When you run a small business, every cent counts. It can be difficult to spend money on anything you don’t consider vital. Hiring a lawyer during key times in your small business might seem like an unnecessary expense, but the money you spend now on a business attorney could save you time, money, and energy in the long run and could protect your business. When it comes to your small… Read more
In business, mistakes can be expensive and as an entrepreneur, although you’ll know many of the regulations that apply to your business, there are so many you can’t possibly remember all of them. Depending on the type of business you run, you could face laws regarding taxation, employment, product liability, premises liability, discrimination, health and safety and a variety of other regulations. Keeping on top of all the laws that… Read more
For small business owners, the risk of data breaches and fraud is high, so taking all the necessary steps to protect your sensitive data is a must. Unfortunately for many entrepreneurs the decision to increase their company’s data protection comes too late – after they’ve been victimized by a malicious hacker. The good news is, simple and inexpensive steps can be taken to avoid being hacked. According to a recent… Read more
Without knowing your break-even point, you can’t make informed business decisions. To cover the costs of your business you need to sell enough goods or services to reach your break-even point. Knowing where that point is, and how long it will take you to reach it, can be fundamental to your success. This especially true if you’re thinking about starting or buying a business. Calculate fixed and variable costs The… Read more
Whether you are thinking of launching a small, local business or a global enterprise, finding a city that is friendly toward entrepreneurs is important. You want a city that is culturally supportive of business owners, in a region or country that makes things easy for you from a financial perspective. You also want to be in a place where it is easy to attract and retain good talent, and where… Read more
Once you’ve made the decision to sell your home, chances are you’d like to do it as soon as possible. While some houses sell almost as quickly as they hit the market, others sit for a considerable amount of time without generating any offers from prospective buyers. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to increase the odds that your house is in hot demand and sells quickly.… Read more
According to recent research, a staggering two thirds of US millionaire-owned businesses are operating without a succession plan—and even fewer small business owners around the globe are prepared for their CEO’s eventual exit. Recent stats from PWC Global show that family owned businesses are no more prepared: 43% don’t have a succession plan in place, and only 12% survive to the third generation. No matter whether your company has one… Read more
Tips for Managing Debtors When You’re Self-Employed You’ve poured passion, time, and money into fulfilling a contract, have agreed on payment terms and invoiced your customer—and then nothing. Days turn into weeks, and you still haven’t received payment. For single proprietorships and small start-ups, uncollected invoices can sink your business. Suddenly, you’re cash flow negative. Income you needed to cover expenses and pay vendors dries up. Without the safety nets… Read more
Billing schemes. Skimming. Check tampering. Employee fraud is a real risk for entrepreneurs of fewer than 100 employees. In fact, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners 30% of fraud cases take place in small businesses. This article will help you identify the most common signs of fraudulent activity before an unscrupulous employee destroys your business. Identifying high risk employees When an employee has something to hide, their conduct… Read more
“Outsource your weaknesses.” So says start-up guru, Sujan Patel, when advising small business owners to get outside help for tasks like payroll and bookkeeping. And when you consider that 70% of businesses fail due to poor in-house financial management, Patel’s advice seems spot on. Unfortunately, many small business owners seek to keep costs low by doing everything themselves— unwittingly sabotaging the financial stability of their own company. If numbers aren’t… Read more
From Mac computers to make-up, here are six examples of super-strong brands that cornered their markets using different marketing strategies. If you look at their histories and analyze the pivotal moments, you’ll find parallels and pick up tips on how your company can follow in their footsteps and stand on the shoulders of giants. Apple’s call to arms Anyone who remembers Apple’s computers from the 1980s knows its brand loyalty… Read more
There are some things in life that go together well and others that definitely do not. Business and personal finances are in the category of items that should not be mixed. Although it may seem like a headache to keep them separate—who wants to manage all those bank accounts?—your life will be greatly simplified once you separate your personal and your business finances, especially your expenses. Paperwork and taxes will… Read more
Most small businesses experience cash flow problems from time to time and urgently need working capital. Many business owners immediately think of the bank or loans when they’re short of money. But there are other resources you can tap before you ask for that expensive overdraft or overdraft extension. The money you need might already be there—locked up in inventory, assets or your debtors’ book. You can often free up… Read more
The start of a business partnership is an amazing time. Generally speaking, both people are invested financially, emotionally and professionally in the business. It may be stressful to start a business but doing so with a partner gives you someone to share the responsibility and workload with. When you and your partner collaborate and work well together, a partnership can be incredibly fulfilling. When a partnership doesn’t work—or when it… Read more
We now look at eight characteristics important to successful businesses. International researchers who have studied many small businesses have found that these characteristics consistently play a part in the success of small companies. The eight characteristics are: Owners leading by Example Having a simple business structure Information sharing among employees Staff are carefully chosen Staff commitment and loyalty A unique product or service A specific Customer focus Prompt follow up… Read more
Sales is about addressing your customers’ needs and problems. By understanding the issues clients face, you can show them how your solution solves their problem. Here are some tips for asking the right sales questions to better understand and help your customers. 1. Don’t jump into sales questions right away Sales isn’t just about making a sale, although that’s certainly part of it. Sales is about building relationships. That’s how… Read more
One of the most important decisions you’ll ever make in business is your choice of business name. A good name can create the perception of integrity, professionalism, or value-for-money. It could be your business’s biggest asset. A poorly chosen name can discourage potential customers by making your business appear farcical, or even offensive. What’s in a name If you haven’t thought of any names yet or the names you’ve come… Read more
Too many businesses fall over because the owner has not established efficient business systems. This typically happens because the business owner is so caught up in the day-to day running of the business that the fundamentals of good business management get forgotten. Often too it must be said that the owner simply doesn’t like bookkeeping or other administrative tasks, so these get put on the back burner. The symptoms are… Read more
No matter how much money you currently have in the bank, it’s a good idea to consult with a financial planner sooner than later. There’s no better way to start mapping out strategies for investing – and saving – so you can meet your short and long term financial goals. Financial planners are there to help you save time and money as you prepare to buy a house or commercial… Read more
The holiday season is once again here, and with it comes time to relax, focus on family and friends and take stock in what is really important in life. Unless you’re a small business owner. Every small business owner knows that being away from the office can be just as stressful as being in it. Phone calls from employees dealing with a minor crisis will pull your focus from your… Read more