Lawyer Up!In the age of big-box home improvement stores, many people have started handling fix-it projects themselves. The worst that can usually happen is a plumbing repair springs a leak. Do-it-yourself lawyering, however, is another story. Published on November 05, 2012 |
Abigail Dahl Receives NASE 2012 Future Entrepreneur ScholarshipYou could say that entrepreneurship runs in Abigail Dahl’s blood. Five of her close family members have owned their own businesses. That includes her mother, Suzie, who recently opened Avenue 30, a retail store selling wine and gifts in Scappoose, Ore. Published on September 04, 2012 |
Going ElectronicRemember when grocery store baggers started asking whether you wanted paper or plastic bags? Now many micro-business owners have to answer a similar question when it comes to their payment systems: Do you want to send and receive payments via paper or electronically? Published on December 02, 2011 |
Online MarketingTen years ago a discussion of online marketing probably started with “So, do you have a website?” Today, having a website is a given even for the smallest micro-businesses and solo entrepreneurs. But having a website is just the start. Published on September 30, 2011 |
Selling OutMany micro-business owners have a hard time envisioning anyone else running their company. It’s your baby, after all, and you’ve built it from the ground up with your own blood, sweat and tears. Published on July 01, 2011 |
Can You Avoid An IRS Audit?Few things are more frightening to micro-business owners than learning that they’ve been selected for an IRS audit. In reality, the odds of being chosen for an audit are small. Published on March 17, 2011 |
Learn To LeadAs a self-employed professional, you might see yourself as a boss, a business owner, a contractor or even a supplier for other business owners. But do you see yourself as a leader? Published on February 25, 2011 |
That’s A WrapWhether you’re an entrepreneur who launched a business this year or a longtime self-employed professional, the end of the year is a crucial time for gauging the financial success of your micro-business. It’s also a critical time for deciding how to manage your profits so you give your company—and yourself—the best financial advantage. Published on November 23, 2010 |
Bootstrap Your Way To Business Success “It takes money to make money,” the old saying goes. But in today’s tight credit climate, getting the money needed to grow and expand a business has become difficult, if not nearly impossible—at least from traditional financing sources like banks and private investors. Published on September 13, 2010 |
Inside JobThe greatest business risk many owners face may be standing right in front of them: employee fraud and embezzlement. Published on July 12, 2010 |
Smart Money“It’s not what you make, but what you keep.” While it’s not clear who first uttered these words of financial wisdom, anyone who’s been in business for any length of time can attest to their accuracy. Sales may be great, but business success ultimately hinges on your ability to earn a profit. Published on May 13, 2010 |
Is A Roth Right For You?The benefits of a Roth individual retirement account (IRA), which have been inaccessible to many self-employed individuals and micro-business owners, may finally be within your reach. Published on March 05, 2010 |
Doing Business With Big BrotherThousands of micro-business owners and self-employed professionals rely on contracts with government entities for a significant portion of their annual revenue. Published on January 06, 2010 |
Young GunsIf you’re experiencing hiring challenges, one solution might be to broaden your search to include members of Generation Y. Also called Millennials, they were born roughly between 1979 and 1988. Businesses that ignore these 20-somethings are shutting the door on a huge universe of potential employees—employees that might be a perfect fit for micro-businesses. Published on October 30, 2009 |
How To Hire Your BrotherIn these tough economic times, it’s not uncommon for micro-business owners to be approached by family members or friends looking for a job. Laid off from work and unsuccessful in landing a new job, these relatives and friends may feel like you’re their last hope for employment. Published on August 31, 2009 |
Can You Take The Home Office Deduction?Can you or can’t you take the home office deduction? This is one of the most vexing questions faced by home-based business owners. Published on July 01, 2009 |