Oral contracts can be as binding as written contracts. But without a written record, it can difficult to prove what you have agreed to. If your deal goes south, you...
"As the job market continues to tighten and good people have more options, it is imperative that companies spend time developing their most important asset -- strong leaders of the...
Coming up with the money to start a new business is a challenge, but it is not impossible. There are many options, some of which you may not have even...
If you are a regular "C" corporation, owners can benefit from receiving tax-free medical expenses paid through the company. But if you're a sole proprietor, partnership, or an "S" corporation,...
As an entrepreneur, it's important to be good at selling yourself and your product or service. And good sales skills mean more than just having good people skills. Developing good...
If you think your Web site's finished once it's up and running, think again. Launching a site is only the first step - how you use and maintain it is...
Small businesses rely more on personal impact than on a corporate brand. For a small business owner, it is essential to be optimistic and energetic. Your spirit will benefit the...
Small businesses are indeed the latest target for spammers. Most small businesses -- unlike their big-business counterparts -- have less-sophisticated antispam protection, and spammers have shifted their tactics to take...
Obey the laws regarding employees. Don't discriminate in hiring, for example, or permit sexual harassment. Hire carefully. Look for people with a strong work ethic, and avoid hiring those who...
Yahoo offers free Web sites to small businesses. You may ask, "Should I do this, or pay to build my own site?" It seems as though I answer all of...
One of the keys to a successful mentor/mentee relationship is to set some ground rules and stick to them. Sit down with your prospective mentee and discuss the expectations of...
It is not a good idea to treat contractors the same as regular employees. By definition, a contractor is in a different relationship with the company, and it is important...
Venture capital firms are inundated with inquiries and business plans, and they are very selective about which companies they take meetings with. The best way to gain access to a...
One of the reasons I came to this country is that America is a land of opportunity and a country of freedom. One can easily think of so many examples:...
Successful entrepreneurs often come by selling naturally. But closing a tough sale requires more than a winning personality. As any sales veteran will tell you, closing can be tricky, and...
When you consider starting a new business, you have to consider location. More and more entrepreneurs are recognizing the benefits of starting a business in a small town. A few...
Depending on your business, starting a blog could be a low-cost method of boosting your profile with potential customers and the media and even helping your Web site's ranking in...
If you know where to look, there are a variety of funding options available to help your small business succeed. Check out these resources: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance...
We all make mistakes in business -- and we hope to learn from them. But here are five key mistakes that can quickly spell the end of your online store....
Want to improve the way you run your business? Entrepreneurs, academics, and consultants from diverse industries offer practical advice on a variety of topics each business day.
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