By J.L. on September 29, 2008
There are two professionals every business will need early on: an accountant and a lawyer. The reasons for hiring an accountant are pretty obvious, you need someone to help you set up your “chart of accounts,” review your numbers periodically, and prepare all of your necessary federal, state and local tax returns.
The reason for hiring a business attorney may not, however, be so apparent. A good business attorney will [...]
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Posted in Start-Ups | Tagged capital, financing, law firm, small business, small business legal help, tax, venture capital
By J.L. on September 15, 2008
As with any business move or expansion, considering an online presence can raise a sometimes dizzying list of questions for an entrepreneur. Exactly what must be put in place to make it happen? How does an online presence change the market for the business? What are competitors doing? How will people shop? What kind of security is required? How will customers pay online? Why Go Online? The most amazing aspect of e-commerce is its ability to impact sales and marketing [...]
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Posted in Start-Ups | Tagged e-commerce, internet sales, online business, online sales, online shopping cart, shopping cart
By J.L. on April 21, 2008
Money management is tricky business. In addition to customers, cash flow and managing your accounts properly is what keeps your business humming along. Consequently, getting paid in full and on time, as well as understanding …
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Posted in Start-Ups | Tagged business license, capital, customer service, e-commerce, internet sales, inventory, small business, tax
By J.L. on April 7, 2008
How many times have you tried so hard to match the skills of a candidate to the demands of the open position that the most important characteristics of a person have been relegated to lesser importance or forgotten entirely?
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Posted in Start-Ups | Tagged competition, customer service, government, internet business, sales success, small business, strategy
By J.L. on March 24, 2008
A business card is a very important part of your marketing plan. In fact, it’s the most powerful part. Don’t expect your business card to tell the whole story about your company. Expect it to present a professional image people will remember. A business card will make or ….
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Posted in Start-Ups | Tagged marketing strategy, promote, sales success
By J.L. on January 7, 2008
You’ve decided to strike out on your own. So, what kind of business structure will you choose? Answer these two questions and you’ve got your answer:
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Posted in Start-Ups | Tagged business license, capital, small business, strategy, tax
By J.L. on November 19, 2007
The prices you charge for what you sell have an enormous ability to affect your company’s growth. They can lure some customers and drive others away, produce profits from declining products and turn cash cows into money-losing dogs.
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Posted in Start-Ups | Tagged competition, customer service, customer service policy, internet sales, inventory, marketing strategy, online business, online sales, online shopping cart, sales success, target market
By J.L. on October 22, 2007
When starting a new business, it’s easy for you to ignore licenses and permits. Getting them is about as fun as a dentist’s visit. Failing to do so from the beginning is one of the most common mistakes new entrepreneurs make.
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Posted in Start-Ups | Tagged business license, government, tax