Submitted by Lyza from Your Location (City, State)

Q: It's like you're on a msisoin to save me time and money!

Answered 10/28/11 07:04:48 by Jack G. Hardy

A: That is my purpose in writing Bootstrap Marketing

Submitted by Natalie C. from Miami, FL

Q: I was recently approached by a friend of mine about a "great business opportunity." He invited me to an information session at the Hilton Gardens Hotel near the Airport. Basically it was a session to learn about a company called Organo Gold. The gist of it is, you make money either by selling the coffee or by signing up people to buy packages to sell the coffee. Ultimately, it's the multi-level marketing/ network marketing that's going to make you the big bucks. This seems to me like a pyramid scheme using coffee as a product to disguise the scam. I'm sure some folks do end up making money off this. I just want to know if you know what percentage of this company's profits come actual coffee sales vs what percentage comes from package sales? Would you recommend any one to sign up for this so-called business venture?

Answered 09/01/11 13:20:26 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Natalie, What's your question? Personally I steer clear of multilayer marketing. Some are honest-others are shady-a few are a scam. Check out Organo Gold on Google. If shady or scam you'll find out quickly. Good luck! Visit jackghardy.com.

Submitted by Lee Weiss from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Q: Jack – How do you rate our Core Value Proposition? In just 2 weeks, our non-invasive, FDA-approved procedure eliminates 1 Liter of FAT and 3+ inches of circumference AND improves physical appearance, thus kick-starting the dream for overweight persons to regain their former self. Our unique (2-modality) procedure causes fat-cell leakage followed by shrinking cells and cellulite bands to achieve skin tightening. Serious customers seeking guaranteed results are reached through practitioners, newspaper and W-O-M. A caring organization that genuinely seeks the best possible results for customers, we coach on nutrition, diet, exercise and other protocols that further enhance results. We are reinvesting to tighten our business model preparatory to launching joint-venture partnerships outside the southeast Florida TV market. drweiss@centersforbodycontouring.com | 1-855.669.7546 | Lee Weiss

Answered 05/13/11 14:29:18 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Lee, I just received notification of your question -- your 108 words are a mix of elements, some unnecessary - i'll send you an eMail with my thoughts even though delayed.

Submitted by john kimball from miami, fla.

Q: Unfortunately many of my employees punch in when the come to work and many have worked over time and have not been paid anymore for that then for regular hourly pay. I am now up a creek without a paddle. I have begun searching for a labor attorney as I may have to let some of them go and I am concerned about them coming back and suing me. Any suggestions.

Answered 05/13/11 14:22:23 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Sorry, What you need is a lawyer in whom you have trust and confidence. Do it soon. Then clean up your act.

Submitted by Orlando Monteagudo from Miami, Florida

Q: Mr. Hardy, I am a former CPA with many years of business experience. I have decided to supplement my income with accounting, bookkeeping, and general business consulting services on the side. I have a limited budget for marketing. How would you go about marketing a business such as mine? Would you give me some tips, etc. I appreciate any suggestions you may give me. Regards, Orlando Monteagudo Tel. 786-261-6191

Answered 01/17/11 16:38:16 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Orlando, What are your specific CPA service strengths? Do you have a profile of the type company or person you would like to work with? That's a good starting point. What are the geographic constraints? (within "x" number of miles) or can you work with clients via Internet? Once you have a target in mind it's easier to carve out a plan. If you go to www.businessplumber.com - you can download a PDF copy of my book, The Core Value Proposiion -- and follow its easy to use 4-step process to focus you business plan. Please give me feedback jack@jackghardy.com

Submitted by Yvette de la Morena from Miami, FL

Q: Hi Jack: Just started a new business called "Diaper Cakes A La Carte" we specialize in diaper cakes and event planning (baby showers/invitations/etc) what can you recommend for a start up company such as ours who wants to expose themselves locally/advertise. Any recommendations will be much appreciated. Regards, Yvette/diaper cakes a la carte

Answered 12/20/10 09:10:08 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Wow! Diaper "cakes" - could have a double meaning! But since it's tied in with parties and events it can't be what I thought. I'd start with a database of new born babies - info is public and I assume you don't what to work outside Miami-Dade/Broward area. Do you have a website? Do you already have customers? Word of mouth is the best source of new business. I'd also start tying in eMail to my website. But the most important for a startup is to have a business plan - which you obviously don't have. So start there! Consult with a SCORE counselor - attend one of their startup seminars. Do your homework before getting into too deep water. Jack Jackghardy.com

Submitted by LeeAnn Masterson from Coral Gables, Florida

Q: I keep thinking that I would like to open a little gift shop or an ice cream soda shop (or a combination of both). Can you please tell me what kind of taxes and licenses the State of Florida and Miami-Dade County require for these kinds of businesses. Thank you. LeeAnn Masterson

Answered 12/06/10 13:03:41 by Jack G. Hardy

A: LeeAnn, Please visit www.myflorida.com and you'll find all the information required concerning taxes and licenses. You'll also want to visit www.intuit.com for bookkeeping software. Jack G Hardy www.jackghardy.com

Submitted by don from miami

Q: story re a wind farm entrepreneur taking ownership 48% in local maker of storm screens, nacel inc hurricane screens and security, inc

Answered 09/25/10 11:53:45 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Don, Unfortunately your message is incomplete, impossible to read. Please reenter your question - and I'll try to respond quickly Jack G Hardy

Submitted by Thami from Pembroke Pines

Q: Jack you are the best! Grifco is a revenue maximization consulting company that helps businesses capture new clients and optimize their current client population. We do this to help others have sustainability. The problem I am faced with is that the people I would love to help don't have the funding or are so strapped they are afraid to part with some revenue even if it means more revenue for them in return. We even guarantee performance 100%. Where are the business owners who need help who are willing to spend a little to reap longevity? We do 1-2 pro bono projects per month to try to help because we are committed to our community. If you don't mind, please take a look at our website, any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks!!! www.grifcoincorporated.com

Answered 09/21/10 14:01:23 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Thami, Put quite simply, your website needs a makeover! You say you're "a revenue maximization consulting company, "a strategy and revenue growth consulting practice." You will "seize all opportunities to ensure relevance, sustainability and revenue growth at your organization before it's too late!" Even with my background, I don't understand what you could do for me! It's gibberish! If that same confusion is in your prospect presentation -- no wonder you're not closing a sale. My suggestion: develop a clear core value proposition. Then redo website and sales presentation.

Submitted by Patrick Alexander from Coral Gables, Florida

Q: I always enjoy reading your column in the Herald’s Business Monday and am sorry not to see you in today’s issue. However, it was last Monday’s column that really caught my attention. Over the previous weekend, I had built a website www.mrwrite.us to promote my freelance-writing services and on Monday morning was ready to hit the road when I found your “Wordsmith” column waiting to greet me with my Monday breakfast! I found your column and the timing of its publication very encouraging. I’d be very grateful if you would take a look at my website and see if you have any suggestions for marketing my services.

Answered 08/09/10 13:18:03 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Patrick, I don't think your website does justice to your two fingered writing ability. I sense you are, as I, of English extraction - I was told years ago, "Never tell an Englishman a joke on Saturday evening - he will laugh loudly in church on Sunday" Your article on Tariffs - both the long and short - are well written - But how would you summarize the lesson learned to improve your index page - it lacks the human touch you finally found in the short version. Please contact me at jack@jackghardy - I've got several more suggestions Jack

Submitted by Cris from Okeechobee, Fla

Q: Jack I have a small appliance repair business and we do business in three states. Normally we advertise in the print in the yellow pages. Now, it seems, every ad rep wants to put us in the internet. Is internet advertising the way to go? Should we cut out our print ads? Cris

Answered 08/02/10 16:03:55 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Cris, Examine and determine your answer by tracking calls for help received by your repair business. Most likely Yellow pages was important. But the key question is, "Where do people go when they need repairs?" Some may use the print version. Others use the Internet. Listing for the Google Internet listing is free. And that's a good place to start. For a demo, go to Google and search for - small appliance repairs - add the city name that is your largest source of business -- and take note. Do the same for other cities. Let me know. jack@jackghardy.com

Submitted by Cheryl

Q: Hi, I worked for a company in Deerfield call Docutek and it does not pay its employees on time and a lot of us left because of this, my last check was due on the 1st I did not get paid so I left, they did not give me my check till the 11th and now my final check was due the 16th and they still have not paid. I know of the law in Dade but what can be done and what can be done to protect some of the people that still have to stay till they can find new jobs. And the funny thing is the CEO Marla thinks it is no big deal they will pay when they deside.

Answered 06/24/10 10:36:09 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Employers who do business in Miami-Dade County, Florida (the County) must be aware that the County recently enacted an ordinance prohibiting wage theft. Ordinance No. 10-16, which became effective on March 1, 2010 (Wage Theft Ordinance), is believed to be the first county law of its nature in the country. The stated policy of the Wage Theft Ordinance is to "eliminate and prevent wage theft"; to promote "business and economic development through the elimination of unfair economic competition by unscrupulous businesses that do not pay or that underpay their employees"; and to relieve "the burden on the public that subsidize unscrupulous employers whose employees are forced to rely on public assistance because of unpaid or underpaid wages." An employer who is found to have violated the Wage Theft Ordinance by unlawfully failing to pay any portion of wages due will have to pay back pay and liquidated damages to the employee in addition to administrative fees and hearing costs. For More Info Go to: http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/article.asp?articleid=99240

Submitted by Roselind Woods from Tallahassee, FL

Q: Looking for an obit on Ellen A. Underwood died 12-14-09, Miami to locate descendants including a son of possible 1953 and another son born around 1940-45 of first marriage to Richard Guentert, all family.

Answered 06/23/10 09:55:26 by Jack G. Hardy

A: I don't have access to the obits but you can find ore information yourself. Please visit Google and enter full name within apostrophes "Ellen A. Underwood" When I made the search I came up with http://www.fredhunters.com/obituaries#/Sort:LastName/Text:ellen+a+underwood there's more for your review

Submitted by Michael Khoury from Palmetto Bay

Q: Mr Hardy We at Herbally Pure liquid vitamins ask, where is the best place to find an investor / partner that is interested in a young business that has already completed the labor intensive start up issues, created a strong online presence and branding of product. We have found areas that have proven to have unlimited potential and need assistance. We have added our name to many lists that match investors with young companies that are ready to launch product sales but we seem to get lost in the pile of other companies also looking for investors who have also paid the fees to join these groups. Can you advise any legitimate resources. Thank You In Advance Mike Khoury Herbally Pure

Answered 06/11/10 15:03:01 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Mike, You seem to have covered most of the obvious sources. I agree you need to find a "legitimate" source - but keep in mind that you need a powerful - but brief - "elevator talk" to get through the smoke screens. But I don't have a valid suggestion to make. If you send me a written pitch - I can keep it handy for passing on. Jack G Hardy jack@jackghardy.com

Submitted by Kyle Green from Shady Shores, Texas

Q: Mr. Hardy, I just completed reading your book titled "The Core Value Proposition" and was enlightened by your approach to Fact 2: (Everything in business starts or stops with the Customer). Do you have any plans on expanding on this topic in a future book?

Answered 05/28/10 07:20:33 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Kyle, Yes I do have plans to expand upon and update several topics. I would appreciate your expanding upon how you see and use Fact 2. Please email your suggestions. jack@jackghardy.com