Archives: June 2006

How to Hire a Lawyer

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 30

When it comes to hiring a lawyer, it's better to be prepared than to be caught off guard. No business owner wants to begin screening law firms while dealing with...

Comply with Sarbanes-Oxley from the Start

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 29

If you are planning to raise outside capital or you plan to sell to the largest companies in the country, start being Sarbanes-Oxley-compliant now. SOX is the new rule book,...

Ten Signs Your Business Is Growing Too Fast

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 28

It's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of activity known as rapid growth, especially when it hits you unexpectedly. But if your expansion goes unchecked, it can be...

Understanding Your Target Market

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 27

No business can be all things to all people. Instead, you must reach specific customers and satisfy their particular needs. As an entrepreneur, you must identify those customers and understand...

"Uncivil" Service

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 26

In more and more of my professional conversations, I am hearing about workplace manners—or the lack thereof. Common complaints include interruptions, foul language, chronic lateness, missed deadlines, ill-tempered voice mails,...

Controversy in the Office

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 23

Politics, religion, corporate scandals, international conflict—do you feel comfortable talking about controversial subjects at work? While many of us try to avoid controversy and seek quick resolutions, meaningful conflict can...

Being an Entrepreneur and Being a Leader

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 22

Different skills and talents are needed to take your company from a startup to a thriving enterprise. There is a real difference between entrepreneurs who start companies and leaders who...

Business Overview Section of a Business Plan

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 21

Unlike the executive summary, which must be concise, this is where you can elaborate on the details of the business. Typically, this section is used to explain your vision and...

Making a Family Business Run Smoothly

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 20

Some family businesses are all sound and fury and have more in common with the plot of a soap opera than a Harvard B-school case study. But if you follow...

A Guide to Hiring the Right People

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 19

Today's customers have high expectations for quality products and services. To meet those demands and keep customers coming back, you need qualified employees who are as committed to your business...

Be Thrifty with Your Legal Dollars

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 16

Lawyers calculate their fees by adding up the time spent on your case, so make sure your lawyer is using your time wisely. One way to keep legal fees down...

Early-Stage Stock Still Attracts Top-Level Talent

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 15

Though stock-for-work is a less popular pay alternative these days, it still may be the only way that you can attract the level and quality of employees you need in...

Basic Rules for Buying a Business

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 14

Instead of starting from scratch, you can usually find someone with a business who wants to sell. Buying an established enterprise may be more costly, but it's less risky than...

Know When You're Getting Stale

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 13

If you've been running your business for 10 years or more, it's probably time for fresh leadership. Consider bumping yourself up to chairman and getting a new CEO. Recognize that...

Emerging Markets Overseas

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 12

If you're thinking of getting involved overseas, emerging markets present a great source of opportunity -- as well as incredible challenges. But with a bit of strategic planning, small businesses...

Co-worker Driving You Nuts? Be a Professional: Talk About It

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 09

Healthy work relationships between employees are one of the keys to success for a small business. In a small firm, there is little space, few people, and team members are...

Treat your Web Site As One of Your Best Employees

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 08

A company needs to treat its Web site as an investment, as a tool, and as it would a trusted employee. With the Internet maturing in services and offerings, many...

60-Second Guide to Getting A Loan

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 07

Getting a small business loan is not as easy as saying you have a great idea and holding out your hand. While it is difficult to get a start-up business...

Stretching Your Startup Cash

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 06

Raising several million for a startup may sound like a lot, but the money can go fast. Here are some strategies to stretch the dollar: First and foremost: Focus on...

Spend Your IT Dollars Wisely

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 05

Be smart about where you spend your IT dollars. Keep in mind that you don't have to spend a load of cash to keep up with the big guys. Take...

Cutting Costs

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 02

Real cost-saving strategies for small businesses are based on realism and execution. For example, for online companies that receive limited office visits, spending a large portion of their budget on...

The Importance of Correctly Classifying Independent Contractors

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on June 01

If you misclassify your workers, you can get into legal trouble with the IRS, state taxing authorities, and the misclassified worker. The IRS is interested in how you classify your...