Idea of the Day®
March 18, 2024
1099-K Facts versus Myths
The IRS debunked some common myths about Form 1099-K. For example, some mistakenly believe that if they don’t receive a 1099-K, they don’t have to report the income. But the fact is that all income is taxable unless excluded by law, regardless of whether it’s reported to the IRS. #IdeaoftheDay
Big Ideas for Your Business
Resources For Your Business
March 14, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Data breaches—from hackers or insiders—can leak sensitive information about customers and employees. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)’s 2023 Business Impact Report, 73% of small business owners experienced a data breach or cyberattack in the past year. If this happens to you, are you liable? What do you do? FTC Safeguards Rule Banks […]
March 13, 2024
By Jack Shaw
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a term often heard in the technology and automotive industries, but its influence extends to small manufacturing businesses today. OEMs are more than mere suppliers — they can help your company excel in efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness. Here are tips to help you understand what an OEM partner can do […]
March 12, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Many small businesses start out with one worker—the owner. Over time, this may change. The SBA says 81.7% of small businesses in the U.S. have no employees, but this means that 18.3%–over 6 million—have paid employees. At last count, the average employer firm had 24.9 employees (small firms averaged 11.7 employees; large firms averaged 3,297.3 […]
March 7, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Companies starting out have a lot of expenses but little if no revenue. How do you handle this dilemma? Hopefully, a start-up has raised sufficient capital to carry it through the early days and get it to the time when revenue starts to come in. In addition to having sufficient start-up funding, there are some […]
March 5, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
While the old expression in Wall Street that past performance is no guarantee of future results may be true for investments, when it comes to credit, past performance may be a good indicator of future performance. Checking on credit in various situations is a way to mitigate the risk of nonpayment or other undesirable results. […]
February 29, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Every four years, there’s one extra day in February. The Smithsonian explains that leap year is not so simple as an extra day every four years, but I’m good with the non-technical leap year. How does this extra day affect your business? Leap year and your small business Employee compensation The impact of a leap year […]
February 27, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Business owners are encouraged to focus on their employees…provide financial security plus support good health and safety measures. Owners are also told to be customer-centric and listen to what customers want and need. And finally, owners are advised to be good stewards of the planet. This is all well and good. But business owners often […]
February 26, 2024
By Jack Shaw
As a small business owner, you understand the power of branded merchandise in connecting with your customers and keeping your brand top of mind. However, the real magic lies in more than just selecting and distributing these items. You must strategically maximize and accurately measure their return on investment (ROI). With the right approach, branded […]
February 22, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Important Update: The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) created the Beneficial Ownership Reporting rule, which requires most small corporations and LLCs to register with the Treasury’s FinCEN or face steep penalties. The National Small Business United challenged CTA as unconstitutional and on March 1, 2024, a district court agreed. The court said the CTA’s policy, aimed […]
February 20, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
It’s almost impossible these days to see any story in the media that doesn’t mention artificial intelligence—AI—and what it can mean for the future. But AI is already here and using it can be a big benefit to small businesses. In a nutshell, AI can help small businesses do more with less. Yes, there may […]
February 15, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Today, acronyms and abbreviations abound because of email and social media. Many have become so common that we may not know what they derived from; we only know what they mean. Or do we? With so many shortcuts, things can get confusing. OMG! What’s more, there are a number of new expressions to explain activities […]
February 13, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Valentine’s Day is a time for romance…and a time to think about company policy on dating. Why? One reason is the prevalence of co-workers dating each other. SHRM found that 33% are or have been involved in such relationships, which is 6% more than pre-pandemic levels. Maybe that’s good, but what happens if things go bad […]
February 8, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Politicians routinely claim they support small business, but legislation—or lack thereof—may show otherwise. Recently, the House Small Business Committee approved with bi-partisan support a number of measures aimed at helping small businesses so they can proceed to the full House for consideration. Whether any will be enacted and, if so, in what form, remains to […]
February 7, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
By Barbara Weltman THIS SUPPLEMENT REFLECTS CHANGES THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2024. IF CONGRESS ENACTS THE TAXPAYER RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND WORKERS ACT OR OTHER MEASURES IMPACTING 2023 RETURNS, THIS SUPPLEMENT WILL BE UPDATED AND REPOSTED. This year’s book, J.K. Lasser’s 1,001 Deductions and Tax Breaks, reflects the tax rules as they stood on December […]
February 6, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” ~ Paul Theroux, author Seasonal depression is real. Harvard Business Review even offers ideas for companies to help employees experiencing seasonal depression. But business owners can do more. With several weeks remaining to winter, don’t just hibernate—use this wintertime to not only support employees, but also give your […]
February 5, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
By Barbara Weltman THIS SUPPLEMENT REFLECTS CHANGES THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2024. IF CONGRESS ENACTS THE TAXPAYER RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND WORKERS ACT OR OTHER MEASURES IMPACTING 2023 RETURNS, THIS SUPPLEMENT WILL BE UPDATED AND REPOSTED. This year’s book, J.K. Lasser’s Small Business Taxes 2024, reflects the tax rules as they stood on December 1, […]
February 1, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
According to a PYMNTS survey last summer, 61% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Experiencing even one financial emergency can throw a worker into a panic. The worker can become stressed to the max, which can impact job performance. Employers can use various ways to help employees when they face personal financial emergencies. Thinking […]
January 30, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
That’s the question, and the way in which you arrive at an answer can be very challenging. Much has been made today about the gig economy, with many workers doing freelance or other gig work occasionally or full time. For example, according to Statista, in 2022, there were about 31.9 million occasional independent contractors in […]
January 25, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
In 1970, Alvin Toffler’s book Future Shock described what he thought would be the post-industrial age and what it would mean. His major themes: the death of permanence (e.g., the growth of disposable goods because it’s cheaper to make new ones than repair old ones), transience (e.g., (e.g., changing jobs frequently, moving homes, and immigration), novelty […]
January 23, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Employee handbooks may seem like something used only by large companies. However, last year Azure found that there’s a strong correlation between having an updated handbook and experiencing growth. What small business doesn’t want that? If you don’t have an employee handbook, even if your staff is small, you probably should (see the reasons that […]
January 19, 2024
By Chamber of Commerce
Nationwide, women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. That adds up to a difference of $11,165 between the average salaries of working men and women. Despite the fact that the Equal Pay Act of 1963 has been in effect for 60 years, a pay gap persists. What can small business owners do […]
January 18, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Last year, Fundera reported that 50% of all businesses in the U.S. operate from home, and that 60% of home-based businesses are “nonemployer” businesses. What’s more, 69% of start-ups begin at home. Many small business owners may be able to take a tax deduction for business use of their home. Last year, the IRS reported that […]
January 16, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Many small businesses rely on part-time employees to help them operate efficiently. They don’t require full-time employees, at least not for all positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 27 million part-timers in the third quarter of 2023. Federal laws may require you to offer some benefits and you […]
January 12, 2024
By Jack Shaw
The new year is a time when many people attempt a health reset, whether that means getting a gym membership or committing to a diet. However, resolutions rarely last through the year when the bar is set too high. To help your team stay on the right track, you can bring healthy eating habits into […]
January 9, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
About 43 million Americans have federal student loans totaling more than $1.77 trillion. In December 2023, the Administration proposed a limited student loan forgiveness program. If and when it will be implemented and who it will help remains to be seen, but the vast majority of those repaying loans now likely will have to continue their repayments. […]
January 4, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
It’s been reported that about 4.4. million Americans will attain age 65 this year—12,000 people a day. While those attaining age 65 in 2024 won’t be eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits until they’re 66 years and 10 months, these numbers should still make employers think about workers retiring—now or soon. Yes, many seniors […]
January 2, 2024
By Barbara Weltman
Each year for the past several years, I’ve run a series of articles throughout the year on a single main topic and this year’s topic is devoted to growing your business. Economists differ on their predictions for 2024. Some are still saying there’ll be a recession—mild or serious. Others say that with inflation coming down […]
November 30, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
For more than 25 years, I’m proud to say my tax book for small businesses has been the go-to guide for owners and their tax advisers. The 2024 edition for preparing 2023 returns as well as tax planning for 2024 has been updated to incorporate green energy changes from the Inflation Reduction Act, retirement plan changes […]
Multimedia
Resources For Your Business
Growing Your Business: 3 Ways AI Can Help
Growing Your Business: Offer New Products and Services
How to Address Information Overload
3 Ways Customers Can Be on Your Sales Team
Barbara’s Books
By Barbara Weltman
THE COMPREHENSIVE HANDBOOK FOR AMERICAN TAXPAYERS LOOKING FOR EVERY LEGAL TAX DEDUCTION AND CREDIT This edition of this popular book has been fully updated to reflect the latest rulings and laws (including changes from the Inflation Reduction Act and SECURE Act 2.0), allowing you to easily refer to the appropriate deductions and credits for your […]
By Barbara Weltman
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SMALL BUSINESS TAX WRITE-OFFS AND STRATEGIES FROM A LEADING NAME IN TAX If you own a small business, this comprehensive guide explains in easy-to-understand terms the essentials of business taxes to prepare you to work better with your CPA or other tax adviser or handle tax responsibilities on your own. Whether you’re […]
By Barbara Weltman
Ideas you’ll use everyday! With only so many hours in the day, it’s impossible to stay on top of key developments and opportunities to help you run your business better and smarter. 500+ Big Ideas for Your Small Business gives you quick access to resources and tips you can use every day. Whether you’re a […]
By Barbara Weltman
Your GPS to Get You Where You Want to Go in Your Business Do you enjoy driving and being your own boss with flexible work options? Are you looking for a part-time (or full-time) activity that earns good money? Maybe you’ve already discovered that there are great opportunities for making money with your car. Or, […]
By Barbara Weltman
A Step-By-Step Road Map–with Checklists–to Get You Started Up, Profitable, and Successful Whether you want to start up a part-time home-based business or jump in full throttle and work on it full time, you need a start-up guide. A road map! Home-Based Business Start-Up Guide will help you chart your course to work-from-home success. Written […]
What every self-employed person needs to know about their taxes! If you’re self-employed, chances are the majority of your time is spent finding new customers or clients, servicing existing ones, and handling each and every aspect of your business. Freelancers, independent contractors, gig economy participants, and other individuals working for themselves need to be aware […]
By Barbara Weltman
Created for Uber and Lyft drivers as their GPS — to help them get where they want to go in their business, safely and securely. Note: This e-Book has been updated with a new title and revised content (shown). Do you enjoy driving and being your own boss with flexible work options? Are you looking […]
By Hudson Fusion
Presenting a recently-launched, updated, paperback edition! Barbara Weltman takes an inspired look in Smooth Failing at the hard lessons learned when things go wrong. Through extensive interviews with entrepreneurs whose ventures failed for a variety of reasons — some stunningly unexpected, some painfully inevitable — Weltman gleans valuable insights about the small mistakes that can lead to large scale catastrophe. Smooth Failing seeks to save readers from similar disaster — while empowering those who are learning from failures and adversity to bounce back stronger and wiser on the often rocky road to success.
By Hudson Fusion
12 surefire ways for your business to survive and thrive! Owning a small business can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding experience, but to be successful, you must know what to do while the business is up and running, and, most importantly, what to do when the business runs into trouble. This book is definitely […]
By Hudson Fusion
As Vicki Raeburn of Dun & Bradstreet notes in the forward, “…the successful creation of credit by small business has a significant effect on one of the most important business drivers, namely cash flow. … [This book has] the information needed to understand and build business credit.”
Testimonials
You help me become better informed and to feel better connected to other small businesses even if just through knowing we’re all seeing your newsletter and paying attention to the same concerns.
– Sally
Barbara’s newsletter and the information she shares are always useful and topical. Always an excellent newsletter from you, Barbara!
– Bob Benowitz
I love the simplicity of your articles. — Marie
– Marie Porolniczak, CB
Jim Blasingame, Host of The Small Business Advocate Show, and author of the award-winning books, “The 3rd Ingredient,” and “The Age of the Customer” says: “At a time when working from home is becoming the norm, why wouldn’t right now be a perfect time to start a home-based business? If you’re still with me, here’s the next logical question: Why wouldn’t you want to learn how to do that from someone who was home-based before it was cool? Someone who was making being home-based look good before technology made it easy.
Well, that person is my friend, Barbara Weltman, and she’s put all of her experience, wisdom and perspective in a new book, “Home-Based Business Start-up Guide.” It’s a by-the-numbers tutorial on how to launch a successful home-based business.
Let Barbara help you get your home-based business going with her book, and all of the other awesome resources she produces in support of small businesses. She’s the best.” — Jim
– Jim Blasingame, Host of The Small Business Advocate Show
I love your ideas of the day! They have become an instrumental part of my learning!
– Gina Bertoletti
You should sign up for the “Idea of the Day®” by Barbara Weltman. This will give you great tips and help you with your daily business needs. She writes every article with consummate skill.
– Lesley
As a tax attorney and small business specialist, Barbara has a lot of great information to share. Barbara, your blogs contain information that everyone can use! Your newly-expanded ebook, “175+ Big Ideas for Small Business” ebook has lots of great recommendations for small business owners.
– Lisa Rubenfeld
For a small business owner, the information [in your book] is absolutely one of the best I’ve come across! Thanks so much for the break-down of information.
– Michelle Joe
I just wanted to reach out and give you a very big, truly heartfelt “thank you” for all the work that you do to help small business owners grow and succeed.
More specifically, I wanted to offer you some praise for your blog posts and Idea of the Day®. My email inbox gets so very cluttered. And honestly, on most days I will do a wholesale delete of many, many messages. But I literally stop and specifically look for your name and your small business Idea of the Day®. I don’t want to miss it! In fact, I look forward to reading it daily (even on weekends!) because I know I’m going to learn something new that saves me money, time or just adds to my professional knowledge in a way that helps me help others too.
So thank you, thank you, thank you for your efforts!
– Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach
Thank you for finding this important information. Getting your daily email is like getting an MBA in small business.
– J. S. Budnik
“Thank you, Barbara Weltman, for all of your articles and tax advice to small business owners! All the best.”
– Shane Madigan
I follow your blog religiously for the great tips you provide. I love the new look. It makes me smile to see that your blog got an update. Thanks for providing such useful information.
– Lee Drozak
She has been an advocate, public speaker, and resource for small business news since the release of her first book, J.K. Lasser’s Tax Deductions for Small Business, in 1995. Since then she has run her website, her Big Ideas for Small Business® newsletter, and her blog, not to mention written over a dozen books. Ms. Weltman is on this list twice because for many business owners, it is easier to scroll through her Twitter feed for trending topics and news events than search her website. However, if you don’t take a minute to read her newsletters or blog — you’re missing out.
– Meredith Wood, Fundera Ledger
Barbara Weltman is one smart cookie – I follow her on Twitter, and her content is always interesting and informative.
– An eBay Radio listener – purplejaime1976
It’s BRIEF, concise and timely. Funny, I do a quick scan of my bloated mail box, quickly deleting what I feel is a time waster. But I NEVER delete Idea of the Day® until I’ve first opened it. Both you and Napoleon Hill’s Thought for the day ALWAYS get read. You’re in terrific company. Thanks.
– Don Aronowitz
You help me become better informed and to feel better connected to other small businesses even if just through knowing we’re all seeing your newsletter and paying attention to the same concerns.
– Sally
Barbara’s newsletter and the information she shares are always useful and topical. Always an excellent newsletter from you, Barbara!
– Bob Benowitz
I love the simplicity of your articles. — Marie
– Marie Porolniczak, CB
Jim Blasingame, Host of The Small Business Advocate Show, and author of the award-winning books, “The 3rd Ingredient,” and “The Age of the Customer” says: “At a time when working from home is becoming the norm, why wouldn’t right now be a perfect time to start a home-based business? If you’re still with me, here’s the next logical question: Why wouldn’t you want to learn how to do that from someone who was home-based before it was cool? Someone who was making being home-based look good before technology made it easy.
Well, that person is my friend, Barbara Weltman, and she’s put all of her experience, wisdom and perspective in a new book, “Home-Based Business Start-up Guide.” It’s a by-the-numbers tutorial on how to launch a successful home-based business.
Let Barbara help you get your home-based business going with her book, and all of the other awesome resources she produces in support of small businesses. She’s the best.” — Jim
– Jim Blasingame, Host of The Small Business Advocate Show
I love your ideas of the day! They have become an instrumental part of my learning!
– Gina Bertoletti
You should sign up for the “Idea of the Day®” by Barbara Weltman. This will give you great tips and help you with your daily business needs. She writes every article with consummate skill.
– Lesley
As a tax attorney and small business specialist, Barbara has a lot of great information to share. Barbara, your blogs contain information that everyone can use! Your newly-expanded ebook, “175+ Big Ideas for Small Business” ebook has lots of great recommendations for small business owners.
– Lisa Rubenfeld
For a small business owner, the information [in your book] is absolutely one of the best I’ve come across! Thanks so much for the break-down of information.
– Michelle Joe
I just wanted to reach out and give you a very big, truly heartfelt “thank you” for all the work that you do to help small business owners grow and succeed.
More specifically, I wanted to offer you some praise for your blog posts and Idea of the Day®. My email inbox gets so very cluttered. And honestly, on most days I will do a wholesale delete of many, many messages. But I literally stop and specifically look for your name and your small business Idea of the Day®. I don’t want to miss it! In fact, I look forward to reading it daily (even on weekends!) because I know I’m going to learn something new that saves me money, time or just adds to my professional knowledge in a way that helps me help others too.
So thank you, thank you, thank you for your efforts!
– Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach
Thank you for finding this important information. Getting your daily email is like getting an MBA in small business.
– J. S. Budnik
“Thank you, Barbara Weltman, for all of your articles and tax advice to small business owners! All the best.”
– Shane Madigan
I follow your blog religiously for the great tips you provide. I love the new look. It makes me smile to see that your blog got an update. Thanks for providing such useful information.
– Lee Drozak
She has been an advocate, public speaker, and resource for small business news since the release of her first book, J.K. Lasser’s Tax Deductions for Small Business, in 1995. Since then she has run her website, her Big Ideas for Small Business® newsletter, and her blog, not to mention written over a dozen books. Ms. Weltman is on this list twice because for many business owners, it is easier to scroll through her Twitter feed for trending topics and news events than search her website. However, if you don’t take a minute to read her newsletters or blog — you’re missing out.
– Meredith Wood, Fundera Ledger
Barbara Weltman is one smart cookie – I follow her on Twitter, and her content is always interesting and informative.
– An eBay Radio listener – purplejaime1976
It’s BRIEF, concise and timely. Funny, I do a quick scan of my bloated mail box, quickly deleting what I feel is a time waster. But I NEVER delete Idea of the Day® until I’ve first opened it. Both you and Napoleon Hill’s Thought for the day ALWAYS get read. You’re in terrific company. Thanks.
– Don Aronowitz