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 …
How Not to Start a Startup
I live in the heart of Silicon Valley, where the main industry seems to be starting businesses. As a result, I’ve seen a lot of startups come and go—and I’ve started a few myself—so I’ve had quite an education. I’ve had friends who’ve started businesses they’ve built and sold for millions of dollars. But even …
Remembering the Businesses that Died on 9/11
September 11—9/11—is a day marked forever in the history of America. It’s a day to remember the tragedy of thousands of innocent lives lost, the heroism of first responders, the affliction of those who lost their loved ones. But one story of 9/11 is rarely told. It’s the story of the startups and small businesses …
Chinese Powerhouse Aims for US Small Business
If yours is a small business interested in selling through online platforms, there’s a ‘new’ online platform looking for you. While I’ve used the term ‘new,’ Alibaba.com—part of the Alibaba Group—is not new at all. Often called “the Amazon of China,” the 20-year-old Alibaba Group has recently announced opportunities for American businesses to sell to …
Time for a Small Business Declaration of Independence
Small business owners: King George III had nothing on you as a tyrant. When the colonists in America rebelled against that despotic (and crazy) English King, they were fighting to take charge of their own lives. They wanted to set the rules, not be dictated to. But as a small business owner, are you really …
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Hey Gig Workers: Are You Really Self-Employed?
Is an Uber driver a small business owner? Or are they an exploited employee? That question matters to your small business because there’s a war going on over the question of “employee status.” Whether you’re a gig worker, service provider, consultant, or one of the hundreds of other kinds of self-employed entrepreneurs—or you hire those …
9 Steps to Protect Your Small Biz from Tariffs
It’s time to recognize the facts: the US is in a trade war. Some of the victims of the war are almost certainly going to be small businesses and small farms. Maybe even yours. Even if your small business does not directly import or export goods, you’re still going to pay and pay big. I’ve …
7 Myths about Entrepreneurship
Teaching entrepreneurship, you’re going to run into a bunch of so-called “experts,” who are going to tell you the “truth” about starting and running a business. But much of what they’ll tell you is just not true—no matter how widely held the beliefs. 1. People are either born entrepreneurs or they’re not You’ll hear this …
