With the times changing as quickly as they are, businesses are being asked to shoulder more of the burden of new expenses, like unemployment increases, health insurance, and all the while customers are becoming more and more hesitant to spend money, because they are worried about loosing their job, taking a pay cut, etc.  So where does that put you?

It really puts you in a predicament with only 2 ways out.  One, you can just continue to keep your business afloat, doing the minimum in areas of advertising and staffing.  Maybe you have to work 6-7 days a week because you cut an employee, maybe you don’t run that ad in the paper because you can’t really afford it.  

Option 2, which is the option smart companies are choosing, is to take advantage of the situation that EVERY business is in, and use it to your advantage.  Because you know that everyone is hurting why not do something different then the competition.  Use your business credit lines and loans from the bank to work on marketing to new customers.  Make the customers you have remember why they chose you in the first place by treating them like they are VIP’s because they really are.  A little goes a long way, especially when everyone else has stopped spending, your few dollar investment in a customer loyalty program, can go even further NOW.  

So how do you get a large credit line or a loan from the bank … with the help of your business credit.  Using guides like the Insiders Guide To Business Credit can help any business hone their business credit file so that they can get a bank loan or large credit card, without the need of using the owners credit file for approval.  Imagine using that business you have built as the leverage in every financial transaction you make.  It can happen if you start today.  

Visit http://InsidersGuideToBusinessCredit.com to find out more and to get a free copy of their small business credit guide.

If there was any indication that we are in a new economy, all you had to do was turn on last nights superbowl.  From the limited about of commercial interruption, it was pretty plain to everyone that the money is just not there…..for MOST companies.  That does not mean all, just most.  Because we are in a new economy there were fewer brand building commercials and more commercials that made you sit back and remember what they were selling.  Like the careerbuilder.com commercial where the guy kept slapping the Koala.  Very interesting.  But back to the point.  These companies are leveraging a time where people are cutting back on advertising and customer building and using it to their advantage.  Shouldn’t you…I am talking about using capital, both cash and credit, to start to get the word out about your company.  This could be done in many ways, and in fact that is not as important as just doing it.  I know it will cost money, but remember, EVERYONE else is trying to save money, so every dollar you spend today is actually probably worth $2.  

So now you ask how…how exactly do you get the money to spend now so you can see returns from your customers, both current and future.  You invest in systems that help you create credit for your business.  You visit sites like http://InsidersGuideToBusinessCredit.com .  They can help get you on track so that you can have the money you need to do the marketing you must do.

This is a golden opportunity to get your business to the front of the pack at discount prices

If you’re thinking about getting a business credit card, you may not be sure whether you should get a card, and whether it will benefit your business. While people who have trouble managing their money and controlling their spending should probably not have control of a business credit account, there are several advantages to having a business credit card.

1. Build Your Business Credit Profile

If you intend to lease equipment or finance big-ticket items with a line of credit from a vendor, you will need to create and maintain a business credit profile. By using a business credit card wisely, you can establish business credit, and you can work on building your credit over time.

2. Manage Business Expenses

Many business credit cards offer very detailed statements that make it easy to itemize your business expenses at tax time. Whether you do your own business taxes or pay a bookkeeper or accountant, the time savings will give you more resources to spend on other parts of your business.

3. Separate Business and Personal Spending

If you are a sole proprietor or an incorporated one-person shop, you may sometimes buy business items on your regular shopping trips. With a business credit card, you can pay for business purchases separately and keep your spending separate. This is particularly important if you have a corporation and need to protect the corporate purse. Separating purchases can be very difficult otherwise, but with your business credit card it becomes quite simple.

4. Survive Low-Cash-Flow Situations

Every business goes through peaks and troughs as far as income and cash flow. Unfortunately, quite often during the troughs you find that you need operating capital to get back onto a peak. This can be difficult, but having a business credit card can keep you up and running during low cash flow situations and help you weather slow times.

5. Cut Down on Reimbursement Paperwork

If you have employees, or if you were often spending money and having the business reimburse you, a business credit card removes the need for that. You can simply use a business credit card, and have your employees use one, for business expenses. The credit card statement will itemize your expenses, and you’ll have a much simpler time figuring out where the money went.

You can run a business well without a business credit card, but it is not exactly easy. Using a business credit card to manage expenses makes everything easier, and allows you to keep your expenses separate and keep track of them.

While business credit cards are not right for everyone, there are advantages to using one well, and if you have a business credit card, even if you only use it during slow periods to finance operations for a while, you will be surprised how helpful it is in taking care of business until things pick up a little. Just the access to business funding that a business credit card provides can make your business run much more smoothly, even if you don’t use the card often or at all.