Thursday Bram's blog

Hiring the Best: Go Beyond Asking Questions in an Interview

The next time you hire a new employee, skip the interview and play chess instead.

Creating a Campaign on the Fly: Lessons from SXSW

The kids at SXSW raised $120,000 for the Red Cross with just a twitter feed and a website. In less than week. With no advance planning.

10 Ways to Make Your Affiliate Marketing Program Shine

If your affiliate marketing results are ho-hum, try one or several of these tips to generate more buzz.

7 Reasons to Rethink Free Online Tools

Free online business tools can make a lot of sense for a cash strapped startup. Just make sure those tools are worth the price you paid for them.

Build Your Local Economy To Build Your Business

Taking the long view on community outreach and involvement.

Should You Enter Contests to Boost Your Profile?

The most valuable prize a contest awards may not be cash.

Putting a Value on Conferences

Conventions and conferences are great for networking and boosting exposure. But are they good investments of time and money?

How Local Zoning Laws Affect Home-Based Businesses

Before you hang your shingle outside your home-based business, check your local zoning regulations to make sure that shingle is legal.

10 Tricks to Keeping Personal and Business Finances Apart

Keeping your personal finances separate from your business finances isn't always easy. But if you aren't careful, it may cost you.

Internet Sales Taxes Question as Thorny as Ever

More and more states are looking to Internet sales to boost tax revenue. For small businesses, that means tax compliance is even more complex.

3 Keys to Making Smart Technology Purchases

Develop a clear evaluation plan before your next technology purchase and match your gadget wants with your business needs.

Planning an Entrepreneur's Retirement

Retirement planning may not be high on every entrepreneur's to-do list, but it should be.

Is An Office Necessary?

From some businesses, an office is a necessity. For others, it's a wasted expense. Which is yours?

10 Artists Who Became Art Entrepreneurs

Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. These ten entrepreneurs used that formula to turn creative expression into sustainable small businesses.

Receiving Your Tax Refund in Savings Bonds

If you qualify for a tax refund this year, getting it in the form of U.S. Savings Bonds can be a great way to jump-start or augment your savings.

Handling Money Decisions with Partners

Making financial decisions can be tough, and with a partner, they become even tougher. Learn how to decide with partners what's best for your business.

The Value of a Degree in Entrepreneurship

Depending on your situation, a degree in entrepreneurship could be a waste of money or the root of your success. Here's how to decide if it's right for you.

10 Tricks for Cutting Training Costs

It's easy to think of what a new employee costs just in terms of salary, but training can also be a significant — and reducible — expense.

10 Tips from Bootstrapping Entrepreneurs

From finding customers to staying on top of marketing, these tips from experienced entrepreneurs can help you avoid common new-business pitfalls.

Writing Off Losses on Your Taxes

Paying less in taxes can help take some of the sting out of business losses...as long as you meet the requirements.