Idea of the Day®
September 25, 2023
USPTO Launches Beta Version of New Trademark Search Tool
The beta version launches so the government can collect feedback to refine the search experience. The trademark database includes every trademark that’s been registered or applied for. You can search for words in trademarks, products, or owners. Tips on refining your search can be found here. #IdeaoftheDay
Big Ideas for Your Business
Resources For Your Business
September 21, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
The old expression “cash is king” really hits the mark during a recession. SCORE reports that 82% of small businesses fail due to cash flow problems. To help recession-proof your business, be sure to have cash and manage it wisely. Here are some ways to do it: Getting the cash you need For most businesses, having […]
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September 19, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
If certain employees work more than 40 hours in a workweek, they must be paid time and a half. This requirement can’t be avoided in most cases by giving workers comp time. The thresholds for determining whether certain employees are subject to this overtime rule was last changed in 2019. Now, the DOL has proposed […]
September 14, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
The labor shortage that resulted from the pandemic persists today. This means that employers must devise work arrangements to attract and retain valued employees. During the pandemic, working from home became the norm for many employees. Is that still a desirable arrangement? What is best for employees that can meet employer needs? There’s no one-size-fits-all. […]
September 12, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
Today, anyone (including me) can figure out how to use ChatGPT (Open AI) to create content. It can produce blogs, marketing materials, video scripts, and more. This generative AI tool is free and can be helpful. But there are some serious issues to note. Here’s my take on how I’ve been using it and what […]
September 7, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
It’s impossible these days to listen to or read the media or view social media posts without finding out something about the IRS. In 1998, Congress enacted the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act. It passed unanimously in the Senate and made significant changes in IRS rules as well as tax rules for taxpayers. […]
September 5, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
It’s that time of the year when thoughts turn to back-to-school activities. For many, repaying student loan debt may be among these activities. The Federal Reserve says student loan debt is $1.77 trillion. A plan for the federal government to forgive some of this debt was struck down in June by the U.S. Supreme Court. A […]
August 31, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
Does it pay to be highly successful? From a personal and professional viewpoint, sure. You get satisfaction from helping your clients and customers and achieving milestones, as well as financial rewards. But from a tax viewpoint, success has its downside. Federal tax rules may penalize your efforts. Higher income tax rates aren’t the only things […]
August 30, 2023
It’s a well-known fact that most business owners pour their heart and soul into their business ventures. When the time comes to retire, closing down the business may seem like the easiest way out. However, shuttering your business might not be the most profitable decision that you can make. Selling your business is a probably […]
August 29, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
Are we going to have a recession or not? Ask 3 economists and you get 3 different answers. The best course of action is to prepare and if we don’t have a recession, the business is in a better position anyway. One way to prepare is to deploy generative artificial intelligence (AI). It’s been reported that […]
August 24, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
You may need money for your business, but interest rates are high right now. It’s been reported that small businesses are paying the most for loans in 16 years, with the average rate on a short-term loan at 9.2% Still, you may need money to renovate your facilities, hire additional employees, invest in technology or expand […]
August 22, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
Mark Twain had a lot to say about statistics. He famously said: “there are lies, damned lies, and statistics.” He also said: “facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable.” And he said: “data is like garbage. You’d better know what you are going to do with it before you collect it.” With those thoughts […]
August 17, 2023
By Barbara Weltman
According to FreshBooks study, 25% of small businesses are already using AI in some form, and 2 out of 3 businesses say they’ll be trying generative AI within the next 12 months. What’s more, 60% say that AI will dramatically change their businesses within the next 5 years. With the growing use of ChatGPT and other […]
Multimedia
Resources For Your Business
Strategies for Handling Little Expenses
What Are Your Sentiments About AI?
How Transparency Impacts Your Business Practices
Work-Life Balance for Women Entrepreneurs
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), allowing the reader you to easily refer to the appropriate deductions for their your particular needs. A […]
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.”
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