Small Business Matters
Did you know that the average office worker in the U.S. uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper per year! And that copy paper is the most common type of office waste paper. The good news is that Americans are now recovering 57.4 percent of the paper they consume (source*). But what role can small businesses play? Going paperless not only de-clutters your office and reduces your storage space, it saves money, reduces your carbon footprint, helps reduce risk and can make it easier on you should the tax man come knocking on your door. Going...
Social media is a great tool for communicating with your customers, however unlike other forms of marketing communications, social media is exactly that “social”. Simply pushing out posts is not enough, and it’s a big mistake that many business owners make – treating social media as if it’s another vehicle for simply getting the word out. Yes, it is, but it’s also a vehicle for listening to your customers’ needs, prompting them to share their opinions and feedback, as well as showing your...
It’s no longer uncommon to witness neighbors, colleagues and partners taking a “work from home” day. In fact, telework practices are considered a highly desirable perk, if not a downright necessity, for today’s increasingly agile and mobile workforce. As a small business owner the benefits are also significant – cost-savings can be realized in abundance – from reductions in office space, to decreased absenteeism (employees no longer need to take a full day’s leave if they need to stay at...
5 Tips for Managing a Successful Family Business If small business is the backbone of the U.S. economy, then family-owned businesses for the most part make up a large portion of the vertebrae! In fact, family-owned businesses account for 90% of all businesses in the U.S. (large and small) and continue to be a powerful force. However, the day-to-day job of a family business owner can easily be compromised and complicated by relatives who need to be reconciled to working together. These challenges are very real – emotions can interfere...
If you business is growing and you still find yourself trying to control every aspect of it then you may just be your own worst enemy and on the brink of a total burn out. But letting go in business is hard. After all, your business is your baby. You gave it life, nurtured it and invested hours and money in making it a success. So how on earth do you let go of all that and learn to trust some of your business functions to others, while staying in command? Here are some tips for stepping back from the fray and taking control of your business,...
Starting a business is an exciting prospect, but unless managed properly it can quickly become a hairball of administrative and regulatory mis-haps. For example, how are you going to register your business? Should you incorporate your business? And what are the differing requirements that the federal government puts on new business owners, let alone your local city, county or state government? Then there are other considerations such as zoning laws, licenses and permits. Even home-based business owners need a business permit to operate legally...
We're always hearing about the best places in the U.S. for entrepreneurial opportunity. From surveys to Census data, hubs of innovation and so-called-small business friendl- conurbations are constantly popping up somewhere on the map. But no matter which locale you set your sights on, how do you know if i's going to be the right fit? Whether you are starting-up or eyeing up a new regional opportunity, many considerations come into play. From market sizing to local unemployment rates; available financial resources to quality of life...
Tax preparation and filing isn't easy at the best of times, but with business ownership comes new responsibilities. Whatever your business type, you may decide that you can benefit from the services of a tax professional to help you get your ducks in a row or help you complete your return. Not getting the right help can expose you to potential tax return errors, which can lead to costly penalties and time lost down the line. And because each business is different i;s important to get the right help based on your needs. When selecting a tax...
No longer just a hub for PDFs and tax forms, the IRS.gov Web site is now a feature- and content-rich online resource for entrepreneurs, small business owners and the self-employed. So, as you start preparing for tax season and plan the tax year ahead, here are just some of tools and resources that can help you stay fiscally fit and on top of your tax obligations. The good news is that these tools not only help business owners understand their tax obligations, they also offer a foundation in good business management that can be referenced all...
Theres no doubt about it we are a nation of coupon-clipping consumers and le-s face it, who doesn't like a bargain? From print coupons to online coupon codes, and now with the staggering growth of social coupons- consumers are literally bombarded with special offers. But how do you make coupons work for your business without underselling your value and compromising your bottom line? Here are some considerations and tips for determining whether'couponin' is right for your business and how to market your discounts and special offers...
Contributors
Top Rated Articles
Community Help
Archive
- May 2013 (17)
- April 2013 (29)
- March 2013 (27)
- February 2013 (26)
- January 2013 (31)
- December 2012 (24)
- November 2012 (29)
- October 2012 (26)
- September 2012 (29)
- August 2012 (26)
- July 2012 (29)
- June 2012 (25)
- May 2012 (33)
- April 2012 (35)
- March 2012 (36)
- February 2012 (35)
- January 2012 (30)
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 17:23