If you own a small company where you personally know and interact with everyone who works for you, it can be hard to fathom that one of those people would ever steal from you. But the fact is, embezzlement happens all the time, even at small, family-owned businesses. Indeed, according to a 2017 study on […]
Read MoreToday’s high-tech digital landscape is both a boon and a bane to business owners. The proliferation of apps, mobile devices, and software has improved business productivity like nothing before. At the same time, however, this technology has also spawned countless digital distractions that can turn those productivity gains into losses, especially if they steal the […]
Read MoreQ: I plan to retire in five years and let my daughter run my business. How can I best prepare her to take over? -Proud Papa A: Dear Proud: Handing the reins of control to a successor is among the most critical tasks business owners face. Yet many put off—or totally ignore—succession planning, which can […]
Read MoreWhen launching a startup, one of your most pressing matters is getting your company’s name and identity out there—and having people remember it. But in many industries, getting your business recognized among a sea of competitors can be a daunting task. Like it or not, your company’s success and failure could be largely a matter […]
Read MoreIn addition to checking professional references, conducting interviews, and running criminal background checks, many business owners also conduct credit checks on potential new hires to assess their suitability for the job. Such screening is obviously important for hiring high-level positions or those directly involved with handling money and/or making fiduciary decisions. But starting a couple […]
Read MoreAs a business owner, you’re likely monitoring a number of key performance indicators (KPI) to determine how well your company is doing. And if you’re launching a new business, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the importance of KPIs. Whether related to your financials, advertising, turnover, and/or website traffic, these metrics can be a great way to […]
Read MoreIn today’s digital-everything world, nearly every business—no matter how small—has some degree of online presence. Some, like e-commerce shops, may operate completely online, while even brick and mortar businesses likely have a website and Facebook account. However, unless you’re an online-marketing guru, building your business’ online presence can be challenging. Here we’ll offer valuable tips […]
Read MoreLike everyone else, you’ve probably been getting a ton of emails and online notices announcing that companies are updating their privacy policies and/or website tracking tools. Although businesses do this from time to time as part of routine updates, practically all of the latest notices are aimed at complying with a new European Union (EU) […]
Read MoreQ: Should I get a business credit card? -Wondering A: Dear Wondering: Business credit cards come with numerous advantages, along with significant risks. But when used wisely, these cards can be a valuable source of short-term investment capital. Advantages of business cards include high credit limits of $50,000+ and rewards like airline miles, gas rebates, […]
Read MoreNike, Anheuser-Busch, Walmart, Porsche—what do these companies have in common? Outside of being globally recognized brands and generating billions in revenue, they’re also family-owned businesses. Though family businesses definitely aren’t for everyone and come with some unique challenges, for those who are able to make them work, they offer an array of benefits that simply […]
Read MoreOne of the most challenging aspects of running a business is effectively managing staff conflict. Dealing with people and personalities is vastly different than most of your other duties, where the goal is comparatively straightforward and simply requires talent and time to achieve. Though good management can go a long way toward preventing many disputes, […]
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