Resources

Category: Business Accounting

An Accountant’s Secret to Making Your Business Credit Cards Work For You

Credit cards get a bad rap. They are intertwined with massive debt, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Learning how to use business credit cards can help you move your business forward.

We don’t recommend getting into credit card debt. That is not going to make your business credit card work for you. Instead, we recommend using business credit cards to make purchases that you know you can afford.

The only way to effectively use business credit cards is to pay them off, in full, each month. If you can’t do that, then you can’t make credit cards work in your favor and you’ll be a slave to the credit card company.

If you can pay off your credit cards each month, then you can take advantage of these benefits.

Build Credit with Your Business Credit Cards

The most important thing you can do with your credit cards is to build credit. A lot of people want to pay cash to avoid going into debt, but when you own a business that’s just not possible. Your business must have established credit.

One of the best reasons to build credit through business credit cards is so that you can make future purchases. Business who don’t have any credit have higher loan rates, if they can even qualify for a loan. However, if your business has a solid credit history you will be able to get loans to grow your business.

Earn Rewards from Your Cards

Who doesn’t love earning rewards? Earning rewards from your business credit cards is like getting free money (or travel, or whatever reward your card offers.)

The key to this “free money” is to pay those credit cards off in full! Like we discussed before, this is the only way to get the most out of your cards.

When you’re choosing business credit cards look at all the different rewards options and choose which will benefit you and your business the most. If you travel a lot, then choose a card with reward miles; then you can save money on flights, and maybe even get in-flight perks! If travel isn’t a big deal for you, cash back rewards are always great. You can use your rewards in countless ways.

Track Your Business Expenses

First and foremost, we want to emphasize that you need a business credit card. You shouldn’t be using a personal credit card for business purchases. This causes a lot of headache when it comes time to reconcile accounts. As bookkeepers, we beg you to separate your personal and business expenses!

Second, credit card statements are a great way to keep track of your business’ expenses. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows you to use credit card statements as proof of purchase, so if you lose a receipt but have a credit card statement, you can still prove that you made a business purchase. Most credit card companies keep records of purchases for years. If you have an online account, you can access those anytime.

Monitor Business Finances

As long as we’re talking about business expenses, we might as well mention monitoring your business’ finances.

Employers can hand out company cards to employees, which has a lot of benefits (like not having to run to the store to pick up a birthday cake yourself.) But, there’s always a risk involved with handing out a card. If you want to make sure your employees aren’t abusing the credit card, you can monitor all the purchases.

Another common scenario, as employees move up in the company they get company cards. Managers need to have access to company money and a credit card is a great way to get them that access. If this is the case in your company, look for business credit cards that allow you to give your employees their own cards free of charge. Some cards will even allow you to set spending limits for each card. This can help you monitor who is keeping to their budgets.

Don’t let your business credit cards get the best of you. Learn how to use them and make them work for you!

Claiming Travel Expenses on Your Business Trip (Plus How You Can Afford to Bring the Whole Family)

Business travel expenses add up quickly when you’re trying to impress clients or even just need to stay a couple nights in a new city. Hotels, food and transportation costs add up quickly. Luckily, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) counts business travel expenses as deductible items. Claiming travel expenses can help you save money whenever you have to leave town on business.

When you’re claiming travel expenses you want to make sure that you’re doing it correctly, so that you can avoid a tax audit. Knowing what constitutes a business travel expense and how to claim them will keep you safe.

What Constitutes a Business Travel Expense?

The IRS allows you to claim travel expenses when you leave the general area of your tax home for longer than a day’s work. Your tax home is wherever you do your work. That means if your tax home is in Salt Lake City, but you have to travel to San Diego for business, claiming travel expenses would be acceptable.

However, if your tax home is in Salt Lake City, but you live in Las Vegas and you travel to Salt Lake during for the week for work, where you stay in a hotel and eat out at restaurants but return to Las Vegas every weekend, you cannot claim travel expenses. Salt Lake would be the tax home so any expenses to get to and from your tax home would not be deductible.

What Expenses can I Claim?

After you’ve determined if your expenses qualify as business travel, it’s time to determine what is deductible. As with all business expenses, claiming travel expenses must be necessary and ordinary. You cannot claim any travel expenses that are lavish, extravagant or personal.

The IRS allows you to claim the following travel expenses:

Travel by plane, bus, car or train.
Taxi fare between your hotel and the train/bus station or airport. Transportation between your hotel and the work location. Travel from customer to customer or from your work to a customer. Ubers or other ride sharing services are also deductible.
Shipping of baggage and other necessary business tools. This can include, but isn’t limited to, displays and sample materials.
Use of a car, for business purposes. This includes a car rental. You can deduct mileage for business trips only; you must subtract any personal use. Any tolls or parking fees can also be claimed as travel expenses.
Meals and lodging
Dry cleaning or laundry services
Business calls, or other forms of communication, such as faxes.
Any tips paid on these services.
Entertainment costs when you’re doing business.

Other expenses can be claimed, but it’s best to consult your accountant with any questions.

How does Claiming Travel Expenses Work?

If you plan on claiming travel expenses we have one piece of advice: keep your receipts. The fastest, easiest way to prove how much you can deduct on a business trip is by knowing what you paid. Save all of your receipts from meals, hotels, cab rides, absolutely any time you pay someone ask for a receipt. (When you’re tipping keep track of how much you pay and where you paid it so that you have a record of it.)

When you file your tax return you’ll fill out an IRS from for business trips and submit with your tax return.

How Can I Turn My Business Trip into a Vacation?

Business trips can be incredibly boring if you go back to your hotel alone and watch TV every night. However, if you plan it out right, you could bring the whole family along and turn your business trip into a memorable family vacation.

If you are in charge of the plans for your business trip, then it makes it a lot easier to add some family time. Because you need to focus on business while you’re on your trip, try find a way to extend the trip so you can spend a few days with your family. The IRS isn’t usually too keen about adding days to the end of your trip, so try to schedule meetings late in the week (Thursday or Friday) and at the beginning of the week (Monday or Tuesday.) That way you can spend the weekend doing fun family activities.

Just because you’re bringing your family on a business trip doesn’t mean that their expenses are business related. You must keep your family’s expenses separate from your business expenses. You can’t deduct anything that you do for your family as business expenses. However, as long as the trip is mostly business your travel to and from the destination is still considered a business expense.

Customer Appreciation: How taking the extra step can bring in more business

Most business owners think that big marketing campaigns are the best way to bring more business in; however, there is a little secret that can beat any marketing campaign: customer appreciation. Customer appreciation is the best way to maintain clients and bring in new ones. The best part is that it can be done at a very low cost.

Why is Customer Appreciation Important?

Think about your relationships with businesses. Which ones are your favorites? Why are they your favorites? Probably because they take an interest in you, or they strive to make you happy. That’s exactly what customer appreciation is about.

As businesses scale, they typically stop focusing on making individuals happy and they focus on numbers. When this happens they end up losing business because they don’t care about the people anymore. In fact, 68% of customers leave a business because they believe the business doesn’t care about them. That is a huge percentage!

In order to keep those people, and have them refer you more business, you have to show your customers that while you’re growing, you still care about the individual.

If you want to stay ahead of your competition, you need to focus on customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Customer Appreciation

Increase Market Value

In a day and age where you can easily be replaced by an online option, you have to show people why they should choose you. Companies who put customers first often have outstanding reviews. Those reviews are what drive more business to you.

Increase Customer Loyalty

Customer loyalty cannot over stated. Loyal customers not only bring you a steady stream of business, but they are likely to recommend your business to family and friends. And a recommendation from someone you trust is more powerful than any other type of marketing.

Increase Profits

Showing your customers that you appreciate them encourages them to buy from you time and again. Which is great for you for two reasons. First, it’s six to seven times cheaper to sell to a repeat customer than to acquire a new one. Second, once they trust you they’re more likely to spend more money at your business.

Customer Appreciation Ideas

Now that you understand the importance of customer appreciation, we want to give you a few ideas on how you can show your customers how much they mean to you.

A Handwritten Note

Whether it be a thank you note, or just a random note telling your customers what they mean to you, a handwritten note always goes a long way. The key to this is that your note must be handwritten. An email doesn’t have the same level of thought to it. A great way to include a note is in any packages you send, or maybe even a card for their birthday.

Gift Cards

A gift card is a great way to show your customers that you appreciate them. You can send a small amount like $5 or a large amount, either way getting a gift card is exciting. If you work with other businesses, support them by giving out gift cards to those businesses.

Spotlight Customers

Everyone loves a shout out! Show customers how much they mean to you by telling everyone you know about them. Link to their website and social media accounts when you can. This helps them gain exposure and can help build their businesses as well!

Reward Repeat Customers

A lot of companies offer deals for new clients or customers, but what about the people who are always there? Make sure you show them that you appreciate their continued support. Give them 10% off their next purchase!

Listen To and Implement Feedback

When your customers take the time to give you a suggestion or compliment, show them that you appreciate it by replying. Let your customers know that you appreciate their input. If you can implement their idea, let them know how it made a difference in your business. Maybe even reward them if you can. (Any of the suggestions above would be great to combine with this!)

Hold a Customer Appreciation Event

Nothing says “Thank you” like food! If your clients are mostly local hold an event where they can bring their families and mingle with your business. When you get the whole family involved it really shows that you appreciate their support. If you can’t do a local event, try to host something online! The possibilities are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Customer Appreciation

1. Why is customer appreciation more effective than big marketing campaigns?

Customer appreciation builds personal connections, fostering loyalty and positive reviews, which are powerful in attracting and retaining business.
2. How does customer appreciation increase market value for businesses?
Prioritizing customers creates outstanding reviews, enhancing your market value. Positive feedback attracts more business and sets you apart from online options.
3. Why is customer loyalty crucial for business success?
Loyal customers provide a steady stream of business and are more likely to recommend your business to others. Trust from loyal customers leads to increased profits.
4. What are some customer appreciation ideas to implement?
Ideas include sending handwritten notes, offering gift cards, spotlighting customers on your platforms, rewarding repeat customers, and hosting customer appreciation events.
5. How can businesses show they appreciate customer feedback?
Respond promptly to feedback, implement valuable suggestions, and consider rewarding customers for their input. Building a feedback loop strengthens customer relationships.

LLC or S Corp, Which is Best for My Business?

Choosing a business entity can be confusing. If you’re debating between registering as a LLC or S Corp, we can help break down the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision.

Keep in mind as you choose between a LLC or S Corp, what is going to be best for your business now, as well as in the future. You can always change your entity as your business grows, but it doesn’t hurt to look ahead.

What is an LLC?

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, “A limited liability company (LLC) is a hybrid type of legal structure that provides the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership.”

Liability

An LLC separates a business from the business owner in terms of liability. In the event that they are sued or in debt, their personal assets (home, cars, investments) cannot be touched. Owners of a LLC are only liable for as much money as they put into the company. For example, if you invest $10,000 in your LLC then get into debt for $20,000, you’re only potentially liable for the $10,000.

Because the LLC is separate from the business owner, the owner cannot “pierce the corporate veil,” meaning that they can’t mix personal and business. If the lines become blurred the owner can loose his or her protection.

Taxes

When you’re registered as a LLC, the federal government doesn’t tax your business directly. Instead, they tax your personal income (or the income of all members). You would still take any deductions on your business expenses, but you don’t have to file a separate tax return for your business. Some states may require LLCs to file separate tax returns, so make sure you learn about the laws for your state.

Although you aren’t submitting a separate tax return for your business, the IRS still requires you to pay estimated quarterly taxes for your LLC.

Set up

LLCs are relatively easy to set up. The paperwork is fairly minimal and it usually only costs a couple hundred dollars.

What is a S Corp?

An S Corporation (S Corp), is a type of corporation that meets specific IRS requirements. S Corps have the benefits of a corporation but are taxed as a partnership. In order to qualify as a S Corp, the business must have 100 or fewer shareholders.

Liability

Like a LLC, a S Corp separates business owners from the business. Creditors can only go after the business they can’t touch the business owner’s assets to pay any debts. Shareholders are also only held accountable for their investments in the company.

Taxes

The taxation of a S Corp is what sets it apart from other business entities. When you have a S Corp, you don’t have to pay taxes on the business itself. Instead it is taxed through the income of the shareholders. Any shareholder who works for the must be paid a “reasonable wage.” A reasonable wage is usually fair market value for the position and size of the company. After the wages are paid, the rest of the income from the business is passed onto the shareholders as dividends. The benefit of an S Corp is that dividends are taxed at a vey low rate, if they are taxed at all.

The laws for S Corps are not the same in each state. Be prepared to pay taxes if that is what your state requires.

Set up

Getting a S Corp established takes a lot more than an LLC. Most S Corps spend a considerable amount in attorney and accounting fees. There is a lot of paperwork involved. You must also develop a board and bylaws, issue stock, hold board meetings and keep records of each board meeting.

The IRS also has the following requirements for S Corps

Shareholders must be US citizens
Cannot have more than 100 shareholders (spouses count as separate shareholders)
Can only have one class of stock

Final decision: LLC or S Corp?

Deciding between a LLC or S Corp, it comes down to your business individually; there is no right answer.

That being said, you need to consider the pros and cons of both. LLCs and S Corps have limited liability protection, so you don’t have to weight that option. However, the tax benefits and set up requirements should be considered.

Before you make a big business decision like this, it’s best to involve your accountant and lawyer, they can help you determine what is best for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the main difference between an LLC and an S Corp?

The main difference lies in taxation and setup complexity. LLCs offer flexibility and straightforward taxation through personal income, while S Corps provide tax advantages on dividends but require more complex setup and compliance.

How does liability protection differ between an LLC and an S Corp?

Both LLCs and S Corps offer limited liability protection, meaning business owners’ personal assets are protected from business debts and lawsuits. Owners are only liable up to the amount they invested in the company.

What are the tax benefits of an LLC?

LLCs are taxed through the owner’s personal income, avoiding double taxation. Business expenses can still be deducted, but estimated quarterly taxes must be paid. Some states may require separate tax returns for LLCs.

What are the requirements for setting up an S Corp?

Answer: Setting up an S Corp involves more complexity and costs, including attorney and accounting fees. It requires establishing a board, issuing stock, holding board meetings, and meeting IRS requirements such as having no more than 100 shareholders and only one class of stock.

When should I consider consulting a professional when deciding between an LLC and an S Corp?

It’s advisable to consult an accountant and lawyer when making this decision. They can help you understand the pros and cons specific to your business and ensure compliance with state and federal laws, optimizing your business structure choice.

What is a Joint Return?

A joint return is a tax return filed on the behalf of a married couple. Filing a joint return means that both parities share the tax liability. A joint return is also referred to as married filing jointly.

Only legally married couples can file a joint return. In order to file a joint return for any year you have to have been married on or before the last day of the year. If your spouse dies, the widowed spouse can still file a joint return for that year. However, going forward they would have to file a single return. If you get divorced at any point in the year you cannot file a joint return for that year.

Couples filing a joint return may benefit from:

Lower tax rates
Higher standard deduction
All information for a couple reported on one return, rather than having to file individually

Joint Return Scenarios

Joint Return: Newlyweds

Jason and Isabel were married on New Year’s Eve of 2016. When it came time to pay their 2016 taxes, they discussed what kind of tax return they should file with their accountant. He suggested a joint return. Even though they weren’t married for very much for 2016, they were still married on the last day of the year and they qualified for a joint return. However, if Jason and Isabel had been married at midnight, it would have been considered a 2017 wedding and they would have had to file single for 2016.

Joint Return: Widowed

Joel recently lost his wife of 10 years. When he goes to file taxes for the year, he can still file a joint return. However, after this year he would no longer qualify for a joint return. He does have a few options on filing returns. Joel can file as single, head of household or surviving spouse. He can discuss with his accountant which would provide the most benefits for him and his dependents.

Joint Return: Divorce

Ivan and Jessica were married for most of 2016; however, they divorced in November of 2016. Even though they were married for a majority of the year, they must both file single tax returns for 2016 and going forward until they remarry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a joint return?
A joint return is a tax return filed on behalf of a married couple, where both spouses share the tax liability. It is also known as “married filing jointly.”

2. Who is eligible to file a joint return?
Only legally married couples can file a joint return. You must be married on or before the last day of the tax year to qualify. Widowed spouses can file jointly for the year their spouse passed away, but must file single thereafter.

3. What are the benefits of filing a joint return?
Couples filing a joint return may enjoy lower tax rates, a higher standard deduction, and the convenience of reporting all their information on one return instead of filing separately.

4. Can a couple who got married at the end of the year file a joint return?
Yes, as long as you were married on or before December 31st of the tax year, you can file a joint return, even if you were married late in the year.

5. What happens if a couple divorces during the tax year?
If a couple divorces at any point in the year, they cannot file a joint return for that year. Both must file as single or head of household, depending on their circumstances.

What Business Records You Should Keep for Tax Purposes

Keeping business records for tax purposes can be completely overwhelming, but it’s critical in order to keep your business safe if you’re ever audited. The most overwhelming part of keeping business records is knowing what records are important. We’ll go through the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) recommendations on what to keep and how long to keep it.

What Kind of Business Records Should You Keep?

First, we need to identify what business records are important to keep. You should keep records showing your income and expenses, as well as any proof of tax deductions you plan to take. The IRS has a few recommendations on what to keep.

Income Records

Proving income is pretty straightforward. You’ll want to keep records so that you can accurately pay your taxes.

Income records include:

Cash register tapes
Receipt books
Invoices
Deposit information (cash and credit sales)

Expense Records

Keeping records of your expenses is an important part of bookkeeping so that you can take deductions and lower your taxable income.

You’ll want to keep records (such as receipts or invoices) showing the following expenses:

Loss of income (cancelled checks, unpaid invoices)
Travel
Business meals
Transportation
Gifts

Asset Records

If you plan on deducting any of your assets you’ll also want to keep records on them. Business assets range from office furniture to equipment and even property. You’ll have to calculate the depreciation of each asset and the gains of any asset sold. In order to do that you’ll want to keep records on the following:

When and how you acquired the asset
Purchase price
Cost of any improvements
Deductions taken for depreciation
How you used the asset
When and how you disposed of an asset
Selling price of asset
Expenses associated with the sale of assets

How Long to Keep Business Records

In most cases the IRS recommends you keep your business records for a minimum of three years.

The IRS requires that you keep records for three years after the due date of the tax return or the date you filed the tax return, whichever is later. The period of limitations to file an amendment is three years; however the IRS can audit you up to six years later. After that you are no longer required to have your tax return or documentation.

Even if these tax deadline pass, make sure that your insurance company or creditors don’t require you to keep these records longer.

Download our FREE guide: What Business Records You Should Keep for Tax Purposes and keep it at your desk as a reminder.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of business records should I keep for tax purposes?

You should keep records that show your income, expenses, and any proof of tax deductions you plan to take. Specifically, you should keep income records like cash register tapes, receipt books, invoices, and deposit information. For expenses, keep receipts or invoices related to loss of income, travel, business meals, transportation, and gifts. Additionally, maintain records for any business assets, including details on purchase price, depreciation, and the sale of assets.

2. How long do I need to keep my business records?

The IRS recommends keeping your business records for at least three years. Specifically, you should retain records for three years after the due date of the tax return or the date you filed the tax return, whichever is later. While the IRS can audit you up to six years after filing, it’s generally safe to discard records after this period, unless your insurance company or creditors require you to keep them longer.

3. Why is it important to keep records of my business assets?

Keeping records of your business assets is crucial if you plan to deduct their depreciation or if you sell them. You’ll need to document when and how you acquired the asset, the purchase price, any improvements made, deductions for depreciation, how the asset was used, and details about its sale. Accurate records ensure you can correctly calculate depreciation and report any gains from sales.

4. What should I do if I’ve lost a record that the IRS might require?

If you’ve lost a record, it’s essential to try to reconstruct it. Contact the source of the document (such as the vendor or bank) to obtain a duplicate. If that’s not possible, you should create a record of the event or transaction as accurately as possible, noting the date, amount, and purpose, and explain why the original record was lost.

5. Can the IRS audit me after the three-year record retention period?

Yes, while the IRS typically audits within three years, they can extend this period to six years if they identify a significant error in your tax return, such as underreporting income by more than 25%. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep records for at least six years to be fully prepared for any potential audit.

What are My Mileage Deduction Options? Plus a Free Mileage Log

If you’re a small business owner who drives a lot for work, then claiming a mileage deduction on your taxes is a great way to save money.

There are two options when you’re claiming a deduction for mileage. You can choose to claim a standard mileage deduction or you can calculate the actual costs of using your vehicle for business.

The IRS announced the 2017 standard milage rate as:

53.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, down from 54 cents for 2016
17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down from 19 cents for 2016
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

Mileage deductions can be taken for business, charitable, medical and moving purposes.

There are two important factors to track if you want to use a mileage deduction. First, you need to track your actual miles. This is important so that you know how much you can deduct at tax time. Second, you need to track the reason for your trip.

Take John, for example, John is a real estate agent who drives his car to show houses. John tracks of how far he goes and what the purpose for the trip was. That way when it comes time to pay taxes John knows exactly how much he can deduct. John tracks the purpose of each trip as well. If the IRS ever audits John he has proof that the miles he claimed were for business purposes.

To help you out we’ve create a Free Mileage Log so that you can keep track of your miles. Grab our Mileage Log and keep it in your car so you can mark down each of your business trips.

Do I Need to File My Self Employment Taxes on My Gross or Net Income?

When you are self employed, you are responsible to pay taxes towards social security, income and Medicare. Usually, these taxes are covered in part by an employer; however, if you are self-employed you are responsible to pay them yourself. You should set aside 30% of your income for self employment taxes.

What is the difference between gross and net income?

In order to determine if you need to pay taxes on your small business and what those taxes are, you have to understand the difference between gross and net income.

Gross income is the total amount of money you earned before taxes or other adjustments are considered.

Net income is calculated by subtracting your gross income from your expenses. This shows your profits or losses for the period.

How do I determine if I need to pay self employment taxes?

The IRS determined that you are subject to self employment taxes if you:

Own a sole proprietorship
Are an independent contractor
Are a partner in a business
A part of any other self-owned business

The next requirement is that you net $400 or more. This is where our gross vs. net income lesson comes in! If you lost money on your business (your net income is in negative) then you don’t owe taxes, but you should still report your loss to the IRS. If you had a net profit of $400 or more then you must pay self-employment taxes.

How do I file my self employment taxes?

In addition to paying income tax, small business owners also file an annual return and pay quarterly self employment taxes.

Self employment taxes are based on estimations. You determine your quarterly taxes based on your previous year’s earnings. The IRS provides worksheets to help you determine what you should pay each quarter.

If you overestimate or underestimate your earnings, the IRS has forms to help you refigure the next quarter’s taxes.

Quarterly Taxes for 2017 are due:

1st payment : April 18, 2017
2nd payment : June 15, 2017
3rd payment : Sept. 15, 2017
4th payment : Jan. 16, 2018

The IRS requires that you submit an annual return stating how much you paid in social security and Medicare taxes at the end of the year.

You can learn more about self employed taxes with these articles

Which Tax Forms Do I File as a Small Business Owner

4 Forgotten Tax Deductions for Entrepreneurs

FAQ: What Home Office Expense are Tax Deductible?

Income Tax Checklist: What Your Accountant Needs to File Your Income Taxes Copy

It’s everyone’s favorite season! TAX TIME! We’re here to make this the easiest tax season ever.

You won’t be scrambling to find all of the important financial documents you need to file your income taxes, only to have your accountant call and tell you he needs just one more thing. Instead, you can take charge with this comprehensive income tax checklist with everything you’ll need to take to your accountant to get the job done accurately and on time.

Download the printable version here.

Build a Better Business

We want you to succeed in your business ventures. To make that happen, we’ve compiled a series of tutorials on simple ways to build your business. We’ll talk you through your marketing and advertising strategies, hiring and firing employees, effective communication in the workplace, business etiquette, operations, human resources, and of course, accounting. Check out each of the articles in our “Build a Better Business” series to grow your business into a thriving enterprise.

Improve Your Online Presence Part 1: 8 Steps for Reviewing Your Website

Most people will learn about your business online, so you need to make sure that your website up to date. A great website is user friendly, helpful and interesting enough to draw people in. Check out our list of to-do’s to make sure your website is an asset to your business.

Improve Your Online Presence Part 2: Perform a Quarterly Social Media Audit

Social media is essential to marketing and customer service. It’s important to do a social media audit to make sure your information is up to date and that your customers can contact you through it. Planning out content for your social media platforms is another sure-fire way to make sure you don’t neglect it.

Improve Your Online Presence Part 3: Contact Information & Review Sites

Over the life of your business, your web presence increases. It’s important to make sure that your contact information is always up to date so that people can find your business. It’s fairly simple to make sure your website is up to date, but what about the other places your information can be found online?

4 Low Cost and Low Risk Ways to Grow Your Team

Growing your team can seem like a costly and stressful venture, but we’ve outlined 4 ways you can add people to your team without spending a lot of money.

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 1: Who, What, When, and Where

Summer is a great time for marketing because there are a lot of events you can attend in order to spread the word about your business. It’s a great time to get out and meet your community. So take stock of the who, what, when, and where of your marketing.

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 2: Celebrating Holiday and Events

While summer holidays may mean that your team is in the office less, it’s still a great time to take full advantage of marketing! Use summer celebrations as a way to do a promotion or giveaway. Because people are busier you can also increase your correspondence with your clients. Remind them how you can help out while they’re busy spending time with their friends and families!

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 3: Cheap Advertising Tips

You’ve pumped money and man power into your marketing campaigns through attending events and giving away swag. Now it’s time to pull in the reigns and save some money while still boosting your advertising.

How To Attract the Right Talent For Your Company

Employees can make or break your business. Like we mentioned in 4 Low Cost and Low Risk Ways to Grow Your Team, it’s important to get the right fit before you hire anyone. These tips will help you make sure that you’re hiring the right people the first time.

Quick Money Management Tips to Build Your Business

If you want to get a better handle on your finances this is the best place to start. With simple steps you can remove the gray areas from your business finances.

Plan for Holiday Success by Hiring Seasonal Employees

The holiday season can be the busiest time for small businesses. While you may not be able to afford another full-time employee, you could definitely use some help around the busiest time of the year. Here are a few best practices to make sure you’re going about it the right way.

How to Create a Succession Plan for Your Small Business

Sure, your small business may be your life right now, but what about when it’s time to move on to something bigger and better? Set up a succession plan now so that your baby is always taken care of.

How to Protect Your Small Business from Theft

Theft can come from many angles, and it happens to more than just brick-and-mortar businesses. Learn how to protect your business from all types of theft.