small business

Essential Services for the Road

In order to run your business from the road, you probably still need a phone number, internet access, and a mailing address. Here are a few strategies for maintaining them in a

Costs of Adding Ecommerce to Brick-and-Mortar Retailing

As your business grows, you’ll find that expanding via the web will be less expensive for certain P&L line items but require extra spending in other categories.

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

Inventory: The Crucible of Success

Inventory is really a test, or crucible, for business owners. To help you through this crucible, here are three important elements you should consider.

The Small Business Benefits Package

For a small business, the right benefits package can make a world of difference. On top of offering the right benefits for your employees, it can be particularly important to cr

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

What Makes a Good Business Bank?

The bank you choose for your business accounts can make a major difference in how well your company operates. Convenience is a factor, but there are considerations that may be m

30 Easy Ways to Go Green in the Office

Here are 30 easy ways to go green in the office, and often save money in the process.

Expected Value: How to Play the Odds and Come Out Ahead

By understanding the expected value concept, and making realistic assessments of your odds of success, you can make better decisions about how to allocate limited resources.

Cyber Crime: Can You Afford to Ignore It?

Do you have a business continuity plan? If not, you’d better keep reading. Your company’s financial well-being depends on it.

20 Important Lessons I Learned From My Marketing Mentor

We recently interviewed 20 successful small business men and women to get some insight into the teachers that mattered most to them over the years, as well as the truths that he

Temps, VAs, Contractors and Employees: Who Should You Hire?

The options for bringing in some help for your business go far beyond hiring a full-time employee. While an employee can be a good choice in many situations, it's worth taking a

20 Indicators Your Financials Are Wrong

Accurate financial statements are critical to building a successful business. Here are 20 indicators that will let you know if you aren't getting accurate information.

Travel Fees: Get Over It and Purchase the Right Bag for a Low Price

To avoid fees, passengers are leaning towards carry-on items over checked baggage. Let's give the cabin crew a break and purchase a bag that is lightweight, sturdy, and fits in

Self Directed IRA + LLC = Checkbook IRA

Growing your business may be your best retirement plan, but it's also important to set aside some personal retirement savings separate from the business. Doing so correctly can

11 Free Ways to Generate Referrals

What to generate referrals without spending money? Here are ways to elicit, not solicit, referrals.

Where to Shop Your Goods: Survey of Online Marketplaces

Where you list your products is as important as how much you price them, how you deal with customers, and other parts of your operations. Here are some online marketplaces for s

Travel Insurance for Businesses

In some cases, you may already have travel insurance and not know it. Whether for business or pleasure, here are the basics of travel insurance.

Want to Sell Your Business? Start Now

Given the unusual economic environment, now isn’t the best time to sell a company. But it’s the perfect time to plan to sell one.

Outsourcing Payroll: The Ins and Outs

Outsourcing your payroll to a company that can handle it for a fee can make sense and even save your business money on administrative costs.