NASE in the News

From the President: Happy New Year!

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to leave 2009 behind. It was a tumultuous year, and not an easy one for most micro-business owners.

I’m convinced that 2010 will be better—for the economy as well as for micro-businesses. And the NASE is here to help our members make 2010 a successful year.

For one, we’ve introduced new benefits. We're giving you more money-saving benefits for your business, your health and your family. You can read about the advantages on Page 6 of this issue.

And we’re standing up on your behalf in the health care reform debate. Main Street businesses and the self-employed need an advocate that will tell policymakers how proposed reforms will help—or hinder—the smallest companies. We are that advocate. You can read about our advocacy efforts on Page 26.

I think this issue of Self-Employed will help get your year off to a great start.

Be sure to read our cover article on Page 16. In it, your fellow NASE Members talk about how they’ve improved their businesses by putting new spins on basic business principles.

If your sales are still in a slump, check out the article about pricing on Page 10. You’ll get fresh strategies for increasing sales without giving up profits.

For those of you trying to stretch the dollars you spend on personnel and labor, our article on Page 20 offers workable solutions.

If you do business with local, state or federal governments, don’t miss our feature article on Page 12. It provides smart lessons in managing your cash flow while maintaining contracts with government entities.

Even NASE Members who have an office at home will find money-saving ideas in this issue. Just turn to Page 14 to see ways you can give your home office a no-cost facelift.

At the NASE, we’re committed to helping you succeed. So, visit our Web site, www.NASE.org, and put your NASE benefits to work. Follow our blogs. Participate in our advocacy efforts. Together, we can make 2010 the best year ever.

Sincerely,

Robert Hughes