Owners of a regular "C" corporation can benefit from receiving tax-free medical expenses paid through the company. But if you're a sole proprietor, partnership, or an "S" corporation, these same...
Don't underestimate the importance of a reputable vendor. Developing a Web site takes quality time, thinking, and experimentation. Find a great partner, and prepare to be schooled by the experts....
Assertively successful entrepreneurs know how each piece of their company contributes to its growth, and they manage to make the company work as an operational whole, rather than independent parts....
A lot of businesses would prefer to treat workers as independent contractors, rather than employees, for various tax and liability reasons. However, it's important to have a good understanding of...
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...
Think about why you seek advice. Establish the goals you expect to achieve by talking to a mentor. Pick the top 3-5 challenges or opportunities that your business faces. Prioritize...
There are two aspects that contribute to the health and well-being of every company: the goods and services sold and goodwill. While it's obvious how the sale of goods and...
Often times your Web site is the first contact potential customers have with your company, so make sure you've put together something that will leave a good first impression. Here...
Think of your marketing as a short flight of stairs into your business. First you help prospects understand the problem you solve, then you explain the solution you provide, next...
You'd like to lower your stress level, but as a small business owner you simply don't have the time. Well here are a couple of quick, simple ways to release...
Here are some tips when using another company's trademark (the names or logos used to identify products or services) in your advertising or business. Don't mislead consumers when selling reconditioned...
Never forget that 70% of business that's lost is lost due to apathy after the sale. The opposite of apathy is follow-up. Follow-up not only reduces your marketing investment, it's...
When you're trying to do business in China, forget the Western approach of "Here's my PowerPoint presentation, here's the contract, sign here." You need to start with a personal touch....
Micro-business owners and the self-employed manage every aspect of their business themselves -- including doing the business' taxes. With all the tax forms, deduction qualifications, and exceptions to the rules,...
1. Start with a plan in mind. Create a simple, informal business plan that addresses the major areas of your enterprise: marketing, cash flow, legal structure, etc. 2. Claim your...
Some executives think that stress helps give them drive. Not true. Initially, stress pumps the adrenaline to your sympathetic nervous system. But if your stress levels don't drop, you'll eventually...
A disaster could strike your micro-business at any time. To prepare for disasters ranging from natural causes to burglary, make sure you have answers to these questions: Do you...
1. What's in a filing date? Tax returns or an extension must be filed by Apr. 15. However, all taxpayers can get an automatic extension by filing Form 4868, which...
Health-coverage costs are rising past the point where micro-business owners can afford them. According to a recent survey by the National Association for the Self-Employed, 51% of micro-business owners did...
Small business owners, by nature, want to maintain tight control over their enterprises. To some extent that's a good thing, but there is a downside to exerting too much control....
If you want to get your prospects' attention so they will contact you and buy from you, let them know how you can help them. Few people like to be...
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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