small business

When Buying Local Does (and Doesn’t) Make Sense

Buying local is a big trend right now. But as noble as supporting other local businesses might be, it also could be the wrong decision for your company.

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?

Last-Minute Business Tax Deductions for 2010

Financial professionals share the best ways to take advantage of great tax deductions before the year's end.

10 Tips for Creating Your 2011 Budget

Regardless of how the economy has impacted your business, planning and budgeting for 2011 is an important tool to help you maximize your results.

Make the Most of Your Local Chamber of Commerce

From advertising to networking, your Chamber of Commerce can offer your business scores of benefits...if you're a member.

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.

The Financial Considerations of Open Source Software

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

How to Become a Premier Local Brand

When potential customers decided to purchase products from lower-cost sources, one regional business decided to go luxury instead...with great results.

Ways That Small Businesses Get Ripped Off by Banks

Learn how to ensure that your new financial services help, and don't harm, your business's profits.

11 Business Lessons from the Heart

Everyone makes mistakes when starting a business. Save yourself some time and learn from mine.

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.

Plan Now for Your 2011 Retirement Plan

The year isn't over yet, but it's not too early to think about setting up a qualified retirement plan for 2011.

Choosing Local Businesses

The big-box stores might have everything you want at what seems to be a better price, but there are good reasons why you should buy local.

Taking Your Invoicing and Accounts Receivable Management Online

Online invoicing and A/R management services allow you to speed up collections and reduce administrative costs.

From a Snapple Marketing Veteran: How to Tap the Power of Packaging

Learn how to make your product stand out from the competition.

The Psychology Behind Making Sales and Setting Price Points

Learn how to create a feeling of value for your customers while keeping your profit margins reasonable.

Smart Web Design Will Boost Your Brand Building

The web isn't the only avenue for developing and building a successful brand, but it's increasingly becoming the most important for an array of businesses big and small.

4 Ways to Get Vendor Discounts

You don't have to finagle vendors to get discounts. Look for offers that make sense to accept, and find ways to structure deals that reinforce vendor relationships.

6 Reasons a Website Can Suck and How To Fix It

Never, ever, tell someone their baby is ugly — or, worse, their website. For some reason, people just don't want to know their website sucks.

Simple Ways to Save on Catering Costs

Getting great catering doesn't mean having to hire a traditional caterer. Learn some simple ways to save on prepared food.