Is Big Brother Watching? State Information on Business

I have an excellent idea. LET'S CHANGE THE SUBJECT!

 

You still have your list of business names, and you want to get some inside scoop on them.    

A great place to look is your state web site.    (I hope that you have been looking at your state’s web site to find all kinds of great resources to help businesses, especially small ones!)     

Most states have business information online—usually maintained by the secretary of State—that will help you identify companies and check on the status of potential clients.  Many state public databases are free, some charge per record found, while a few do not have online searching at all.     

More Business for YOU!

Of course, you need check the state web site for contracts or sales opportunities for YOUR business!     

All agencies need standard business services and supplies; all advertise these needs in some way.     

You may be able to subscribe to a email feed, or look at a list of opportunities weekly.     

After these contracts are awarded, they are posted on the agency’s web site.     

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Why Can’t I Find All I Need?

Because of identity fraud problems in the last several years, many states and other government entities have severely cut down on the amount of personal information that is available online.  If that is the case, check the website or call the secretary of State’s office to find out what information is available by request.  If you are planning on a large scale effort or contract with a firm, it is prudent to find out all you can about them.  This is usually a good idea even if the state simply has no information online at all.     

What’s Available?

The first place to look is the directory of registered businesses.  It usually includes articles of incorporation, standing with the state, name changes, and mergers.  If you know the names of the officers or administrators  ( and you will have them if you used ReferenceUSA ), use this database to find out what other businesses they own.  ( Or did own: it is useful to know if a person is opening and closing businesses in succession. )     

Licenses and Registrations

Every state has requirements for registration of certain professions.  These include engineers, child care providers, restaurants, CPAs, contractors, and many others.  If you are targeting a licensed category it is a great help to know if a prospect is indeed licensed.  Sometimes it is a revelation to find out who isn’t!     

UCC Filings

Most people never think of searching a Uniform Commercial Code database or electronic filing system.  A UCC filing provides notice to the public that the secured party has an interest in the debtor’s property.  UCC information includes liens  ( taxes, child support, mechanics ), and leases for computers or other office equipment, vehicles, etc. You can search by debtor name, or by secured party or assignee name.     

This information can be really valuable—for example, search the secured party list for leases of Dell computers in a specific geographic location.     

State Contracts

Does your target do business with the state, or conversely, do you want to find businesses, such as contractors, that do business with the state?  Most state agencies list their contractors, vendors, etc.  The departments of transportation also register minority businesses, even if they are not doing DOT work.     

Legal Searches

Many states allow the public to search court records for the names of businesses or persons, though most charge per search.     

Contact Me:  cwilliams@intellhunt.com

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