Most Clicked SmartBrief on Main Street Stories
1. 8 steps to saving a failing business
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 25, 2012
Struggling small businesses could learn from Tabatha Coffey, who helps to turn failing salons around on a reality television show, writes Carol Tice. In one episode, Coffey helped a salon get back on track by identifying the problem, sprucing up the joint and focusing on employee training. Entrepreneur online (05/24)
2. 5 tips for staying on the IRS' good side
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 29, 2012
It's important to maintain a set of books in case the IRS questions the accuracy of your return, Bonnie Lee writes. Be sure to record bartering activity, and don't try to pull a fast one. "Every transaction you enter into should be for a purpose other than just making the tax code work to your benefit," she writes. Fox Business Small Business Center (05/25)
3. What are you going to do about employee burnout?
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 23, 2012
Many employees are headed for burnout -- if they aren't there yet -- which can affect their health and productivity. "No one wants to complain for fear of losing their job," said Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist. Companies should consider getting rid of unnecessary tasks, offering wellness programs and helping supervisors learn how to identify burnout, experts say. CNNMoney/Fortune (05/21)
4. The roller coaster life of a small-business owner
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 24, 2012
Small-business ownership allows people to pursue their passions and have fulfilling lives, writes John Jantsch, who reflects on the topic in honor of National Small Business Week. However, despite the benefits of owning a business, there are potential pitfalls as well, he writes. "[M]any, many small businesses, while providing a salary and job, are worthless beyond that. ... Building an asset as well as a business must be the primary objective if [a] small business is to realize its full potential," he writes. Duct Tape Marketing (05/23)
5. When to help unhappy customers and when to wave goodbye
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 25, 2012
Empower workers to make decisions on the spot. Keep calm even when a customer is getting irate. And ask the complaining client what he or she thinks would be a fair resolution. These are some of the ways a business owner should deal with an unhappy customer, writes Stuart Wall, CEO of Signpost. Still, he says, "in some cases, the potential downside may not warrant the hassle of trying to smooth things over with an irrational customer." Huffington Post, The (05/23)
6. Is it legal to put your company's ads on your car?
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 24, 2012
FindLaw (05/22)
7. How to give feedback a worker won't resent
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 23, 2012
There are ways to offer feedback that can improve a relationship with a worker, not destroy it, Anita Bruzzese writes. For example, don't offer feedback when you're in a bad mood, make sure you stick to the facts and listen to input from the other person, she writes. QuickBase Blog, The (05/18)
8. How closely do you monitor your business’ cash flow?
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 25, 2012
9. Iowa business owner tries to last at a high-turnover location
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 25, 2012
Chelsie Lyons, who owns the Players Sports Bar & Grill in Des Moines, Iowa, has been in business for a year and seven months in a location that has seen high turnover in recent years. At least five other restaurants had tried to find success at the location, which was formerly a gas station. One problem with opening a business in a spot that has had high turnover is that customers may view the location negatively, according to Mike Schoville of Business Brokers. Des Moines Register (Iowa), The (05/22)
10. How small businesses can save on health coverage
SmartBrief on Main Street | May 23, 2012
Paying for employees' health benefits can put a significant strain on small businesses, but there are some lower-cost health plans available, Ryan Hanley writes. For example, employers might be able to save money by switching to high-deductible health plans. Small Business Trends (05/22)
Sign up for SmartBrief on Main Street
