Author: Annie Birney
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The Ultimate Small Business Tax Deductions Worksheet for 2022
If you’re a small business owner, there’s a good chance thinking about taxes stresses you out. You’re not alone. The fear of making a mistake on taxes terrifies many people. A recent Pew Research study showed that the complexity of the federal tax system significantly bothers 47% of Americans. Well, there’s good news: tax preparation…
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A Post-Work Relaxation Guide for Business Owners
While rewarding, running a business is extremely challenging, not to mention stressful. Any business owner can agree that their brain is continuously going at a hundred miles an hour – even when they’re technically not working. Budgeting, personnel problems, and operational hiccups are just a few of the things that keep them up late at…
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Why Cyber Security Strategies Matter for Small Businesses in 2021
Warning: Your small business is under attack. Did that get your attention? Ok, while a tad dramatic, the fact that 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses underlines that cybersecurity strategies are needed regardless of the size of the venture. High-profile breaches at large organizations like SolarWinds and Microsoft might get most of the attention,…
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Customer Retention Strategies to Keep Your Recent Holiday Gains
What good is your holiday revenue surge if sales go right back to normal after Dec. 25? Who wants to hustle as hard as you did in November and December, just to go back to business as usual? Don’t settle for yearly sales spikes. Arrange your business now so that increases are spread out over…
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January Returns: How to Handle Reverse Logistics (for Online Business Owners)
Do you dread customer returns, or do reverse transactions excite you? Understandably, most business owners love the thrill of sales — and prefer not to think about how to undo a deal. But in these unique times, when consumers are changing spending habits, 95% say that a good returns experience convinces them to shop with…
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2020’s Real Holiday Shopper Persona Examples (and How to Connect with Them)
Consumer spending has continued to outperform economists’ expectations. Despite 2020’s pandemic, U.S. shoppers still intend to spend more this year on holiday shopping than ever before, according to researchers at the National Retail Federation. Source: U.S. Census data compiled by the National Retail Federation However, shopping behavior has changed drastically. No longer can small business…
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3 Seasonal Employment Strategies for History’s Most Unique Holiday Season
Are you new to hiring for the holiday season? Retailers know the December seasonal employment scramble. But this year, businesses across all sectors are tuning their talent management plans—because the 2020 holiday looks a lot different than previous holidays. The good news is you have options, and we’re here to help you navigate them. Seasonal…
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Holiday Customer Demand has Changed: How Small Businesses Can Meet People Where They Are
Smart business leaders are taking note as consumer behavior shifts to satisfy the market’s newest wants and needs — especially now that the holidays are here. Nearly 60% of consumers say they anticipate their holiday plans to change this year, and another 15% say they’re not yet sure what will happen, according to Progressive Grocer.…
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What Does a Bookkeeper Do That I Can’t Do Myself? (Spoiler: Not Much.)
Many experts believe (and vocally declare) that every business needs a bookkeeper. We disagree. Technology’s capabilities have surpassed the need for human involvement in all but the most complex business accounting tasks. So, why do small businesses still phone bookkeepers to help them get organized and compliant? Because they’re in the dark, wondering, “What does…
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SMB Capital Lending: Key Options and What to Consider
Small-business owners (SMBs) can use debt to do one of two things: stay afloat during turbulent times or exploit opportunities to achieve exciting growth. If you’re doing one or the other, then you’re in good company. Business owners everywhere are borrowing for both reasons now more than ever. To decide whether (and how) to use…