<b>Gather tax information now</b>
<br>The year has just begun, but now is the time to start gathering information for tax preparation. Most small business owners find organizing tax information more time-consuming than they anticipated. Do it now to do it right. </br>
Gather tax information now
The year has just begun, but now is the time to start gathering information for tax preparation. Most small business owners find organizing tax information more time-consuming than they anticipated. Do it now to do it right.
Think green, save money
Stop buying foam coffee cups that get used once and end up in the landfill. Instead, buy each employee a coffee mug. You’ll be kinder to the environment and will save money, too.
Use your CPA
Enlist the help of your acountant as your virtual CFO. He or she can spot trends and fix small problems before they become big ones.
Renegotiate
If the economy has affected your cash flow or reduced your revenues, try to renegotiate the terms of your business’ lease. Your landlord may be willing to reduce your rent rather than risk losing a good tenant. You lose nothing by asking.
Consider new technology
New technology is changing the way your competitors do business. They are finding cheaper and faster ways to operate. Explore technological innovations for your business. If you don’t you risk being left behind.
Write good job descriptions
Job descriptions form the groundwork for hiring, training, and even firing. With a job description you can determine the skills, knowledge, and abilities employees need to do the job. Then you can develop performance standards. Finally, with standards in place, you can objectively determine employee productivity. Don’t shortchange your business by skipping this critical management tool.
Use LinkedIn
Before making initial contact with a potentially important client or vendor, do a search on LinkedIn and Facebook. You may gain valuable insights about the individual and his or her company that can help you establish rapport.
Work on creating loyal customers
It has always been harder and more expensive to acquire new customers than it is to keep old customers. The best way to retain customers is provide exemplary customer service. Your customers and clients will remember the extra effort.
Two for the road
When you exchange business cards with someone, give out two. Tell the person, “Here’s a card for you, and I’d appreciate it, if you’d keep the extra card in case someone you know needs my services.”
Let them telecommute
During tough economic times, many businesses are finding it necessary to reign in annual raises and to cut back on benefits. One benefit that you might consider offering—and costs you nothing—is telecommuting. Employees like the flexibility of working from home at least part time, and it saves them the cost of gas as well as time. Telecommuting often results in increased productivity for the company, too.
Experts encourage businesses that allow telecommuting to install a telecommuting policy that outlines eligibility, selection, timekeeping (for nonexempt workers), scheduling, equipment (such as computers), and technical support. Having and following a policy is good employee relations.
Understand your customers
You want to know who buys your product, but it’s just as important to understand why they chose your product and business over a competitor’s. Survey customers to get to know them better. The information you gather can help you differentiate your business.
Short but sweet
Do your meetings seem to go on too long? Try a five-minute stand-up meeting. Because no one sits, topics get discussed faster and people stay focused. Stand-up meetings are a great way to start or end the week, when you share plans and accomplishments. They are not, however, good for problem-solving, which requires more in-depth discussion and concentration.
Customize your e-newsletter
Many businesses use Constant Contact as a platform to send out electronic newsletters. If you call and ask, the company will remove its logo. Your e-newsletter will take on a more professional appearance to focus on your message.
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