PShizzy: The Blog

Tomorrow, November 18th, starting at 6am PST, you can get a free copy of Zonealarm 2009 Pro for free. Lifehacker, a favorite site of mine, has more info. As soon as the link is available, I will edit this post and include the direct link. For now, check out the article at Lifehacker, or the Zonealarm site.

Note, this is Windows only, which makes me a sad Mac. Not really though, because I have a PC laptop.

EDIT: Link is up. Click on the links above, or HERE.

Tags: business, general by PShizzy
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Most businesses owners are familiar with their Federal Employment Identification Number, or FEIN. What they aren’t familiar with is that this number does not give you any license to be in business. It only identifies your business with the federal government, similar to a social security number.

Most cities require businesses to have a city business license. Think of it as a license to drive your business within city boundaries. If you drive your business into other cities, you will need a separate license for each. You pick up most license applications at the city’s Planning and Zoning Department. [Read more →]

Tags: business by JTames
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There is no clear-cut answer. The answer is depends. It depends on your knowledge base. It depends on you business experience. It depends on you comfort level.

Most people believe they can setup their Sole Proprietorship or LLC by themselves; install, setup and implement their QuickBooks program by themselves; properly account for all monies in and out by themselves; and transfer such business information to the proper tax forms to accurately reflect, “under the penalties of perjury”, their individual tax liability.

If you can do all of these, you do not need an accountant. If you need help with any of these, you might need an accountant.

The question then becomes not if you need one; the question is how often. [Read more →]

Tags: business by JTames
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EDIT 06/17/08: The Free Download is over. From the site itself:

This software was available as a giveaway on June 16, 2008, this giveaway is not available any more. You can download the trial version of this software at http://www.macrium.com.

They have a “free” edition that’s a bit more feature limited. I’ll be looking into alternatives. Thanks!

I found this on Lifehacker, an excellent resource for random tips and tricks that can make life easier. I get at least one time saver a week, if not more, by checking out the site. It’s not a site everyone here will like, but sometimes the Lifehacker world will crossover into photography related subjects. Like today, and today only, Macrium Reflect is offering their full version (not the free version) of their software, totally free, but today only. I’m sure you have to sell your soul (give them your email address, or a kitten), but it is a $40 piece of software. [Read more →]

Tags: equipment by PShizzy
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From Zander, on FredMiranda.com:

Thanks for taking time to do this, I really appreciate it.
Right now I have:

• 20D, nearing the 50k shutter count.
• 28-105 3.5-4.5
• 50 1.8
• 70-200 2.8

My budget is roughly $2200. I could come up with a few extra hundred dollars if needed. I use my 70-200 by far the most, and often it is not long enough. I was thinking that I would pick up the 300 f/4 non-IS to cover the longer focal lengths. [Read more →]

Tags: equipment, photography by PShizzy
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The majority of non-profit organizations survive by receiving tax deductible cash and property donations. Many non-profits also survive by having professionals “donate” their time and/or services. However, this type of donation, while benefiting the non-profit, is not tax deductible by the individual or business.

Internal Revenue Service guidelines strictly prohibit deducting the value of services rendered. Why is this? Because while everyone’s time is valuable, there is no standard in determining what that time is worth.

[Read more →]

Tags: business by JTames
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So my friend Joseph Tames is not only a fellow photographer and good friend, but also happens to be my accountant. Being able to pick his brain has really enlightened me as to best practices for my business. But me being me, I’ve asked more of him. I hoped he could occasionally write an article with tips for small business owners, who only hire an accountant on a limited basis, as well as prospective small businesses who want to start off on the right foot.

Joe will be posting an article very soon, so stay tuned!

Tags: business by PShizzy
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Ok, so we already talked about the commitment to a budget. We talked about the differences between needs and wants. We even talked about where to get the stuff you need or want. But what do you need or want? And how can you tell the difference?

In this article, we’re going to look at some questions you can ask of yourself to really get the appropriate equipment for your needs. key word: Needs. Sure anyone can rationalize a purchase, but those rationalizations are just lies we tell ourselves so we can feel better about the buy. The sad truth is that we often have more money than we think we do. We just spend it wrong. Ever seen someone with a nice car and expensive rims, but is broke and lives with their parents? We all do it, to different degrees.

So, read on to find out more about what you can do to really assess your needs [Read more →]

Tags: equipment by PShizzy
2 Comments »