Considering home ownership? Congratulations! Buying a home is an exciting milestone and for most people, one of the biggest investments they’ll ever make. Among the many decisions to be made along the way, you’ll need to choose the best mortgage option for your circumstances. In this blog we’ll weigh the pros and cons of fixed, variable, and revolving credit home loans to help you make the right choice. Why choose… Read more
Often small business owners worry unnecessarily when it’s time to hire employees. They fear because they can’t offer the same high salaries and impressive benefits of a large company, they won’t be able to attract skilled workers. Fortunately, for many young workers these days, the ideal job doesn’t necessarily come with a big salary. Often it’s the opportunities and experiences a smaller company can offer that will pique their interest… Read more
If your business hasn’t made it a habit to support a good cause, here’s why you should: giving back does more than make a difference in your community. Participating in charitable activities can have a positive impact on your staff, your customers and your bottom line. Customers want to support companies that demonstrate a commitment to more than earning a profit. A 2010 study by Cone Marketing showed that 85… Read more
At some point, every business owner needs outside help to improve efficiency – or to free up their time so they can take steps toward future growth. The trouble is, the cost of hiring regular staff, even on a part time basis, can eat up a company’s budget – especially in the early years when you’re still just finding your feet. The rise of the remote freelance worker (otherwise known… Read more
These days, it’s inevitable that a diverse group of older and younger workers cross paths in business. After all, the young, tech-savvy, socially conscious demographic known as Gen Y are currently the largest living generation, navigating the work force in record numbers. And the boomers may be retirement age, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to stop working. Many baby boomers are choosing to enjoy “encore careers” – jobs that… Read more
It’s one of those tricky balancing acts most business owners struggle with – how to spend as much time on their business as in their business. An accountability group can help you strategize for future growth and set goals that move your business forward. Most importantly, checking in with other people on a regular basis to report on your progress makes it much more likely you’ll take action and get… Read more
Healthy cash flow is important for any business, but particularly for small business owners in those first few “make it or break it” years. Business owners who set clear payment terms with their customers, invoice quickly, and follow up on late payment can avoid the dreaded cash flow crunch that can quickly put them out of business. These simple guidelines for setting payment terms can help you get paid quickly… Read more
How to obtain financing is a common concern for new businesses and those preparing to scale. Getting approved for a business loan or line of credit is more difficult than qualifying for a personal loan. It’s crucial that small business owners are adequately prepared to meet with a lender to present their business in the best possible light and qualify for the money they need. Here’s what you can do… Read more
“Competitive advantage” may not be the first words that come to mind when you think about employees requesting parental leave. For young professionals, however, the option to enjoy time with their new additions can be a very attractive perk – more attractive than health insurance, pensions, and the retirement packages large companies can offer. If attracting top talent and nurturing employee loyalty are important to you, read on. This article… Read more
Ask anyone who’s been self-employed for a few years. By and large, the vast majority of clients are great. The less than ideal ones, however, can become a serious liability. Problem clients come in all shapes and sizes. There are the late payers and scheduled “no shows”. The ones who are demanding and don’t respect your time. Remember, just because you need to earn a profit doesn’t mean it’s in… Read more
Few business owners have extra time to devote to a lengthy business planning process. But every entrepreneur needs a solid blueprint to get their business successfully up and running. The Lean Canvas—designed by Sparks59 CEO and Running Lean author, Ash Maurya—is a simple, effective planning tool that helps entrepreneurs assess and test their ideas before investing too deeply in building a product. For the small business owner, the Lean Canvas… Read more
Ever dreamed of starting a family business? Investing in a franchise opportunity with friends? Businesses owned and operated by families can have incredible staying power. Volkswagen, Samsung, and Nike – all family-owned companies – are among the world’s most successful, leading brands. It can be fun and rewarding to work with family and friends. But before you hire the people you care about most, it’s wise to consider the pros… Read more
For bootstrapping young businesses, making a professional first impression as you build your brand is key. Although hiring a branding expert may be too large an expense in the early days, you can still help your business stand out in the best possible way without breaking the bank. Just follow these simple marketing moves that will help people to know, like, and trust you. 1. Build credibility with your own… Read more
For many small business owners, the offer of low payment fees is a very attractive proposition. Bitcoin – a digital currency that allows low-cost peer to peer payments – offers an interesting alternative to traditional payment methods. When you buy or sell with bitcoins, fees are set by bitcoin users. Typically those fees are much lower than the 2-3% transaction fees incurred in a typical credit card transaction. Before you… Read more
According to Google, which offers employees a course on mindfulness meditation, and Lululemon, a company that keeps a Director of Mindfulness on staff, the answer is a resounding yes. Mindfulness, as American scientist Jon Kabat-Zinn defines it, is simply “paying attention in a sustained and particular way – on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” Research has shown that practicing mindful meditation can lead to reduced stress, lowered blood… Read more
The start of the year is the perfect time to dust off last year’s business plan and set some new goals for the future. While some entrepreneurs love planning, others feel overwhelmed by the process. How do you decide on just a handful of goals that take priority, with so many moving parts that make up a business? These tips can help you get started brainstorming how your company can… Read more
For small businesses, working with independent contractors can be a life saver. You can hand over tasks you don’t have time for – at a fraction of the cost of an employee. Unlike staff, you won’t owe a contractor payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, health insurance, or other employee benefits. Because contractors aren’t employees, however, they do need to be managed differently. They’re accustomed to being their own bosses, for one… Read more
If you are trying to save money, switching from brand new goods to used items can make a lot of sense. Buying used does not always make sense, but exploring the pre-owned market is one of the best ways to save on many different classes of products. These 5 types of consumer goods are particularly good candidates for the used market. Cars Buying a brand new car rarely makes financial… Read more
Risk tolerance, time horizon, and asset allocation – you’ve dealt with these factors for a good part of your life, but now, in the face of retirement, they take on a more urgent and significant role. These factors – particularly tactical asset allocation – are vital to maximizing your assets before your retire in a few years’ time. A Different Take on Risk Tolerance and Time Horizon As your time… Read more
If you need a car to operate your business, you may wonder whether it makes more sense to purchase or lease. On the one hand, if your business owns the car you’ll have a long-term asset and may qualify for more tax deductions. On the other hand, buying a car is a huge expense and monthly lease payments tend to be lower than car loan payments; they may also be… Read more