Where To Get $$ When The Bank Says 'No'

With so many small businesses denied loans, it is clear that the lending model of many traditional banks is outdated.  However, a new group of loan providers has sprung up provide the funding your small business needs.  Here is the ultimate list of these lenders (along with everything you need to know to make the best decision).

Here's How You Can Get More Money For Your Work

As small business owners, one of the hardest things we face is how to increase revenue without scaring away cost-conscious customers  by raising our prices.  Given this limitation, is there is there a reasonable strategy that will allow us to get more money for our work? Here we provide seven!

Posted on December 10, 2015 and filed under Finances, Contracts and Negotiation.

The Secret To Protecting Your Company From Negative Reviews

Did you know that there are three ways that others can drag your company's reputation through the mud? When that happens, you cannot simply throw money at the problem, nor ignore it and hope it goes away. There is, however, one thing you can do to combat those who insist on thrashing your company's reputation online.

Posted on November 24, 2015 and filed under Employment, Internet / Social Media.

6 Pitfalls That Can Crush Your Business

In the military, they often say, “no plan survives first contact with the enemy”.  I think that is also applicable in business, where that saying should be amended to “no business plan survives first contact with reality”. Find out how to avoid six pitfalls that can easily crush your business.

How To Gain An Edge In Any Negotiation

In ‘The Art of War’, Sun Tzu says, “Not knowing the other and not knowing oneself, in every battle, certain defeat”. (Chapter 3) As you can see, “knowing yourself” is an important key to success in any competitive situation.  Learn how to do this in 5 simple steps. And, in so doing, gain an edge in any negotiation.

NASA is Giving You A Multi-Million Dollar Opportunity!

What do Solar panels and infrared thermometers have in common? They are products that were developed from NASA technology.  And now, NASA is giving startups the right to use the agency’s research and technology for FREE! Yes you read that right: FREE! So, do you think you can develop your own multimillion dollar product?!

Learn from Bikram: Protect Your Core Business Asset!

Are you a fan of Bikram yoga? Whether you are like me (can't tolerate the heat!) or my best friend (avid fan), you should know that Bikram recently lost exclusive rights to the asset at that is at the core of its business.  How can we protect our business and avoid falling into the same trap?

Posted on October 27, 2015 and filed under Intellectual Property.

A Simple Misunderstanding Can Make Your Entire Deal Invalid

Most of us played “telephone” when we were children, so it's easy to see how the parties to a deal can easily have a misunderstanding if they only rely on verbal communication. But did you know that, in certain situations, that simple misunderstanding can make your entire deal invalid? Find out how to avoid this pitfall.

Posted on September 15, 2015 and filed under Contracts and Negotiation.

How To Avoid Being Sued By The Govt. After You've Been Hacked

As business owners, we live in fear of our customer database being hacked.  In a situation where their most private information is exposed, we can expect lawsuits from our clients.  But the government? Why would they be suing us, the victim, after we’ve been hacked? Well, they recently got this right from a federal court.  Find out how to avoid of this pitfall.

It's Now Easier For Contractors To Get Employee Rights

A new govt. ruling makes it easier for independent contractor to be deemed "employees" of the companies that hire them.  If you use contract workers or if you are a freelancer, this new labor ruling may affect you.  Find out what you can do to avoid these new regulations.

Is It Still Feasible To Rely On Freelancers / Independent Contractors?

It is easy to see the appeal of relying on independent contractors (instead of employees) to do the necessary work for your business.  The meteoric success of companies like Uber, Sprig, Luxe was aided by the fact that they did not have to worry about expenses like paying payroll taxes, social security benefits, vacation time or other fees.  Clearly you also want to avoid these outlays that would have a negative impact on your profitability.   However, recently, there has been quite a few lawsuits that are pushing back against this approach to doing business.  Before you start (or continue) to rely on freelancers in your business, you must read this to find out what if it still feasible to do so.

Posted on September 1, 2015 and filed under Employment.

The Partnership That Helps You To Do What You Love

Are you someone who can come up with truly great ideas? Or are you someone who is better at suited to the practical realities of running a successful product business?  Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, entering into this relationship  might be the easiest way for you to make money while doing the things that suit you most.

Posted on August 28, 2015 and filed under Contracts and Negotiation, Copyright, Intellectual Property.

How Your Generosity May Land You In Court

I know that many small business people rely on handshake agreements and the principle of "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" when dealing with business associates. I've been told many that they prefer to NOT use written contracts because it denotes a lack of trust.  Well, unless you are careful about  how you hand out favors (especially when relying on handshake agreements) you may one day find yourself in court.  Watch this 2 min video to find out how why and how to avoid this fate.

Posted on August 27, 2015 and filed under Contracts and Negotiation.

How To Vanquish Your Fear of Public Speaking (Infographic)

You practice and practice what you want to say. You have your note cads in your hands and you tell yourself that you are fully prepared. But the moment all those eyes in the audience turn on you, you just want to hide. You want to be anywhere other than where you are in that moment.

Posted on August 25, 2015 and filed under Contracts and Negotiation.

When Can Your Lawyer Disclose Your Confidential Information?

"When should lawyers be required to reveal information that will hurt their chances in court?” For example, if you were the defense attorney in a hypothetical Martha Stewart insider trading case and you located a witness that could prove your client was guilty of this charge.  Because the prosecution could not find this witness, they've decided to drop the charge.  Should you pass on the witness' new contact information or would you keep quiet and allow Ms. Stewart to go free even though she committed the crime? Who should the attorney prioritize - society or their client? What is the right thing to do legally?

Posted on August 21, 2015 and filed under Lawsuit, How To Choose A Lawyer.