Archives: October 2006

Flying Solo: Sole Proprietorships

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 31

The simplest business structure is the sole proprietorship—the IRS's automatic classification for any business started by an individual. Most new businesses with only one owner start out as sole proprietorships....

Are You Doing All You Can for Your Business?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 30

Internet advertising has mushroomed into a billion-dollar industry, and this means great things for scrappy small-business owners. The rise of new Internet advertising tools and technologies make it possible for...

Do You Measure Your Advertising?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 30

If you think back in time, 10 to 15 years ago measuring local advertising performance was significantly less important than it is today. Back then small businesses could assume that...

14 Reasons Small Businesses Need Both a Logo and Marketing Materials

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 26

Experts urge small business owners to "brand" their businesses with a logo and a set of consistent marketing materials. But they rarely explain the reasons behind this advice. Here are...

Ensuring Your Customers' Privacy

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 25

Protecting customers' privacy is essential to maintaining and increasing sales and profits online. As a small-business owner you should start by developing a privacy policy, posting it on your Web...

Top 10 Mistakes Made When Hiring a Lawyer

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 25

Hiring a lawyer is an intensive process. You will often hear people complaining about their relationship with their attorney. Issues can be circumvented if you make a concerted effort to...

Preparing for Change

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 24

Change never comes easily, and small businesses are no exception. That's why it's important for you to prepare your company for change. Start by examining your corporate culture to discover...

Make Waiting Interesting

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 23

If you have customers who have to spend any time at all within the walls of your business, now is a good time to consider implementing digital signage. The concept...

The Fastest Way to Finance Your Small Business

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 20

When you need cash in a hurry, you will find plenty of lenders ready to loan you money at exorbitant rates. Unscrupulous loan brokers routinely prey on small-business owners who...

Understanding Financial Packages

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 19

Loans and venture capital often come in packages—that is, each may have several sources of funding, and one piece of financing may depend on another. Even government programs may require...

Trademark Concerns of Small Businesses

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 18

The idea of marking an item for ownership can be traced back in history to the finding of marks on pottery created many thousands of years ago. The economic use...

Savvy Networking

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 17

Everyone knows that it's important to spend time networking in the places where potential clients are likely to be. But sometimes that can cause real problems, if you arrive at...

Greening Your Business

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 16

You might think that it's impossible for a small business to think green, but that's simply not true. At Clif Bar we started five years ago by taking small steps...

Finding a Good Accountant

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 13

The right accountant can minimize your tax bill and find ways to save you money throughout the year. But what makes a good accountant—and where can you find one? Don't...

Tips for Using E-mail

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 12

Although e-mail is considered less formal than paper correspondence, your business messages should convey a professional tone. Remember these e-mail etiquette tips the next time you send a message: 1....

Eight Collateral Marketing Items Every Small Business Needs

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 11

Over time, you'll want to provide information about your company to lots of different people, including employees, investors, existing and potential clients, and the media. Your company's success may depend...

Getting the Best Results with Direct-Mail Marketing

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 10

Direct mail can be a high-powered, cost-effective marketing tool. Tie direct mailings to other marketing efforts like local advertising, networking, or public relations efforts. Here are a few pointers that...

Selecting the Right Network Server

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 09

Selecting the right network server is a complicated decision that requires you to first know your business environment and your plan for growth. Here are some things to keep in...

Competing for Retail Space?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 06

As a small retailer, my credit rating is very good, but I'm not The Gap. Are there tricks to competing against national chains to get good retail space? To read...

Firing an Employee

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 05

Every employer should exercise caution when firing an employee. Not handling the termination according to government regulations could create serious problems. In right-to-hire states, you can fire an employee for...

How Much Personal Background Should You Include in a Business Plan?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 04

Typically, the success or failure of a small business is based on the background and experience of the entrepreneur. If, for example, you are opening a restaurant, it is beneficial...

Overcoming the Home-Based Business Image

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 03

Although home businesses are becoming more and more accepted, some people still question their credibility. Image is part of marketing and can be especially important for a home-based business. Build...

Cultivating Confident Employees

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 02

Confident employees are the lifeblood for any small business. Here are some tips for ensuring your employees will be up to the challenges that come their way. 1. Ask them...