Supply the media regularly with attractive and well-prepared information. Take into account that current topics and media plugs stand a better chance of being considered by the media. Generally speaking, the placing of an advertisement should not influence the publication of a technical or expert article. However, it can nonetheless prove beneficial, especially in professional/trade journals. In such cases, thought should be given to whether or not the article is to appear in the same edition of the respective journal as the advertisement (this is not always a good idea since it could tarnish the credibility of the technical or expert article).

Practical advice is available from the following websites (German only):

• WissensBox - Score Marketing
• Practical know-how for greater presence and efficiency in the media

The following websites can be helpful with the distribution of press releases:

• kmupresse.ch (free of charge)
• news aktuell
• Pressetext Nachrichtenagentur

ARGUS der Presse AG offers media monitoring and success monitoring services.

Unfortunately, we are unable to supply any addresses directly: However, we can provide you with information about channels from where company addresses can be obtained. Corporate data (without details about contact persons) is available free of charge via the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SHAB), the Federal Commercial Registry Office (ZEFIX) or the cantonal Commercial Registry Office. However, please note that these information sources do not have any data on sole proprietorships which are not registered in the commercial register.

Further information sources are:

• Lists of the largest companies in Switzerland (published in „Handelszeitung“)
• Swiss business data of ofwi
• Associations and organisations

Good address material is an important success factor and something that every business should carefully manage and maintain.

Addresses can also be purchased. Possible suppliers in Switzerland are:

• Schober Group
• AZ Direct AG - AWZ AG
• Walter Schmid AG

The Swiss Post has some useful tools and checklists to assist you with your direct marketing activities.

The foundation GO! Ziel selbständig supports individuals who wish to become self-employed with micro-loans. The foundation also provides advice during the planning phase, including a critical examination of the business idea and budget by the foundation staff. If required, coaching is also offered once the company is set up.

For instance, via:

• D & B
• Creditreform
• Intrum Justitia
• Teledata
• World Box

With the initiative CTI start-up the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) has been successfully supporting innovative individuals to set up new companies. Launched in 1996, the central aspect of the initiative is to coach technology-oriented start-ups. For this purpose, CTI has established a national competence network which is being expanded on a continuing basis.

CTI Invest serves as a platform to connect companies which have successfully completed the CTI start-up coaching process with potential investors. The CTI Invest membership consists of Business Angels and Venture Capitalists.

While the Division of Business and Economic Development of the Canton of Zurich is not in a position to provide any financial support to companies, it can supply information on potential sources of funding.

The following points need to be covered in an employment contract::

• Duration of probation period
• Working hours
• Place of work
• Overtime regulations
• Duty of care and loyalty of the employee
• Data protection
• Protection of health at the work place
• Wage
• Number of monthly wages
• Accident insurance of the employee
• Vacation entitlement
• Retirement provisions

Further, an employment contract might include the following points:

• Participation in the company
• Opportunities for further training/education
• Right to receive a bonus payment (profit sharing)
• Bonus system
• Long-service payments / awards
• Severance pay
• Family allowances
• Holidays/Entitlement to days off
• Secondary employment
• Prohibition of competition
• Exercising duties/offices

Questions and answers concerning the hiring of non-Swiss nationals are available from the work permit web pages of the canton of Zurich.