Business and Tax Lawyer Blog

This weekend more than eighty attendees will participate in Northeast Florida's first "Startup Weekend," an intensive 54-hour three-day event which will help existing businesses, new businesses and "entrepreneurs with big ideas" get a jump start on building and implementing web and mobile business applications.

Everyone is fairly clear about business applications for the web (making your products or services accessible through notebooks or desktop computers), but what is a mobile business application? It is basically the same thing--but accessible on smart phones, iPads, iPhones and other mobile or portable devices. A mobile application could include additional website bookmark capabilities or provide for instant messaging options via a mobile device or provide access to other mobile functions. Web and mobile business applications simply provide businesses another way to connect with their customer base in selling their business product or service. Sales to customers while limiting the need for additional sales personnel or office space and a mechanism to permit businesses to reach a market outside their local community could be critical for the entrepreneur's or new business owner's success in today's business environment. The three-day event will be held at UNF and will engage three groups (with three different types of tickets for the event), including:

"Developer" Participants. This ticket category will include technically trained individuals who can write computer code for a businesses' web based computer applications and mobile applications.

"Designer" Participants. This ticket category includes non-technical people who are essential to the development of the look and the brand elements of a businesses' web based computer applications and mobile applications (including, for example, graphic artists, social media specialists and video specialists).

"Business Support" Participants. This group will include professionals who will support the entrepreneur or business in the development and implementation process (including, for example, financial, legal and marketing professionals and businesses).

The Startup Weekend will be an interactive event. It will kick off with ideas being pitched and teams being formed to consider the top products and services. As the event draws to a close on Sunday evening, ideas will again be pitched--but this time to a panel of judges. The finalists selected by the panel of judges will have the opportunity to win up to $25,000 in prizes.

The Jacksonville Business Journal recently interviewed entrepreneurs and new business owners attending Startup Weekend event (see "City's First Startup Weekend to bring entrepreneurs together") and reported on various mentors and business leaders that would be on hand to guide the participants through the interactive activities that weekend. The January 20, 21 and 22, 2012 Startup Weekend has met with a resoundingly positive response in the Northeast Florida business community as it was officially announced last week that the event was "sold out."

Still, if you are interested in participating in the January event, sponsors are "wait-listing" individuals who want to participate this weekend and are releasing any tickets that become available in the order you go on the list. Even if you are not able to get into the January event, if your name is on the waiting list you will receive communications about upcoming events.

Continue reading "Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses Sell Out Northeast Florida's First "Startup Weekend"" »

Given the current economic state, many people have been forced to seek different areas of employment. Some have decided to return to school and advance their education while others have decided to start their own business, essentially becoming their own boss. Are you in the category of those people who have or are considering starting up their own business? If so, and you have a great idea and are ready to build a business off that idea, you must be organized and know where to begin. Below are three simple tips anyone who is considering starting up their own business should follow:

- Have a Plan and Follow it!:
The first and one of the most critical steps in forming a business is creating a plan for your business - its blueprint for success. A plan gives you a foundation and a direction to follow. Think thoroughly before formulating your plan. Ask yourself - what am I selling, who will buy it, what are my costs, what people do I need, how do I let everyone know I am in the business now, and how will I get funding? Once your plan is in place, follow it!

- Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help:
Many people try to take on too much at one time. Wise business owners know that they cannot do it alone, everyone needs some help from time to time. Seeking out volunteers and mentors is a great way to get help for those with a small budget. The more experienced people you have on your side, the more educated guidance you can obtain in starting your business.

- Get Started!:
Don't wait until you have every little thing in order to get your business going. If you have an idea and have done enough planning to know where you are headed, get the ball rolling! Remember that you will learn lessons along the way and be willing to compromise, adapt and make changes.

Starting a business can be overwhelming. Seeking the advice, counsel and guidance of an experienced Business Attorney is always a step that should be considered. An experienced Business Attorney can bring to your attention avenues or outlets you never previously considered or were aware of. Obtaining legal advice aids in protecting your interests and ultimately your business. Contact Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. to speak with an experienced Business Attorney if you are considering starting up your own business.

Continue reading "Simple Tips to Starting Up A Small Business, Part 1 - Getting Started" »

In May, Sports Clips reached a billion dollars in haircuts. While only franchising for 16 years, Sports Clips is the number one hair care provider for men’s and boy’s haircuts. With over 780 stores in 38 states, Sports Clips continues to grow with 120 new stores projected to open this year. By focusing on a niche market, Sports Clips has been able to create and refine the haircut experience. In recent years, Sports Clips has ranked in the top 10 in Forbes’ Top 20 Franchises to Start and in the top 50 “fastest growing” franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500.

One unique business practice which has lead to Sports Clips' success is its use of non-exclusive licensing agreements. Through careful use and implementation of non-exclusive licensing deals, Sports Clips has partnered with organizations such as the NBA, MLB and NHL. Often times, these organizations are seen as having competing business interests and often employ the use of exclusive licensing arrangements. Non-exclusive license agreements typically have less restrictive terms binding one or both of the parties. However, in exchange, these agreements are usually much less profitable for one or both of the parties than an exclusive licensing deal.

To learn more about this article, visit Sport Clips Reaches "Billion Dollars" in Haircuts.

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The ever popular iPhone has officially outranked Blackberry in the battle of the smartphones. However, Apple is still in 2nd place as smartphones utilizing Google's Android OS account for over 36 percent of the U.S. market share. In a twist of irony, Palm, the company responsible for launching the smartphone movement, has continued to lose users in recent years. In fact, Palm's current market share is last among all other smartphones.

To read more on this article, visit iPhone passes Blackberry among users.

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Jacksonville gas prices rose 9 cents over the past week, and analysts expect prices to continue rising. The average cost of a gallon of regular-unleaded in Jacksonville is $3.71, up from $3.62 a week ago.
The reasons for this spike and the expectations of continued increases are a weakened U.S. dollar combined with the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and Africa. In addition, these same analysts expect gas prices to continue escalating over the summer months.

To read more on this article, visit Jacksonville Gas Price Jumps 9c.

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The future of Smartphones may be at risk due to the rise in sales of tablets, not laptops, as some analysts predict.

Analysts also state that laptop and netbook sales will be hampered for a short period, while consumers discover the capabilities of a tablet. Since most individuals use their smartphones for media and data instead of calling features, many consumers are expected to choose tablets due to the smartphone's storage capacity and prices. With smartphone prices ranging from $200 to $600, industry analysts suggest upgrading to a tablet that has a screen three times the size?

According to a 2008 Nielsen survey, consumers are texting more frequently than making voice calls, and their data usage has increased exponentially. There are many who view the smartphone as a smaller tablet, putting it in the same market, which could start to diminish smartphone sales.

To read more on this article, visit Size Matters: Tablets vs. Smartphones.

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Groupon recently announced it will continue its marketing campaign based on provocative ideas in order to reach new users and markets. This announcement comes as a surprise to some marketing analysts, as the company recently pulled a commercial that originally aired during the Super Bowl. The ad drew criticism for making light of the current repressive climate in Tibet, forcing Groupon to issue an apology.

Groupon is eager to attract new users, as it is considering an IPO (initial public offering) later this year. The company derives its revenue by alerting its more than 50 million subscribers to daily discounts of up to 90% at local businesses and retaining a portion of the proceeds.

To read more on this article, visit Groupon Chief Defends Marketing Approach.

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