Thursday Bram's blog

Minimizing the IRS' Share of a Sale

There are ways to minimize the tax burden that goes along with selling a business, allowing you to keep more of the money you've earned over the years.

5 Ways to Keep Customer Information Safe

If you handle any part of your business online, the chances of someone gaining access to information immediately goes up. Keep customer information safe with these steps.

Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is meant to cover the expenses that can go along with a car accident. There are a lot of factors that go into determining just how much you'll pay to insure your

The Paper Records You Need — And Those You Can Do Without

As a business owner, there are certain documents that you just have to have, but you can easily wind up with more files than you have room for. So how do you know what to get ri

Is Telecommuting a Good Way to Go Green?

There are some savings that go along with a small business allowing employees to telecommute, but it also offers an opportunity to go green.

Accounts Receivable: An Unlikely Source of Cash

You can't spend the money that your clients promise you until you actually receive payment, but that doesn't mean that accounts receivable can't be a source of cash in the short

How Health Care Reform Will Impact Your Small Business

The new health insurance reform legislation adds both new requirements and perks for small businesses.

How to Increase Sales with Online Payment Options

Not all businesses have added an online payment option. With more and more of the purchasing process taking place online, though, it's becoming an important consideration.

Keeping Business Records in the Cloud

Many businesses have made the switch to maintaining records electronically, but there's a step beyond simply getting all your records on your computer: putting them in the cloud

5 Ways You Can Improve Cash Flow with Your Invoices

Most clients tend to pay on a net-30 basis — no number of phone calls or nagging will change that number. But a few tweaks to your invoices can often make a difference in how so

Cultural Considerations in Negotiations

It's crucial for small business owners to have an idea of the cultural factors affecting a negotiation going in, whether or not you're doing business internationally.

Energy Star Office Equipment for Your Small Business

Energy Star-rated appliances are popular for homes because they can offer more energy efficiency than the alternatives. You can get similar benefits for the office by choosing E

Cash vs. Accrual and Why Accounting Matters for Taxes

When you're running a small business, the decision on which accounting method you're going to use makes a big difference.

Independent Contractors vs. Employees: Keeping Them Straight

Who the IRS considers an employee and who it considers a contractor doesn't always match what a business owner might expect.

Make the Most of Your Business Expenses with Travel Rewards

These days, getting frequent flyer miles are more helpful than ever. The airlines are charging more and running less flights, but the demands of a business traveler haven't gone

Tax Breaks for Going Green

With the many tax deductions and credits available to business owners, making your company more sustainable can pay off when you do your taxes.

How to Deal with Audits

Just the idea of having a problem with the IRS is enough to worry many business owners. The tax system can be difficult to deal with even at the best of times. When something go

Negotiating a Lease with Your Potential New Landlord

Here are the fine points of negotiating for rental space, including a few opportunities a newer business owner might miss.

The Advocate's Approach Versus The Creative Approach: Negotiation Techniques For Creative Solutions

If you start with the goal of a mutually beneficial solution in mind, it is possible for a negotiation to end with both parties happy.

When Is Lunch Deductible?

There are many situations in which your lunch isn't deductible, even if you're eating it at your desk. Knowing the difference can make a big difference in your tax burden.