Category: Running a Business

Not an Early Bird? Here’s How Night Owls Can Still Find Success

Not an Early Bird? Here’s How Night Owls Can Still Find Success

I’ve never been an early bird. Early birds hit their stride at sunrise. As a night owl, my best ideas arrive when the sun sets. Living in a 9-to-5 society can be tough on night owls. See if you can relate: You wonder if you’re a slacker or just genetically deficient. You make up for your sluggish mornings by outhustling early birds during the day. You read article after article about how to establish a morning routine, but the advice doesn’t… Read More
23 Things You Can Deduct When You Work From Home

23 Things You Can Deduct When You Work From Home

Working from home is a dream for many full-time employees. Meanwhile, that dream has become very real for at least 43% of the U.S. workforce, according to the latest Gallup poll on remote work. In addition to that, there are many more who work from home as solopreneurs, small business owners and self-employed contractors. One thing shared by all who have made this brave transition is a deeper understanding of the old saying, "You don't know what you've got 'til… Read More
4 Small Business Groups You Can Join for Free

4 Small Business Groups You Can Join for Free

The work of entrepreneurs and small business owners is filled with pitfalls and challenges, and sometimes youjust need to talk to someone who can share a few pieces of good advice. Business networking groups are a great way to meet advisors and mentors who can help during the journey, as well as to find new professional connections, opportunities and ideas. Whether you're looking for suggestions for your next product, emotional support or advice on taking your business to the next level,… Read More
The Craziest Things Small Business Owners Try to Deduct

The Craziest Things Small Business Owners Try to Deduct

As a small business owner, you want to take every legal tax deduction you can to lower your tax bill. But lingerie? A petting zoo? Daily breakfast eaten at your desk? As it turns out, out one of those three items passed IRS scrutiny, proving that what’s crazy for one business to try to deduct might turn out to be fine for another. Firearms was a popular response mentioned by several experts asked to share some of the unique items… Read More
4 Early Warning Signs Your Business Is Failing (& What to Do About It)

4 Early Warning Signs Your Business Is Failing (& What to Do About It)

For small business owners, there are many indicators that can be used to determine success: a growing social media presence, an expanding customer base, or regular lifts in ROI, for example. And while monitoring your business for success is important, being able to recognize signs of failure is equally vital. Of course, plummeting sales are an obvious sign of a struggling business, but successful entrepreneurs also train themselves to be aware of some of the more nuanced signs of trouble. … Read More
U.S. Leaves the Trans-Pacific Partnership: What It Means for Small Business

U.S. Leaves the Trans-Pacific Partnership: What It Means for Small Business

On his first full day after taking his seat in the White House, President Trump passed an executive order abandoning negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a pact aimed to strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and 11 countries that border the Pacific Ocean. It was hoped that by lowering barriers to trade, the TPP would strengthen productivity, economic growth and competition, while promoting transparency and higher living standards within the Trans-Pacific partner countries. Immediately after signing the executive order,… Read More