Building business in a barren landscape
There may have been more enthusiasm for some business when they first opened, but now that the economy is still in a slump, even startup companies are finding it hard to get a good grounding in terms of establishing a customer base.
Protecting assets from internal upset
To avoid financial failure, be sure to get sound financial investment advice at the onset and maintain a system of reviews over your business just in case a familial crisis should occur.
How to make your business the best
Chances are if you’ve come up with an innovative business idea or model, somebody is eventually going to copy you, if they haven’t already.
Getting the right coverage to safeguard your assets
Like any other sort of insurance up for sale there are different plans and kinds of coverage, so you’ll want to do some research and get financial advice before choosing the one that’s right for your company.
Check yourself before you wreck your small business
Starting your own work-from-home business may feel simpler and easier than investing in a storefront, buying technology and filling a space with inventory, but it’s important to know if you’re allowed to before you go ahead and do it, or else you could be in serious legal trouble.
Get a good start: Tips for budding entrepreneurs
Simply getting financial tips won’t be enough to give you a strong idea of how to run a whole company right out the chute.
Keeping home and work separate for success
There are many situations in life that can feel overwhelming, some moreso than others.
Healthcare helping or hurting HR
Reviewing costs and benefits would be a good idea before deciding which direction to go with your financial plan.
First figuring for financial fitness
Before forging ahead with buying inventory, pursuing a commercial loan or hiring your first employee, putting a total dollar amount on opening up shop will help determine if it’s a feasible idea or just a pipe dream.
Finding a friendly place for your business to call home
One of the biggest steps in a new business’ financial plan should be figuring out where to set up shop. It may not be as simple though as looking for a vacant storefront; you might want to consider first the different speed bumps state and federal governments could throw in your way.
Smart business through technology growth
As a small business, your cash flow is strong and consistent and you’re starting to think about where you might want to put money back into your company to help it grow. If you’re still running on old technology you might want to consider an update; you might actually be hurting your productivity.
Keeping your head in the investing game
The Investing Sentiment Survey (ISS) released recently shows most investors are feeling overwhelmed and confused by the variety and complexity of products, so if you’re looking for good financial advisement, don’t be afraid to look for help.
Group-Term Life Insurance as an Employee Benefit
Employers know that the employees of a business will effectively determine whether the venture will be a success or not. Committed employees who are satisfied with their jobs, and the rewards their jobs bring, are a significant asset of any successful business. That...
Baby’s first years: Making sure your new business starts right
Now you’ve gotten enough money together, come up with a business plan, and you’re all set to open your doors and let the customers roll in, but how can you be sure of success?
Looking for funds in all the wrong places
Your business might be feeling the pinch this year as prices on goods keep going up but consumer spending doesn’t keep up. Before you put in all your savings, talk to My Bank about your financing options.
Is now a good time to hire?
Your small business has come a long way but maybe you’re noticing more often that you just don’t seem to have enough time to get everything done anymore.
Study offers insight into common cash flow pitfalls
Research sponsored by small business coaching firm Advicoach found that as many as half of entrepreneurs running their own firms use personal credit cards to compensate for poor cash flow caused by a lack of funding or revenue.
Taking the next step: Tips for small business employee recruitment
So, your small business financial plan is solid.
How long can your small business operate in the red?
Even small business owners who think they have a thorough financial plan in place that will help their companies remain solvent can fall victim to unfortunate circumstances.
Become a standout entrepreneur
Small business owners are notorious for being the first through the door in the morning and the last to leave at night.
Organizing your small business’ to-do’s and not-right-now’s
Small business owners are historically busy people.
How to be a strategic entrepreneur
For small business owners like you, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks associated with running your own company.
Unpacking the recent Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity
According to the most recent Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, the rate of small business creation fell last year.
Boosting productivity and achieving momentum
When it comes to getting things done, people tend to get caught up in what they’re doing, rather than taking a step back to look at what they’ve already accomplished and where they plan to go next.
Prioritizing your priorities: Small business 101
For small business owners like you, every aspect of running your company can seem like a priority.
Correcting small business tax misconceptions
The Internal Revenue Service’s 2012 tax filing deadline is Tuesday, April 17. Tax Day is typically April 15, but it’s a little later this year.
How to forecast revenue
The idea of predicting revenue can be a daunting one. After all, nothing is certain, and even conditions you’re fairly confident about can change unexpectedly.
Putting together sales projections – and what to do when these aren’t met
The financial plan you have in place for your small business should include a segment for projected revenues and sales.
Optimizing how you manage your small business finances
According to recent research sponsored by AdviCoach, a business coaching and advisory service for small and medium-sized companies, managing finances is a key challenge for many entrepreneurs.
The sunny side of owning your own business
During a turbulent economy, the negative side of owning a small business is often the aspect that’s publicized.
Study reveals worryingly few entrepreneurs have retirement plans
A recent study by The American College revealed that three-quarters of small business owners (SBOs) have no written plan for retirement.
Are you ready to expand your small business?
As the owner of a local small business, you know the hardships involved with getting a company off the ground.
Half of small business owners don’t have an appropriate retirement plan, study finds
According to a recent study by Fidelity Investments, more than half (53 percent) of the nearly six million small businesses in the nation don’t have an optimal retirement plan.
Making your small business dream a reality
A Civic Ventures study released in November of last year found that one-quarter of American citizens between the ages of 44 and 70 were interested in starting their own companies.
So, you’re thinking of starting a small business
If you’re considering founding your own company, the first thing to know is that you’re not alone.
Work with a community bank to maximize your small business’ success
Recent government reports revealed that 40 percent of all small business lending is made by financial institutions $1 billion or less in size, according to the Times of Northwest Indiana.
Cash flow management, financial services and you
Cash flow management can seem intimidating for small business owners.
Help from a community bank could catalyze small business success
According to a recent CNBC article by Louis Hernandez, Jr., community-based financial institutions are best equipped to help small enterprises begin to recover from the recession.
Breaking down the formula for improving your small business’ cash flow
The formula for improving your cash flow is a simple one.
Don’t overlook succession planning
According to a 2009 study conducted by The Family Firm Institute, fewer than one-third of family-owned small businesses make it to the second generation, approximately 15 percent to the third and just 3 percent to the fourth and beyond.
Keeping up with your company’s cash flow
Money goes in, money goes out. Make sure your business checking account is up to the challenge.
Chamber of Commerce survey: Outlook bright for local economies
A recently released United States Chamber of Commerce study revealed that although the national economy continues to falter and many small business owners believe the country is on the wrong track, the outlook is better for local economies.