The meaningful connections and conversations you have as a small business owner help you build a network of people who may become customers, employees (or contractors), investors, or sources of new opportunities. Those new connections and conversations build trust and respect, helping you reach the right people and generate new prospects for yourself and your...

By George Birrell of Taxhub The following is a sponsored content post. Due to the global pandemic, extended closures for businesses, and a generally drastic change in lifestyle for most if not all of us, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service extended the time period for U.S. taxpayers to file tax returns.  The deadline...

Small-business owners who prefer to pay estimated taxes as part of their overall tax strategy face an updated payment approach for 2020. Many may need to revisit their estimated payments for the first two quarters, which now have updated deadlines extended by the IRS. Learn how to calibrate your approach to tax payments this year...

Many employers see training as part of an onboarding process for new talent. But after the first few months, training can get shelved and attention refocuses on day-to-day issues. Yet there are many reasons to train employees on an ongoing basis through professional development activities. First off, know what your team members want from their jobs....

Before the pandemic created the need to minimize physical and social contact, you probably didn’t think you needed a remote work policy. You either had no remote workers or you considered yourself too small of a business to draft a formal document. Now you need to work remotely to keep projects moving forward. You may...

When starting a business, it’s typical to look for venture capital, angel investors, and even co-founders to help get the company up and running. While funding is necessary for almost all businesses, seeking it out yourself isn’t necessarily the right path for everyone. Instead, knowing how to bootstrap your startup might be a better option....

As a business owner, it can be painful (and costly) when an employee leaves your company. And since high turn-over can signal problems to other prospective talent, it’s important to retain them for the well-being of your business. No matter which employee quit, determining why they left is the first step to building a stronger...

Seattle has long been known for inciting the country’s coffee culture. But now that we’re all sufficiently caffeinated, these days it’s the technology scene causing a buzz. Situated well north of the traditional tech enclave known as Silicon Valley, Seattle has come into its own as a magnet for innovative companies and a supportive community...

You’ve perhaps heard a lot about branding a business, but how much time have you invested in building your personal brand? Just like a business’ brand helps form that company’s identity, your personal branding is part of how you market yourself. It can encompass everything from your experiences to your beliefs. And, when it’s done well,...

Each section in a business plan has a specific purpose. Together, they can help an entrepreneur run their company. While some sections focus on market opportunity, other aspects of your business plan must address potential challenges. One of these obstacles is competition and your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. This information influences how you build your new product...