You’ve had them in your small business: “prospects” who aren’t really prospects at all. They’re not truly interested in buying. They’re just using your expertise to shop elsewhere, or are looking for rock-bottom prices, or are just seeing what’s out there. In real estate, they have a term for these time-wasters: “looky-loos.” How can you …
Can You Still Hire Independent Contractors?
“California to eliminate independent contractors.” “Don’t hire any workers from California.” “This is going to kill small businesses.” Headlines and commentators have been predicting doom and gloom since a new California law went into effect January 1 limiting the ability of some employers to classify workers as independent contractors. You’d think no one would ever …
20/20 Vision for your Small Business in 2020
Happy New Year—and welcome to the year of “20/20 Vision for Success” in your small business. After all, when someone has “20/20” vision, it means they have excellent eyesight. So let’s make 2020 the year you can clearly see success ahead for your small business. Here’s how you can have 20/20 Small Business Vision in …
Six Steps To Take Before The End Of The Year In Your Small Business
Yes, I know you’re busy with the holidays in your small business. But you’ve only got a few more days to make the most of 2019. In the waning days of December, you can take a few steps to reduce your taxes, improve your retirement, and feel more secure as you enter 2020. 1. Spend …
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Celebrity Entrepreneurs To Inspire Your Students
Who do your students look to for inspiration when it comes to entrepreneurship? Many people—especially young people—look to celebrities for inspiration. Here are a few celebrities you can sprinkle into your lectures and examples to help motivate your student entrepreneurs. Of course, you’ll want to caution students that celebrities have an easier time getting businesses …
Turning Small Biz Stress into Growth
I have to be honest—I’m frazzled. It’s the holidays, and like most small business owners, December is typically one of the most stressful and challenging times of the year. I not only have all my regular work to do, but I’ve got a number of business-oriented end-of-year tasks, a lot of personal demands on my …
These 8 Celebrities Are Also Entrepreneurs
What do Oprah, George Clooney, and Selena Gomez have in common? Yes, of course they’re celebrities, but they’re also entrepreneurs. If you dream of one day starting your own small business, and you look to celebrities for motivation, you’ve got a whole bunch of celebrities . Of course, celebrities—once they are celebrities—have an easier time …
FINALLY! A Real Tax Break for Small Business
In my USA Today column in November 2009—10 years ago—I proposed a new idea: a tax credit for small businesses who hire their very first employee. Throughout the last decade, I’ve repeatedly advocated this “first employee tax credit,” and now Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has introduced such legislation. “What this bill is all about is …
Eight Easy Steps to Keep your Small Business Safe
Every small business owner wants to know how to increase sales, improve their marketing, motivate their employees. But first, let’s make sure we keep your company safe—your data, your money, your physical premises. Having survived in business for over 25 years, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way—and learned a hard lesson or …
