Kate Lister's blog

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Venture Capital

Think VC firms only care about your idea? Maybe not. A recent report by CB Insights highlights that age, experience, race, and gender can all factor into your funding.

8 Invitations to an IRS Tax Audit

Don't let your tax return send up a red flag to the IRS; avoid these common reasons for an audit.

Could Your Business Fail If Your Bank Fails?

The short answer: Yes. The longer answer: It's very unlikely. Here's why.

Are You and Your Banker a Perfect Match?

Unfortunately, there's no dating-style website for banks...yet. So how do you find the perfect bank for your business?

The 4 Ps of Luxury Branding

Our 1920s flying machines pre-dated the Four Ps of marketing, but those marketing points were still integral for growing our business.

Can You Save Money by Outsourcing?

Staffing companies, freelance job boards, and temporary help agencies are experiencing record growth as companies turn to outsourcing.

How to Save $1,500 on Coffee

Many of us know that we can save money by making coffee at home, but have you ever actually calculated how much? Learn how to save $1,500 on coffee.

To Groupon or Not to Groupon: The Cost of Offering Deep Discounts

Wouldn't it be nice if you could run a free online coupon deal and wake up the next morning to learn you'd sold two thousand pre-paid dinners or event tickets? Maybe, maybe not.

12 Ways Your Financial Statements Tell Lenders the Wrong Story

Your financial statements may not make the bestseller list, but they do tell an intriguing story — at least to a banker. Unfortunately, the tale they tell may be misleading.

InvisibleHand Review: Effortless Savings

Currently in beta-test, the browser plug-in InvisibleHand helps you find the lowest price when you shop online.

8 Ways to Save Money on Entertainment

Sure, times are tough, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun. Here are eight ideas that will allow you to enjoy some entertainment and save money, too.

Is Zero Percent Financing a Free Lunch?

Zero percent financing may not be as good a deal as it sounds. Many such deals are simply a bait-and-switch ruse. Even when they're legit, they can wreak havoc with your credit.

The How, When, and Why of Extending Trade Credit

Deciding how, when, and to whom you extend credit, is just one part of an overall credit and accounts receivable management system.

Crowding Out Bad Debt

Short of "payment in advance" terms, the only way to protect yourself from slow paying leeches and outright deadbeats is to have a good credit management process in place.

The Ups and Downs of Venture Capital

First quarter 2010 numbers are in, and Venture Capital investment in both dollars and deals were down. The good news, if you can call it that, is that it's better than Q1 2009.

Telecommuting Is Not Just an HR Perk

Economic, environmental, and continuity of operations demands suggest that telecommuting is more than an HR perk.

It's Not Revenue If You Can't Collect It

There's nothing worse than having to chase down slow-paying customers. Oh wait, there is something worse: the ones who don't pay at all.

Why You Should Raise Your Prices

The quickest, easiest way to increase your income is to raise your prices. If you’re worried about losing customers, do the math. You’ll be surprised at how many yo

Read Your Financial Statements Like a Banker

Your balance sheet and income statement tell a banker more about your business than you may think. You need to know what goes on in your banker’s head when reading your financia

IRS Wants Its $7 Billion From Independent Contractor Misclassifications

The contractor model is particularly appealing in a down economy. However, what seems like a great way to save money may be costly if it's determined that your contractors are m