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Small Business 101 small business owner’s radar. However, says Bergdoll, there are typically fewer moving parts of a small business, so the risk is more definable and manageable. “It just takes a pro-active stance on the part of the business owner to make sure it happens.�
Information Technology When building a foundation to any small business, many startups first focus on such areas as human resources and payroll. But to get a business off the ground successfully — particularly in today’s world — owners should focus on information technology. “A solid working IT environment will help make you money,� says Andy Karpel of RB Balch IT Consulting. “Don’t look at it as an expense. It’s an investment.� A well-planned and well-executed IT structure is the backbone to any viable business. Karpel suggests buying not only what you need today, but what you need a few years from now. He also suggests staying up-to-date on the latest hardware and business software. “Get good quality equipment. Don’t skimp; get what you need — with enough room to reasonably grow.� Once a system is in place, Karpel suggests finding a reliable and responsive IT firm for technical support. For business owners who are looking to work with an IT firm, knowledge is everything. Ask questions about their structure, how they work, their hours and availability, and their response time. Another important question to ask, says Karpel, is whom are they affiliated with. “Many times, unfortunately, IT firms make recommendations based on what they sell,� he says. “Unfortunately, some firms assume that a small business owner doesn’t know about IT and will sell you based on what they know, rather than on what you need.�
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LFMMFSBEWBOUBHF DPN TDPUUTEBMF *Northeast Phoenix location offers graduate degree programs only. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology and Keller Graduate School of Management in New York. Š 2008 DeVry University. All rights reserved.
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JUNE / JULY / AUGUST | SCOTTSDALE@WORK | 2008
CONTACT INFORMATION Denise Gredler BestCompaniesAZ LLC 480-545-5151 denise@bestcompaniesaz.com
Phyllis Rector Interface Financial Group
 480-609-7044 psrector@intervacefinancial.com
Jay Jennings Brickhouse Systems Corp./ Marketing Associates 602-956-2099 jbjennings@cox.net
Andy Karpel RB Balch IT Consulting 623-561-9366 andy@rbbalch.com
David Musselmann Paramount Financial 480-222-0300 info@paramountfinance.com
Bill Bergdoll Bergdoll Insurance & Financial Services Inc. 480-315-0400 bill@bergdollinsurance.com