Surveys have shown that health insurance is at the very top of the list of benefits most valued by employees. Yet too often small entrepreneurs think it is too expensive a benefit "to afford"; that it is something to think about after gaining a competitive foothold.

The difficulty is that small firms are competing with larger firms that include health insurance in their benefits package. And unless you are prepared to do the same you will not only have difficulty hiring the best employees but you will have difficulty keeping them.

Providing your employees with health insurance will also give your business these additional benefits:

• Enables you to be competitive in the job market.
• Improves employee satisfaction, boost morale and loyalty.
• Increases productivity and reduces absenteeism.
• You can take advantage of the group health plan to include yourself and your family.
• You might consider hiring employees who are 65 or older and who are covered by Medicare insurance. Mature employees offer the plus benefit of been-there-done-that experience.

Finding the health insurance plan that fits your company best requires some investigation. Check to see if you can join a pool that allows you lower group rates. Also, contact local insurance agents, your chamber of commerce, and even your payroll service provider. (The big ones offer group health coverage). If you belong to a trade association, check with them.

Be weary of scams on the Internet or direct mail solicitations for low cost health plans. Remember: "If it sounds too good to be true it is."

We have all heard about the big companies going Green. There are actually some cost benefits that, put together with other small economies, can help you through these difficult days. And as more of your customers become conscience of Green they will appreciate your participation. Many home businesses and small companies might feel it is too expensive to go Green but there are actually ways to save:

Use less paper. Don't print unless have to have a hard copy. Proofread on the screen and print fewer drafts. Print on both sides.

Unsubscribe. Don't just toss those unsolicited faxes. Take a few moments to call the unsubscribe number to remove yourself from their list. If you receive catalogs that you don't use, unsubscribe from them.

Recycle: Paper products; printer paper, grocery bags, newspapers, magazines.

Turn it off: Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.

Reuse: Turn file folders inside out and use again. Reuse packaging.

Sign-up: Sign up for electronic billing from the vendors who offer it.

In coming newsletters we will bring you more suggestions for going Green. If you would like to share what you have done to go green in your small business please email them to:mobiblog@myownbusiness.org.

We welcome your questions to be answered in this Newsletter feature! Here is our Q and A for this edition:

Question: Hi. I am starting my own cookie shop in a separate building on our property. I am confused about "C" corporation, "S" corporation and sole proprietorship. My retirement money is funding this business and I don't want to risk our home or property. Which of these three would be best?

Answer: Here is a question which demonstrates what we don't do at MOBI: We specifically disclaim any responsibility for any advice presented in the course including legal advice, tax advice, accounting advice and any other advice. Our mission is to inform you of the essential business disciplines you need to know and place emphasis on how to avoid the most common mistakes. It is important that you be sure to include a business lawyer and an accountant in your start-up and operating team.