Copyright 2008 IPS – Inter Press Service/Global Information Network
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb 6 2008
The year 2008 has already been grim for most Lebanese businesses: Struggles with the nation’s permanent protest movement, security problems, a brief war in a Palestinian refugee camp and sporadic bombings have brought the nation to its knees.
Most recently a bomb tore through the bustling Chevrolet area on the outskirts of Beirut on Jan. 25, killing Captain Wissam Eid from the Internal Security Forces.
As the political situation tips further in the direction of widespread insecurity, however, Lebanese businesses around the country are clinging to the motto, "the show must go on." Expansion seems to be the word on the street in Beirut, no matter what the uncertain future may hold.
ABC, a major department store and mall with seven outlets, two main flagship stores and a staff of more than 1,000 is currently revamping one of its main branches in Dbayeh.
"In March, we are also launching a new section extending over an entire floor of 8,000 square meters dedicated to children, dubbed Kidsville. It will also include a 500 square meter playground, an array of kids’ accessories and a coffee shop, La Mie Doree," said Robert Fadel, ABC’s general manager. A second big store in the Ashrafieh suburb of Beirut is adding an extension for a playground that will fill an expanse of 800 square meters.
The Johnny R. Saade group is also jumping on the expansion bandwagon. Its travel and tourism arm, Wild Discovery, will be setting up shop in Kaslik in northeast Lebanon in a few months.
"We decided to push forward with the opening of new branches in Lebanon despite the prevailing situation, following the simple strategy that one has to invest and position oneself in times of relative crisis to prepare for the inevitable economic and political recovery that can be foreseen," said Sandro Saade, one of company’s owners.
"This opening is also justified by a strategic objective to cover the northern Beirut area, where there is a demand for high-quality travel services."
The company’s real estate arm boasts a $30 million residential project sprawling over 18,000 square meters in one of Beirut’s posh suburbs. In addition, the group is developing a winery in Bekaa Valley, near the villages of Kefraya and Tell-Denoub, covering a 50-hectare swath of land. The project is estimated at $25 million and will employ 50 people, excluding seasonal workers.
"The Lebanon venture will also integrate two other complementary projects, namely a wine museum and a boutique hotel, or ‘h"tel de charme’" with 30 to 35 rooms, said Karim Saade, another company owner.
It is not just big names that are taking a leap of faith into the murky Lebanese waters.
Nehme Lebbos, founder of Iloubnan, a news portal for Lebanon, left his home country in 1991 and worked as an IT consultant for 12 years in France before coming back.
"I wanted to come back ever since I left. I started IIoubnan in March 2005 with the help of my wife, a French journalist," Lebbos said. "It is a Web magazine dovetailed with an e-commerce wing."
The young entrepreneur has poured all his savings into this venture, relying on a bank loan, as well. The company’s recent success has allowed for an increase in operations, with four journalists employed on a full-time basis and a network of 20 freelance journalists around the world.
A shared vision of Lebanon seems to cement together the diverse business figures. "Lebanon is our homeland and we believe in our country," Fadel said. On the other hand, Lebbos is conscious of the risks he might incur but is nonetheless determined to promote change in his home country.
Although most companies are investing in Lebanon, many have also looked to taking their business abroad. ABC will be opening in Jordan in March. "The company will bring to the Jordanian market a spirit of Lebanon, and aims at becoming a leading and trendy shopping destination," Fadel said.
Similarly, the Saade brothers are relying on an international network of agencies for their tourism activity as well as launching a new winery in neighboring Syria. The group is trying to counter the negative business environment by highlighting the quality of its services. And so Wild Discovery is investing in an in-house sales training program expected to enhance its team’s knowledge and technical skills.
For most entrepreneurs, the essential rationale linking their projects is endorsing Lebanon as a brand in the region. Lebbos believes that this cannot be done without the help of young Lebanese people. "They need to travel, study abroad, graduate and experience foreign countries," he said, and "then come back and invest in Lebanon."
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Help answer the question
What is the best way to transfer my small business to my son?
I want to give my son my business without charging him any upfront money. I would like to pull a small income from the business each month as a retirement. I dont want a share in the business just a guaranteed payment each month. I have been in business since 1983 and have annual average revenue of $225,000. My son has been working with me now for the past 8 years and has shown great leadership skills.
I am concerned about things like tax ramifications of not handling this properly. Our business isnt incorporated instead it is a sole proprietorship. Would it be better to incorporate and retain a share of the business while giving my son the majority? Also I have a house for sale currently but it is pre foreslosure. I have a buyer lined up and we are in the midst of negotiating the home sale. If the house were to fully be foreclosed would this affect the business and perhaps even void the business sale?
Thank you for any honest advice.
business
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#1 by Chev on February 22nd, 2010
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#2 by Ken on February 22nd, 2010
You need to keep accurate records when running a business. This will be your best defense if you ever get audited.
For IRS purposes, you need to make a profit every 3 out of 5 years to have the IRS prove that you are not running a business. Otherwise, it is up to you to prove that you are running a business and not doing a hobby. You can prove that you are running a business by keeping your business accounts and personal accounts separate.
You can write off any legitimate business expense including dinners with clients, car expenses, equipment, etc.
Having a separate checking account and credit card is a good idea. However, it isn't necessary. You can comingle your business and personal expenses using your personal accounts. But, if you do this, then it will be harder for you to prove that you are running a business.
For your revenues, you don't need a corporate account to make you deposits. You just need to make the deposits in your separate account that you use for business.
You can read Publication 334 for more information.
#3 by cooolioooo on February 22nd, 2010
business school is the right field to study, if you choose your college carefully, some have an entrepreneurship track/program
#4 by Gina G on February 23rd, 2010
Are you asking the same question or was my answer deleted? YOU CANT COLLECT ONCE BANKRUPTCY IS FILED.
#5 by The Invisible Woman on February 24th, 2010
The requirements vary according to your state. Call the business license office for your county and just ask them if you need a business license to operate an internet store. I live in Georgia, and in my county, you do.
#6 by SarahR on February 24th, 2010
Hiiiiiii..
I think you have to choose the Marketing section in Human Resource Management(HRM) because in marketing you get the nice job in the good reputed company on a high post..
#7 by Wayne R. on February 25th, 2010
Yes, the courses you speak of will help you to become a Business Analyst.
A BA can be on the client side or the IT side. If on the client side, they are interfacing with work group domains that process the work and review what they need. They generate requirements and then work with the IT side to update or generate processes and applications to fullfil the business needs.
If you're a BA on the IT side of the house, then you're taking all the requirements and developing processes and application solutions. Your job is to work with the client to generate a business solutions document (there are many names for it) and get signoff. Then, you need to make sure that solution becomes reality by working with systems analysts, programmers, and testers. You're generally responsible for the delivery of the solution. Although, if the solution revolves around process changes with other work group domains, you normally work with a PM (Project Manager). Never the less, you have end to end responsibilities for the IT delivery to insure the client gets what they need (and paying for).
With the offshoring of work to cheap labor, to remain associated with software development, the BA role is a good profession.
#8 by Austinite on February 25th, 2010
You can't post a Proposal for Sale of Business here. It is a comprehensive document similar to a business plan with dozens to hundreds of pages. Contact a broker like VR Business Brokers and see if you can get help. Yours is a unique business driven by personal contacts and is not easily sold.
#9 by Mikelo on February 26th, 2010
How about a book store, if you are looking retail?
I cant say if it would work in your town, you need to do marketing research to see what would succeed in your town.
Also in business .. Location, Location, Location is VERY important to success .. not only do you need the right business, you need the right location ..
Passion, YES .. you do have to work long hours but passion because you believe in what you are doing.
I work from home and have the utmost compassion and belief for what I do, I believe that is what brings me success ..
If you don't like books, don't like to read .. then a book store probably wont make sense. Did deep .. Only you know what you really want to do.
GL!