programs starting up with your computer.
5. First, locate your anti-virus software out of that list.
6. Then, click on "disable all".
7. Once everything is unchecked, put a check in the box next to the anti-virus software.
8. Click "apply", and then click "OK".
9. Restart your computer.
10. A popup will come up on restart. all you need to do is check the box and click "OK".

Answer Provided by Eric Pettit Desktop Networking Solutions LLC

Make the Most of Your Connections with LinkedIn!

This is where the real power of LinkedIn comes in. While you may have only 100 people in your contact circle, each of those people know other people. These same connections exist in the off- line world. Your friends know people you want to meet, and sooner or later they may get around to introducing you.

With LinkedIn you can accelerate the process by requesting invitations. You can search by skills, type of company, jobs held, geographic regions, and common interests. If you find someone who fits your search criteria, LinkedIn will tell you how you are connected, who you know in common, and you can request an invitation.

LinkedIn will never replace the face-to-face interaction, but it can give your traditional networking an extra buzz.

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What should I name by business?

There is more to naming your business than just coming up with something that sounds good and you happen to like. Thought must be given to state and local requirements and making sure you don't infringe upon the rights of someone else's business name. You will need to determine whether your trade name will be the same as the full legal name of your business.

Of equal importance is finding out whether your name or a very similiar name is being used by another business, and if so, what rights they may or may not have to use the name in the area where you do business. Keep in mind that some businesses only file trademarks within their locality, so it is possible that the same name can be used elsewhere.

Answer provided by Chuck Roach - Roach Law Office

Are you LinkedIn?

As a confirmed networking junkie, I am always looking for my next fix. My new fix is LinkedIn. An on-line social network, Linkedin is often described as FaceBook for professionals.

With an emphasis on career history, educational background and association membership, Linkedin has millions of members, with thousands more joining each day.

Once you register (basic membership is free) you can invite people to LinkIn (connect to you through the online tool). You can search the LinkedIn data base for people you know or upload your email address book. You will only be able to view contact information for people with whom you are directly connected.

Go check out LinkedIn and find out why I am an a LinkedIn addict!

Register for LinkedIn

Comment provided by Lorraine Ball - Roundpeg

Should I be an LLC or a Sub-S Corporation?

Before the early '90's, the "preferred" form of organization generally was an S corporation because it combined the limited liability associated with a corporate structure with flow-through treatment of tax benefits to its owners. An LLC is sometimes preferred because in addition to each of the aforementioned benefits, an LLC is not subject to many of the restrictions to which an S corporation is subject. In addition, future restructuring of an LLC genearlly avoids certain negative income tax consequences that future restructuring of a corporation may involve.

A rule of thumb has developed among many accountants that if the business will be actively managed by the shareholders[s], and it will be a small business, a sub-S corporation is the choice. For real estate or other "passive" investment type companies, the LLC is the choice. Again, because this decision is vitally imporant to the financial health of the company and its owners, you are strongly advised to obtain advice from your accountant before proceeding. If you do not have an accountant we can recommend one to you.

Answer provided by Chuck Roach - Roach Law Office