Jan Norman on Small Business

Update: Test near-far eyewear for yourself

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:00:07 +0000

Recently I posted about TruFocals, the world’s first adjustable-focus eye glasses.

Here’s your chance to try them in person and enter to win a free pair.

Costa Mesa optometrist Michael Bourgoin and Custom Eyes Optometry will have TruFocals on display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday Nov. 21 at 1835 Newport Blvd., suite A-111 in Costa Mesa.

Click here to read the original post about TruFocal, created by Los Angeles inventor Stephen Kurtin. They adjust to near or far vision by adjusting the slider on the nose bridge. You’ll note that some commenters were critical of the style and skeptical about the functionality.

“They create an entirely clear field of view at any distance. It’s like having dozens of eyeglasses in a single frame,” the company claims.

Here’s your chance to determine for yourself who’s right. Visitors can enter to win a pair.

Post from: Jan Norman on Small Business

Calif. vs. Texas no contest, association says

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:00:14 +0000

California is on the losing end when compared to Texas, according to a blog for the California Manufacturers & Technology Association.

He points out that the Milken Institute 2009 index compares compares business costs in California and Texas:

Source: Milken Institute

DiCaro says Texas has a $2 billion state budget surplus while the Legislative Analyst Office this wek said California is looking at a $21 billion deficit in the state budget after supposedly balancing the budget just a few months earlier.

Also, Chief Executive magazine rates Texas the best state in which to place a corporate headquarters and California is worst.

Trends magazine says Texas has more Fortune 500 headquarters, 64, than any other state. California has 51.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that California’s unemployment rate is now 12.5% and Texas’ is 8.3%. Click here for more details.

Other economy stories…

Post from: Jan Norman on Small Business

Who’s smokin’ 500 turkeys in Irvine?

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:51 +0000

Johnny Rebs’, a chain of four BBQ restaurants including one in Orange, has stacked 500 turkeys in the walk-in freezer at Meyerhof’s Fine Catering in Irvine, and preparing to smoke the birds on Saturday and Sunday.

Here’s a glimpse at the turkeys cooling til smoking time:

Meyerhof's freezer is packed with turkeys for Thanksgiving

The Southern roadhouse-style company has been selling cook-ahead Thanksgiving dinners for customers since it had just one diner in Long Beach in 1984, says director of operations Clay Carter.

“We probably sold 20 that first year, but that was before other restaurants, and especially supermarkets, started doing precooked Thanksgiving meals,” he says. “We sold 650 last year; I’m budgeting 500 this year.”

The package includes dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls and dessert for $68.99 to $88.99, depending on size, or turkey alone for $36.99.

For four years, Johnny Rebs’ used a commercial kitchen in Anaheim but that facility was too busy with other contracts, so Carter asked Ann Crane, owner of Meyerhof’s, about renting her facilities.

“Clay called me out of the blue to ask if I had space for them to use our kitchen,” Crane says. “Why not? It’s still a tough economy and a little help with rent is always appreciated so I said yes.”

Crane and her crew sanitized the back half of Meyerhof’s kitchen and emptied and cleaned the walk-in freezer. Here’s something only a professional cook would say: “Ah, the smell of bleach after a good scrubbing. It’s music to my nostrils!”

The Johnny Rebs’ crew unpacked 125 cases of turkeys on Nov. 18, bagged each one and filled the freezer racked. Meyerhof’s lobby was stacked to the ceiling with cases of stuffing mix, spreading the aroma of sage, rosemary and thyme, Crane says.

Today, Nov. 20, the chefs return to rotate the birds, then the smoking will start at 5 a.m. Saturday and end sometime Sunday afternoon, Carter says.

A turkey takes just under four hours to smoke, he says, then they are cooked and vacuum sealed. The meals come with specific reheating instructions for Thanksgiving day, he adds.

Johnny Rebs’ will take orders through Tuesday and customers pick them up Wednesday evening.

“It’s a mighty tasty product,” Meyerhof’s Crane says. “It’s subtle and tasty, not that overly nitrated fake smoked turkey that many of us have had. I’m purchasing some for us to use for the holiday hors d’oeuvres we make: Orange mini muffins with smoked turkey and plum jam.

“Everyone’s sure to gobble it up. Sorry, I couldn’t resist!”

Other business stories…

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3 Day Blinds names contest winners

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:16 +0000

Sixteen people are the winners of the $15,000 contest of 3 Day Blinds, an Irvine window coverings company.

More than 110,000 people from all over the United States entered the competition for free window treatments, according to Vice President Phil Mettra.

“With a tight economy like we are all dealing with, it is a pleasure to reach out consumers and give them a chance to win window treatments Free and make their day,” he said.

3 Day Blinds, founded in 1978, emerged from its bankruptcy reorganization in July as a direct sales company.

Before bankruptcy reorganization, 3 Day Blinds had more than 180 retail locations. Now it operates through 225 sales consultants in 15 states.

Winners were selected at random on Nov. 16.

Jami Blanchard Williamsburg, VA, won the grand prize of new custom window coverings, including shipping and installation worth $5,000.

Platinum Prize, $1,000 in custom window coverings:

1.   Darrell Walters of Glen Burnie, MD
2.   Laurie Swanson of Nashville, NC
3.   Kathryn Beckerman of Liberty, MO
4.   Gruby Collins of Lillian, AL
5.   Scott Weidert of Jefferson, LA

Gold Prize, $500 in new custom window coverings:

1.   Tom Guarnera of Sacramento, CA
2.   Lee Crocco of Port St. Lucie, FL
3.   Douglas Squeo of Wheaton, IL
4.   Gary Beard of Hortonville, WI
5.   Nancy Paradise of Martinze, GA
6.   Rebecca Kofod of Sinclairville, NY
7.   Kathy Wisniewski of Glendale, AZ
8.   Rebecca Peters of Nashville, TN
9.   MeriBeth Koch of Key West, FL
10.   Kim Nguyen of Colorado Springs, CO

Other business stories…

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Poll: Is economy affecting workplace morale?

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:08 +0000

The recession is driving down workplace morale, according to a new Harris Interactive Poll for CareerBuilder.com.

Tell us what you think then read what others said:

How do you rate morale at your workplace?

In a survey of 2,924 hiring managers and 4,285 U.S. full-time employees, 23% rated their organization’s current employee morale as low.

Not only that, 40% of workers report that they have had difficulty staying motivated at work in the past year, and 24% do not feel loyal to their current employer.

Obviously increased workloads, longer hours and strained resources are having an impact.

Maybe that’s why 65% of employees are looking for a new job and nearly 60% intend to intensify their search in the next three months, according to consultant Jane Goldner, founder of The Goldner Group.

Among workers surveyed by CareerBuilder, 40% said that their stress level at work is high and 47% said that their workload has increased in the last six months. One-in-five is dissatisfied with the work/life balance.

“Low morale levels are an unfortunate side effect of this recession,” said CareerBuilder Vice President Jason Ferrara. “As a result, employers are taking measures to help address negative workplace sentiment and motivate their employees. Whether it’s through stepping up communication, offering more employee recognition programs or providing flexible work opportunities, organizations are doing what they can to proactively manage low morale.”

Consultant Goldner tells employers that November-December will make or break many employees’ commitment to a company.

To boost morale and retain good employees, Goldner suggests:

Say Good morning. “You’d be surprised how many people tell us that their boss doesn’t acknowledge their presence.
“Sponsor business functions that include employees’ families. Make them voluntary because some employees would rather spend their free time away from work people.
Consider coaching, shadowing, temporary assignments and participation on problem solving teams that keep employees focused on the job and are cost-effective means for development. This prevents boredom and stimulates growth.
Articulate clearly what individuals do to contribute to the success of the organization. Thank people for a job well done.

Other jobs stories…

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Do these deals stimulate you to buy?

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:07 +0000

Many business owners are finding creative ways to tie their promotions with the latest news or seasonal events.

Here are three. Tell me others you’ve seen or are offering yourself.

1. Doug Gifford, owner of Doug Gifford Photography in Laguna Niguel, isn’t ignoring the economy; he’s capitalizing on it.

Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, Photo by Doug Gifford

“We’re offering our own ‘economic stimulus’ this holiday season! In this challenging time, we want to do what we can to encourage the gift of portraiture to keep you connected to your family and career,” he says.

Hey, if Congress can offer a stimulus, surely an O.C. business can.

Among Gifford’s offerings are 50% off “session” fees and 20% off the price of portrait print and holiday cards for all sessions completed by Nov. 30.

2. Greatland, a big supplier of W-2 and 1099 forms for business, has a “Black Friday-Cyber Monday” deal for small businesses.

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving - BIG day for retailers hopeful that huge sales will push their bottom line into the black - and Cyber Monday - the Monday after Thanksgiving - is supposedly the biggest day for Christmas sales online.

Small businesses that order their 2010 tax forms on Black Friday or Cyber Monday will get:

30% off W-2 and 1099 paper form orders
30% off the price of Winfiler, Greatland’s tax preparation and e-filing software which typically retails for $159 to $382
10% off e-filing services at speedEfiler.com

3. Christy Pacella, owner of the Black Flamingo boutique in Laguna Beach, is starting a Buy One Save One campaign for post-Thanksgiving shoppers.

“If they buy just one gift on their holiday list at a local shop, they can save a business in 2010,” Pacella explains. “I want people to feel empowered to help save small businesses in their cities. My point is to drive home that while the local malls are offering deep discount and insane deals, so are small boutiques. We can compete. We can negotiate where chain stores cannot.”

Photographer Gifford says words make a difference to consumers and “stimulus” or “save” certainly do.

“The biggest thing I am doing differently now (to stimulate business) is using my E-News e-mail to inform, educate and drive p0eople to my web site and blog, which I hope will lead to them contacing me,” he says. “While my business has been mostly referral since 1981, I am using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to keep the name out there for former and new clients, prospective clients, referral sources and friends.

“Fortunately, because I am working in a variety of markets, I am keeping busy enough to survive,” he adds.

Other business stories…

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Forbes drops list of top venture funds

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:01 +0000

More sobering news for the venture capital and media industries. Forbes has dropped it annual Midas 100 list of venture capital funds with highest returns for their investors, peHUB reports.

Really a shame, given that 2010 would have been the year in which Google’s IPO would have no longer factored into the rankings.

Forbes’ Midas List is … considered the bible for VC bragging rights, with firms quick to send out indulgent press releases when one of their partners makes the cut.

Forbes has laid off staffers and made other cutbacks, shrinking its travel web site staff and closing its auto site.

Venture Beat adds that online network and conference company AlwaysOn has released its own list, the 2009 Venture Capital 100.

Other investing stories…

Post from: Jan Norman on Small Business

O.C. vegan chain expands

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:25 +0000

Native Foods has opened its sixth vegan restaurant, this one in The District at Tustin Legacy, reports my Register colleague Ellyse James.

The chain was founded by Chef Tanya Petrovna, who’s working on her third cookbook.

They plan to open 20 restaurants by the end of 2010. Other new restaurants in Orange County could be in San Clemente, Huntington Beach and Yorba Linda. Location details have not yet been finalized. The company also is planning to open shop in Los Angeles, San Diego and might open out-of-state in Boston or Chicago.

Click here to read the entire story.

Other entrepreneur stories…

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Which business icon do teens idolize?

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:42 +0000

Steve Jobs is the entrepreneur that teenagers admire most, according to a survey by Junior Achievement, the world’s largest economic education program for junior high and high schools.

Here are the most admired entrepreneurs in the survey of 1,000 U.S. teens:

Source: Junior Achievement

Note that Southern California native, skateboarding icon Tony Hawk ranks third.

Also note that these entrepreneurs are most associated with the pop culture familiar to American teens :

Steve Jobs and Apple iPod and iPhone
Oprah Winfrey and afternoon TV
Hawk and skateboarding
Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook
The Olsen Twins, the former TV show Full House and a teen fashion line
Kimora Lee Simmons, fashion model and president of Phat Fashions

When asked why they admire these entrepreneurs. teens said:

33% They have made a difference in people’s lives
31% They have been successful in multiple fields
25% They have improved people’s lives
5% They are famous
4% They are rich
2% Other
1% Don’t know

Junior Achievement has just introduced a new program called JA Be Entrepreneurial to provide teenagers with the tools to start successful businesses.

However one finding of JA’s annual Teen and Entrepreneurship Survey is sobering: only 51% would like to start their own business some day, a steady decline from the survey’s first year, 2003, when three-fourths of youngsters aspired to business ownership.

Source: Junior Achievement

Teens’ top reasons for pursuing business ownership are:

26% Take control of their careers
21% Prefer to work for themselves instead of others
15% Earn more money than in a job
9% Create jobs and spur economic growth

By a small margin, this year’s respondents think working for a company has more job security (49%) than owning a business (47%).

Other business stories….

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Biggest workers comp insurer to raise rates

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:03 +0000

The State Compensation Insurance Fund will increase its workers compensation insurance premiums for California businesses an average 5% effective on or after Jan. 1, 2010.

The State Fund is the largest workers compensation insurer in California with 170,000 company-clients.

The rate increase comes in between Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner’s demand that private insurers not increase premiums at all and the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California, which recommended a 22.8% hike starting Jan. 1, 2010. Poizner’s staff recommended a 15.4% increase.

Such recommendations are advisory. The state doesn’t control rates for workers compensation insurance, which every employer, by law, must have.

The State Fund increase has been filed with the California Department of Insurance. Although manual rates increased 8% with this filing, other changes to the rate filing will result in an overall 5% increase in collectible premium, the fund said.

The rate is an average. Some companies will have a greater increase and others might even have premiums cut.

“The principal driver of the rate increase is medical inflation,” said Doug Stewart, State Fund interim president and CEO. “We understand the strain that California’s businesses are experiencing in the current economic situation. “State Fund offers group discounts, a merit rating plan, and lower-than-average premiums in some classifications and industries.”

The annual average medical inflation rate has been 14% since 2005, according to the California Workers’ Compensation Institute.

Click here to read the State Fund’s rate announcement.

Click here to read Poizner’s press release rejecting any rate hike for Jan. 1, 2010.

Click here to read the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s rationale for a 22.8% rate hike.

Other business stories…

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O.C. man a finalist for Global Student Entrepreneur

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:15 +0000

Cal State Fullerton student Craig Martyn, 24, is a finalist for Global Student Entrepreneur for the second year in a row.

Martyn was 15 when he started BLMA Models, a manufacturer of highly accurate locomotive and scenery

Craig Martyn, BMLA Models

accessories for model train hobbyists.

The 32 finalists were chosen from among 2,000 nominations from 33 countries. The winner will be named Thursday, Nov. 19.

The competition of Entrepreneurs Organization and underwritten by Mercedes-Benz Financial is the premier honor for undergraduate college students who run real companies. This year’s competition is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week created by the Kauffman Foundation.

The winner will receive $10,000 in cash, plus share in $150,000 worth of business products and services donated by EO members, including Web services, printing, public relations and consulting.

Martyn runs BLMA Models while majoring in advertising and minoring in business administration. The company now has more than 250 products in multiple scale sizes that it sells through five major distributors.

While BLMA employees design every piece, production is split between one U.S. factory and two in China. Martyn has visited the Chinese factories to ensure quality, pricing and delivery objectives are met.

Martyn influences all aspects of his company, from CAD design to bookkeeping to advertising. He also continues to participate in the hobby he loves as a member of the Orange County N-Gineers, a modular N-Track club.

Click here or here to read about Martyn in the Global Student Entrepreneur competition in 2008.

Other entrepreneur stories..

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O.C. company doubles size with Hong Kong purchase

Jan Norman, small-business columnist — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:40 +0000

TTM Technologies Inc., a Santa Ana-based printed circuit board maker, has acquired Meadville Holdings

TTM laser cutter

Limited of Hong Kong in a cash and stock deal worth approximately $521 million.

Accompanying photos are courtesy of TTM Technologies. Click on images for larger view.

The deal, which also involves assuming some debt, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2010. It will double TTM’s revenues at a time the company has been buying companies and closing some facilities to position itself in a highly competitive industry, the company said.

“This completes our global expansion strategy,” said TTM President and CEO Kent Alder.

TTM has closed manufacturing plants in Los Angles, Hayward and Redmond, Wash., this year

TTM specializes in manufacturing fast-turnaround, small batches for research and development being done at client companies. The company has lost some business because the customers wanted to deal with an R&D manufacturer that had a facility in Asia to handle mass production, Alder said.

To solve this problem, TTM had looked for an Asian facility to buy for five or six years, and had been talking with

TTM Santa Ana headquarters

Meadville for three years, he said. “Part of what we look for in (an acquisition) is a well-run company. We don’t want a fixer upper. This is a combination of two very strong companies.”

The recession actually slowed the process because both companies’ financial performance decreased, which made it difficult to set a purchase price for Meadville and a stock price for TTM.

“We hope this transaction will give local plants more R&D work in the long run,” he said.

The Santa Ana headquarters has 315 employees. TTM now has seven locations in North America and one in Asia.

Other acquisition and investing stories…

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