Idea of the Day®
June 03, 2026
Use of AI Is Up Since December
But growth varies by firm size and sector, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Trends and Outlook Survey. Overall AI usage was between 17% and 20%, and 20% to 23% businesses expect to use it in the next 6 months. In the past 6 months, 32% of firms with 100 to 249 employees said they used AI. But less than 20% of firms with four or fewer employees reported using AI. The next survey will measure AI usage across 15 different business functions, including finance, human resources, customer service, marketing, information technology and research and development. #IdeaoftheDay
Big Ideas for Your Business
Resources For Your Business
June 2, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
The annual Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Hurricanes typically hit the Atlantic regions (East coast and Gulf coast of the U.S) and as well as in the Pacific. For the Atlantic regions, NOAA has predicted below normal during the 2026 hurricane season and is using AI in making these predictions. If […]
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May 28, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
In NFIB’s Monthly Survey in May, 34% of small business owners reported job openings they couldn’t fill, and 18% cited labor quality as their single most important problem. If you hire your child to work in your business this summer to fill a need, there can be benefits to your child and to your business. […]
May 26, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
As a small business owner, you and/or your business probably pay dues to certain organizations or facilities. These payments may be motivated by business reasons. The tax law is very specific about whether dues are or are not deductible. It’s helpful to know upfront what the after-tax cost of dues will be. For example, if […]
May 22, 2026
By Yuliia Mamonova
Most small business websites see conversion rates under 3%, matching HubSpot benchmarks. For example, the report shows e-commerce averages under 2%. This low performance often stems from viewing a site like static presentation brochures, not interactive tools that solve users’ pain points. At its core, this perspective asks a direct question: Is your website a […]
May 21, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22.8% of people with a disability were employed. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was enacted in 1990, is designed to protect those with a disability who are in the workplace or want to be. The ADA requires employers to make a reasonable accommodation to help employees […]
May 19, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
As summer approaches, seasonal workers come into view for many businesses, including restaurants and hospitality companies in summer resort areas, summer camps for children, golf courses that have been largely dormant during the winter, and more. Agricultural workers may also be hired only during the summer months. Of course, there are wintertime seasonal workers at […]
May 14, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
Benjamin Franklin said: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,” but the reality is that taxes aren’t so certain. The rules are continually changing, and some rules come into play only for a limited time. Of these expiring rules, some get extended while others do not. In order to […]
May 12, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
As an employer, if you receive a garnishment notice naming a specific employee, you must withhold a portion of the worker’s wages and remit the money that will be used to satisfy the worker’s debt. Garnishment usually arises from a worker’s unpaid obligation for child support, taxes, and defaulted student loans (you receive a notice […]
May 8, 2026
Scaling a food and beverage business is exciting until production becomes overwhelming. You might have a growing demand, a loyal customer base and a great brand identity, but limited capacity can hold everything back. A co-packing partnership can help you with this issue. Instead of building everything in-house, you work with a partner that handles […]
May 7, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
“Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy.” ~ Tina Fey, actress, writer, producer All moms work; raising children is very hard work. Many also have jobs or careers at the same time. From my own experience, during the years my children were growing up, there was no work-life balance. At times, […]
May 6, 2026
By Bob Agwalogu
“We’ll deal with it when it becomes a problem” is a phrase that gets thrown around in business circles a lot. It sounds practical. But when “it” is compliance, waiting for a problem is usually where the real trouble starts. And it’s rarely cheap. Compliance means operating within the boundaries set by laws, regulations, and […]
May 5, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
Small Business Week, which runs from May 3-9, 2026, is a great time to look at what’s happening to small businesses and their owners in the U.S. We hear a lot about small businesses, but what does the term “small businesses” really mean? Some recent reports and findings can fill in the blanks. Small Businesses […]
April 30, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
“Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are.” James W. Frick (VP at the University of Notre Dame). The IRS reported in early April that the average tax refund for individuals was nearly $3,500. Some taxpayers got much more. If you got a […]
April 28, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
It’s no secret that small businesses are targets for lawsuits. Even though small businesses generate only about 20% of business revenue in the U.S., they experience about 48% of total commercial tort liability costs. According to one source (e.g., vehicle accidents, malpractice, slip-and-falls), about 12 million cases are filed against small businesses each year, costing on […]
April 21, 2026
One of the last best tax breaks for some business owners is the exclusion of gain on the sale of qualified small business stock (QSBS). Some businesses can issue stock that entitles owners to eventually obtain fully or partially tax-free income when they sell their stock. Yes, as much as 100% of gain on the […]
April 14, 2026
By Barbara Weltman
Each year, April 15th—Tax Day—is a reminder that part of the cost of doing business is paying taxes on profits. The federal government, and perhaps state and local governments too, are effectively silent partners in your enterprise. To handle this obligation, small business owners need to be familiar with tax rules (even if they use […]
Multimedia
Resources For Your Business
Sitting All Day at Work: How to Prevent Desk-Related Health Problems
Why Owner Health Matters: 10 Practical Tips for Business Owners
Small Business Tax Recordkeeping Made Easy: 7 Proven Tips
Sustainability: 4 Important Reasons Why and How
Barbara’s Books
By Barbara Weltman
A Lexicon of Words Essential for Small Business Owners ~ This book is designed as a reference guide to help small business owners understand terms, acronyms, and initialisms you may encounter so that you make more informed business decisions and converse more effectively with your tax professional and other advisers. In thinking of how you […]
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 changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including the no-tax-on tips deduction and overtime pay deduction, expanded child tax credit, and the deduction for interest on new car […]
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 and Harvey Bezozi
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 Barbara Weltman
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 Barbara Weltman and Jerry Silberman
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 […]
Testimonials
I just wanted to take a moment to say that I really enjoy reading your content each day. It’s always insightful and appreciated!
– Kristie Walker, Walker Properties, LLC
Thank you for all the helpful tips and ideas I’ve learned from your daily email!
– Sally Howard
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
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
