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January 2013 Archive
Are you a veteran-owned small business and thinking of selling to your former boss – the U.S. federal government? Part of the mission of the SBA is to provide assistance to veterans and service-disabled veterans who return home to start, resume or grow their businesses. In addition to supporting veteran business owners through entrepreneurial training, and providing access to capital, the SBA also provides resources, tools and support to help veterans start and grow businesses through government contracting. If you are a veteran-...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/31/2013 - 19:37
Are you a veteran-owned small business and thinking of selling to your former boss – the U.S. federal government? Part of the mission of the SBA is to provide assistance to veterans and service-disabled veterans who return home to start, resume or grow their businesses. In addition to supporting veteran business owners through entrepreneurial training, and providing access to capital, the SBA also provides resources, tools and support to help veterans start and grow businesses through government contracting. If you are a veteran-...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/31/2013 - 19:37
Are you a veteran-owned small business and thinking of selling to your former boss – the U.S. federal government? Part of the mission of the SBA is to provide assistance to veterans and service-disabled veterans who return home to start, resume or grow their businesses. In addition to supporting veteran business owners through entrepreneurial training, and providing access to capital, the SBA also provides resources, tools and support to help veterans start and grow businesses through government contracting. If you are a veteran-...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 01/30/2013 - 17:17
Lenders: Help take your customers to the next level as they expand their sales overseas! Today 96% of the world’s population is outside the United States, 76% of global GDP is outside the United States and those markets continue growing at twice pace as our domestic market. Small businesses increasingly are discovering that the greatest opportunity for growth is selling into global markets. Already some 268,000 small businesses currently are exporting, helping to set record U.S. export volume last year at $2.2 trillion...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 01/30/2013 - 17:17
Lenders: Help take your customers to the next level as they expand their sales overseas! Today 96% of the world’s population is outside the United States, 76% of global GDP is outside the United States and those markets continue growing at twice pace as our domestic market. Small businesses increasingly are discovering that the greatest opportunity for growth is selling into global markets. Already some 268,000 small businesses currently are exporting, helping to set record U.S. export volume last year at $2.2 trillion...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 01/30/2013 - 17:17
Lenders: Help take your customers to the next level as they expand their sales overseas! Today 96% of the world’s population is outside the United States, 76% of global GDP is outside the United States and those markets continue growing at twice pace as our domestic market. Small businesses increasingly are discovering that the greatest opportunity for growth is selling into global markets. Already some 268,000 small businesses currently are exporting, helping to set record U.S. export volume last year at $2.2 trillion...
by Carol Chastang, SBA Official on 02/13/2013 - 16:44
Ninety days after Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast, the U.S. Small Business Administration crossed the $1 billion threshold of approved loans to more than 16,800 homeowners, renters and businesses. This makes Hurricane Sandy, in terms of SBA disaster lending, the third largest natural disaster in U.S. history, behind Hurricanes Katrina/Rita/Wilma ($10.8 billion), and the Northridge Earthquake ($4 billion). To put this massive storm and the coordinated federal recovery effort into context, the SBA has approved more loans for more money to...
by Carol Chastang, SBA Official on 02/13/2013 - 16:44
Ninety days after Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast, the U.S. Small Business Administration crossed the $1 billion threshold of approved loans to more than 16,800 homeowners, renters and businesses. This makes Hurricane Sandy, in terms of SBA disaster lending, the third largest natural disaster in U.S. history, behind Hurricanes Katrina/Rita/Wilma ($10.8 billion), and the Northridge Earthquake ($4 billion). To put this massive storm and the coordinated federal recovery effort into context, the SBA has approved more loans for more money to...
by Carol Chastang, SBA Official on 02/13/2013 - 16:44
Ninety days after Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast, the U.S. Small Business Administration crossed the $1 billion threshold of approved loans to more than 16,800 homeowners, renters and businesses. This makes Hurricane Sandy, in terms of SBA disaster lending, the third largest natural disaster in U.S. history, behind Hurricanes Katrina/Rita/Wilma ($10.8 billion), and the Northridge Earthquake ($4 billion). To put this massive storm and the coordinated federal recovery effort into context, the SBA has approved more loans for more money to...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/31/2013 - 09:26
You love your staff and want to show it by giving them more in a tangible way. Increasing their pay may not be the best strategy for you or your employees. Added pay is taxable to employees, so they net less (how much less depends on their tax bracket). And added pay has additional costs to you in the form of payroll taxes. What to do? Think about giving them fringe benefits. Overview You’re not obligated to provide any benefit (starting in 2014, employers with more than 50 full-time employees will have to provide health coverage or pay...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/31/2013 - 09:26
You love your staff and want to show it by giving them more in a tangible way. Increasing their pay may not be the best strategy for you or your employees. Added pay is taxable to employees, so they net less (how much less depends on their tax bracket). And added pay has additional costs to you in the form of payroll taxes. What to do? Think about giving them fringe benefits. Overview You’re not obligated to provide any benefit (starting in 2014, employers with more than 50 full-time employees will have to provide health coverage or pay...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/31/2013 - 09:26
You love your staff and want to show it by giving them more in a tangible way. Increasing their pay may not be the best strategy for you or your employees. Added pay is taxable to employees, so they net less (how much less depends on their tax bracket). And added pay has additional costs to you in the form of payroll taxes. What to do? Think about giving them fringe benefits. Overview You’re not obligated to provide any benefit (starting in 2014, employers with more than 50 full-time employees will have to provide health coverage or pay...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/31/2013 - 09:26
You love your staff and want to show it by giving them more in a tangible way. Increasing their pay may not be the best strategy for you or your employees. Added pay is taxable to employees, so they net less (how much less depends on their tax bracket). And added pay has additional costs to you in the form of payroll taxes. What to do? Think about giving them fringe benefits. Overview You’re not obligated to provide any benefit (starting in 2014, employers with more than 50 full-time employees will have to provide health coverage or pay...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/28/2013 - 07:42
Considering options for funding your start-up? Wondering if now is the right time to seek venture capital, but worried about losing control of your business? Here are some tips for weighing your funding options, finding the right venture capital firm for your needs, and working with them once you’ve received your first injection of seed money. Is Venture Capital Right for Your Small Business? If you are looking for funding under $200,000, smaller angel investors (this could include borrowing from family and friends) or peer-to-peer...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/28/2013 - 07:42
Considering options for funding your start-up? Wondering if now is the right time to seek venture capital, but worried about losing control of your business? Here are some tips for weighing your funding options, finding the right venture capital firm for your needs, and working with them once you’ve received your first injection of seed money. Is Venture Capital Right for Your Small Business? If you are looking for funding under $200,000, smaller angel investors (this could include borrowing from family and friends) or peer-to-peer...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/28/2013 - 07:42
Considering options for funding your start-up? Wondering if now is the right time to seek venture capital, but worried about losing control of your business? Here are some tips for weighing your funding options, finding the right venture capital firm for your needs, and working with them once you’ve received your first injection of seed money. Is Venture Capital Right for Your Small Business? If you are looking for funding under $200,000, smaller angel investors (this could include borrowing from family and friends) or peer-to-peer...
by ngoriel, Community Moderator on 01/25/2013 - 16:17
The Affordable Care Act will help small businesses by lowering premium cost growth and increasing access to quality, affordable health insurance. Depending on whether you’re a small employer or a larger employer, different provisions of the Affordable Care Act may apply to you as described below. ...
by ngoriel, Community Moderator on 01/25/2013 - 16:17
The Affordable Care Act will help small businesses by lowering premium cost growth and increasing access to quality, affordable health insurance. Depending on whether you’re a small employer or a larger employer, different provisions of the Affordable Care Act may apply to you as described below. ...
by ngoriel, Community Moderator on 01/25/2013 - 16:17
The Affordable Care Act will help small businesses by lowering premium cost growth and increasing access to quality, affordable health insurance. Depending on whether you’re a small employer or a larger employer, different provisions of the Affordable Care Act may apply to you as described below. ...
by ngoriel, Community Moderator on 01/25/2013 - 16:17
The Affordable Care Act will help small businesses by lowering premium cost growth and increasing access to quality, affordable health insurance. Depending on whether you’re a small employer or a larger employer, different provisions of the Affordable Care Act may apply to you as described below. ...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 01/24/2013 - 19:20
Think of basketball or soccer. In both of these popular sports, dribbling is what the players do to move the ball in the right direction. It's not the point of the game, it doesn't score baskets or goals, but it's an important skill, right? I think of dribbling as a great analogy for business planning. And here are some reasons why—and some lessons I suggest we can take from that. Dribbling is a means to an end—not the goal. Planning is like that too. It's about results, running a business—not at all about...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 01/24/2013 - 19:20
Think of basketball or soccer. In both of these popular sports, dribbling is what the players do to move the ball in the right direction. It's not the point of the game, it doesn't score baskets or goals, but it's an important skill, right? I think of dribbling as a great analogy for business planning. And here are some reasons why—and some lessons I suggest we can take from that. Dribbling is a means to an end—not the goal. Planning is like that too. It's about results, running a business—not at all about...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 01/24/2013 - 19:20
Think of basketball or soccer. In both of these popular sports, dribbling is what the players do to move the ball in the right direction. It's not the point of the game, it doesn't score baskets or goals, but it's an important skill, right? I think of dribbling as a great analogy for business planning. And here are some reasons why—and some lessons I suggest we can take from that. Dribbling is a means to an end—not the goal. Planning is like that too. It's about results, running a business—not at all about...
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 01/24/2013 - 08:30
Thinking of becoming a freelancer or hoping to make this year’s freelancing more fiscally fruitful than last? Freelancing is a money game and cash flow is king. And while there may be times when your cup runs over, there will no doubt be other times when it looks ominously dry. To be a successful freelancer—in addition to being good at what you do—you need to be agile, tenacious, a consummate planner and equipped to deal with fiscal downtimes. Here are some money-saving and business growth strategies that you can use to...
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 01/24/2013 - 08:30
Thinking of becoming a freelancer or hoping to make this year’s freelancing more fiscally fruitful than last? Freelancing is a money game and cash flow is king. And while there may be times when your cup runs over, there will no doubt be other times when it looks ominously dry. To be a successful freelancer—in addition to being good at what you do—you need to be agile, tenacious, a consummate planner and equipped to deal with fiscal downtimes. Here are some money-saving and business growth strategies that you can use to...
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 01/24/2013 - 08:30
Thinking of becoming a freelancer or hoping to make this year’s freelancing more fiscally fruitful than last? Freelancing is a money game and cash flow is king. And while there may be times when your cup runs over, there will no doubt be other times when it looks ominously dry. To be a successful freelancer—in addition to being good at what you do—you need to be agile, tenacious, a consummate planner and equipped to deal with fiscal downtimes. Here are some money-saving and business growth strategies that you can use to...
by ngoriel, Window Shopper on 01/29/2013 - 17:02
Wisconsin SBA will have a representative from the CCI Surety Bonding Minnesota area in our Milwaukee office on January 24th to conduct a training session on the Surety Bonding Program and how the CCI Surety Bonding Office works with the SBA Programs. Training will be for both small businesses and the SBA employees. Surety Bonding: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Location: Ruess Federal Plaza ...
by ngoriel, Window Shopper on 01/29/2013 - 17:02
Wisconsin SBA will have a representative from the CCI Surety Bonding Minnesota area in our Milwaukee office on January 24th to conduct a training session on the Surety Bonding Program and how the CCI Surety Bonding Office works with the SBA Programs. Training will be for both small businesses and the SBA employees. Surety Bonding: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Location: Ruess Federal Plaza ...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/23/2013 - 07:32
Should you pay employees for rest and meal breaks? Are you even required to offer such breaks? We all need rest and meals during work hours and the law stipulates standards for these breaks, including whether your employees should be paid for them. Here’s what you need to know: Federal Wage and Hour Laws Under the Fair Labor Standards Act of the U.S. Department of Labor, non-exempt employees can take short breaks (although it’s not mandatory). A short break is typically considered to be 20 minutes or less, and employees must be...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/23/2013 - 07:32
Should you pay employees for rest and meal breaks? Are you even required to offer such breaks? We all need rest and meals during work hours and the law stipulates standards for these breaks, including whether your employees should be paid for them. Here’s what you need to know: Federal Wage and Hour Laws Under the Fair Labor Standards Act of the U.S. Department of Labor, non-exempt employees can take short breaks (although it’s not mandatory). A short break is typically considered to be 20 minutes or less, and employees must be...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/23/2013 - 07:32
Should you pay employees for rest and meal breaks? Are you even required to offer such breaks? We all need rest and meals during work hours and the law stipulates standards for these breaks, including whether your employees should be paid for them. Here’s what you need to know: Federal Wage and Hour Laws Under the Fair Labor Standards Act of the U.S. Department of Labor, non-exempt employees can take short breaks (although it’s not mandatory). A short break is typically considered to be 20 minutes or less, and employees must be...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/23/2013 - 07:32
Should you pay employees for rest and meal breaks? Are you even required to offer such breaks? We all need rest and meals during work hours and the law stipulates standards for these breaks, including whether your employees should be paid for them. Here’s what you need to know: Federal Wage and Hour Laws Under the Fair Labor Standards Act of the U.S. Department of Labor, non-exempt employees can take short breaks (although it’s not mandatory). A short break is typically considered to be 20 minutes or less, and employees must be...
by bridgetwpollack, Contributor on 01/22/2013 - 17:08
January is the month when we promise ourselves we will change for the better…we say we will eat better, work out more and spend more time with our loved ones. And by February, we find ourselves right back into our old habits. If you’re really lucky, the holidays may have provided a mental and physical break and rejuvenated your fervor for your business. Hopefully, you were able to spend time with family and friends and were reminded about what you work so hard for, and proved that time away from your work can do your work good....
by bridgetwpollack, Contributor on 01/22/2013 - 17:08
January is the month when we promise ourselves we will change for the better…we say we will eat better, work out more and spend more time with our loved ones. And by February, we find ourselves right back into our old habits. If you’re really lucky, the holidays may have provided a mental and physical break and rejuvenated your fervor for your business. Hopefully, you were able to spend time with family and friends and were reminded about what you work so hard for, and proved that time away from your work can do your work good....
by bridgetwpollack, Contributor on 01/22/2013 - 17:08
January is the month when we promise ourselves we will change for the better…we say we will eat better, work out more and spend more time with our loved ones. And by February, we find ourselves right back into our old habits. If you’re really lucky, the holidays may have provided a mental and physical break and rejuvenated your fervor for your business. Hopefully, you were able to spend time with family and friends and were reminded about what you work so hard for, and proved that time away from your work can do your work good....
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 03/08/2013 - 16:09
Are you a woman-owned business looking to get a slice of the more than $400 billion dollar federal contracting pie? Under the new National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, the SBA will make changes to its Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program to help women-owned small businesses get more federal contracts and help the federal government meet and exceed its statutory five percent women’s contracting goal. How Will the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 Affect Women-Owned Small Businesses? Prior to the new...
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 03/08/2013 - 16:09
Are you a woman-owned business looking to get a slice of the more than $400 billion dollar federal contracting pie? Under the new National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, the SBA will make changes to its Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program to help women-owned small businesses get more federal contracts and help the federal government meet and exceed its statutory five percent women’s contracting goal. How Will the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 Affect Women-Owned Small Businesses? Prior to the new...
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 03/08/2013 - 16:09
Are you a woman-owned business looking to get a slice of the more than $400 billion dollar federal contracting pie? Under the new National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, the SBA will make changes to its Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program to help women-owned small businesses get more federal contracts and help the federal government meet and exceed its statutory five percent women’s contracting goal. How Will the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 Affect Women-Owned Small Businesses? Prior to the new...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/22/2013 - 07:31
Securing small business financing can be challenging. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, banks and lending institutions can be rigorous in their lending review practices. For example, businesses with few assets to their name may find it hard to secure a traditional loan. Other business owners may not be able to provide the reassurance that lenders seek to alleviate their concerns that your business may fail and the loan won’t get repaid. So when you approach a lender, it’s just as important to understand the...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/22/2013 - 07:31
Securing small business financing can be challenging. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, banks and lending institutions can be rigorous in their lending review practices. For example, businesses with few assets to their name may find it hard to secure a traditional loan. Other business owners may not be able to provide the reassurance that lenders seek to alleviate their concerns that your business may fail and the loan won’t get repaid. So when you approach a lender, it’s just as important to understand the...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/22/2013 - 07:31
Securing small business financing can be challenging. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, banks and lending institutions can be rigorous in their lending review practices. For example, businesses with few assets to their name may find it hard to secure a traditional loan. Other business owners may not be able to provide the reassurance that lenders seek to alleviate their concerns that your business may fail and the loan won’t get repaid. So when you approach a lender, it’s just as important to understand the...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 01/18/2013 - 15:28
Editor's Note: This blog is co-authored by GSA Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini and SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns. It was originally posted on GSA's blog. Sometimes small businesses looking to do business with the federal government just need a little help getting the process started. That’s why the U.S. General Services Administration, in partnership with the Small Business Administration, hosted a small business open house and procurement fair at its headquarters today in Washington, D.C. Delivering on President...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 01/18/2013 - 15:28
Editor's Note: This blog is co-authored by GSA Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini and SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns. It was originally posted on GSA's blog. Sometimes small businesses looking to do business with the federal government just need a little help getting the process started. That’s why the U.S. General Services Administration, in partnership with the Small Business Administration, hosted a small business open house and procurement fair at its headquarters today in Washington, D.C. Delivering on President...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 01/18/2013 - 15:28
Editor's Note: This blog is co-authored by GSA Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini and SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns. It was originally posted on GSA's blog. Sometimes small businesses looking to do business with the federal government just need a little help getting the process started. That’s why the U.S. General Services Administration, in partnership with the Small Business Administration, hosted a small business open house and procurement fair at its headquarters today in Washington, D.C. Delivering on President...
by ngoriel, Community Moderator on 01/17/2013 - 18:38
Major events like the upcoming Presidential Inauguration are an opportunity to celebrate our democracy. They can also help boost business sales. If you’re planning ahead for a big event, like DC small business owners are for the Inauguration, you can maximize the benefits and minimize the risks. In honor of President Obama’s second inauguration, here are a few tips to prepare your business for a major event. Staff Up and Stock Up Make sure you have enough staff members and products to accommodate the crowds. No one likes to...
by ngoriel, Community Moderator on 01/17/2013 - 18:38
Major events like the upcoming Presidential Inauguration are an opportunity to celebrate our democracy. They can also help boost business sales. If you’re planning ahead for a big event, like DC small business owners are for the Inauguration, you can maximize the benefits and minimize the risks. In honor of President Obama’s second inauguration, here are a few tips to prepare your business for a major event. Staff Up and Stock Up Make sure you have enough staff members and products to accommodate the crowds. No one likes to...
by ngoriel, SBA Official on 01/17/2013 - 16:27
President Obama recently signed the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which appropriates funds for military activities of the Department of Defense and other national security programs. You may be asking yourself, “Why am I reading about national security on the SBA website” Well, if you’re a small business and are doing business with the government, the NDAA includes a number of provisions that impact you. That’s why we thought it would be beneficial to highlight the top five things...
by ngoriel, SBA Official on 01/17/2013 - 16:27
President Obama recently signed the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which appropriates funds for military activities of the Department of Defense and other national security programs. You may be asking yourself, “Why am I reading about national security on the SBA website” Well, if you’re a small business and are doing business with the government, the NDAA includes a number of provisions that impact you. That’s why we thought it would be beneficial to highlight the top five things...
by ngoriel, SBA Official on 01/17/2013 - 16:27
President Obama recently signed the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which appropriates funds for military activities of the Department of Defense and other national security programs. You may be asking yourself, “Why am I reading about national security on the SBA website” Well, if you’re a small business and are doing business with the government, the NDAA includes a number of provisions that impact you. That’s why we thought it would be beneficial to highlight the top five things...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/18/2013 - 08:39
Do all your sales reps sing off the same hymn sheet? Are they all equally knowledgeable about your products and services? If you’ve ever worked in retail sales, you’ll know how difficult it is to remember your training and apply it in critical moments. After all, products are constantly evolving and inventory is always shifting. This is why it’s critical that small business owners ensure their sales teams are well trained and knowledgeable. It can make the difference between winning and losing a sale. Thanks to the Internet...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/18/2013 - 08:39
Do all your sales reps sing off the same hymn sheet? Are they all equally knowledgeable about your products and services? If you’ve ever worked in retail sales, you’ll know how difficult it is to remember your training and apply it in critical moments. After all, products are constantly evolving and inventory is always shifting. This is why it’s critical that small business owners ensure their sales teams are well trained and knowledgeable. It can make the difference between winning and losing a sale. Thanks to the Internet...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/18/2013 - 08:39
Do all your sales reps sing off the same hymn sheet? Are they all equally knowledgeable about your products and services? If you’ve ever worked in retail sales, you’ll know how difficult it is to remember your training and apply it in critical moments. After all, products are constantly evolving and inventory is always shifting. This is why it’s critical that small business owners ensure their sales teams are well trained and knowledgeable. It can make the difference between winning and losing a sale. Thanks to the Internet...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/18/2013 - 08:39
Do all your sales reps sing off the same hymn sheet? Are they all equally knowledgeable about your products and services? If you’ve ever worked in retail sales, you’ll know how difficult it is to remember your training and apply it in critical moments. After all, products are constantly evolving and inventory is always shifting. This is why it’s critical that small business owners ensure their sales teams are well trained and knowledgeable. It can make the difference between winning and losing a sale. Thanks to the Internet...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 01/16/2013 - 11:42
Business cards? Didn't those go out with the dinosaurs? Actually, no. In fact, according to an Ipsos poll conducted last fall, business cards are still one of the most effective marketing methods available to small business owners. Surprisingly, 60 percent of the small business owners surveyed say they currently give out more business cards than they did five years ago. How can you make your business cards even more effective? 1. Make them memorable. Use design to make your card stand out from the pack. You...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 01/16/2013 - 11:42
Business cards? Didn't those go out with the dinosaurs? Actually, no. In fact, according to an Ipsos poll conducted last fall, business cards are still one of the most effective marketing methods available to small business owners. Surprisingly, 60 percent of the small business owners surveyed say they currently give out more business cards than they did five years ago. How can you make your business cards even more effective? 1. Make them memorable. Use design to make your card stand out from the pack. You...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/16/2013 - 07:37
If your business interacts with consumers via email or on the web, then it’s likely that you have an online privacy policy that governs how you collect, use and store consumer information. But do you have policies or guidelines that govern how your business uses social media to engage and interact with your followers? Social media opens up new avenues for communication and engagement with consumers, but it also brings with it an element of risk. For example, perhaps your employees have access to social media at work, or are posting on...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/16/2013 - 07:37
If your business interacts with consumers via email or on the web, then it’s likely that you have an online privacy policy that governs how you collect, use and store consumer information. But do you have policies or guidelines that govern how your business uses social media to engage and interact with your followers? Social media opens up new avenues for communication and engagement with consumers, but it also brings with it an element of risk. For example, perhaps your employees have access to social media at work, or are posting on...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/16/2013 - 07:37
If your business interacts with consumers via email or on the web, then it’s likely that you have an online privacy policy that governs how you collect, use and store consumer information. But do you have policies or guidelines that govern how your business uses social media to engage and interact with your followers? Social media opens up new avenues for communication and engagement with consumers, but it also brings with it an element of risk. For example, perhaps your employees have access to social media at work, or are posting on...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/16/2013 - 07:37
If your business interacts with consumers via email or on the web, then it’s likely that you have an online privacy policy that governs how you collect, use and store consumer information. But do you have policies or guidelines that govern how your business uses social media to engage and interact with your followers? Social media opens up new avenues for communication and engagement with consumers, but it also brings with it an element of risk. For example, perhaps your employees have access to social media at work, or are posting on...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 01/15/2013 - 14:19
Editors note: This post is jointly authored by Treasury Deputy Secretary Neal S. Wolin and SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. It was originally posted on Treasury's blog. Today, many taxpayers who qualify for the home office tax deduction are not claiming it. The reasons often cited are that businesses and filers do not fully understand the provisions or find it too complicated to calculate the amount. That is about to change. As part of ongoing efforts by the Administration to reduce paperwork burdens, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 01/15/2013 - 14:19
Editors note: This post is jointly authored by Treasury Deputy Secretary Neal S. Wolin and SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. It was originally posted on Treasury's blog. Today, many taxpayers who qualify for the home office tax deduction are not claiming it. The reasons often cited are that businesses and filers do not fully understand the provisions or find it too complicated to calculate the amount. That is about to change. As part of ongoing efforts by the Administration to reduce paperwork burdens, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 01/15/2013 - 14:19
Editors note: This post is jointly authored by Treasury Deputy Secretary Neal S. Wolin and SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. It was originally posted on Treasury's blog. Today, many taxpayers who qualify for the home office tax deduction are not claiming it. The reasons often cited are that businesses and filers do not fully understand the provisions or find it too complicated to calculate the amount. That is about to change. As part of ongoing efforts by the Administration to reduce paperwork burdens, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 01/14/2013 - 17:04
Are you a small business owner planning to visit Washington, DC for President Obama’s Inauguration? Are you a small business owner looking for more business? Are you a small business owner looking to partner with larger businesses or federal agencies on federal contract opportunities? If your answer is “yes”, then you don’t want to miss the Small Business Open House/Procurement Fair that will be held during an exciting weekend of Inauguration events hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 01/14/2013 - 17:04
Are you a small business owner planning to visit Washington, DC for President Obama’s Inauguration? Are you a small business owner looking for more business? Are you a small business owner looking to partner with larger businesses or federal agencies on federal contract opportunities? If your answer is “yes”, then you don’t want to miss the Small Business Open House/Procurement Fair that will be held during an exciting weekend of Inauguration events hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 01/14/2013 - 17:04
Are you a small business owner planning to visit Washington, DC for President Obama’s Inauguration? Are you a small business owner looking for more business? Are you a small business owner looking to partner with larger businesses or federal agencies on federal contract opportunities? If your answer is “yes”, then you don’t want to miss the Small Business Open House/Procurement Fair that will be held during an exciting weekend of Inauguration events hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/14/2013 - 08:17
It’s that time of year again—W-2, W-3 and 1099 reporting season. The Affordable Care Act has changed things a little this year in terms of the information you must provide your employees on their W2s. Read on for an update and a refresher of other reporting obligations and how to file the right forms. Reporting Employee Wages and Taxes – What’s New on Form W-2 If you paid an employee any amount in wages in 2012, you must issue an annual W-2 form to report the wages, income tax, and FICA tax withholding, along with...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/14/2013 - 08:17
It’s that time of year again—W-2, W-3 and 1099 reporting season. The Affordable Care Act has changed things a little this year in terms of the information you must provide your employees on their W2s. Read on for an update and a refresher of other reporting obligations and how to file the right forms. Reporting Employee Wages and Taxes – What’s New on Form W-2 If you paid an employee any amount in wages in 2012, you must issue an annual W-2 form to report the wages, income tax, and FICA tax withholding, along with...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/14/2013 - 08:17
It’s that time of year again—W-2, W-3 and 1099 reporting season. The Affordable Care Act has changed things a little this year in terms of the information you must provide your employees on their W2s. Read on for an update and a refresher of other reporting obligations and how to file the right forms. Reporting Employee Wages and Taxes – What’s New on Form W-2 If you paid an employee any amount in wages in 2012, you must issue an annual W-2 form to report the wages, income tax, and FICA tax withholding, along with...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/14/2013 - 08:17
It’s that time of year again—W-2, W-3 and 1099 reporting season. The Affordable Care Act has changed things a little this year in terms of the information you must provide your employees on their W2s. Read on for an update and a refresher of other reporting obligations and how to file the right forms. Reporting Employee Wages and Taxes – What’s New on Form W-2 If you paid an employee any amount in wages in 2012, you must issue an annual W-2 form to report the wages, income tax, and FICA tax withholding, along with...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 01/10/2013 - 18:29
The 2012-2013 flu season arrived earlier than usual. As the nation braces for increased flu activity, now is the time to prepare yourself, your business, and your employees. Not only is prevention important for physical health, it may impact your bottom line if your staff are out sick. Here are some tips to help you avoid illness and maintain business continuity. 1. Identify a Workplace Coordinator -This person would be the single point of contact for all issues relating to a flu outbreak and be responsible for reaching out to community health...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 01/10/2013 - 18:29
The 2012-2013 flu season arrived earlier than usual. As the nation braces for increased flu activity, now is the time to prepare yourself, your business, and your employees. Not only is prevention important for physical health, it may impact your bottom line if your staff are out sick. Here are some tips to help you avoid illness and maintain business continuity. 1. Identify a Workplace Coordinator -This person would be the single point of contact for all issues relating to a flu outbreak and be responsible for reaching out to community health...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 01/10/2013 - 18:29
The 2012-2013 flu season arrived earlier than usual. As the nation braces for increased flu activity, now is the time to prepare yourself, your business, and your employees. Not only is prevention important for physical health, it may impact your bottom line if your staff are out sick. Here are some tips to help you avoid illness and maintain business continuity. 1. Identify a Workplace Coordinator -This person would be the single point of contact for all issues relating to a flu outbreak and be responsible for reaching out to community health...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 01/10/2013 - 18:29
The 2012-2013 flu season arrived earlier than usual. As the nation braces for increased flu activity, now is the time to prepare yourself, your business, and your employees. Not only is prevention important for physical health, it may impact your bottom line if your staff are out sick. Here are some tips to help you avoid illness and maintain business continuity. 1. Identify a Workplace Coordinator -This person would be the single point of contact for all issues relating to a flu outbreak and be responsible for reaching out to community health...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 01/10/2013 - 11:55
Did you know that a DUNS number is the most widely used number for identifying companies in the United States? Did you also know that suppliers and creditors alike pull a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) credit check on your business when you apply for credit? Part of establishing a creditworthy company includes establishing positive credit ratings with major business credit reporting agencies such as D&B. If you are serious about establishing credit for your business, then the first thing to do is get listed in D&B’s database and...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 01/10/2013 - 11:55
Did you know that a DUNS number is the most widely used number for identifying companies in the United States? Did you also know that suppliers and creditors alike pull a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) credit check on your business when you apply for credit? Part of establishing a creditworthy company includes establishing positive credit ratings with major business credit reporting agencies such as D&B. If you are serious about establishing credit for your business, then the first thing to do is get listed in D&B’s database and...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 01/10/2013 - 11:55
Did you know that a DUNS number is the most widely used number for identifying companies in the United States? Did you also know that suppliers and creditors alike pull a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) credit check on your business when you apply for credit? Part of establishing a creditworthy company includes establishing positive credit ratings with major business credit reporting agencies such as D&B. If you are serious about establishing credit for your business, then the first thing to do is get listed in D&B’s database and...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 01/10/2013 - 11:55
Did you know that a DUNS number is the most widely used number for identifying companies in the United States? Did you also know that suppliers and creditors alike pull a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) credit check on your business when you apply for credit? Part of establishing a creditworthy company includes establishing positive credit ratings with major business credit reporting agencies such as D&B. If you are serious about establishing credit for your business, then the first thing to do is get listed in D&B’s database and...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/10/2013 - 07:44
Are you doing enough to safeguard and protect your small business data? Small businesses are widely adopting data back-up practices to ensure data is retrievable should a disaster occur, but gaps remain. According to a July 2012 study by accounting software company Sage, the bulk of small businesses are backing up key data such as financial information, but most businesses back up that data on-site only. Furthermore, the study found that only 38 percent of surveyed small businesses have a formal emergency or disaster preparedness plan. Given...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/10/2013 - 07:44
Are you doing enough to safeguard and protect your small business data? Small businesses are widely adopting data back-up practices to ensure data is retrievable should a disaster occur, but gaps remain. According to a July 2012 study by accounting software company Sage, the bulk of small businesses are backing up key data such as financial information, but most businesses back up that data on-site only. Furthermore, the study found that only 38 percent of surveyed small businesses have a formal emergency or disaster preparedness plan. Given...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/10/2013 - 07:44
Are you doing enough to safeguard and protect your small business data? Small businesses are widely adopting data back-up practices to ensure data is retrievable should a disaster occur, but gaps remain. According to a July 2012 study by accounting software company Sage, the bulk of small businesses are backing up key data such as financial information, but most businesses back up that data on-site only. Furthermore, the study found that only 38 percent of surveyed small businesses have a formal emergency or disaster preparedness plan. Given...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 01/08/2013 - 18:28
Funny, isn’t it, how the grass tends to look greener from the other side. It’s the same in business as well as in personal affairs. If I look around, I can spot five companies in five minutes that “seem” to be doing better than mine. They appear to have accomplished more, in less time, and seem to be doing better than my company. The fact is, that may or may not be true. Often things just LOOK greener. But there is one good thing that tends to come out of “grass-is-greener” musing: it inspires me to set...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 01/08/2013 - 18:28
Funny, isn’t it, how the grass tends to look greener from the other side. It’s the same in business as well as in personal affairs. If I look around, I can spot five companies in five minutes that “seem” to be doing better than mine. They appear to have accomplished more, in less time, and seem to be doing better than my company. The fact is, that may or may not be true. Often things just LOOK greener. But there is one good thing that tends to come out of “grass-is-greener” musing: it inspires me to set...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/07/2013 - 07:51
Did you start a business last year? No? Are you planning to start one this year? Did you know you can choose the tax year you intend to operate under? Choose well, because there are pros and cons for either method. A tax year is an accounting period for which you must report your taxable income and business expenses, and the law requires you to operate according to a consistent tax year. The most common is the most obvious: the calendar year. However, businesses can also report based on a fiscal tax year and a short tax year. Here...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/07/2013 - 07:51
Did you start a business last year? No? Are you planning to start one this year? Did you know you can choose the tax year you intend to operate under? Choose well, because there are pros and cons for either method. A tax year is an accounting period for which you must report your taxable income and business expenses, and the law requires you to operate according to a consistent tax year. The most common is the most obvious: the calendar year. However, businesses can also report based on a fiscal tax year and a short tax year. Here...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/07/2013 - 07:51
Did you start a business last year? No? Are you planning to start one this year? Did you know you can choose the tax year you intend to operate under? Choose well, because there are pros and cons for either method. A tax year is an accounting period for which you must report your taxable income and business expenses, and the law requires you to operate according to a consistent tax year. The most common is the most obvious: the calendar year. However, businesses can also report based on a fiscal tax year and a short tax year. Here...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/07/2013 - 07:51
Did you start a business last year? No? Are you planning to start one this year? Did you know you can choose the tax year you intend to operate under? Choose well, because there are pros and cons for either method. A tax year is an accounting period for which you must report your taxable income and business expenses, and the law requires you to operate according to a consistent tax year. The most common is the most obvious: the calendar year. However, businesses can also report based on a fiscal tax year and a short tax year. Here...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 01/05/2013 - 13:20
America’s 28 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy. This past week, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 delivered them some really good news. The solution reached by the President and Congress included extensions of several small businesses tax incentives designed to spur innovation, support capital investment, and make it easier to hire new workers. In fact, the legislation extended some of the most important tax credits that the President signed into law during his first term. In addition,...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 01/05/2013 - 13:20
America’s 28 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy. This past week, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 delivered them some really good news. The solution reached by the President and Congress included extensions of several small businesses tax incentives designed to spur innovation, support capital investment, and make it easier to hire new workers. In fact, the legislation extended some of the most important tax credits that the President signed into law during his first term. In addition,...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 01/05/2013 - 13:20
America’s 28 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy. This past week, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 delivered them some really good news. The solution reached by the President and Congress included extensions of several small businesses tax incentives designed to spur innovation, support capital investment, and make it easier to hire new workers. In fact, the legislation extended some of the most important tax credits that the President signed into law during his first term. In addition,...
by qstitt, Community Moderator on 03/07/2013 - 11:55
There’s no doubt that social media marketing is a proven and established platform for connecting with customers, building a community and generating business. Yet, despite the evidence of its effectiveness as a marketing tool, surveys and studies say few small businesses are making active use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to promote products and services. A report by eMarketer found that just 24 percent of small businesses have integrated social media in a structured way in their businesses. The report also...
by qstitt, Community Moderator on 03/07/2013 - 11:55
There’s no doubt that social media marketing is a proven and established platform for connecting with customers, building a community and generating business. Yet, despite the evidence of its effectiveness as a marketing tool, surveys and studies say few small businesses are making active use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to promote products and services. A report by eMarketer found that just 24 percent of small businesses have integrated social media in a structured way in their businesses. The report also...
by FranchiseKing, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 07:29
Will great things finally start to happen in franchising in 2013? Should you become the owner of a franchise business in 2013? What are some of the trends in franchising? Let’s dig in... Employment Jobs aren’t what they used to be. The days of working for the same company for 30...
by FranchiseKing, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 07:29
Will great things finally start to happen in franchising in 2013? Should you become the owner of a franchise business in 2013? What are some of the trends in franchising? Let’s dig in... Employment Jobs aren’t what they used to be. The days of working for the same company for 30...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/02/2013 - 07:56
Whether you are entering into a relationship with a customer, a vendor or an independent contractor, contracts are a fact of business. You need them because they serve as legally valid agreements protecting your interests. But aren’t contracts laden with legalese? Don’t they have to be blessed by an attorney to ensure their validity? Not always. In fact, I’ve seen contracts come across my table that are less than one page in length, in plain English, and still legally binding. How? Generally, to be legally valid, most...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/02/2013 - 07:56
Whether you are entering into a relationship with a customer, a vendor or an independent contractor, contracts are a fact of business. You need them because they serve as legally valid agreements protecting your interests. But aren’t contracts laden with legalese? Don’t they have to be blessed by an attorney to ensure their validity? Not always. In fact, I’ve seen contracts come across my table that are less than one page in length, in plain English, and still legally binding. How? Generally, to be legally valid, most...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/02/2013 - 07:56
Whether you are entering into a relationship with a customer, a vendor or an independent contractor, contracts are a fact of business. You need them because they serve as legally valid agreements protecting your interests. But aren’t contracts laden with legalese? Don’t they have to be blessed by an attorney to ensure their validity? Not always. In fact, I’ve seen contracts come across my table that are less than one page in length, in plain English, and still legally binding. How? Generally, to be legally valid, most...
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by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/31/2013 - 19:37