Month: March 2018

In the 21st-century fast pace schedule that our world demands, we are constantly looking for ways to increase productivity by multitasking.  Over the last few years, the podcast medium has experienced great development with major networks and even creative individuals taking to the forum to develop content that is both educational and entertaining. While the on-the-go ability to listen while working, exercising, driving to-and-from work aids in instant access.

We sat down with McKenna Weiks, our Business Development Executive, Marketing Guru and Podcast Connoisseur to get her top podcast recommendations that relate to business:

1. StartUp: There are a lot of unknowns to starting up a new business and lets admit it, it can be scary. The podcast, StartUp is a motivating show that walks you though the experiences of starting a business, getting funding, sourcing talent, growing, and all of the bits and pieces in between. The podcast brings listeners in on intimate conversations like partnership/financing conversations and work-life balance conversations that hit home with every entrepreneur. To listen, follow this link https://www.gimletmedia.com/startup/
2. Millennial: If you are a millennial and navigating the waters of building your dream, this is the podcast for you. Podcast host, Megan Tan shares her real time experience in graduating college, going on the job hunt and ultimately turning her talents into career opportunities. The podcast will literally have you on the edge of your seat and cheering for her success as she walks you through her less-than perfect reality, building her empire as a millennial. To listen, follow this link http://www.millennialpodcast.org
3. What it takes: Success does not happen over night. This podcast brings guests from all industries and walks of life to share “what it takes” to see through your dreams. The episodes are interview style with guests that are leaders and visionaries from varying backgrounds. The conversations bring real human experiences about the trials and triumphs that the guests have experienced throughout their life, leading them to what they determine success. To listen, follow this link https://whatittakes.simplecast.fm

Pro tip: To listen to podcasts and get updates when new episodes are available, use the podcast application on your smartphone. For more business focused podcast recommendations, visit https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/299331. 

If you are inspired to start a new business or grow your business into new areas, contact the CORPSMART™ team for fast, reliable and cost effective business formations, qualifications, business licensing, and Registered Agent representation. You can reach the CORPSMART™ team online at www.corp-smart.com or at 800-737-8012.

 

When entering into international business one may be required to verify themselves, their business, and/or related documentation via Apostille or Authentication of documentation. Apostilles are issued to documents intended for use in countries that are parties to the October 5, 1961 Hague Convention.  Certificates of Authentication are issued to countries that are not parties to the October 5, 1961 Hague Convention. We have sat down with our Corporate Guru, Corinne Games to quiz her about her experience in obtaining Apostilled documents for international business purposes.

What are some of the most common documents in which you have obtained an Apostille? I have been involved in obtaining Apostilles for all sorts of documents, but most commonly birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, single status certificates (if divorced), background checks, FBI background checks, official transcripts from both colleges and universities, driver’s license and identification, Power of Attorney, Affidavits, Consents, Authorizations, etc.

Do you recall a unique Apostille request? I think the most unique request was when a client sent a notarized letter with a background check and criminal history record. This also included a fingerprint card.

Do you know why the background check documents required an Apostille? The documents were to be used in the hiring process for a law firm that was overseas.

Do you remember which country was requiring the Apostille? The country that the law firm was in was Saudi Arabia.

What kind of complexities do you deal with during the Apostille process? We handle vital documents for clients all day, every day and I am used to working on deadline which is often a factor in the Apostilles I am obtaining. The most important piece in obtaining the Apostille is utilizing a notary that is compliant with the Secretary of State. This can vary from state to state so it is important to be privy to the specific requirements. During the authentication process there are further steps that must be taken in obtaining the authentication.

What kind of supporting documents are required for Apostilles? Most commonly we obtain Charter Documents of the involved entity. We can also obtaining any and all public records that our clients require for Apostille including any vital documents, criminal background checks, etc.

If the country is not a part of The Hague Convention, what additional steps are required for authentication of documents? If the country is not a member of The Hague Convention there are additional steps to take; 1.) the document needs to by Authenticated with the Secretary of State in the state where the Notary resides,  2.) The document is delivered to the US Department of State or Secretary of State in Washington DC, 3.) and in most instances then delivered to the appropriate US embassy or Consulate to be legalized and/or authenticated.

As the list of countries requiring Apostille vs. Authentication is always changing please utilize this website www.hcch.net to see the most current list. If you have a document that requires Apostille or if you are unsure of what is required, contact the CORPSMART™ team directly at 800-737-8012 for further information.

 

 

Remember the all the buzz regarding proposed Annual Report changes in WA State? Good news – your voices were heard!! Our team at CORPSMART™ took an active approach in protecting our clients’ best interest and ultimately, the Washington State House Bill 2989 did not pass.

According to the Washington Sec of State representative, “its three previous versions did not pass through the legislature this session. It made it as far as the house floor, but did not get a vote”.

This new legislation would have prevented any annual report filings including nonprofits to be filed with the Secretary of State; directing all annual report filings to be filed with Business Licensing. This could have affected your business as costs would increase for all the companies to perform these filings. In addition, the second bill was set to increase the cost of annual reports that do get filed with Business Licensing Services in an effort to make up some money.

If you have any questions regarding Annual Report services, please reach out to our team at CORPSMART™ at 800-737-8012 for further information or to have us prepare a quote to manage your Annual Report requirements throughout the nation.

Please take note of the following holidays as these closures could affect your time sensitive filings:

Monday, March 5th // HL Stoutt’s Birthday & Discovery Day

• British Virgin Islands
• Guam

Tuesday, March 6th // Town Meeting Day

• Vermont

Monday, March 12th // Commonwealth Day & Family Day

• British Virgin Islands
• British Columbia, Canada

Monday, March 19th // St. Patrick’s Day

• Newfoundland, Canada
• Labrador, Canada

Thursday, March 22nd // Emancipation Day

• Puerto Rico

Monday, March 26th // Seward’s Day & Prince Johan Kuhio Kalanianaole Day

• Alaska
• Hawaii

Thursday, March 29th // Holy Thursday

• U.S. Virgin Islands

Friday, March 30th // Good Friday and Cesar Chavez Day

• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Indiana
• Kentucky (closing at noon EST)
• Louisiana
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• New Jersey
• Tennessee
• Texas
• British Virgin Islands
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• England
• Hong Kong
• U.S. Virgin Islands