Q: Typically a DBA is needed if you are a sole proprietor running a business under a different name than your own.  If you run a sole proprietorship, your own name is the registered name of and for the business. However, most business owners choose a different name for their business. Even if you've simply added a word or two to your own name, this is still considered a DBA. For example, if Sally Spade runs a candy shop called Sally Spade's Sweets, this would be considered a DBA even though Sally's name is included.  You also might need a DBA if you have a corporation, LLC, or other registered business entity, but the entity includes other stores or businesses under its umbrella that use a different name. For example, if Sally Spade has incorporated her candy business as Sally Spade's Sweets, Inc., she would need a DBA if that corporation operated a store called Sweets-R-Us. A DBA also can be handy if you plan to market to different demographics or age groups. Creating a new name allows you to tailor your advertising and marketing materials to reach different types of people, even though you may be selling virtually the same products or services. You should choose a business name that is unique and easy to remember, spell, and pronounce.  Keep in mind that you want potential customers to associate your business name with whatever products or services you provide, so the name you choose ideally should be related to what your business does. For example, Sally Spade has chosen "Sally Spade's Sweets," a catchy, alliterative name that brings to mind candy and other sweet treats, for her candy shop. It's doubtful people would be confused about what sort of store she operates. However, if she named her business "Sally Spade's Shovels" instead, people probably would be rather shocked when they walked into her shop expecting garden tools and instead faced candy bins and platters of fudge. Avoid names that potentially limit your business. Using a geographical designation, for example, might cause problems if you decide later on to open a second store in another town or region. The same is true for products and services. Sally Spade's Sweets could include not just candy, but any type of sweet food. However, if Sally had chosen the name "Sally Spade's Jawbreakers," she would have potentially limited her business to a single type of candy. You also might consider talking to potential customers to get their feedback on your name ideas. You don't have to spend a lot of money on marketing services – simply ask friends or people you know. You could even use your social media accounts to get ideas and feedback about the different names you're thinking about using. You must check with your state's Secretary of State and other records to make sure the name isn't already being used.  Avoid using a famous name or brand, even if you're selling something entirely different. Major companies have federal trademarks, and you could get sued for using their name and attempting to profit from their reputation.  In every state, business entities such as corporations or LLCs must register with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State's office will have a registered names database that you can check to make sure the name you've chosen isn't already in use. Not only can taking a name that someone else is already using put you at risk for a lawsuit, but you may have difficulty registering the name, or applying for trademark protection, later on.  If you plan on having a website for your business, you also should check the availability of a domain name that matches your proposed DBA. As with the DBA itself, your domain should be easy to spell and remember.  If your DBA is already taken, you may think you can remedy the problem by adding hyphens, underscores, or numbers. However, keep in mind that people may have a hard time remembering to add those extra characters, and if another website is out there that's similar, you run the risk that people will look for your website and end up on the other company's page. In addition to checking the state or county databases of registered names, you also should run a quick search on the internet to make sure the name isn't being used by someone else. Even if they haven't registered the name or aren't located in your area, customers might confuse the two businesses if they have similar names.
A: Decide whether you need a DBA. Brainstorm possible names. Research the names on your list.

Q: Solitude can be uncomfortable if you're not used to it, but it can also be a valuable time to unwind. Challenge yourself to get outside your comfort zone and do more things on your own. Once you get used to being alone, you may even start to crave time to yourself.  Start small by having a meal alone once a week. Then, gradually work your way up to doing things like shopping alone or taking a solo vacation. Remember that being alone doesn't necessarily mean you are lonely. It can be a great way to find out your needs so that you are more aware when you are with others. A big part of dating yourself is learning what makes you you. When you're with a new partner, you pay special attention to what makes them happy or sad, smile or laugh, frown or revel in delight. Show yourself the same attention.  Start a running list of your likes and dislikes. You might pin this up on the inside of your closet door and add to it as you learn more about yourself. Create a private Pinterest board of your favorite pastimes and activities. One way to become more educated on your quirks is with new endeavors. When you do things outside of your comfort zone, you find out just how capable and open-minded you can be. Take a foreign language class. Join a club. Start a volunteer commitment. Or, travel to a new place. It’s common to discover new boundaries as you date and get to know someone. While partaking in new challenges, try to spot your limits. What do you not feel comfortable with?  These limits, or non-negotiables, can help guide your decisions in life, such as deciding on a career path or choosing to break ties with a negative influence. Your non-negotiables will also lend insights into the kind of partner you'd like to be with. Make a commitment to date yourself in all seasons of life. Dating yourself shouldn't be done only when you're single or lonely. It's a way to nurture and care for yourself and live your best life.  Strive to be your most vibrant self all the time. Regularly set and work towards personal goals. Explore interests that may differ from your partner's or friends'.
A: Be comfortable alone. Learn your likes and dislikes. Try new things. Find out your  non-negotiables. Live passionately.

Q: ” ”   Going forward, all incoming calls will be transferred to the phone number you specified. Alternately, you can tap specifically on the call forwarding setting you want changed. For example, if you only want calls transferred when you are outside of a service area, select “If Not Reachable.”
A:
Tap on or press the green “Send” or “Call” button on your Blackberry. Press the Blackberry Menu key to access your phone's call settings. Scroll to and select “Options,” then “Call Forwarding. Press the Blackberry Menu key and select “New Number. Enter the phone number to which you want all incoming calls transferred. Click on the trackball or select the option to save the new number. Select “Forward All Calls” and press the Escape button.