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Wednesday, April 7, 2010 as of 11:14 AM ET

Legal & HR

  • The Best and Worst States for Health-Care Costs

    The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council released last week its "Health Care Policy Cost Index 2012," which ranks the states and the District of Columbia on public policy measures that impact the costs of health-care and health-insurance coverage.

  • Enough is Enough: When to Fire an Employee

    It's may never seem like a good time to fire someone, but doing so may be crucial to having your business run more efficiently. Here are some tips from the Young Entrepreneur Council on how to know when to let a worker go.

  • Get on the ‘Linsanity’ Wagon and Up Your Game

    Even if you’re not a sports fan – it’s hard not to know about Jeremy Lin. The New York Knicks point guard has spawned a fanatical following dubbed “Linsanity” that has taken over the country. But Lin excels beyond hoops, demonstrating admirable leadership traits that readily transfer to the workplace.

  • Three Steps to Handling a Crisis

    No matter what size your business is, you need to be ready to handle and crisis should one arise
     

  • Where Small Businesses Can Find Free Tax Help

    It would behoove entrepreneurs to learn as much as they can about tax law in order to minimize their tax bill. Beware however, a little knowledge is dangerous.

  • Three Steps to Becoming a Better Leader

    Just because you're the boss doesn't mean you're a good leader. Just ask your employees. Being a leader isn't easy and it isn't always something that comes naturally.

  • Your Missing Pen May Be in the Hands of a Workplace Thief

    Those worried about office theft might want to keep closer tabs on their pens, new research shows. A study conducted by Paper Mate found that it is pens, more than any other product, that are a prime target of workplace thieves – otherwise known as co-workers.

  • Why Your Employees Don't Like You

    A study by talent management expert DDI revealed that one in three employees don't consider their boss to be doing an effective job, while nearly half of workers think they could do their boss's job better than them.

  • Why Rules are Meant to Be Broken

    Much of the time, it seems that company rules are less about the customer and more about making it hard for the employees to make a mistake.

  • How to Calculate Health Insurance Deductions

    Eligible self-employed individuals are allowed to deduct their health insurance premiums, including payments for dental and long-term care coverage. Here’s a guide to make sure your filings are compliant with IRS regulations.

  • Employees Would Give Up Showers, Social Media to Work From Home

    People will do a lot to be able to work from home. Just ask the 12 percent of people who said they would forgo daily showers or the 5 percent of people who said they would divorce their spouse in order to telecommute.

  • Hiring Outlook for Small Businesses Ticks Up

    According to a recent survey, 22% of the country’s entrepreneurs expect to increase headcount in the next year.

  • Small Businesses Still Nervous About Hiring

    While a post-holiday season decline in hiring is to be expected, new data shows the slide could continue, with many business owners still reluctant to bring on new employees due to continued economic uncertainty.

  • Long Commutes Burn Employees Out

    If you feel stressed out and worry instead of enjoying coming to work, it may not be entirely your company's fault. The length of your commute may be what's burning you out, a new survey shows.

  • What Startups Want in 2012

    Here are predictions from the Young Entrepreneur Council on what skills startups and small businesses will be looking for in potential hires this year.

  • Can Boss Get in Trouble for Office Super Bowl Pool?

    Employment attorneys say that while Super Bowl gambling pools can foster fun and camaraderie amongst staff members, they are often more trouble than they're worth, and in some cases even unlawful.

  • How to Calculate and Understand Your Balance Sheet

    A balance sheet is a statement of your business' worth, and while these numbers change on a daily basis, it’s important that every small business owner knows and understands them.

  • Take a Cue from NFL Commissioner and Score Big With Employees

    Despite being  a tireless road warrior with an overbooked daily calendar, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell makes time and takes the time to engage with the employees and customers who ultimately drive the profits of his organization. He listens and learns while he leads.

  • A Treadmill at Work, Good for Business?

    According to a recent survey, employers that offer wellness programs see increased employee retention, productivity and attendance. And for every one dollar spent on wellness initiatives they see medical costs improve by an average of $3.27 and absenteeism costs cut by an average of $2.73.

  • Are Your Workers Yapping in the Bathroom?

    If you hear the sound of running water the next time you call a co-worker on his or her mobile phone, don’t be surprised. Three-fourths of Americans with mobile phones say they use them in the bathroom, a new study shows.

  • Before You Hire, Call Applicant's Kindergarten Teacher

    A new study by Linda Pagani, a professor and researcher at the University of Montreal and CHU Sainte-Justine, found that how attentive children are during kindergarten accurately predicts the development of their future work-oriented skills.

  • Employers Increasingly Willing to Negotiate on Salary

    Job-seekers might not want to jump at the first salary a new job offers them. New research shows employers are increasingly lacking the take-it-or-leave -it attitude they once had.

  • How to Read Financial Statements

    The financial statements your business generates provide the basis of future projections, insight into potential tax liabilities and your business’s progress over the years. Here's how to read and understand them. 

  • Employers Beware: Fans Willing to Miss Work, Weddings and More for Super Bowl

    American adults would be willing to miss a number of major life events, including essential work obligations, to attend a Super Bowl featuring their favorite NFL team, a new survey reveals.

  • Five Tax Resolutions for Small Business Owners

    Even if last year was a banner year for your business, there is always room for more prosperity, efficiency and growth. 

  • Are You An Engaged Manager? Rate Yourself.

    All business owners want employees who are committed, excited and in it for the long haul. But in order to achieve this, managers must also be fully engaged.

  • Obama Seeks to Streamline Government, Elevate SBA Head to Cabinet

    President Obama asked Congress on Friday to allow him to use his executive authority to consolidate administration agencies and offices, a move which could potentially affect small business owners across the country.

  • Employer vs. Contractor: How to Classify Workers for Tax Purposes

    When it comes to filing taxes, businesses have to weigh these factors when determining whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor.

  • Are You Really in Charge of Your Business?

    Business ownership is all about being your own boss and getting to call the shots, except when investors, partners, your spouse or even your mom butt in. How do you stay in control?

  • A Seven-Step Guide to Protecting Customer Privacy

    By following these tips, small businesses can create a privacy plan that boosts customer trust -- and sales.

  • Tax Implications of a Sale or Withdrawal from a Partnership

    It doesn’t matter if you are simply walking away from a partnership without receiving a payoff, walking away with a cash buyout, or if the entire partnership is dissolving, there could be tax ramifications.

  • How to Execute a Performance Review

    A performance review offers employees constructive criticism and helps the company improve its workforce. Avoiding a superficial performance review can help the employer and employee achieve better communication.

  • Five Ways to Seize 2012 Goals Right Now

    Returning to work with a post-holiday hangover is not exactly the ideal mental or physical state for re-engaging employees when they return to work in January. That’s why it’s so important to make the time and have a game plan to get your team back on track.

  • How to Write an Employee Manual

    Most businesses need an employee manual to keep the guidelines clear. In fact, federal law requires that any business with 15 or more employees have an employee manual or handbook. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

  • Selling or Closing Down a Sole Proprietor Business? Here’s How it Impacts Your Taxes

    Here’s what small business owners closing or selling their shop need to know about how it will impact their taxes

  • Writing Off Illegal Activities: Legal?

    Most small business owners have been guilty of illegal activities. Don’t think so? Consider this: A speeding ticket is an illegal activity. But you can’t write it off, even if it was to make an important meeting.

  • Six Tips for Small Businesses Looking to Offer New Lifetime Income Plans

    Here are six tips for small businesses owners interested in offering a lifetime guaranteed income plan to their employees

  • How Small Business Owners Can Achieve Success With Best Practices

    Once a best practice is established within an industry, widespread acceptance tends to follow. If you want to make sure you stay ahead of the pack, here is a guide to making the most of best practices.

  • How Small Business Owners Can Curb Employee Fraud

    While small business owners may not have the man power to employ a full-fledged fraud detection unit, there are procedures they can implement to curb employee fraud.

  • Kick Off 2012 With One Common Goal in Mind

    Going into the new year, provide your workers with company goals. If you don't, they may lose sight and end up scattered. Here's how to rally your troops for a successful 2012.

  • Are You Acting Illegally? File a Tax Return

    Currently 16 states have legalized marijuana farming as a legal activity. But it is a little more complicated than that when it comes to taxes.

  • Small Businesses Weigh In: How Optimistic Do You Feel?

    The National Federation of Independent Business released its Small Business Optimism Index for November this week that showed optimism increased to 92 from 90.2--the highest level since February, but still at lows usually seen in recessions. Here's what small business owners have to say about their own levels of optimism.

  • Payroll Tax Extension Bill: Good for Small Business?

    The payroll tax extension bill is set to hit the U.S. House of Representatives' floor Tuesday, featuring changes to the unemployment payment system and continuation of bonus depreciation on equipment purchases for small business owners. But how will small businesses be impacted if the bill is passed?

  • Reverse Mentoring: Tips for Getting Started

    If you’re thinking about starting up a reverse mentoring program in your company or department, work it from an aspect of inclusion rather than exclusion. And, it needs to operate with some process discipline. Here's how to get started.

  • Allowed Business Expenses: Learn From Other’s Mistakes

    Allowed business deductions are those that are ‘ordinary and necessary’ to your trade or business. And while that does seem vague, small business owners can find themselves in hot water with the IRS if they don’t follow the tax code.

  • Understanding New 1099 Rules

    Changes have been made to reporting rules for the 1099 IRS form. Here is a short overview to help you understand the changes.

  • How to Write a Job Description

    Are you looking for perfect employees to fill vacancies in your organization? Need ideas to draw them in? A well-written job description is an important recruitment tool for any company. Job descriptions serve additional purposes beyond the hiring process. They are useful in clarifying responsibilities within the organization and can be used as legal documents in disputes relating to employment. They can also be referred to during performance evaluations. Here are some tips for writing a compelling job description:

  • Business Owner's Checklist for Throwing a Holiday Party

    Office holiday party can express appreciation for your workers and often falls within a small-business' budget. But experts warn that these gathering aren’t all about showing employees a good time, owners also need to set an example and protect their business while celebrating.

  • Offering a 401(k) Plan: Easier Than You Think

    As most businesses evaluate their benefits around the end of the year, now is a good time to address four common myths about 401(k) and to set the facts straight.

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