Doing business on a handshake sounds nice, but it’s not smart business. No matter how well you think you know someone, or how much you feel as though you can trust them, when it comes to business, ALWAYS, ALWAYS get it in writing. Without a written document clearly defining responsibilities and expectations it’s simply your word against their’s when something goes wrong.
For many small business and start-up owners, it’s been a very rough few years. Just keeping the doors open has been a challenge. If you’re one of those entrepreneurs, you may have fallen behind in your payments to Uncle Sam. Here’s your opportunity to make a “fresh start” with the IRS.
During December, small business owners often feel like they are in a time warp. In the blink of an eye, it’s January 1st, and tax time. You still have time to get your business ready for the 2013 tax season.
Did you know where you sit during a meeting could impact your image? It’s true. Arrive early so you can determine where the person in charge will be seated, then select a seat directly across from him or her. From that vantage point, you’ll be in the best position to make eye contact and engage. Stay focused on the individual, and be an active part of the conversation — asking questions and making comments.
It’s been a tough year for many small businesses, and some clients have been slower than usual to pay their outstanding invoices. When a customer fails to pay in a timely fashion, it creates a cash flow crunch. It would be great if customers paid you up front. But that, of course, isn’t realistic in most cases. So what do you do?