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Articles to LIFT Your Life and Business

New Business Owner? Avoid These Common Startup Mistakes

The startup life can be exciting and for many the learning curve is huge. In the midst of growth and opportunity, many entrepreneurs make costly legal mistakes which can be easily avoided with the proper preparation. Here are some of the most common legal missteps made by businesses in the startup phase: Not Drafting a […]

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Brand or Bust? Why Branding Is Essential to the Longevity of Your Business

A strong, identifiable brand is an invaluable asset to any company. Many businesses can reap major rewards by building a brand image that accurately reflects the strength of the company. And in today’s business world, branding is necessary for businesses looking for longevity and growth. So, what do small businesses need to know about branding […]

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Writing Off Start-Up Costs

One of the biggest benefits of owning your own business is being able to write off certain expenses to lower your annual income tax liability. When done right, writing off business expenses, especially when they are investments in things or experiences you would invest in even if you did not have your business, is a […]

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Why Startups Need Lawyers, Not Legal Templates

When growth and funding are top priorities, it is wise to not let legal soundness fall to the wayside. Not surprisingly, 1 in 10 startups fails due to overlooked legal issues. Without a lawyer looking out for your best interests, it’s easy to miss common legal mishaps that pose a threat to any startup. Mistake […]

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Opening a New Location? Follow These Three Steps First

Opening a new business location is an exciting venture. It also comes with inherent risks. A new site can increase profits and brand exposure, but it also opens up possibilities for failure. Rushing into expansion and opening a new location can do more harm than good if proper preparations are not made. Increase your chances […]

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Avoid These 5 Common Start-up Legal Mistakes

It seems that everywhere you look, a new start-up is trying to make it big with a game-changing idea. But it’s only the ones that can turn that idea into reality that reach business success. Too many start-ups fail to make the transition from idea to execution or encounter major setbacks along the way. In […]

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How Microfinancing May Change the Borrowing Landscape for Your Business

In the past, small businesses relied on bank loans when in need of extra funds. Although new to the scene, microfinance lenders now offer additional flexible funding alternatives for small businesses. Originally used to fund entrepreneurs in underdeveloped countries who lacked the resources, credit history and stability to pursue traditional finance options, microloans are now […]

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Hiring? Great! Here’s How to Get Started with Your First Employee

Up until now, you alone have been running your small business. Now you need help. The moment when a small business owner decides to hire his or her first employee is one of triumph. Conversely, knowing how to start the hiring process can be a moment of confusion. If you’re ready to hire your first […]

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How to Leverage Company Culture to Build a Successful Brand

Building a brand can transform your business into an enduring household name. But how do you build a brand when you are starting from scratch? One good place to start is developing a consistent company culture. Company culture can be leveraged to create a unique and memorable company identity. More than just a corporate buzzword, […]

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Entrepreneurial Anguish: The Cost of Doing Business

Building a business empire, enterprise, or even just a start-up has its price. The image of the confident and charismatic CEO often falls short of reality. Before, during and after public visibility often comes personal self-doubt, anxiety and mental anguish. Many business owners don’t readily divulge the distress they feel because they don’t perceive it […]

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Do Your Employees Get a Mandatory Raise This December 1?

If your business is covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), you may be required to give all of your salaried employees who perform executive, administrative or professional (EAP) duties a raise. As of December 1, 2016, the new minimum wage for full-time salaried workers is $913 per week. Previously, the minimum wage was […]

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