In contrast to the ever-present “Make Money Online” types of “opportunities” you can find on the web, there are hundreds of legitimate business and franchise opportunities available. You just have to know where to find them. In this post, I’m going to tell you where to find businesses that may allow you to achieve your dream of being your own boss from the comfort of your own home. Working From Home…
More than a third of small businesses currently outsource at least some of their operations. And even more plan on exploring this option. Outsourcing describes when a business obtains a product or service from an outside provider, rather than handling it in-house. As a small business, outsourcing allows you to get more done and trust important tasks and processes to professionals, without having to actually grow your full-time team in a…
For millions of small businesses across the United States, it’s getting close to the most wonderful time of the year: Small Business Saturday! Celebrated two days after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a way for consumers to usher in the busy holiday shopping season and make an impact in their community by supporting independently owned businesses. According to a National Federation of Independent Business survey, consumer spending at independent retailers and restaurants…
Are you looking for holiday marketing tips for your small business? The U.S. Small Business Administration and industry experts will host a Twitter chat Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. @SBAgov. During this time, they will discuss holiday marketing. The discussion includes tips and tricks to help businesses succeed during the holiday shopping season. Also, find out how to make the most of Small Business Saturday. Participate and follow along with…
Several tax breaks that are available in 2019 are set to expire soon. Businesses face a use-it-or-lose-it opportunity, suggesting that you act now if the tax breaks make sense for your company. Work opportunity tax credit If you’re considering hiring a new employee, there’s a federal tax incentive to hire a person who falls within a targeted group (defined by the tax law). This incentive is the work opportunity tax…
Ghosts, goblins and ghouls aren’t the only things that can haunt small business owners. Many entrepreneurs fall prey to some common marketing mistakes that can have terrifying results for their businesses. Are you letting one of these marketing mess-ups scare your customers away? Mistake 1. Marketing without setting a goal Whether you’re doing digital marketing, print marketing or word-of-mouth, the first thing you need to establish is a goal. Without…
As the concept of a side gig becomes more common place, it presents a unique opportunity and quandary for new entrepreneurs. On the one hand, starting your business as a side a gig definitely has its benefits. It creates an opportunity for you to test the market and viability of your product. It gives an opportunity for market research and to make any necessary adjustments. As well as provide revenue…
There’s no law — federal or state — that caps the number of hours a person can work (other than for minors). But if you are an employer, be sure to understand that working past 40 hours triggers overtime rules for certain employees. Some of these rules have been around for years, while others are new. Here’s what you need to know for 2020 and beyond. What does overtime pay…
In part one of this series, we learned that some conflict is our own fault due to our own conflicting thoughts and desires. In part two, we examined how what we say, intentionally or unintentionally, can stir the workplace conflict waters. This installment will focus on your non-verbal skills. What you say with your body and facial expressions can speak volumes in and of itself. Sadly, what it says is…
Today’s businesses need to store more data than ever before. In fact, data storage requirements are growing by about 40 percent each year. However, you need to make sure that the storage solutions you choose are going to keep your data secure. In fact, there were an average of 62 cyberattacks each day in 2018, with many of those affecting businesses and their sensitive data. In order to keep all of the data you…