For most business owners and employees, their most valuable asset isn’t their houses or investments or 401(k) plans, but rather their ability to earn income. So what happens if the ability to earn an income is temporarily lost? Maybe you provide a limited number of paid sick days, but those are generally very limited. Maybe […]
Most businesses in Colorado — even those with just one employee — need to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Let’s start with the exceptions, then go into the details for the rest. Who can be exempted from workers’ comp insurance? Sole proprietors and most business partners; subcontractors, provided you have proof they carry any required workers’ […]
If you own a small business, you’re probably always looking for ways to reduce your operating expenses and payroll while still providing stellar service to customers. One approach many business owners take is to hire people as independent contractors (IC) to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums, payroll and other taxes, unemployment insurance assessments and accounting […]
Have you ever considered “going global” — taking your business to the next level by seeking international opportunities? Here are a few things to consider or explore. One of the first places to start is to identify potential opportunities. Visit the United Nations Global Marketplace website at www.ungm.org. Registration is simple. You don’t usually need […]
Whether you’re responding to commercial, educational, government or international requests for proposals (RFP) or grant requests for applications (RFA), your success depends on 100 percent compliance. Almost is simply not good enough. Writing a proposal or grant is time-consuming. The effort, time and money aren’t recoverable as costs under your proposal or grant. They’re overhead costs […]
Have you ever thought about expanding your business by bidding on contracts with the federal government? Have you been put off by the apparent complexity of the process? Federal contracting isn’t for everyone, but it might be for you. How do you decide if you should consider entering this huge market? First, decide whether or […]
Small business owners — especially those just starting out — too often set billing rates far too low. Owners forget to account in their rates for all the costs of doing business. Instead, their rates look suspiciously like the equivalent hourly wages larger businesses pay their employees. If you’re like many newer small business owners, […]
Quick. What’s your favorite part of a business trip? Packing probably doesn’t come immediately to mind. Packing is stressful and annoying, but it doesn’t need to be. A bit of planning and preparation goes a long way toward easing the stress that arises when you suddenly realize, “Oh, drat — I forgot that!” The same […]
Ready to improve the clarity and conciseness of your writing? Here are a few simple tips to help. Minimize or avoid the use of words ending in “ly.” One adjective per noun is usually (more than) enough. Avoid double negatives. Minimize or avoid introductory clauses: They usually weaken your argument or detract from the point […]