“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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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 …
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 …
A Small Biz Halloween Quiz
Halloween is just around the corner, so I’ve got a “Trick or Treat” Small Business Quiz. When do you know whether something in your small business is a “Treat”—a real opportunity—or a “Trick”—a problem disguised as a chance to grow? Are these tricks or treats for your small business? (Answers below) Your top performing salesperson …
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 …
