Small Business Articles For Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners

Which Small Towns are Best for Business?

The advances in technology have made it possible for small business owners to live outside of big cities.  People can now work anywhere and anytime because of the Internet.  “Boomtown, USA” author, Jack Shultz, gave OpenForum.com his take on the best small towns for business.  His choices have populations of less than 100,000.  Among these towns […]

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Your Cheat Sheet for Buying a Business

When buying a business, you are buying its future based on its past performance.  Your decision to purchase a business for sale will affect your life style and finances.  A cheat sheet can minimize your risks and uncertainties. 1.  Which business opportunity matches your knowledge, experience and passion?  Is the business for sale profitable?  Is […]

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Growth Of Franchise Businesses – Franchise Lending Is Up Compared To Last Year

Franchise lending is up about 6% from May 2011 to May 2012.  QSRWeb.com gathered this information from the monthly Franchise Lending Index of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and BoeFly.  BoeFly is an online marketplace accessed by lenders to find franchise borrowers.  Its data is collected from over 2,200 lenders in the country.  Some of […]

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Exit Planning in the 2012 Deal Market: Value Added Commitment

“It’s not whether you get knocked down … it’s whether you get up”  Vince Lombardi on Commitment  We know it’s been a rough and tough market to get deals done:   Values are down Buyers are interested, but worried Deal terms and conditions are different in today’s “new normal” Financing remains uncertain, though improving Yet, […]

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Is Obamacare Bad for Small Businesses?

Matthew Yglesias in his Slate.com article believes that small businesses should embrace the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare. He does not share the thinking of the National Federation of Independent Businesses that this health insurance law is a disaster for small businesses.  He says that NFIB’s main priority is low taxes and laments […]

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Partners Should Put Their Business Agreement in Writing

Ann Logue in an Entrepreneur.com article advises partners in a start-up business to put the terms and conditions of their business relationship in writing.  This should be done before your open the doors for your business.  The agreement should cover each party’s roles, responsibilities and obligations.  Changes in the business and in its ownership should […]

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2012 IFA Expo Signals Exciting Future for Franchises

The 2012 International Franchise Expo attracted the most attendance since 2006.  There were 334 exhibitors on hand to talk to prospective franchisees.  All interests and specialties were represented in this exposition.  Successful franchises, new and unique franchise opportunities were evident that the franchising business is growing.   Steve Caldeira, president and CEO of the IFA, said, […]

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Using a Cell Phone as a Business Line? Follow These Three Tips

If you are a solo entrepreneur or home-based business owner, you’re undoubtedly looking for ways to keep expenses down, especially if you’re just getting started. One easy way to do this is to use your cell phone number as your business line. By using your cell phone for business purposes, you can avoid the costs […]

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The Difference between Loss Adjusters and Loss Assessors

Loss Adjuster – Loss Assessor. Very similar names, very different responsibilities. And if you are in business it pays to understand the difference, as this could mean thousands of extra pounds in your pocket. Here’s a quick overview of how the two differ. Everyone agrees that, in business, having the right insurance coverage is essential. […]

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3 Reasons to Buy a LED Sign for your Business

LED signs are popping up everywhere—they shout from the streets, in front of restaurants, big and small businesses. Some wonder what the hype is all about and whether the bright, bold signs are worth the investment. But more and more business owners are seeing that they are for these three reasons: 1. Increases revenue The […]

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Don’t Forget About Disability Insurance!

One of the most vital forms of insurance to any working professional is disability insurance.  Also known as income protection, disability insurance protects workers in case they suffer a traumatic injury or are diagnosed with a chronic condition that prevents you working working and earning your paycheck.  There are two major types of disability insurance: […]

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10 Tips on How to Buy a Business the Right Way

Buying a business is a big and life-changing decision that also involves your family.  You have so much at stake – your savings, energy and time – that the buying process could be overwhelming.  Buying an existing business is less risky than starting a new one.  Its advantages include an existing market, trained employees, ongoing […]

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Four Keys to Building a Profitable Business

The American system of business management has been admired and emulated around the world. It is, characteristically, reflective of two traits in the American psyche: (1) enthusiasm for the future and making things better, and (2) an openness and willingness to change in order to achieve that end. No society in the world is better […]

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Work Time Off Could Be Productive

Running your own business and being your own boss has its upsides.  You answer to no one; you control your own destiny.  Will you consider taking a break a downside?  Will your business take a hit when you are away on vacation?  James, Sutton, a psychologist from Texas, claims that “some of my best ideas […]

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Forecasting Practices for Start-Ups and Small Businesses

What is Forecasting? A definition of Forecasting: – A strategic planning approach that supports management’s attempts to prepare for near and distant future events, based largely on past and present year’s data and trend analysis. Forecasting starts out from compiling a set of assumptions based on the experience, judgment, and knowledge of the management team. […]

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Small Businesses Hope for Lower Taxes in 2012

Taxes are an important part and issue in running small businesses.  Advocacy groups hope Congress will pass laws to simplify compliance and to lower taxes.  Such measures will help small businesses create jobs and improve the economy.  Much depends, too, on the outcome of the elections in 2012.  Barbara Weltman enumerated tax trends for 2012 […]

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The Most Frequent Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

When you decide to venture out on your own and start your very own business, it seems there are dangers awaiting at your every footsteps and risks to be taken at every single stage. In this respect, it’s not all too difficult (or uncommon, for that matter) for a start-up entrepreneur to make a mistake […]

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What to Do Before Starting a Small Business

Jeff Haden lists down the legal requirements or basic infrastructure an entrepreneur must accomplish before starting a small business.  He says there are people at the courthouse or local treasurer’s office willing to assist you.  It will only take two days tops in most areas to finish the list.  Below is the list published at […]

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What is the Best Business to Start Now?

Are you looking to start a business today? Bob Voss at AllBusiness.com advises that you study the current social trends.  What target markets are rapidly and steadily growing?  You should also have a competitive edge over other similar businesses.  Previous experience and know-how in that industry are also advantages if you don’t want shaky surprises. […]

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Franchise Businesses Do Well Despite Poor Economy

During this period of economic downturn, people who lost their jobs or are uncertain about holding onto their jobs usually cannot find new employment. Alisa Harrison of the International Franchise Association said, “They tap home equity, severance packages and sometimes retirement plans to start a new business that they can own so they can have […]

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