Thursday Bram's blog

Social Media: An Easy Source of Coupons

Have you "liked" your favorite stores on Facebook? Learn how a few clicks of your mouse or check-ins on your phone can equal major coupon savings.

Ways to Make Better Use of Your CRM Tools

If you spend a little more time properly maintaining your customer relationship management tools, you can generate a lot more business.

The Etiquette of Calling for References

References can be your best opportunity to learn about a potential employee...as long as you handle the call right.

Working with a Spouse: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

Starting a business with your significant other can be immensely rewarding...and incredibly trying. Here's what to know before combining your career with your better half.

Office Space: Should You Buy or Lease?

Renting and leasing can each provide different benefits for your growing business. Learn how to figure out which one is right for you.

The Art of Asking for Fewer Gifts

Asking friends and family to give you fewer gifts can be met with confusion or even hostility. But if it's done with careful consideration, you can make everyone happy.

Freelance to Small Business: 10 People Who Made the Transition

From writing to designing water bottles, these 10 people turned their part-time freelance work into full-time businesses. Learn how you can too.

5 Tips to Cut Moving Expenses

Moving is stressful and expensive, but there are ways to cut costs. Trust me: I've worked for a moving company.

Should You Hire a Recruiter?

Working with a recruiter can be expensive, but finding the perfect employee can be even more valuable. Here's how to figure out whether a recruiter is worth it for your business.

Setting Up a Home Office on the Cheap

If you visit an office furniture store, it's easy to get sticker shock. Learn how to create a great work-at-home space without spending lots of cash.

20 Percent Time: Offering Your Employees Autonomy

Giving your employees a little autonomy at work can have beneficial results for your business and keep employees' morale up.

My CSA Experience: Farm-Fresh Veggies All Summer (and Possibly Winter)

Buying a share in community-supported agriculture is a great way to get fresh, local produce — and some CSAs are even available through the winter.

Claiming the Home Office Deduction Without Getting into Trouble

Deducting your home office isn't as scary as rumors suggest. Here's how to claim your space, audit-free.

Sharing Space to Save Money

Splitting your office, storefront, or warehouse with another business could help you save big...and not just on rent.

The Dropping Cost of Entrepreneurship

Starting a new business sounds like an expensive proposition, but it might cost much less than you think.

The Financial Considerations of Open Source Software

Open-source software is free, but it could cost your company more in the end.

Creating Business Contracts That Won't Get You Sued

To ensure your business is truly protected by the contracts you use, you need to create contacts that are specific to how your company does business.

Managing a Holiday Potluck: How to Keep Things Under Control

There are a few tricks I've picked up on that keep a potluck meal from winding up with ten desserts and no salad.

5 Ways Environment Can Impact Health Insurance Costs

No matter what type of business you run, there may be opportunities to improve the work environment — the decrease the cost of health insurance.

5 Ways to Negotiate With an Employee Who Has a Better Offer

There may come a day when a great employee comes to you with the plan to resign, with a better offer in hand.